How to apply for a job at McDonald’s

The fast-food restaurant industry has boomed over the past couple of years. This is because fast-food joints offer maximum convenience and time-saving opportunities for diners.

One of the most famous fast-food restaurants is McDonald’s. As of 2023, there are over 13,503 McDonald’s restaurants in the United States alone.

This is excellent news for job applicants since they stand a good chance of getting hired at one of its many locations.

But what does the hiring process entail, and are there any requirements you’ll need to meet to be considered for a position?

This article will cover how to complete the Mcdonald’s application and apply for a job. You’ll also learn the benefits of working with the company and skills that can help your application stand out.

Why you should consider applying for a job at McDonald’s

Today, McDonald’s has restaurants in over 120 countries, making it one of the largest fast-food chains in the world. Working at a company of that size means that you’ll get access to certain perks and benefits smaller businesses don’t always offer.

Here’s why working at McDonald’s can be a rewarding experience:

1. Thorough training. McDonald’s offers tried-and-tested, hands-on training programs to help new restaurant workers learn their positions as efficiently as possible.

2. Employee discounts. You’ll save money on meals at McDonald’s even outside of your working hours.

3. Healthcare benefits. Eligible employees can enroll in the company’s medical, dental, and vision plans.

4. Paid sick leave and vacation time. If you meet certain criteria, such as working full-time and being employed for several months, you may be entitled to paid sick and personal leave.

5. Flexible schedules. Around 50% of McDonald’s employees are 18 years old or younger and lead busy lives, which the company strives to accommodate.

6. Tuition assistance. If you’re employed by McDonald’s for at least 90 days, work an average of at least 15 hours per week, and get consistently good grades, the company can help you pay for college courses.

7. 401(k) retirement plan. McDonald’s offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to crew members and managers who meet certain eligibility requirements.

8. Free uniforms. Restaurant workers get a hat, t-shirt, apron, and name badge, while managers are given a shirt and tie.

9. Sabbatical. Employees who stay with the company for 10+ years are entitled to an eight-week paid sabbatical.

The list of employee perks at Mcdonald’s goes on. Specific policy details may vary, however, depending on which restaurant you work at and for how long.

Requirements to work at McDonald’s

You’ll need to meet a few requirements before applying.

Minimum age: 14 years old (must provide work permit) — most locations require you to be at least 18 to be a manager.

Diploma/certification: A high school diploma or GED isn’t required to work at McDonald’s.

Entry-level positions: Most crew members (general restaurant staff members), maintenance, and beverage specialists (at McCafe stations) positions don’t require prior work experience.

Management positions: Including shift manager, assistant manager, and department manager, typically require at least some prior experience at McDonald’s or another food service establishment.

Skills to help you land a job at McDonald’s

A fast food restaurant is a challenging and fast-paced working environment. While you can get a job at McDonald’s without prior work experience, there are still a few skills that can help you be successful. We’ll discuss some of them below.

Basic mathematical skills

Working at a cash register comes with financial responsibility — while the register does most of the math for you, you still need to be attentive and quick when it comes to taking cash and giving customers their change. The touch-screen system at McDonald’s may feel overwhelming at first, but you’ll soon get accustomed to using it.

Preparing food also requires precision. This chain is known for its consistent taste and quality, so you’ll need to be diligent when handling food.

Communication skills

McDonald’s has a strong corporate culture and values, and being friendly, dependable, and easy-going is a must if you want to work there. The team has to work in unison to get through the busier times, so each crew member should be cooperative, responsive, and welcoming.

Physical fitness and agility

If you’ve ever been to McDonald’s, then you’re probably familiar with their work pace. This job requires you to be on your feet and constantly moving. There’s always something to do.

Attention to detail

Making fries and burgers requires working with boiling oil and piping hot surfaces, so you must be careful at all times to avoid injury. You’ll also need to complete large and complex orders accurately.

Customer service

Working behind the counter means constantly communicating with customers. You’ll need to know how to present new seasonal dishes, suggest substitutes, upsell products, and resolve conflicts in a polite and professional manner.

Stress management

You need to be able to stay calm and act according to your company’s guidelines no matter what. Customers may be angry, frustrated, or in a rush — whatever the case is, you should be able to accommodate their needs while avoiding emotional responses.

How to complete the McDonald’s application

Visit the McDonald’s career page to find openings close to you and apply right away. You can also look for McDonald’s jobs on our job board.

Fill out the application form online. Many McDonald’s restaurants also offer in-store paper job applications.

Filling out the application

Here’s what you can expect to provide on the application:

Provide your full name, birth date, and Social Security number.

List any previous work experience, including your former employer’s name, address, and telephone number.

Be sure to indicate your availability, including how many hours a week you can work and on which days.

There may be motivational questions that need to be answered. In answering motivational questions, remember to be as precise as possible: refer to unique facts about McDonald’s that motivate you to work there. When describing why you want to apply for a specific role, mention the core skills required for the position and how they match your previous experience and personal interests.

Example motivational questions:

“What is your motivation to work at McDonald’s?”

“Why do you want to apply for this particular role?”

You can expect to hear back from the restaurant’s hiring manager within 1–2 weeks of handing in your application.

Personality assessment

After your initial application is screened by McDonald’s recruiters and considered satisfactory, you’ll be invited to take an online assessment test. This test examines your personality traits and whether you fit successfully into the type of work and environment found at McDonald’s. The test contains 64 questions and generally doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to complete.

You’ll be presented with a number of statements and then choose a level of agreement/disagreement depending on whether you feel the statement resonates with you.

Don’t manipulate your responses, as these tests are designed to flag any inconsistencies. Be honest with your answers, but remember that some of your qualities or skills might be more desirable than others for a specific position at McDonald’s.

Example personality assessment statements:

“I get nervous prior to an important event or meeting.”

Strongly Disagree / Disagree / Agree or Disagree / Agree / Strongly Agree

“I enjoy starting projects rather than finishing them.”

Strongly Disagree / Disagree / Agree or Disagree / Agree / Strongly Agree

“I find it hard to switch off after work.”

Strongly Disagree / Disagree / Agree or Disagree / Agree / Strongly Agree

“Rules should not be broken.”

Strongly Disagree / Disagree / Agree or Disagree / Agree / Strongly Agree

“Most people are trustworthy.”

Strongly Disagree / Disagree / Agree or Disagree / Agree / Strongly Agree

“I get along with everyone.”

Strongly Disagree / Disagree / Agree or Disagree / Agree / Strongly Agree

The personality assessment test is scored on a color rubric, from green to yellow to red. Only those tests that score in the red result in the application being terminated.

Background check

McDonald’s typically conducts a background check as part of its hiring process. The specifics of this process may vary depending on where you apply, but it often includes verification of employment history, a criminal record check, a reference check, and drug testing.

You won’t necessarily be disqualified due to a minor past offense. McDonald’s, like other employers, considers various factors and typically evaluates candidates on a case-by-case basis.

Focus on any relevant past experience

If you have experience working in food service or customer service, make sure to highlight that in your McDonald’s application. Hiring managers will be more likely to consider your application if you have background experience.

Tips and tricks for a Mcdonald’s interview

Once you submit your job application, a manager will review it. If it looks like you’d be a good fit for the job, they’ll ask you to come in for an interview.

Here are a few tips to help you during the interview.

Dress appropriately

If you’re applying for a position in the kitchen, demonstrate your attention to detail by choosing a business casual outfit and clean, closed-toe shoes.

Pay extra attention to your hygiene — hiring managers at Mcdonald’s want to see a person whose nails are always trimmed and whose hair is well-groomed. Avoid using strong perfumes or excessive decorative cosmetics.

Practice common interview questions

Before your interview, visit the McDonald’s website and social media pages to understand its values, mission, and approach to customer service. Think about how your skills and experience and the job requirements align.

During the interview, the hiring manager may ask you a variety of questions to determine what kind of person you are, how you tend to work, and whether you’d be a good fit for them.

Here are some common job interview questions you might encounter:

• Why do you want to work at McDonald’s?

• What relevant experience do you have in the fast food industry or customer service?

• How would you handle a difficult customer?

• How would you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with their order?

• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment?

• How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time?

• How do you ensure cleanliness and hygiene in a food service environment?

• What are your strengths, and how would they benefit our team at McDonald’s?

• Can you give an example of a time when you provided excellent customer service?

• How would you handle a situation where a coworker is not pulling their weight?

• Are you flexible with your work schedule, including weekends and holidays?

• Do you have any questions for us about the role?

It’s also a good idea to follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to reiterate your interest, thank them for their time, and leave a positive impression.

FAQ

How long does a background check at McDonald’s take?

A background check at McDonald’s will typically take one to three days. However, some previous applications mention that it can take up to a week. This is because each individual’s history is different, and some people’s background checks may take longer than others as different factors can prolong the process, like living across multiple states, etc.

How far back do McDonald’s background checks go?

Criminal background checks at McDonald’s will typically look at information regarding any criminal history of the past 5–10 years.

Does McDonald’s hire felons?

McDonald’s strives to give equal opportunities to all people, which is why it hires felons and has done so many times in the past. As long as the candidate can show proof of rehabilitation or completion of felony probation, they can get hired. However, felons with more severe criminal convictions may be denied. Whether you get hired will also depend on the owner of the specific location you’re applying at.

Complete your Mcdonald’s job application today

Are you ready to apply?

Begin by visiting the McDonald’s careers website or a local restaurant to find available positions. Fill out the application form, providing your personal information and availability. Then, submit it and wait for a response.

To excel at the interview, research McDonald’s and its values as well as the specific position you applied for. Dress appropriately for the role, and showcase a positive attitude.

Don’t forget to highlight your customer service skills if you have any. Finally, be sure to ask questions about the role and company culture to demonstrate your interest and engagement.

Want to save time with an easy and convenient job search?

You can find a job at Mcdonald’s at Jobcase — we can help you discover new opportunities, advance your career, and share your experiences with others. You can also find more tips and tricks in our Getting Hired Resource Center.