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Deli Clerk

Fresh Thyme Market · Chicago, IL · $17.15–$18.20 an hour · Part time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you worked at a counter with a line of customers waiting. How did you keep it moving?

What they are checking: Speed and friendliness under pressure at a service counter.

How do you stay friendly and energetic on a busy weekend shift?

What they are checking: The posting asks for a friendly, energetic manner with customers.

What's your availability for part-time hours, including weekends and early mornings?

What they are checking: Reliability for a part-time role where deli staffing depends on peak times.

What would you do

A customer asks if a salad in the case has nuts. You're not sure. What do you do?

What they are checking: Never guessing about allergens and checking labels or asking a lead.

A coworker is skipping glove changes between tasks. What do you do?

What they are checking: Willingness to speak up about food safety even with a peer.

A customer says their sandwich order was wrong. How do you fix it?

What they are checking: Owning a mistake quickly and making it right without arguing.

About the work

The deli/bakery clerk keeps food service cases stocked and clean. How do you check that a case is holding the right temperature?

What they are checking: Food safety awareness about cold holding and what to do when a case is out of range.

How do you avoid cross-contamination when slicing different meats and cheeses?

What they are checking: Cleaning the slicer and handling allergens properly so customers with allergies are safe.

How do you label and date prepared food, and what happens to items past their date?

What they are checking: Following labeling and rotation rules that prevent outdated food from reaching customers.

Have you used a meat slicer before? How do you stay safe using and cleaning it?

What they are checking: Slicer safety, since it's one of the most common injury sources in a deli.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Fresh Thyme Market from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Fresh Thyme Market.

If you’re someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us as we work to be a trusted resource in our communities, offering real people, real food at real affordable prices across the Midwest. If you are ready to immerse yourself in an environment, that helps shoppers naturally, intuitively, and enjoyably find real, honest, affordable goodness to meet them wherever they are on their wellness journey, we’d like to hear from you. Join us to begin YOUR journey and be a part of the Fresh Thyme Market Team! Fresh Thyme Rewards • Weekly pay • Scheduling flexibility • Paid parental leave • Team member discount • Career growth opportunities Are you passionate about the retail grocery market and organic products? Are you a leader? Are you ready to join one of the fastest growing companies in the retail grocery market? If so, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is the place for you! Our unique business model, fast paced and growing environment, promote from within culture, and excellent benefits make Fresh Thyme the best employer in the grocery market. Careers have been blooming at Fresh Thyme since our inception in 2012 - yours should be no different! The Deli/Bakery Clerk is responsible for keeping all food service cases stocked and clean during business hours. They are required to assist customers as needed and maintain a friendly, energetic demeanor. This position requires adhering to all procedural guidelines set by the Food Service Department. Essential Duties & Responsibilities · Ensures cleanliness of deli/bakery cases, storage area, and work area for safety; includes cleaning of shelves and products, keeping floors free of liquid spills or water, removing hazardous debris from floor and sweeping. · Stocks deli/bakery cases; includes presentation of product, facing, filling, and organization of all product items as set by the Deli/Bakery Service Department schematics as well as ensuring tag and pricing accuracy. · Examines the rotation of all deli/bakery products paying particular attention to expired stock and discarding outdated or spoiled items. · Responds positively to customer’s inquiries and assists customers with purchases, information and product selection; requires selling and cross selling of products. · Receives, inspects, and logs products for accuracy of shipment, temperature, and quality. · Monitors the point of purchase signs; ensures a variety of recipe cards, product coupons, promotional material, and information on complimentary foods. · Requires operating and using equipment such as knives, scales, wrappers, compactors, garbage disposals, pallet jacks, and hand trucks. · Prepares various deli/bakery items; includes using the appropriate ingredients and proper cooking times for product being made. · Uses knowledge of scales and weight measures to accurately weigh and label products. · Participates in pre-inventory preparation; includes back stock and assuring tags match products. · Sustains a high level of product knowledge and product preparation. · Walks department regularly to ensure an organized, sanitary, and overall clean appearance at all times. · Other duties as assigned. Education and Experience · High school diploma or equivalency degree. · Preferred 1 -2 years grocery retail experience in Food Service department processes and procedures. · Previous experience in a natural foods industry is a plus. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities · Must maintain the highest level of customer service at all times. · Ability to adapt to the ever changing high volume retail while working in a cross-functional team environment. · Must have the capacity to take initiative when problems arise. · Flexibility to adapt in a variety of situations. · Must have advanced attention to detail with the capability to prioritize and meet deadlines. · Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills for dealing cross functionally with peers and senior management. · Ability to multitask and have excellent organizational skills is essential. · Must be able to lead, support, and contribute to team goals. · Ability to work varied hours/days as business dictates. · Must be familiar with Health Department guidelines and regulations as they pertain to a grocery retail environment. · Must have basic knowledge of math, weights, and measures. · Must have skills working with all food service equipment such as knives, slicers, scales, and ovens. · Capability to cut and weigh various amounts of meats, salads, and cheeses. Job Function Analysis Physical Demands · Sit Rarely 1–2 hours · Stand Continuously 1–8 hours · Walk Continuously 2–8 hours · Drive Frequently 2-4 hours · Balance Frequently 34–66% · Bend Occasionally 1–33% · Climb (2–6 ft) Occasionally 1–33% · Crawl Occasionally 1–33% · Crouch/Squat Occasionally 1–33% · Kneel Occasionally 1–33% · Reach (forward & overhead) Frequently 34–66% · Twist (45 degrees at waist) Occasionally 1–33% Lifting/Carrying · 0–10 lbs. Occasionally 1–33% · 11–25 lbs. Occasionally 1–33% · 26–50 lbs. Occasionally 1–33% · 51–100 lbs. Never 0% Repetitive Motion Right & Left Grasping Frequently 34–66% Fine Manipulation Occasionally 1–33% Pushing and Pulling Occasionally 1–33% Lower extremities Never 0% Environmental Conditions: Some extreme temperatures are possible. Some ventilation and exhaust fans. At Fresh Thyme, our team members Thrive . We offer competitive compensation, incentive programs, and recognition programs that allows our most successful team members to be rewarded for the results they consistently drive and for being passionate about working safely to ensure 200% accountability - 100% accountability for self and 100% accountability for your fellow team members. Therefore, we are committed to offering competitive pay that reflects market standards and ensures consistency within our organization. This job generally starts between the rates below with raises occurring in accordance with the Fresh Thyme Market plan policy. The actual rate offered will meet or surpass the legal wage requirement for the job's location. $17.15 - $18.20 Our team members Thrive because we are committed to the whole person. Not only do we offer a comprehensive benefits package for our full time team members that includes medical, dental, and life insurance, but we also offer a variety of programs designed to support our part time members as well. ALL Fresh Thyme team members enjoy paid parental leave, our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, and our 401(k) plan with an employer match. We are dedicated to creating a work environment that promotes long-term health and financial security. Come Thrive with us!

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