I didn't have a formal interview. I filled out one side of a postcard from the cafe with basic information: name, phone number, address, two previous employers, education information, full or part time preference. The general manager glanced at the card, looked at the shift supervisor who personally recommended me, and said I was hired. I know they screen associates for appearance. You can't have crazy hair cuts or unnatural hair colors, like blue, green, etc. They also prefer a minimum of piercings, and tattoos are supposed to be covered up. There is a strong preference in the Covelli franchise of Panera cafes for slim, attractive young ladies to work as cashiers and in other highly visible areas. (Yes, there have been several lawsuits that were hushed up or paid off.) Older applicants and employees who don't meet conventional beauty standards will find themselves denied employment or given less visible jobs, such as prep work, dishwasher, and dining room attendant. This is more applicable for women, but men suffer almost as much if they are overweight or not good looking.