If you have decided to work at McDonalds, it helps to know what to anticipate when interviewing with the company. After all, preparation makes it possible for you to succeed and get the job. Therefore, the following information can help you get ready to talk to a hiring manager at the popular fast-food chain.

This article is quite comprehensive as it covers the following topics:

• An Introduction to McDonalds
• Types of Interview Formats
• What a Manager Seeks in a Customer Service Candidate
• Lengths of Interviews
• Some of the Employment Requirements
• Two Examples of Typical Interview Questions
• How to Answer a Question if You Do Not Have Previous Experience
• The Application Process: What You Should Know
• Scheduling a Formal Interview
• What to Wear to a McDonald’s Interview
• What to Expect Once You Get the Job

An Introduction to McDonalds

McDonalds employs over 1.8 million workers in the world today. Workers are hired in full-time, part-time and seasonal capacities. In addition, the company oversees over 34,000 corporate-based locations, including affiliates and franchises. Because McDonalds is so big, it frequently needs employees for both professional and entry-level type jobs. Therefore, job candidates first must interview before becoming a member of the fast-food team.

Types of Interview Formats

One-on-One Communications

Because McDonald restaurants are located in a large number of locations, an interview can be conducted in one of various formats. The choice of an employee is usually made by a manger, whether he or she is a store manager, regional manager, or district manager. A traditional format is often used – one that emphasizes one-on-one communications.

Group Interviews

While nearly every McDonald’s restaurant uses an in-person format to hire employees, some locations will use a group interview format if a number of positions must be filled. In addition, some locations may schedule a phone interview first in order to schedule an in-person meeting.

What a Manager Seeks in a Customer Service Candidate

Although the name McDonalds is known throughout the world, the fast-food restaurant still uses basic policies with respect to a customer service. Therefore, an interviewer seeks customer service employees who meet with the company’s standards and criteria in this respect. Most questions that are asked during an interview then cover a job candidate’s personal details, judgment, communications ability, and accountability.

Managers also often ask job candidates why they want to work for the restaurant chain and how they handle a stressful situation. They also want to know how an applicant works at maintaining good relationships with customers and other employees.

Lengths of Interviews

The time set aside for a McDonald’s interview can vary, depending on the circumstances. For example, the interview process and overall time spent on each appointment will be based on the number of people applying for a job and the background and skills of each of the candidates. Interviews can go on for as long as a couple weeks or take only a day to complete. Typically, an interview will last no longer than 30 minutes.

Some of the Employment Requirements

Just because you are asked to interview though does not mean you will be hired. Some McDonald’s locations ask that job candidates take a skills assessment or drug test. They may also request background screenings or require that an employee go through a training program. Most applicants must go through a probationary period too before being considered an official employee.

Two Examples of Typical Interview Questions

When applying to work in a customer service assignment at McDonalds, you may be asked some of the following questions. These questions are standard fare for this type of interview. So, make sure you are prepared to answer them easily.

What was the job title in your previous job and the primary duties?

In order to answer this questions, be prepared to show you have the skills required to work as a customer service representative for McDonald’s. Be as detailed as you can if you already have fast-food customer service experience.

What was the work environment like at your previous job?

When answering this question, be ready to show that you can acclimate yourself into a McDonald’s customer service assignment. For instance, emphasize that your job was busy but that you wore several hats and how you were able to successfully handle the job.

How to Answer a Question if You Do Not Have Previous Experience

If you do not have work experience in a fast food environment, emphasize the fact that you enjoy a fast pace, that you are detailed (for collecting cash and returning change at the cash register), and that you are well-focused when it comes to doing your job.

The Applications Process: What You Should Know

According to the accounts of several McDonald’s employees, the application process is normally conducted at the McDonald’s location. Once an application is completed, you should make sure it is given to a manager. If the manager tells you to return in a week, make sure you do and ask to talk to him or her. If you come back to the location, you generally can schedule a formal interview. Telling you to return after you fill out an application is a type of “weeding out” process – one that a manager uses to make sure you are serious.

Scheduling a Formal Interview

When a formal interview is scheduled, applicants usually talk to the manager inside the restaurant at a booth or table. Generally, a manager will ask you about your past experience and how you can assist in helping the team grow and prosper. A manager may also present a couple of job scenarios to see how you would handle certain situations.

What to Wear to a McDonald’s Interview

You can dress casually to an interview. Typically, button-up shirts, khaki pants, a basic dress, or dress shoes are fine. Young men should appear clean-shaven as that is the type of image the restaurant chain wishes to convey.

What to Expect Once You Get the Job

Once you receive a job at the fast-food restaurant, get ready to work. You don’t get time off until your scheduled lunch break. Because McDonalds is a busy food chain, you will deal with a lot of customers. People, at times, can also be rude. However, your co-workers can make working at the restaurant a friendly and happy experience.

So, are you ready to interview at McDonald’s? Do you have the required experience? If not, what skills can you emphasize in an interview for a customer service job?