A smiling Wagamama restaurant chef wearing a green cap and white uniform sits at a table.

t o p t i p s + f a q s

so, you’ve got your eye on a role with us. we like your style

we want you to feel set up for success from the very beginning. on this page, you’ll find everything you need about our application process so you know exactly what to expect, plus tips to help you prepare and answers to our most frequently asked questions

let's talk about our recruitment process

at wagamama, we like to keep things fresh and simple. our recruitment process is no different

  • your first conversation with us

    this will be a phone chat at your booked time, lasting up to 30 minutes. it’s your chance to tell us about you, and for us to share what we’re all about. there’ll be time to ask any questions too, so come curious

  • your discovery session

    this will be a face to face session in one of our restaurants. it’s your chance to see wagamama in action and get stuck in. you’ll experience a live service, try a few simple tasks, taste the food, meet the team, and learn more about the role. the session lasts around 2 hours and includes a relaxed chat with one of our restaurant managers. there’s no dress code. just come as you are. we just ask that you wear something comfortable, with safe and suitable footwear

  • your final interview

    assistant general manager, general manager, senior sous chef + head chef roles only

    this will be held either over video or face to face, depending on the role and location. we’ll send you everything you need to join, or invite you in to meet us in person. this is a more in depth conversation, usually with one of our area managers, where we’ll explore your experience, your approach, and what you could bring to the role in more detail

The red Wagamama restaurant logo featuring the word written in lowercase with a star above it.
The white Wagamama restaurant logo featuring lowercase text and a five-pointed star on a black background.

learn about our behaviours

A group of professional chefs working in a commercial restaurant kitchen wearing uniforms.

i own it

i own what i do, i take responsibility for my actions + i do what i say i am going to do

A smiling young woman in an olive green shirt and staff lanyard converses with a coworker.

i have real conversations

i communicate with consideration + care with my team + my guests, being open and honest at all times

Six chefs in uniforms sitting at a long table in a restaurant with modern geometric lighting.

i am inclusive

i respect and treat our team + our guests as equals, creating an environment where everyone feels that they belong

getting you ready to shine

so you’ve made it to the discovery session, nice one. now let’s get you feeling ready, confident and good to go

  • map your route

    before your discovery session, take a moment to plan your journey. make sure you know exactly how to get there and give yourself plenty of time, so you can arrive relaxed and ready to go

  • what to wear

    we want you to feel comfortable showing up as your true self, so there’s no strict dress code for your interview at wagamama, just come as you are. we do recommend wearing something comfortable, and sensible footwear is a must, especially as you’ll be spending time in a working restaurant

  • get ready to ask questions

    this is your chance to get curious. think about what you want to know, from the role to the team and what a shift feels like day to day. not sure where to start? something simple like “what’s your favourite dish?” is a great way to get the conversation flowing

  • your treat, on us

    after your discovery session, it’s time to eat. enjoy a meal on us, plus a £30 voucher to come back and share with someone special to you

Chef in a kitchen setting with oven behind him.
A smiling young woman in an olive green shirt and staff lanyard converses with a coworker.

we know you’ve got this. just back yourself, we’re already rooting for you

restaurant faqs

  1. what shall i wear to a discovery session?

    we keep things pretty relaxed, so just wear what makes you feel comfortable. we do ask that you wear sensible, non slip shoes


  2. how long is a discovery session?

    we think 2 hours gives you a great feel for the role and what it’s really like to work at wagamama

    you’ll get stuck in, see our restaurants in action, chat with the team, and experience a bit of life on shift

    there’s also time to sit down with one of our managers so you can ask anything that’s on your mind

  3. what are the typical shift patterns?

    no two restaurants are the same, but you’ll usually find early shifts starting around 7am for back of house and 9am for front of house, with mid shifts from around 12pm and late shifts kicking off from about 4pm

  4. can i build a career at wagamama?

    absolutely. there’s loads of opportunity to grow with us, from apprenticeships at every level to stepping up into management roles

  5. do i need experience to join as a front of house or kitchen team member?

    no experience needed. we’re all about personality over perfection, just bring a can do attitude and a positive mindset

  6. do you offer sponsorship for restaurant jobs?

    unfortunately, we’re not able to offer sponsorship right now, so you’ll need to have the right to work in the uk or ireland before joining us

  7. i’ve been offered a role, how will i receive my contract?

    it’s nice and easy. you’ll get a text with a link to complete your onboarding documents and sign your contract digitally

  8. any other questions?

    we're here to help. email us at jobs@wagamama.com