retail sales associate

associate

janitor

entry level associate

warehouse worker

In-N-Out Burger

I’ve been working at In-N-Out for nearly a year now, and I have quite a bit of feedback to give. 

First, I love the family-oriented feeling of the company overall. My fellow Associates are often a highlight of going to work each day. It’s continually reinforced across the store that we work and communicate as a team, and that no one is truly "alone" on any position. Certain managers can become like close friends, and scheduling is pretty flexible compared to many other jobs (from what I’ve heard; In-N-Out is technically my second job ever). The company has a 1-7 (and sometimes to 8) "level" system for handling most Associate promotions (excluding positions such as "helpers" and managers) that has clear guidelines as to what you need to level up/earn your raise. Also, you will rarely ever be bored — there’s always something that needs to be done.

However — in my experience — after reaching your level 3 raise (also the at which point you have learned all customer service positions), it can take much longer to earn training for higher positions (like fries, board (burger assembly), and grill cook). I didn’t learn this until I was about a month or two into being level 3, but generally you will have to start asking managers for the training you need to continue levelling up to do positions like fries or board more. After I earned my level 3 raise, I assumed I would just be given fry training automatically at some point along the line — as it had been for the previous two levels with learning other positions — but instead you must take the initiative yourself. I understand it can be stressful for managers having to deal with so many Associates and their individual training plans, but the fact that this was only ever communicated to me by another Associate (not a manager) means that if I had never been told such information, it may have taken MUCH longer for me to continue levelling up/earning raises and getting training. So, my advice to any who are considering or currently working here and hope to quickly learn more of the food-related positions? Ask your shift managers as soon as you get the applicable raises about getting fry (starts at level 3), board (starts at level 4), and grill (starts at level 5) training. Even more, ask them every shift and each time you remember about getting training for these positions, because they are bound to forget. It will speed up your promotion.

Almost all of my "criticism" for this job comes from a personal standpoint, and it is more feedback of my own experience rather than actual "criticism". As someone who is naturally more introverted, many elements of the job (primarily when you are a lower level) become emotionally exhausting… quickly. During the beginning stages of working at In-N-Out, you will be put primarily on customer service positions like cashiering/taking orders and drive-thru food handout. The constant direct conversion/conversation that must be made with customers can easily get to be too much if you are not someone who is energised by social interaction. And especially as a lower level (1-3, sometimes 4), you will be put on these positions for most, if not all of your shifts. I envy people who get energy from this type of work, but it isn’t for everyone, and thus I would advise anyone who struggles with this same problem to consider the job before taking it. It’s that, or you suck up your emotions for however long it takes to get to your higher levels and then achieve those positions which people like myself can handle better for longer amounts of time. So if the customer service kind of work sounds like it’s for you, go right ahead — I’m glad you can find something you like in it.

I cannot deny that the customer service part of the job has helped me with social anxiety issues and my confidence around other people. From the time I began working at INO versus now, my personality has found a way to blossom, and that is one of the main reasons I value the job so much. While I am able to to do these tasks, they aren’t ideal from a personal standpoint. Again, this job is not for everyone. 

Overall, while I’ve had hardships with working here, I love the company and my coworkers enough to not want to leave. Oh, and the pay is pretty good for what you’ll be doing, too.

The company really focusses on the well-being of the associates, providing them with great compensation, and endless advancement opportunities. There are also many events that In-N-Out holds for their associates (such as annual company picnics, store parties, and sports events), in order to show appreciation for the hard work that they do in the stand. 

In-N-Out is absolutely an amazing company to work for, especially for those who are either in school and have a specific amount of hours that the can work, or those who are seeking a well-paying career without a college degree. If you're currently a high school student looking for job experience, In-N-Out can provide you with a well-paying part-time job that will help you mature and develop useful skills within the workforce. If you're a college student with minimal time to work, it can offer you flexible scheduling, so that you can balance work and school at your own preference. And if you're currently not in school, but searching for work experience or even a career that can provide excellent pay, as well as job security, an bountiful advancement opportunities within the company. In-N-Out Burger is absolutely a great option to consider making a career, as Store Managers can easily make up to a 6 figure income without any college education. However, while there a plenty of benefits to working for the company, there are also some flaws.

In-N-Out is known for always being extremely busy, thus making the work environment extremely fast-paced, and often extremely stressful. For those who want an easy-going job, with low-expectations and loose policies, this is NOT the job for you. In-N-Out has very strict policies for virtually everything that they do, and these policies are very strictly enforced. These policies are very keen to the smallest detail, and nothing will go unnoticed. Additionally, given the fast-paced environment, the stress is substantial. While there are many enjoyable days, "when it rains, it pours" at In-N-Out, meaning that the bad days can be especially brutal. A lot of the tasks at In-N-Out are very difficult to master, and eventually, after having done them for so long, can be taxing to the body and mind. People often get worn out from working so hard, especially managers, who go through a great deal of stress (even more so than the associates.) Managers are not designated to one store unless they are the store manager, so commuting is a guaranteed aspect of the job. Manager's shifts are also longer, and the expectations are even higher, making their jobs slightly more stressful. While managers don't typically do the strenuous tasks in the kitchen like cooking, their jobs are still exhausting, but more mentally than physically.  Also, if you get the opportunity to become full-time, work-to-life balance is virtually diminished, as most of your waking time will be spent at In-N-Out. Hours are long, and shifts are tough. 

Despite the negatives, this is absolutely a fun job, especially if you immerse yourself into the culture. In-N-Out cares for the development of all their associates, and spends a lot of time and effort into training each and every associate. Learning and mastering a new position is perhaps the most exciting part of the job, aside from the fun company events.

Lastly, just a word of advice if you're considering In-N-Out Burger:

If you're unsure of what you want to do as a career, consider In-N-Out for a full-time job. Despite the cons, they really take care of their associates, and the pay is extremely great. And if you want to stay with the company long-term, GO INTO MANAGEMENT. In-N-Out will invest so much time into your development into a great manager, and you will have job security. You are also garaunteed monthly bonuses (which vary in size depending on how profitable the store was for the period), on top of the substantial pay rate.

A typical day at In N Out Burger depends on what position you are working. If you are a cashier you count your drawer, take orders, calling out specific orders to the cooks, clean dining room, clean around registers, help call and hand out orders, count your drawer again and leave. 

If you are working pay window (charging out customers through the drive through) you are processing payment after correctly repeating back the order, cleaning dishes (which are constantly coming in throughout the busy times), preparing tomatoes for burgers (cleaning & slicing). You also need to count the register when you start work and right before you clock out

If you are working the drive through corner you take orders through the headset, make drinks, and hand out food at the same time. You also help hand out counter order food (those that park and come in to order) if you are not busy, and calling out specific orders to the cooks.

If you work the fry station you are making sure you have a full sink of fries (raw diced potatoes sitting in clean water to wash off the starch) and a full spin up (raw diced potatoes spun to dry ready for frying), dropping the correct amount of fries that coordinates with the incoming orders, maintaining a clean station and practicing safe working habits, properly proportioning fries and making cheese fries or animal fries when necessary, and sometimes calling out orders if not too busy. 

If you are working board (assembling the burgers) you are to make sure you area is fully stocked, and assemble the burgers as fast as they are coming off. The speed depends on the business of the store and the person cooking the patties. You are prepping the bottom buns as soon as you get the order tags placed in front of you in your area, wrapping them, bagging them, and calling out to have the orders picked up & brought to the hand out table, which is where the fries are. This is done all at the same time in an assembly line like fashion where you are the only one handling many tasks at the same time.

If you are the cook you need to make sure you are dropping meat down on the grill according to the orders. You have to make sure you are not creating much waste by not dropping too early or too late. You are also paying attention to your board person and working with them to get the food out properly, if that person is too slow it is your job to assist or say something to get them replaced if they are getting too overwhelmed.

Everybody is expected to provide excellent customer service and hot, fresh food delivered in a timely manner.

The hardest part of the job for me was working fries, because I never got to be a cook and loved working board. A lot of times you were by yourself working fries and it is very difficult to have to dice your own potatoes, spin them to be ready for frying, and drop enough fries for upcoming burgers all at the same time. It is as if you have to be two people at one time. 

The most enjoyable part was the amazing organization and team work we all exhibited. We all worked like a well oil machine, with some minor bumps, but overall the organization allowed for great productivity, efficiency, and most importantly great customer service. I also loved working with a lot of my co workers and developed some friendships throughout my days of working there.

If you want a detailed review on INO, then here it is.

Working at INO can have its pros and cons, just like any other jobs. Some things like getting free lunch to getting to go to the work picnic are super awesome. In contrast you have the super fast paced work coupled with stressful work environment.

So IN-N-OUT offers part time positions all the time to many many different people. They are hiring all times of the year. This is great on one hand because that means that hours are much more flexible, and getting covered is much easier. On the other hand, this means that there are also less hours distributed to the whole of the employees because labor has to be managed. 

So INO employment and pay is based off of levels. When you are a new hire, you start as a level 1. This means all you do is stay in the dinning room cleaning the tables, talking to customers as they come in, taking out peoples trash, etc. As you move through the levels,you start to learn different things throughout the kitchen, and you are paid more.

LVL1: Dinning Room host
LVL2: Cashier
LVL3: Drive-thru/ Outside order taker
LVL4: Fries
LVL5: Board (puts the condiments on the burger) ***HARDEST POSITION AT INO***
LVL6: Cook
LVL7: Cook/Shift Leader


 This can be great because it offers associates many opportunities to grow, depending on their desire to grow. This is also a con when it comes to the amount of work and stress you have to deal with as a higher level [but that is in all jobs].

INO really tries hard to make the work environment feel friendly and make everyone feel comfortable. Sadly this is not always the case, as I have experienced the divide between the higher levels vs. the lower levels. Most of the higher levels do not like the lower levels, and they talk smack about them a lot. This is a terrible thing because many of the higher levels can be friends with the managers and all, and because they talk bad about X person, this person now has a hard time getting promoted, ie. leveling up. This was not the case for me, thankfully, because I promoted quick, but I even saw people be fired/quit for the trash talk of others. This obviously depends on how thick your skin is but it is something that the managers DO have to notice and put an end to. I have personally heard managers trash talk some of the lower levels and these people find it really hard to get promoted. If you stick with the mentality of "work is not for friends just for money", like I did, you will be promoted quick and not deal with the stupid gossip.

Other than the previously mentioned being the biggest issue, INO is a great place to work. With great pay always starting $2 above minimum, flexible hours, Great for school or parents, many possibilities for improvement, and interesting experiences. IN-N-OUT can be an awesome place to work.

Oh and by-the-way, at INO the customer is always right, even if they lied or stole, they are right. REMEMBER THAT!

Working at In-N-Out Burger isn't just a job; it's an experience that transcends the typical fast-food industry. As an employee who thoroughly enjoyed my time there, I can attest to the unique culture, values, and sense of purpose that define the In-N-Out experience.

From the moment I stepped into the vibrant red and white ambiance of the restaurant, I knew this wasn't an ordinary workplace. The enthusiasm and dedication of my colleagues were infectious, creating a positive atmosphere that made each shift feel more like a gathering of friends rather than just clocking in for work.

One of the most refreshing aspects of being an In-N-Out employee is the emphasis on quality and customer satisfaction. Unlike other fast-food chains where speed often takes precedence over everything else, In-N-Out prioritizes the freshness of its ingredients and the satisfaction of its customers. This commitment to excellence instills a sense of pride in every task, whether it's crafting the perfect burger or ensuring each order is served with a smile.

Another aspect that sets In-N-Out apart is its strong company culture. From the top-down, there's a genuine sense of care and respect for employees. Whether it's through competitive wages, comprehensive training programs, or opportunities for advancement, the company invests in its people, recognizing them as the backbone of its success. This investment doesn't go unnoticed, fostering loyalty and dedication among employees who feel valued and appreciated.

But perhaps what I cherished most about my time at In-N-Out was the camaraderie among colleagues. Working side by side with people who share the same passion for delivering exceptional service creates a bond that goes beyond the confines of the workplace. Whether we were navigating busy rushes together or sharing laughs during downtime, the sense of teamwork and friendship made even the busiest shifts enjoyable.

Of course, working in the fast-food industry isn't without its challenges. Long hours, demanding customers, and the fast-paced environment can sometimes be overwhelming. However, what sets In-N-Out apart is its unwavering support system. Whether it's through encouraging words from managers or the willingness of coworkers to lend a helping hand, there's always a sense of solidarity that helps navigate through any difficulties.

In conclusion, being an In-N-Out employee who genuinely enjoyed their job was more than just flipping burgers; it was a fulfilling journey filled with camaraderie, pride, and a shared commitment to excellence. While my time at In-N-Out may have been just a chapter in my career, the lessons learned and the memories made will stay with me for a lifetime. If you're looking for more than just a job but an experience that leaves a lasting impact, In-N-Out Burger is undoubtedly a place worth considering.

I must say that it’s obvious that in-n-our pays well. They have actually scheduled a wage increase for the year to come, but I must say my experience with them wasn’t the best. I enjoyed the work, it was just getting to actually work was a bit difficult. 

Scheduling: It would be a nice job, but the “level advancement” structure makes it so you don’t really start getting hours until 3 months from your first day, if that. In the 3 months that I worked at my location, my longest shift was 4 hours and I was often sent home after 1-2. This was a problem since I lived in another city and drove all the way down to get to the job. I was practically paying for gas and that’s it. 

“Culture”: This idea of building a “culture of like minded people” confused me, as I was hardly introduced to anyone. I consider myself to be an outgoing, at times loud person, and here I felt very stifled. Everything we said to customers was scripted and anytime, as a trainee, that I would talk to customers, I would have an employee whispering in my ear what I’m supposed to be asking and what I cannot say.

Grooming policy: do not work here if you are no good about shaving. They are VERY strict about being baby-face shaven. I went in once and was told to leave because I had stubble. I had shaven the day before, and they wouldn’t allow me to work until I had shaven. As I live in a different city, I couldn’t go home, so my manager said “go to a gas station”. I ended up dry shaving in the parking lot of a nearby hotel. 

Management: so I must say that there were times where the light would shine through, and the managers were kind to me. I specifically call attention to one manager who was very friendly throughout my stay, but the other 4 managers- yes there were 5 managers, or maybe there won’t because NOTHING IS EXPLICITLY EXPLAINED TO YOU- were not so kind. Indeed, I saw comradely with other associates, but when it came to the new hires, it felt like we were cattle to them

The people: I actually liked the people that worked there. There were a number of associates who had been in the game for a while who were very kind and helpful to me, and I think that I would not have survived so long at this job if it weren’t for them.

A lot of issues stemmed from the location of my store, and how far I was from it, but a lot of in-n-out’s policies and regulations felt a little over the top and, again, stifling. I feel the need to call attention to how similar to the book 1984, where everyone is expected to act a certain way, no individuality is fostered, and there certainly was a “big brother” figure.

If working at in-n-out is a choice you want to make, know that for the first 3-4 months you will get no work. After that, you should be fine at the right store, if you’re into that sort of thing.

I love In N Out! I live, breath and sleep it. INO has given so much to me from multiplying my competence and cognitive ability! I go to work everyday with a huge smile on my face and I leave with a even bigger one knowing that we has a team just accomplished something truly great! Delivering a wonderful experience to our customers! That is what brings me joy... putting a smile on someone else's face! It brings me so much happiness. When I help someone and take care of them during their stay and they leave with a warm feeling and a happy stomach, it means to world to me and makes me come back and do it again! INO is one of the most efficient and high performing teams around. We know how to do our job, we do it, and we do it effectively. Mindset is also key. I can't stress how important this is. If you go into it with the wrong mindset, you are going to be miserable and won't be able to contribute to the mission. (Mission: providing the customer with the best possible service, all with speed and efficiency.) And if you can't work with your team to accomplish the mission, then you will be terminated. It is as simple as that. Here is an example. I remember our Head Manager saying once at a store meeting that if we didn't pick it up and improve, then some of us wouldn't be working here next week. Now some people with the wrong mindset would say "that is not fair... you're mean... you need to give me another chance". Instead a person with the correct mindset would say "yes, you are totally correct. I know as a Associate that you (the Head Manager) care about this store and it's success. And so instead of being brought down by your comment I'm going to use it as a spark within me to work harder, learn more, take absolute ownership in how I conduct myself and the customer's experience. If something goes wrong, I'm not gonna blame some else and shift blame. No, in reality it is my fault. It is my fault for their order being incorrect because I failed to take 3 seconds and check to make sure everything was as it should be. And now because I didn't do that, they are coming back, still hungry and not to happy and we now have to make it right. One of my favorite quotes is "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" by Benjamin Franklin. So again, if you become a employee of In-N-Out Burger, go into it with the correct mindset. It will help you so much and set you up to go places. Don't do it for me, do it for you. You can achieve far more than you thought you could. Your mind is your limiter. Don't have a limit. Your limit shouldn't even be the stars. Never have a limit. And never quit. 

In-N-Out presents the veneer of a company that cares about its employees as much as its customers. While this is almost true to an extent, the actual in-practice work experience for a typical employee is not healthy or practical for a neuro-divergent or conventionally anxious individual. 

Lack of movement even for a moment is often harshly and unjustly chastised, and mistakes (especially during a rush) regardless of newness will either be lightly corrected or harshly reprimanded depending solely on who is managing you that day and what their mood is like. While these harsh reprimands are themselves unjust, the brazen inconsistency with which management is carried out from shift to shift necessitates a convoluted act of social balancing that would leave even a well-adjusted individual prone to anxious fits. 

Many times I have seen fellow employees in the back rooms prior to their shift or on their breaks emphatically unnerved about the prospect of working or continuing to work. While the appearance of a happy and motivated work environment is present for the customer, this façade is chiefly motivated by the fear of reprimand if one does not follow the 'In-N-Out Way'.

The work itself, even during slower hours (of which there are naturally very few given In-N-Out's consumer popularity), is often obtuse and confusing for new hires and old employees alike. It is easy, working at In-N-Out, to see that the protocol and terminology have been carefully curated and constructed over the course of many decades. While this may seem on paper to be a positive trait, the result in practice is a workplace that appears obtuse, unwelcoming, and oftentimes even alien for a new hire.

For many individuals, especially those who suffer from anxiety, your ten minute breaks (or thirty-minute halves as well, assuming you work a longer shift) will be the highlights of your day. This is only because they will be your only reprieve from the endless, uncaring cacophony of noise that a typical In-N-Out work day encompasses. But depending on who the manager is on a given day, expect a very close eye to be kept on how long your break is taking, even down to the second.

In essence, the hardest part of working at In-N-Out is learning to coexist with its atmosphere and unique work standards. This restaurant has built itself on the back of an instantly recognizable culture and work standard, which - while appealing to an employee - is large enough to drown out the comfort of most employees.

I've been a part of the In-N-Out team for three years now, and I've found my journey here to be a mix of positives and drawbacks. I'm leaving a 3-star review based on my overall experience. While there are certainly commendable aspects of working at In-N-Out, there are also some significant areas that need improvement.

Pros:
One of the most appealing aspects of working at In-N-Out is the starting pay. For an entry-level job, the compensation is impressive and definitely makes it an enticing option for someone just starting out in the workforce. The company's commitment to providing a decent wage is definitely a strong point.

Cons:
However, my time at In-N-Out has also revealed some noticeable downsides that have impacted my experience. The most glaring issue is the evident favoritism within the workplace. It's challenging to ignore the discrepancies in treatment and opportunities that seem to be influenced by personal connections rather than performance. This dynamic creates an uncomfortable environment and can lead to a sense of inequality among employees.

Another concern is the growth opportunities available. While there is potential for advancement, it often feels like those opportunities are stretched thin and take an extended period to materialize. It's clear that the path to advancement requires consistently going above and beyond, which can be demanding and not always practical for everyone. The expectation that growth is primarily achieved by constantly pushing oneself can lead to burnout, especially for those who have been with the company for a longer period.

Conclusion:
In-N-Out does offer some enticing benefits, particularly for those just entering the workforce, thanks to its competitive starting pay. However, the presence of favoritism in the workplace and the challenging trajectory for growth can make it a less-than-ideal choice for individuals seeking long-term stability. While the company does provide opportunities for advancement, these opportunities seem to be more attainable for those who are consistently in the spotlight.

Ultimately, I would recommend In-N-Out as a starting point for gaining experience and a solid paycheck, but I do believe that there are other companies out there that offer better compensation and a fairer work environment. If you're looking for a place to establish a long-term career, you might want to explore alternative options that provide more consistent growth and a less biased workplace culture.

Overall, this company is great, especially for a first job or if you are looking to move up and get into management. You have to being will to work hard and often at a fast pace, but you are compensated well. Management often has high expectations and will settle for nothing less than high quality product and service. Most associates are in their twenties, which often means quite a bit of joking around and goofing off. Management usually does not mind this at all as long as the work gets done. Most associates are easy to get along with and make it a social, fun environment to work in. A positive attitude, common sense, manners, and money handling skills are all required. The great thing about this job is the pathway to move up is clearly set. You begin as a level 1; I have almost become a level 5 in just the past two years. Every level brings a raise, and new responsibilities. There are 8 levels before you can enter management. There are high standards and goals set for each stored, which are strictly enforced. If goals are met however, there are great rewards! For example, my store has personally gotten to go to Laker's games twice, and a dinner cruise, all expenses paid. The company really does it's part to make you feel like "family." They coordinate a variety of company-wide events such as company picnics and sports competitions in which stores can compete against each other(sports include basket-ball, soccer, softball, bowling, and more) Managers are also very cooperative when it comes to scheduling around school which is great for college students. The only downfall about the scheduling is the fact that as a part-time employee, you cannot work more than 28 hours a week and the shifts can be sporadic (varying between days and nights and changing weekly). I can honestly say though, despite the few cons and the intense work ethic required, that I love my job!!

P.S. You get three paid holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter) and they even give EVERY associate Christmas presents! Last year was a sleeping bag, this year was a light-up coffee mug, a beanie, and a travel bag for toiletries. GREAT STUFF!

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