The iconic soft-serve ice cream chain Dairy Queen is a popular first job destination for many young teens in America.
With over 7,000 locations across the country, DQ likely has a store in your neighborhood, too.
Does Dairy Queen hire at 14?
The short answer is yes, Dairy Queen hires at 14, but there are some legal aspects to consider.
Fourteen-year-olds are limited to certain front-counter customer service roles like taking orders, running the cash register, and doing basic food prep, such as making sundaes.
There are restrictions around working during school, late nights, using hazardous equipment, etc.
Teen Job Rules: Unraveling the Legal Side
While many fast food chains hire young workers, there are strict federal and state labor laws around employing 14- and 15-year-old teens.
Rules vary by state, but most limit the hours and times of day that young workers can be employed.
There are also specific hazardous job duties that workers under 16 cannot perform, like operating heavy kitchen equipment.
Employers who hire young workers have to comply with all applicable youth employment laws and obtain proper permits.
If the local Dairy Queen franchise follows the proper protocols, they can hire 14- and 15-year-olds for specific front-of-house jobs like ordering and serving ice cream.
Applying to Dairy Queen: Your Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re an eager 14-year-old hoping to land your first gig at DQ, here are some tips for applying and interviewing:
Your Teen Job Hunt: Where to Start
- Stop by your local DQ and ask if they are hiring. Be sure to emphasize your strong work ethic.
- Check their website or local job boards for open positions. Look for “crew member” roles.
- Ask friends who work there about openings. Employees can give a hiring manager a recommendation.
Form Filling Made Easy: Your Application Guide
- Neatly fill out the job application, either online or on paper. DQ apps ask for basic info like work history (school clubs count!), hours available, etc.
- Make sure your parent/guardian signs any required sections about underage employment. This gives consent to work.
- Provide references like teachers who can vouch for your responsibility.
Nail the Interview: Getting Ready for Dairy Queen
- Dress nicely and be polite to show you’re mature for your age.
- Bring all required documents like a work permit, social security card, etc.
- Practice common job interview questions and think of examples of your strengths.
- Speak clearly when answering questions and explain why you want to work at DQ.
- Don’t worry about lacking experience. Focus on your eagerness to learn.
Inside Dairy Queen: What to Expect?
If hired, here’s an inside look at what to expect as a 14-year-old DQ crew member:
Your Job at Dairy Queen: Roles and Duties
Some typical duties 14-year-olds can expect at Dairy Queen include:
- Greeting customers and taking food orders
- Operating the cash register and processing payments
- Preparing simple menu items like sundaes following recipes
- Maintaining cleanliness by wiping counters, sweeping, etc.
- Providing excellent customer service with a friendly attitude
- Learning to make Blizzards once you turn 15
Time on the Clock: When You’ll Work?
Fourteen-year-olds have minimal working hours set by federal and state law:
- During the school year, work hours are restricted, like 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., a limited number of hours per day, etc.
- In the summertime, there may be expanded hours, but still limited based on age.
- Working too late on school nights or too many hours weekly is prohibited.
- An adult supervisor has to be present during all working hours.
The key is balancing DQ work hours with school commitments.
Work Culture at Dairy Queen: What You Need to Know?
Working at DQ gives young employees exposure to:
- A fast-paced work environment that builds multitasking skills
- Serving and interacting with customers day-to-day
- Teamwork collaborating with co-workers
- Learning from experienced managers and crew trainers
- Potential for promotion to higher roles over time
The culture encourages having fun on the job when serving tasty frozen treats!
Know Your Rights: Child Labor Laws
- Child labor laws limit the types of work teens under 16 can do and vary significantly by state.
- In most states, 14- and 15-year-olds can work limited hours in specific restaurant front-of-house roles.
- Restrictions apply to working during school hours, late nights, using hazardous equipment, etc.
- DQ must comply with all applicable state and federal labor laws when hiring and employing young workers.
Parent/Guardian Support: Getting Consent
- Anyone under 16 needs a work permit authorized by a state agency and signed by a parent/guardian.
- Parents must sign off agreeing to their child’s DQ work schedule and understanding child labor laws.
- Some states require additional proof-of-age documents like a birth certificate.
Getting Around: Transportation Tips
- Many 14-year-olds are too young to drive themselves to DQ jobs.
- Parents need to be able to provide reliable transportation to and from work.
- Logistics like parent work schedules, school activities, sports, etc. must be considered.
Opportunities to Grow: Your Path at Dairy Queen
While landing your first job at Dairy Queen at 14 is an exciting start, it’s essential to look beyond the initial position. Dairy Queen often provides opportunities for young employees to grow and develop their skills. Here’s what you can explore:
- Promotions: Show your dedication and strong work ethic, and you may be moving up the ranks. Many successful Dairy Queen managers started as crew members, so promotion opportunities are within reach.
- Training Programs: Dairy Queen offers training programs to help employees improve their skills. These can range from customer service training to food safety certifications. Participating in these programs can enhance your resume and open doors to more responsibilities.
- Educational Assistance: Some Dairy Queen locations may provide educational assistance programs for employees pursuing higher education. If you’re balancing work and school, this can be a significant benefit.
- Learning Beyond the Basics: After gaining experience, consider cross-training in different roles. Learning to handle multiple responsibilities can make you a more valuable team member.
- Management Roles: If you’re looking for a long-term career at Dairy Queen, know that many successful managers started in entry-level positions. This could be your stepping stone to becoming a store manager or even owning your own Dairy Queen franchise one day.
By being aware of these additional opportunities, you can plan for your future at Dairy Queen and set yourself up for a fulfilling and potentially long-lasting career. It’s not just about where you start but also where you aim to go in your employment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What positions can 14-year-olds work at Dairy Queen?
Fourteen-year-olds are limited by child labor laws to specific front-counter service roles at DQ, such as taking customer orders, operating the cash register, and assisting with simple food prep, like making sundaes.
What hours can a 14-year-old work at Dairy Queen?
It depends on state law, but most limit 14-year-olds to working just a few hours per day on school days, like 3-4 hours after school.
Weekends and summers may have expanded hours allowed, but they are still restricted for minors.
What is the hiring age at Dairy Queen?
The minimum legal hiring age in most states is 14 years old. Some may be as low as 13 with special permits.
But DQ abides by all applicable federal and state child labor laws for employing minors.
Does Dairy Queen do working interviews?
Possibly. Some DQ locations conduct working interviews where the applicant does a short hands-on test shift to demonstrate skills.
This gives the hiring manager a chance to evaluate the teen’s abilities.
What qualifications are required for working at Dairy Queen at 14?
There are no formal job qualifications. DQ wants friendly team players eager to provide excellent customer service.
Some basic math and reading skills are needed. Prior work experience is optional but helpful.
What paperwork do you need to work at 14 at Dairy Queen?
- A completed job application with parent/guardian signatures
- State-issued work permit
- Proof of being 14 years old (birth certificate, etc.)
- Social security card
- Signed parental consent form
Does Dairy Queen pay for training?
Yes, DQ provides on-the-job paid training for all new hires to learn the skills needed.
This involves hands-on food-making practice, operating equipment/POS systems, and customer service training.
What should you wear to a Dairy Queen job interview?
Dress nicely in business casual attire to make a good impression. For example, wear khaki pants or a skirt with a polo shirt or sweater.
Show you’re mature and professional.
What happens after you apply to Dairy Queen?
After applying, a DQ manager will likely contact you within two weeks if they want to move forward with an interview.
Then, if the interview goes well, they will check references and extend a job offer if you are the right fit.
Key Takeaways
- Dairy Queen does hire workers as young as 14 years old. However, strict federal and state child labor laws apply.
- 14- and 15-year-olds can work limited hours in certain front-counter positions like taking orders and serving ice cream.
- Teens must complete an application, interview, and obtain a work permit with parental approval to get hired.
- Working at DQ offers first job experience in a fast-paced customer service environment.
- Balancing DQ work hours with school commitments takes planning and parental support.
Conclusion
Dairy Queen can be a fun first job for 14- and 15-year-olds to start learning essential workplace skills in customer service roles.
However, teens and their parents should educate themselves on child labor laws to ensure employers follow age restrictions and safety requirements.
With proper preparation and expectations, the local DQ can provide a rewarding entry-level job experience.
Reference:
Shahbaz