Hardee's Hiring Age: How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Hardees?
Hiring Age in Companies

Hardee’s Hiring Age: How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Hardees?

What is the Hiring Age at Hardee’s?: So you’re interested in getting your first job and want to know if you can work at Hardee’s. 

Hardees is a popular fast-food chain known for its burgers, hot dogs, shakes, and biscuits. 

Many teens start in the workforce with entry-level jobs at restaurants like Hardees. 

But how old must you be to work at Hardee’s? What kind of work experience do they look for when hiring? 

This article will give you a complete overview of Hardee’s hiring age requirements and the jobs they hire for.

We will also include tips to improve your chances of getting hired if you’re young and new.

What is the Minimum Hiring Age at Hardee’s?

The minimum hiring age to work at Hardee’s is 16 years old. This is the legal minimum age set by U.S. labor laws for working in any restaurant or fast food establishment. 

Hardees will hire team members as young as 16 because many entry-level positions are well-suited for high school students looking for their first job.

Hardees Hiring Requirements for Age 16 and 17-Year-Olds

If you’re 16 or 17 years old, Hardee’s can hire you, but labor laws set some restrictions and requirements for minor-aged employees:

  • Work permits – If you’re under 18, you’ll need a work permit from your school or local state labor department before receiving employment. Hardee’s need documented proof that they can work.
  • Hour limits – Minors can’t work over 8 hours per day or over 40 hours per week. You also can’t work before 7 am or after 7 pm on a school night.
  • Breaks – You must get at least a 30-minute uninterrupted break if working over 6 hours in a shift.
  • No hazardous jobs – Minors, by law, must not operate fryers, slicers, or other hazardous machinery. But you can still work cashier, drive-thru, cleaning, prep, assembly, and other duties.
  • Parent/Guardian consent – Your legal guardian must authorize your Hardees job application and confirm your age if you’re under 18.

As long as you meet these requirements and can supply the necessary paperwork, you should be able to get hired at Hardee’s at 16 or 17 years old for many entry-level roles.

What Jobs Do They Hire 16-Year-Olds For?

Here are some of the most common jobs Hardees will hire 16 and 17-year-olds for:

  • Cashier – Running the cash register, taking customer orders, and handling payments.
  • Drive-Thru Cashier – Working the drive-thru window, processing orders in a fast-paced environment.
  • Dining Room Associate – Cleaning tables, stocking condiments, and assisting customers.
  • Prep Cook – Preparing ingredients, assembling food items, and following prep sheet guidelines.
  • Sandwich Assembler – Building sandwiches to customer specifications and recipes.
  • Packager – Packing food orders for takeout and drive-thru, ensuring accuracy.
  • Restaurant Maintenance – Keeping front and back of house cleaned, taking out trash, sweeping, and mopping.

Some locations may hire 16 and 17-year-olds for bakery, cold beverages, or delivery drivers if you meet license requirements. 

Team members or crew members are common job titles they use. Just express your interest in starting a first job in fast food. 

With dedication and a great attitude, you can get your foot in the door and start building your resume.

Can You Work at Hardee’s at 15? What About 14 or Younger?

The short answer is no – Hardees does not hire anyone younger than 16. This is a legal restriction related to minimum work age laws for minors.

Most fast food chains like Mcdonalds‘ and Burger King also do not hire anyone under 16. 

Child labor laws are aimed at protecting those under 16 from workplace dangers and keeping their focus on education.

So, if you’re 14, 15, or younger, unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until you’re at least 16 before applying at Hardee’s. 

The best thing to do is focus on school, get your work permit when you turn 16, and then apply to local Hardees or other fast food locations. The jobs will still be there when you’re ready!

Does Hardee’s Hire Felons?

For job seekers with a criminal record, you may wonder if Hardees runs background checks or considers hiring felons.

The short answer is yes – Hardee’s is open to hiring felons and will individually evaluate candidates with criminal histories. 

They conduct background checks, but a prior felony does not necessarily disqualify you from employment.

Here are some tips for felons applying to Hardees:

  • Be transparent on the application about your background. Don’t try to hide prior convictions.
  • Have your detailed employment history ready to discuss gaps related to incarceration.
  • Be prepared to pass any drug tests required.
  • Highlight positive improvements you’ve made in your life since your conviction.
  • Start in an entry-level role and focus on proving yourself through a strong work ethic.
  • Focus the interview on the value you can add through skills and determination to succeed.

With perseverance and dedication, you can get a second chance with Hardees. Be open and honest throughout the hiring process. 

If Hardees see you’re reliable and hardworking, they may be willing to overlook past mistakes.

Does Hardee’s Hire People with No Experience?

Great news – Hardees is open to hiring people without work experience! 

Most entry-level roles in restaurants and corporate are well-suited for those new to the workforce.

Here are some of the best tips for getting hired at Hardee’s with no experience:

  • Apply for entry-level roles like team member, crew, cashier, or dining room associate. Require minimal experience.
  • Highlight strengths like work ethic, positivity, customer service skills, or focus on safety. These can make up for lack of experience.
  • Explain your eagerness to learn on the job and passion for starting your first role in the company. Enthusiasm goes a long way.
  • Be flexible with hours and willing to take on any task. Availability and adaptability will appeal to managers.
  • Research the company to speak to their values and why you want to represent the Hardees brand.
  • Pursue interview opportunities aggressively. The more practice you get, the more comfortable you’ll be.

Hardees care more about attitude and effort than experience for entry-level positions. 

Come in eager to learn, follow directions, and you can get that crucial first job, even with a blank resume.

Hardee’s Careers – Advancement and Experience Over Time

What about gaining more experience over time and moving up at Hardee’s? Here are some things to know:

  • Cross-training – Make an effort to learn different stations and jobs. Cross-trained employees are precious.
  • Show initiative – Volunteer for extra tasks, pitch process improvement ideas, and take on shifts others don’t want.
  • Apply for internal promotions – Hardees love to promote from within to supervisor, manager, and corporate jobs.
  • Build relationships with managers and franchise owners. Making a great impression can set you up for future opportunities.
  • Consider management training programs. Completing Hardee’s management program is a ticket to advancement.
  • Look for openings at corporate. The support center features roles in marketing, HR, communications, IT, and more.

Gaining experience at Hardee’s restaurants can pave the way for many long-term career options with the company. 

Stick with it, be a top performer, and you can move up the Hardees ladder over time.

Hardee’s Job Application Tips for Youth and Teens

Applying for your first job at Hardee’s can seem intimidating. Use these tips to put your best foot forward:

  • Make a good first impression – Dress nice, be polite, and arrive early for interviews. Managers notice!
  • Highlight positive traits – Enthusiasm, motivation, teamwork, discipline, responsibility. These will appeal.
  • Talk up strengths – People skills from school projects, sports achievements showing commitment, any tech skills.
  • Have references ready – Teachers, coaches, and neighbors can all make good professional references.
  • Prepare for basic questions – Why do you want to work at Hardee’s? What job interests you? Why should we hire you?
  • Show confidence – Have conviction in yourself and your abilities, even if you don’t have experience.
  • Ask insightful questions – What characteristics make top team members? How often are wage reviews? Can hard workers progress?

Follow these tips, believe in yourself, and you’ll show maturity beyond your years. You can ace that first job interview at Hardee’s with some preparation.

Conclusion 

We hope this article gave you a complete overview of Hardee’s minimum hiring age.

It is vital to know the jobs they hire young workers for, requirements for minors, and career growth potential, to help know your chances of getting the job. 

With determination and a positive attitude, you can land an entry-level position, get your foot in the door, and start building your resume – even at a young age. 

So go out and start submitting those Hardee’s applications today.