I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Darden (New York, NY) in Nov 2017
Interview
Not a quick time from application to interview. Once hired I had to wait another 2 weeks before I started. Training is a week long and you don't get paid tips during that time.
Very relaxed and comfortable. I was able to be myself and even with no experience in the industry myself, they believed in my abilities and pushed me to where I'm at today.
Interview process went smooth. Manager was friendly and kind along with the staff. Interview took about 30 min or less, they asked me the average questions, it wasnt bad at all.
The first thing that gets done with Darden restaurants is an online assessment. It is geared to sift out personalities that their psychological experts have deemed won't do well in restaurant work. It is based on a California psychological evaluation that was developed in the late 60s/early 70s in which you would be asked the same question several different ways i.e. you can't BS your way around it.
You interview with the FOH manager and they basically review your experience and take a gut check on your personality. If you are not upbeat and positive, you will not get hired.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why do you want to work here? (Darden restaurants owns Olive garden, Longhorn, Bahama breeze, Capital Grille, and Seasons 52)