Chick-Fil-A is one of the largest fast-food giants in the United States. Ever since it was founded in 1946 with the original name of Dwarf Grill, its chicken sandwiches have completely dominated the market and mainstream media in recent years.
With its largest competitors being Popeyes and KFC, Chick-Fil-A is still the preferred franchise of a whole bunch of people. Seriously, just look at how busy they get at lunchtime.
Because it’s such a large franchise with over 2700 locations in almost all U.S states, the company employs thousands upon thousands of employees so you’re guaranteed to find a job if you are searching.
Chick-Fil-A offers many positions you could apply for, such as host, kitchen member, delivery, cashier, or even a manager. Aside from the manager, the company usually employs younger people such as students and those starting out. For managers, the process is more intensive but it’s still a good opportunity to try out if you have what it takes.
See Also: Does Chick-Fil-A Hire Felons?
Does Chick-Fil-A Drug Test New Employees in 2024?
The short answer is no, they do not do a pre-employment drug test for their applicants and potential employees. Does this mean that there is absolutely 100% no way you will be drug tested? No, there is still a slim chance it could happen to you.
In fact, there are some states where you are more likely to be drug tested than the others and these are Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Drug policies in these states are usually stricter than in other locations in the U.S, so if you need to know for sure, it’s better to inquire directly from a branch or employee there.
Keep in mind that just because a pre-employment drug test is not usually conducted at a branch doesn’t mean other drug tests may never be conducted. In fact, there are some instances where they will drug test you if you do any suspicious behavior or if you were involved in a workplace accident.
There is always the excuse that the chicken is addictive, but that probably won’t keep you from getting fired if you do test positive.
Just like any company, Chick-Fil-A reserves the right to conduct a random drug test if they suspect something. Refusing to do the test will seem even more suspicious, but it is their legal right to do so.
Chick-Fil-A actually holds higher standards and values than most fast-food environments, as the company’s founder, Truett Cathy, was a Christian with strong beliefs and rules that each branch is obligated to obey.
To honor Truett’s legacy, the company holds on to his religious beliefs and the website even states upfront “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-Fil-A.”.
Employees have commended Chick-Fil-A’s respectful motto and policies. The company is even known to give free food to first responders and discounts and sometimes free food to police officers.
These values extend to the hiring process itself, as it means they become more selective of their employees and staff. Obviously, drugs will be a big no-no and just because they do not conduct a drug test does not mean they don’t condemn its use.
Following the religious values, drug use is 100% off the table. When it comes to the application process itself, you need to show them that you comply with their values and standards of professionalism and ethics.
A good way to achieve this is by dressing well and speaking well in the interview before even getting the job. Impressing your manager will be the first step, and you will be expected to follow this style throughout your period of employment there. Simply, just be an all-around good fella.
Congratulations you’ve got a job at Chick-Fil-A and you’re about to be promoted. In that case, you can expect a drug test. This random drug policy may also differ from branch to branch because at the end of the day, it’s really up to the manager and the laws of the state.
Some branches will have different systems and rules than others, even if they all follow the conduct and regulations of the franchise itself.
Related Article: Does Chick-Fil-A Do A Background Check?
What Is The Drug Test?
The pre-employment drug test is a test for different kinds of intoxicating substances done during the hiring process. As an employer, you want your team to be working in tip-top shape without any potential issues.
An employee under the influence of drugs could be disastrous and dangerous, especially in an environment such as fast food. Not only at work, but you could risk getting arrested and facing jail time in general.
Liability is an important factor for testing drugs, as employers themselves could face serious legal allegations because of their employees should a drug-related accident occur at work. Around 30% of employees were positively tested in the 2000s for drugs.
Drug tests are usually done by taking a sample of urine and testing it for various substances such as Cocaine, Amphetamines, opiates, PCP, THC, and others. Other drug tests may use saliva or hair, but the urine one is the easiest and most commonly used one.
There are several levels to the drug test, each testing for a different number of substances. The five-panel drug test is the go-to for most companies and it tests for the five most common intoxicating substances. Other kinds involve more extensive testing for seven or 10 substances.
If you’re among the unlucky few where Chick-Fil-A does drug test you, or you get one for a promotion or accident, it’s most likely that they will use the five-panel urine test.
The drug test clause will be in the contract itself, and the applicant has to agree to do it. If you don’t agree, your chances for employment will plummet. By signing a contract, you also agree to the random drug tests that companies might conduct at any time.
Some companies will do random drug tests at any point, even without any prior accident or suspicious behavior. These tests keep the employees on their toes, especially before a promotion. Some might even have the tests be on a schedule that the employees know, such as once every month or year.
It’s important to note that drug use is an extremely bad idea when it comes to work, either before or during. The drug test should not be an obstacle that you need to find your way around, and some people will go to great lengths to hide their drug use from the test by stopping for only a short period of time beforehand to rid their body of the substance, but that shouldn’t be the point.
If you’re using drugs, not only will your work performance be weaker, you’re going to be more likely to be involved in something serious that could threaten your entire career. It’s easier to just avoid this than search for companies that accept felons later on.
If you’re taking prescription medication for a medical condition, you need to inform your employer of this beforehand just in case the drug test comes out positive. This will clear up any complications or misunderstandings.
To apply for Chick-Fil-A, all you have to do is go in person or use their website to fill out the form and wait for your interviews. The hiring process is typical, and you will be familiarized with the system and routine before starting. Chick-Fil-A is also known to hire felons, but make sure you’re honest about this in the interview first if the case applies to you.
Overall, you want to impress them with your strong commitment and willingness to develop and meet their demands. Chick-Fil-A is quite a fun and engaging environment to work in, and you will get some great benefits such as insurance, Sundays off, discounts, free food, and even a free scholarship to go to college if you’re lucky.
Summary
All in all, Chick-Fil-A is quite the franchise to apply for. The company is welcoming, accepts felons, and does not conduct a drug tests. If this is your first job, or you’re looking to get a better opportunity at a friendly business with tons of benefits and strong values and work ethic, then Chick-Fil-A is the place for you. Just make sure you don’t overload on those fries and nuggets; these are the real drugs.