As a giant in the fast-food industry, McDonald’s spans the globe with over 40,000 restaurants in almost every corner of the world. Each day, people rely on McDonald’s for their early morning coffee, a quick lunch, or a late-night snack.
But have you ever wondered what it might be like to work behind the counter instead of ordering from it? If you’re thinking about a career or even a part-time job at McDonald’s, this article is for you.
I’ll guide you through the fascinating range of job roles McDonald’s offers, and then we’ll dig deeper into the requirements you need to land a role with the fast-food giant. I’ll provide you with a step-by-step process of how to apply for a job and give you a sneak peek of what to expect in a McDonald’s job interview.
So, buckle up, grab a McCafe, and let’s take a deep dive into the world of working at McDonald’s.
Job Roles at McDonald’s
If you’re interested in working at McDonald’s, the first thing to know is what job roles are available for you to choose from.
Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of food service or you’re an experienced professional seeking a managerial position, there is likely a role that perfectly suits your current skills and future aspirations.
Let’s go over a couple of the different options, from entry-level to corporate positions at McDonald’s.
Entry-Level Roles
Among the various entry-level roles available at McDonald’s are:
- Crew members
- Cashiers
- Cook
As a crew member, for instance, your role would generally revolve around customer service tasks. This can include taking orders at the counter, operating the drive-thru window, or serving customers at their tables.
As a cashier, your focus would be on handling transactions efficiently and accurately. A key aspect of this job is the need for strong customer service skills, as you would be interacting directly with customers throughout the day. You’ll also need cash management skills as you’ll be directly working at the til.
If you have an interest in the culinary field, starting as a cook at McDonald’s could be your stepping-stone. Your primary responsibilities would involve preparing meals, ensuring quality standards are met, and maintaining cleanliness.
Mid-Level Positions
Mid-level positions look a little bit different from entry-level positions, but they still involve being hands-on in the restaurant. A couple of mid-level positions include:
- Shift managers
- Department managers
A shift manager oversees operations during specific periods, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. This involves supervising employees, handling cash, and dealing with any issues that arise.
Department managers each oversee a specific section of operations. For instance, the guest services department manager ensures that the customer experiences the restaurant at its best, while the kitchen department manager ensures operations in the kitchen are up to the standard.
In many cases, you can work your way up to these mid-level positions after being successful in an entry-level position. Or, you can just jump the gun and apply to one of these positions as a starting point.
High-Level Positions
Moving up the ladder, more roles become available in higher-level positions. A couple of these positions include:
- Assistant Manager
- Restaurant Manager
The responsibilities of the Assistant Manager include supporting the Restaurant Manager in overall operations. This can involve everything from inventory control to staff training.
The Restaurant Manager oversees the entire restaurant’s operations. This includes not just ensuring smooth operations but also maintaining a positive working environment for employees and making decisions that will create financial success for the restaurant.
Once again, you can be promoted into these positions from an entry-level role. Or, you can apply directly to one of these positions if you’ve already got some experience in the industry.
Corporate Positions
Beyond the restaurant setting, there are roles in McDonald’s corporate structure. These positions can range from marketing to human resources to supply chain management. For someone with specialized skills or qualifications, these roles are an excellent opportunity to be part of the McDonald’s family while exercising your expertise in a specific area.
Requirements to Work at McDonald’s
Before embarking on your career journey with McDonald’s, it’s important to understand what they are looking for in prospective employees.
There are a couple of hard-and fast requirements, such as meeting the minimum legal working age, as well as a few skill requirements.
Remember, while having these qualifications certainly makes you a stronger candidate, what McDonald’s really looks for are dedicated, hard-working, and motivated employees who are up for a challenge. So, don’t let the absence of experience or educational qualifications deter you from applying. Where there’s passion and a willingness to learn, there’s opportunity!
Let’s go over each of these so that you know what you’ll need to have up your sleeve in order to get a job here.
Age requirement
McDonald’s sets a minimum age requirement for employment. In most cases, applicants must be at least 16 years old. However, some locations may hire 14 and 15-year-olds with work permits. Simply put, if you’re legally allowed to work in your country, you can apply to McDonald’s.
Educational qualifications
While most entry-level roles like those of crew members, cashiers, and cooks don’t require high school diplomas, having one elevates you to more opportunities.
Furthermore, many managerial positions prefer applicants with high school or college degrees, although they are primarily looking for relevant work experience. So, although you don’t need to meet any strict educational requirements, having a degree or some educational background can make you more likely to land the job.
Skill set
McDonald’s values a variety of skills – both hard and soft. Among them, customer service is crucial. Working in a McDonald’s restaurant means you’ll be engaging with customers on a daily basis.
Teamwork is another valued skill. You’ll likely be working closely with other crew members, so an ability to cooperate, communicate effectively, and support your colleagues is essential.
Flexibility, especially in terms of working hours, is another key skill McDonald’s looks for as the job may require you to work during weekends, holidays, or evenings. If you’ve got more flexibility, you’ll be a greater asset to the company.
Experience
For entry-level roles, prior job experience is not mandatory. McDonald’s provides training to ensure all new hires are aptly equipped for their roles.
However, for managerial positions, the company generally prefers folks who’ve had previous management or leadership experience, ideally in the fast food or retail industry. You may have to either work in an entry-level position before becoming a manager or have had past experience in a different company in order to get a managerial position.
Application Process at McDonald’s
Now that you know what skills you need if you want to work at McDonald’s, it’s time to go over the application process. Remember, this process can vary based on the exact location and whether the restaurant is corporately owned or a franchise.
However, the two common methods are online applications and directly applying in-store. Regardless of how you apply, following your application submission, if all goes well, you should receive a call from the hiring manager for the next step: the interview. The timeline can vary, so remain patient. It usually takes anywhere from a few days to a week or two.
If you don’t hear back within two weeks, don’t hesitate to follow up with a call or an in-person visit to check on the status of your application.
Here’s what to know about each of these application processes.
Online Applications
For the online application, you’ll need to head over to the official McDonald’s career page. Here, you’ll see various job postings for different positions available within your selected area. Choose the job that suits your qualifications and interests.
Once you’ve clicked on the job, you’ll be guided through the online application process, which usually includes providing personal information, work history, availability, and answering some questions.
From there, just submit your application, and you’re ready to wait for a call back!
In-Store Applications
For the in-store application, it’s essentially the old-fashioned way of walking into a McDonald’s, asking for a paper application form, and filling it out on the spot or taking it home to fill out later. You’ll be jotting down similar information as the online process. Once completed, return it to the location. Try and hand it directly to the manager if possible.
You may also find that stores have QR codes that you can use to fill out the application online. If this is the case, it can still be helpful to have a chat with the store manager to get a feel for what they’re looking for and how you can make your application stand out.
Common McDonald’s Job Interview Questions
Let’s say that you submitted your application and got a call back for an interview. Great work!
Now you need to practice a few interview questions so that you can ace your application and start flipping some tasty burgers.
Remember, McDonald’s is all about great customer service and that team spirit, so the hiring manager will likely focus on these aspects during their line of questioning. There are no definitive right or wrong answers to these questions. What your interviewer is looking for is a look into your character, your work ethic, and how you handle everyday situations.
Speak clearly, confidently, and honestly, building your responses around traits like teamwork, customer service, and flexibility. And last but not least, don’t forget to breathe and give yourself credit for your strengths and experiences.
Here are some common areas that interview questions at McDonald’s cover.
Customer service-related questions
When it comes to fast-food restaurants, outstanding customer service is key. Interviewers want to see that you can handle customers with patience, understanding, and politeness, regardless of the situation. For instance, you may be asked:
“How would you handle a complete order mix-up for a visibly upset customer?”
This question tests your problem-solving and interpersonal skills. You might answer it by explaining a step-by-step approach, showcasing your ability to remain calm and focused on providing exceptional service – even under pressure.
Behavior-based questions
Behavior-based questions are designed to delve into your past job experiences to predict potential future behavior. For example, the hiring manager may ask:
“Can you describe a time when you had to work with someone difficult? How did you handle it?”
Here, they’re looking for insight into your teamwork and conflict-resolution skills. You don’t need to have had a job before to answer this kind of question. You can use examples from school, extracurricular activities, or even social interactions with family and friends.
When answering these kinds of questions, you’ll want to use the STAR method. The STAR method helps you answer these questions completely and in a straightforward manner.
Situational questions
These types of questions tackle hypothetical situations. Interviewers present these to assess your ability to think on your feet. For example, a situational interview question could be:
“How would you handle working if a few of your coworkers called out sick at the last minute and it’s a busy Friday night?”
In answering this question, portray a positive attitude, flexibility, and readiness to work harmoniously with the rest of the team to get the job done no matter what.
What to Wear to a McDonald’s Job Interview
Besides going over potential interview questions, a key part of preparing for a job interview is selecting the right attire. In this section, let’s tackle one of the major questions on your mind as an aspiring McDonald’s employee – what should you wear to a McDonald’s job interview?
Attire for men
As a gentleman applying at McDonald’s, a business casual look would be your safest bet. A casual, collared shirt or a polo, paired with khakis or neat, clean dark jeans should work well.
You could also opt for a light sweater during colder months or a more formal look with a tie. When it comes to footwear, choose clean shoes or dress sneakers. Avoid overly fancy dress shoes or worn-out sneakers.
Attire for women
For ladies looking to impress, a smart, business casual approach would also be ideal. A neat blouse with dress pants or a skirt would feel both comfortable and professional.
A clean pair of jeans paired with a nice top can also do the trick. Footwear could be a pair of modest flats or clean sneakers. You’ll want to avoid heels, as these aren’t going to be appropriate in a fast-food setting.
General grooming and hygiene tips
Regardless of gender, achieving a professional look goes beyond what you wear. Personal hygiene and grooming are of utmost importance. Make sure you’re clean, your hair is neat and you have fresh breath. If you choose to wear jewelry, keep it simple and minimal. This is not the time for flashy, distracting pieces.
Lastly, remember that this advice is about dressing to impress in a job interview setting. Just like any brand, McDonald’s appreciates individuality and diversity among their employees, so once you’ve secured your position, the dress code might be more flexible. Still, during the interview phase, your goal is to make a good impression.
How Much Do McDonald’s Employees Earn
One of the main things people want to know before applying to McDonald’s is what the salary is like. This is an important factor to consider when applying for a job, as we all want to make sure we’re being duly compensated for our hard work.
Let’s go over the typical wages for different positions, as well as look at the different perks and benefits you can get from working at these restaurants.
Entry-level position wages
As an entry-level employee at McDonald’s, such as a crew member, cashier, or cook, you can expect to earn minimum wage or a little above, largely depending on your location.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the mean pay for fast food workers to be around $13.50 per hour. But remember, McDonald’s is known for promoting from within, and these positions often lead to opportunities for future raises and promotions.
You’ll also want to remember that this wage can vary depending on your state or locality. Some restaurants may pay more or less than that, depending on state minimums and other requirements.
Mid-level position wages
For those in more specialized roles, such as shift managers or department managers, the pay does increase. For instance, a shift manager could expect to make an average of around $14 per hour. Again, this may vary based on your location and the specific restaurant.
High-level and corporate wages
At the high end of the restaurant operations, an Assistant Manager might earn an annual salary starting around $40,000 (according to PayScale), while a General Manager could earn close to $60,000, but these figures can vary greatly depending on experience, location, and performance.
In the corporate sphere, salaries become even more competitive and align more closely with industry standards for corporate roles.
Benefits and bonus structure at McDonald’s
Aside from the monetary earnings, it’s important to take into account the other benefits of working at McDonald’s. The company provides training and opportunities for advancement, flexible hours, and even college tuition assistance for eligible employees through the Archways to Opportunity program.
Eligible employees working at participating U.S. restaurants can participate in this workforce education program. The benefits include the chance to earn their high school diploma and get upfront college tuition assistance amounting to $2,500.
They also have access to free education advising services and the opportunity to learn English as a second language.
Depending on your position and duration with the company, you could also qualify for health benefits, a 401k, and a bonus structure as well.
Next Steps
McDonald’s can be a great place to work with tons of opportunities, regardless of whether you’re starting out as an entry-level worker or a corporate employee. Starting salaries can be fairly high, too, and there are plenty of unique benefits, such as the Archways to Opportunity program.
With these points in mind, you’re ready to launch a career at McDonald’s and ace your next job interview.
In your journey toward a fulfilling career at McDonald’s, know that you don’t have to navigate alone. Our dedicated career coaches are ready to help guide you, instilling confidence and offering personalized advice tailored to your unique professional goals.
Reach out today, and let’s fuel your progression together, paving the way to success in your McDonald’s career.
