The Hiring Process at McDonald's: Application to Interview

Overview of the Recruitment Process

1. You can apply in-person or online at McDonald's website after you search for the store you want.
2. The application is sent to McDonald's Human Resources if you apply to a corporate store or the owner if the store is franchised.
3. In a corporate store, the regional manager will call you and set up an interview. In a franchise store, the application is sent to the store manager. If the store manager feels the applicant is a fit, then they will call you for an interview.
4. The interview process will then begin. You will sit down with the hiring manager for the store to talk to them. They will look at a variety of things about you (which I will not write down as it is proprietary) before deciding to hire you or not.
5. If you pass the final interview, you will be hired at your agreed-upon rate. Then you will be scheduled for your orientation.

1. Submitting Your Application

If you go to a McDonald's location to fill out an application, make sure you go at a time when the restaurant is not busy. Asking for an application during the peak lunch hour would show poor judgment on your part. This is especially true when the whole crew and managers are busy serving customers. Showing up during a slower period will also allow you to ask or answer any questions. Feel free to call ahead and ask if they are hiring.

McDonald's Application

The online application can take up to an hour to complete. It will ask you basic questions like your full name, address, work history, as well as your availability. Towards the end of the application, you will be asked to take a "personality" test. More on that later.

3. The Personality Questionnaire

The personality test usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete. You will be given a series of statements two at a time, and you have to choose what you feel is the correct statement. This allows McDonald's to gauge your personality and judgment. Some of the statements might not have anything to do with the other statements and might even seem a little bizarre. Just take your time, and choose the statement that makes better sense or the statement that you believe to be the lesser of two evils.

4. The Interview

Getting called for an interview means that it is your time to shine. It should be easy as long as you prepare. Bring your identification and your social security card. You may not need these until orientation, but it will show the interviewer that you think ahead and are ready.

During the interview, make sure to smile and speak clearly. Most of the questions will be surrounding your past jobs and experiences. Some of the other five common questions, as well as responses, are listed below.

1. Where do you see yourself in five years, and why would you be good at this position?

This question is asked to assess your career goals and to judge if you will be a suitable fit for the company. If your future aspirations involve working in a restaurant in any capacity, then inform the manager that you would be gaining valuable experience in the industry.

If you plan on attending college, then this job would provide the perfect opportunity to earn some cash towards your education. Your degree could put you in a prime position to own manage your own restaurant or work in the corporate sector in the future.

2. Have you ever worked in the fast-food business or in a fast-paced environment?

If you have no experience, you could say:

• "I am a fast and willing learning who is looking forward to becoming familiar with both the functions of the lobby and the drive-thru."
• "I'm looking forward to the challenges involved with this environment and the valuable skill set that will have the opportunity to develop during my time here."

3. What are your weaknesses?

One strategy for this question is to phrase your answer in a way that makes your so-called weakness appear positive. You could say:

• "I try to please everyone."
• "I am too critical of myself."

Your interview may be hip to these sorts of answers, so do not be afraid to be honest about your response. This shows good self-awareness. Just be sure never to reveal any information that would deem you a risk to the company.

4. Why should I hire you?

This question could also be worded as "what are your strengths?" Be ready to provide examples from either a work or school setting if prompted.

• "I work well when under pressure."
• "I have great teamwork skills."
• "I have excellent communication skills."

5. Why do you want to work here?

The obvious answer would be "to make money," but that isn't what the interviewer wants to hear. Be sure to put some thought into your answer.

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• "I grew up on McDonald's and want to prove myself to the #1 restaurant in the world."
• "McDonald’s offers exceptional value for their customers and because of this, I would be proud to represent them."

6. Do you have any questions for us?

• "What kind of training will I receive?"
• "What are the characteristics of your top performers?"
• "What do you like best about working at McDonald’s?"

Dress for Success

Stand out during your interview by dressing for the occasion. Some people will tell you that dressing up for a McDonald's interview is unnecessary, and that may be true sometimes. However, I would advise you to not take that chance. You do not need to wear a full suit, but aim for business casual. Dressing for success can only help your chances.

5. What to Expect at a McDonald's Orientation FAQ

Orientation day will provide you with a chance to network with other professionals working at McDonald’s and learn more about the company. Your manager will also discuss what a typical day of work is like and what is to be expected of you. You may also get a tour of the facility on orientation day and a chance to make some free fries or hash browns, as well.

1. What do I need to bring to a McDonald's orientation?

Be sure to show up on the day of the orientation on time with your ID and social security card for the paperwork you will fill out.

2. What should I wear to orientation?

Dress comfortably, but formal. Sometimes you will be told ahead of time to wear black slacks and a white collared shirt. You will have to walk through the kitchen, so be sure to have on the appropriate nonslip footwear.

3. How long does the orientation last?

The time you spend in orientation will vary, but they usually last two to three hours.

4. Does an orientation mean I got the job?

It sure does!

5. Do I get paid for attending orientation?

Yes, the hours you log for orientation will be reflected in your first check.

6. What else do I need to know?

Be sure to act professionally and seize every chance to get a better insight into what it is like to work at McDonald’s. At the end, they will give you your work schedule and your uniform. Congratulations—you are on your way to starting your McDonald's journey!

Does McDonald's Hire Felons?

Although hiring processes vary between states and different McDonald's corporate branches and franchise stores, the company is known to be a felon-friendly employer.

• Always disclose that you are a felon on your application or in an interview if you are asked.
• Be honest about the circumstances surrounding your conviction.
• Have open availability to make yourself more hirable and flexible.
• Show up to the interview dressed for success.
• Do not ask for handouts like free meals; sell yourself on what you can do for the company instead.

Tips on Getting Promoted at McDonald's

Many people who go to work for McDonald's quickly realize that the organization is a great fit for them. This realization may prompt you to start thinking about the future of the company and how you fit into that plan. Every store is different, but here are a few tips to start planting that seed for a promotion.

• Probe your shift leader and manager about how they acquired their position.
• Learn all the stations, and be open to being cross-trained for the grill in addition to order-taking and cash handling.
• At the end of the day, showing initiative, being reliable, and maintaining a positive attitude will always work in your favor in the long run.
• As time passes, ask your managers and trainers what you can do to improve your performance.

Related Links

• Careers: McDonalds.com
  We believe the best people in the world work right here. And we believe you could be one of them. You’ve got enthusiasm, responsibility and drive. We’ve got flexible schedules, benefits and jobs that can turn into satisfying careers. It’s a perfect m
• McDonald's restaurant employees share the best parts of their jobs - Business Insider
  McDonald's restaurant gigs might have a reputation for being tough, just like all fast food jobs, but that isn't the whole story. A number of crew members told Business Insider about their favorite parts of working for the chain.
• 32 Struggles Every McDonald's Employee Has Gone Through - Narcity
  We're hoping you don't order unsalted fries.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Comments

Chasity Atkins on August 27, 2020:

Work McDonald's

Jamie on August 19, 2020:

I don't have any ID like driver's license. Is there another legal document that I could use or am I out of luck?

Peace on June 05, 2020:

I have a ON THE JOB EVALUATION and then THEY gave me a requirements and then they said wait for called for orientation. how long to be called for an orientation in mcdonald's

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Chasity Atkins on April 27, 2020:

What McDonald's

Skyler on February 03, 2020:

How do you do your hiring paperwork on mchire.com

Denise McBee-Pena on November 07, 2019:

Where do you go for orientation online for McDonald's

Rubaisha on October 31, 2019:

Hello sir my name is Rubaisha

Aalaya on July 02, 2019:

I really want this jod bad

Bianca R on June 30, 2019:

I had my interview last friday and I was told to come tuesday at five and the information about the orientation helped me be less nervous!

Reanna Sheehy on June 26, 2019:

So I was hired, and my first day is today. Unfortunately, I do not know what shoes to buy. Do you have any recommendations?

Yogesh on June 02, 2019:

Good

revon on May 15, 2019:

what days should u call

Crystal taylor on May 14, 2019:

How can i see if my appication

:) on April 13, 2019:

Do you get your work permit after orientation or should you get it before?

Indeed Help on November 20, 2018:

I have a ON THE JOB EVALUATION and then THEY gave me a requirements and then they said wait for called for orientation. how long to be called for an orientation in mcdonald's PHILIPPINES?

Nicole on November 13, 2018:

I had an interview and got hired on the spot my orientation is Thursday

Kk on August 05, 2018:

I had a interview and was called in for orienration a week later

Habib Rahman on April 27, 2018:

Thank you from your helpful information, the orientation is only on Rosville SA CA or other place.

Frances wah on April 22, 2018:

Thank you for the great information

Nicole on February 01, 2018:

I was told I was going to be hired and that I only needed to show up for a second interview to meet the owner. I don't know if he said it to be nice or I really got hired. I guess I will have to find out tomorrow.

Indeed help on January 07, 2018:

I went to the interview and the lady said at the end that I need to book an orientation how do I do that from the website? Plz help

Cindy Dixon on December 14, 2017:

How long after your interview should you expect a call back

Erin Farmer on December 04, 2017:

Hi. My fiance has done the paperwork but they have yet to call and schedule him for orientation. Its been 3 days since he turned in his application. Should he go talk to the manager and see what's taking so long?

mcdonalds expert on November 12, 2017:

The shoes that you will be required to wear while working are black, but at the time of the interview wear anything that looks nice.

Bad buddy on September 30, 2017:

What type of color shoes should i use to workat mcdonalds?