What Pret a Manger looks for in candidates
Pret is known for an unusually strong emphasis on personality and team chemistry in hiring, built around its internal belief that genuine warmth cannot be trained the way a till system can. Interviewers and team members are explicitly looking for candidates who are upbeat, quick-thinking, and comfortable in a fast, high-energy environment, since Pret shops run at pace during peak lunch periods with a strong focus on speed and freshness.
The interview process
Pret's process typically includes an initial conversation followed by a paid trial shift where existing team members and the manager assess how you fit with the team in practice, not just on paper. Team members are often given a genuine say in whether a trial candidate gets hired, which is unusual compared to most retail and hospitality employers and reflects how seriously Pret treats team chemistry.
Common questions and how to answer them
"Why Pret, and not another coffee or food chain?" Reference Pret's focus on fresh, made-on-site food and its distinct, energetic team culture, rather than a generic hospitality answer. "How do you stay positive during a stressful shift?" Pret wants genuine, specific coping strategies, not a vague claim of always being cheerful. "Tell me about a time you helped a teammate without being asked." This maps directly to Pret's team-first culture and is a strong theme to prepare for.
How to prepare
Bring genuine energy and warmth to the trial shift itself, since Pret weighs how you interact with the team and customers in real time more heavily than a formal interview answer. Prepare one or two examples of supporting colleagues proactively, and be ready to talk convincingly about handling a fast-paced, high-pressure shift.