The Golden Arches can be seen in communities throughout the world and are often run by independent franchises that provide jobs to almost 2 million people. Many a youth has listed McDonald’s as the first job on an application, and the application process just got an upgrade.
In its drive to hire thousands worldwide, including more than 5,000 here in Alabama, McDonald’s Corp. is now working with Alexa and Google Assistant to streamline the world’s first voice-initiated application process called McDonald’s Apply Thru.
“We must continue to innovate and think of creative, and in this case, groundbreaking ways to meet potential job seekers on devices they are already using, like Alexa,” said McDonald’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer David Fairhurst.
To get started with Alexa, job seekers simply say “Alexa, help me get a job at McDonald’s.” The voice experience is available on Alexa and Google Assistant devices in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K., and is expected to roll out to other countries in the coming months. After opening McDonald’s Apply Thru, all users will answer a few basic questions, including job area of interest and location. Potential applicants will receive a text message shortly thereafter with a link to continue their application process.
The move is part of McDonald’s larger Made at McDonald’s campaign, which highlights the opportunities available at the fast-food chain, from a first job, part-time jobs or lifelong careers. The campaign underscores the ways jobs at McDonald’s restaurants build skills, education and relationships that translates to new experiences.
There are more than 38,000 McDonald’s locations in over 100 countries, approximately 93 percent of which are owned and operated by independent local businessmen and women.