Are you preparing for a job interview at McDonald's?
Many questions asked during an interview at McDonald's are designed for your manager to be able to quickly assess your personality. Other questions aim to determine your skillset and work ethic. Be specific to get the job.
If you have a scheduled interview, you're probably wondering what kind of questions you'll be asked and how to answer them. In this article, we'll not only give you a short list of the most common questions, but also sample answers that may help you land the job!
I got these insights by asking McDonald’s crew members about their interview process.
1) Describe yourself
When answering this question, give a concise, yet comprehensive summary of your personal qualities, skills, and interests that are relevant to the job.
Sample answer:
"I would describe myself as a friendly and hardworking individual with a strong commitment to providing excellent customer service. I thrive in team settings and enjoy the fast-paced nature of the food service industry. In my previous roles, I've developed strong communication and time-management skills. Outside of work, I enjoy participating in community events, which aligns with McDonald's commitment to community engagement. I'm enthusiastic about the opportunity to be a part of a team that values quality and service."
This response gives a well-rounded picture of who you are, highlighting attributes that make you a good candidate for a position at McDonald's.
2) What do you know about the McDonald’s brand?
When answering the question, show that you've done your research and understand both the history and the current values of the company.
Sample answer:
"I know McDonald's began as a small restaurant in 1940 and has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable fast-food chains globally. I admire the brand's commitment to quality, service, cleanliness, and value, which are evident in every aspect of its operations. McDonald's dedication to community involvement and sustainability, like their efforts to reduce packaging waste, resonates with me. I'm also impressed by their continuous innovation, especially in digital technology and menu diversity. My personal experiences as a customer have always been positive, and they've inspired me to want to be part of the McDonald's team."
This response shows that you have a good understanding of the McDonald's brand, its history, values, and current initiatives, demonstrating your genuine interest in the company.
3) Why do you want to work at McDonald's?
When answering this question, focus on your personal reasons for choosing McDonald's as a potential employer, while also aligning your answer with the company's values and reputation.
Sample answer:
"I want to work at McDonald's because of its outstanding reputation as a leader in the fast-food industry, known for its commitment to quality and service. I'm impressed by the training and growth opportunities that McDonald's offers, which align with my goal to develop strong customer service and teamwork skills. The team-oriented environment is something I greatly value, and I'm excited about the prospect of working in a supportive and dynamic setting. Additionally, my positive experiences as a McDonald's customer have inspired me to be part of a brand that consistently prioritizes customer satisfaction and community engagement."
This response shows that you have thought about your decision to apply to McDonald's and that your goals and values align with what the company offers.
4) Why did you choose this McDonald’s location?
When answering this question, give a genuine and thoughtful response that reflects your personal reasons while also considering aspects of the specific location that may be appealing.
Sample answer:
“I chose this McDonald's location primarily for its convenience, as it’s close to where I live. This makes the commute easier for me, ensuring I can always be on time. I’m also familiar with this area and feel that my understanding of the local community can help me connect better with customers. I’ve always noticed that this particular McDonald's has a friendly and efficient atmosphere, which I’m excited to be a part of. Additionally, I see great opportunities for growth and learning at this busy location, which aligns with my career goals.”
This response demonstrates that you have chosen the location for practical, personal, and professional reasons, showing that you have thoughtfully considered your application to this specific McDonald's.
5) Why should McDonald’s hire you?
When preparing to answer this question, focus on how your skills, experiences, and qualities align with the needs of the job and the values of McDonald’s.
Sample answer:
"I believe I would be a great fit for McDonald's because of my strong work ethic and my previous experience in customer service. I thrive in team settings and am committed to providing excellent service, aligning well with McDonald's focus on customer satisfaction. I'm eager to learn and grow, and I admire McDonald's commitment to community and quality. I am reliable, handle challenges with a positive attitude, and am ready to contribute to the team's success."
If you're new to the workforce, focus on skills gained through other activities like volunteering, school projects, or sports that are relevant to the job, such as teamwork, time management, and communication.
Remember, confidence is key, but it's also important to be authentic and honest in your response.
6) What do you expect from McDonald’s if you get hired?
When answering this question, focus on realistic expectations related to professional development, workplace environment, and company culture.
Think about what you would like to gain from working at McDonald’s.
Sample answer:
"I'm looking forward to a vibrant and cooperative work atmosphere at McDonald's, where I can keep learning and growing. The training programs offered are appealing to me, and I'm eager to enhance my customer service and teamwork abilities. I'm also excited about the potential for career growth, as I aim to build a lasting career here. Additionally, I hope to join a company that values high-quality service and is actively involved in the community, which resonates with my values."
This type of answer shows that you have realistic and positive expectations about working at McDonald's and that you are looking forward to contributing to and growing with the company.
7) How do you think McDonald’s is a good fit for you?
When answering this question, focus on how your personal values, skills, and career aspirations align with what McDonald's offers as an employer.
Sample answer:
"I believe McDonald’s is a great fit for me because its values around quality service and community involvement resonate strongly with my own. I am impressed by the company's commitment to providing extensive training and growth opportunities, which aligns with my eagerness to learn and develop professionally. My skills in communication and teamwork make me well-suited for a fast-paced, customer-focused environment like McDonald's. Additionally, having been a customer myself, I’ve always admired the efficient and friendly service, which inspires me to be part of this team. I see working at McDonald’s as an important step in my career, especially as I am interested in building a career in the hospitality industry."
This response shows that you have thoughtfully considered how working at McDonald's aligns with your personal and professional objectives.
8) What hours are you available for shifts?
When answering this question, be clear, honest, and as flexible as possible about your availability.
Sample answer:
“I am available to work weekdays from 3 PM to closing, and I’m completely open on weekends. I have classes in the mornings on weekdays, so my mornings are not free. However, I am flexible and can occasionally take morning shifts on weekends with advance notice. While I prefer working evening shifts, I understand the needs of the business can vary, and I’m willing to be adaptable and work different hours as required. I’m committed to being a reliable team member and will do my best to accommodate the scheduling needs of the restaurant.”
This response shows that you have a clear understanding of your availability, while also demonstrating flexibility and a team-oriented attitude.
9) How would you greet each customer?
When answering this question, it's crucial to emphasize a warm, friendly, and professional approach.
Sample answer:
"I would greet each customer with a warm and friendly 'Hello' or 'Welcome to McDonald's' while smiling and making eye contact. I believe it's important to be polite and engaging right from the start, asking how I can assist them in a courteous manner. For regular customers, I would personalize the greeting to show recognition and appreciation for their loyalty. No matter how busy it gets, I would maintain a positive attitude, ensuring every customer feels welcomed and valued. This approach aligns with McDonald's commitment to excellent customer service and creating a friendly environment for everyone."
This response demonstrates that you understand the significance of a warm and welcoming greeting as part of McDonald's customer service standards.
10) Do you think it’s important to wear uniforms?
When answering the question, acknowledge the significance of uniforms in a professional setting, especially in the food service industry.
Sample answer:
“I definitely think it’s important to wear uniforms, especially in the food service industry. Uniforms not only present a professional image but also make staff easily identifiable to customers. They play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene and safety standards, which is vital in food handling. Additionally, uniforms represent the McDonald's brand and contribute to a sense of unity and equality among the team members. I understand the importance of these aspects and am fully prepared to adhere to McDonald’s uniform policy.”
This response shows that you recognize the functional and symbolic importance of wearing a uniform, aligning with the standards and values of McDonald's.
11) Are you looking for full or part-time work?
When responding to this question, be clear and honest about your availability and how it aligns with your current lifestyle or commitments.
Sample answer:
“I am currently looking for part-time work as I am also attending college. Balancing my studies with work is important to me, and part-time hours would fit perfectly into my current schedule. However, I am flexible and willing to take on additional shifts when needed, especially during school breaks. My goal is to gain valuable work experience while I complete my education, and I am committed to being a dedicated and reliable member of the McDonald’s team.”
This response clearly communicates your work preference, reasons, and any flexibility you have, while showing your commitment to balancing work with other responsibilities.
12) Where do you see your future in two years?
When answering this question, articulate a clear vision that reflects both your personal aspirations and how they might align with opportunities at McDonald's.
Sample answer:
“In two years, I see myself having gained substantial experience in customer service and team collaboration, skills I know are essential in the fast-food industry. I'm currently pursuing my degree and plan to complete it within this timeframe. Working at McDonald's fits perfectly into this plan, as it offers the opportunity to develop professionally while I study. I'm also interested in the potential career advancement opportunities at McDonald's. Personally, I aim to grow in confidence and adaptability, qualities I know will benefit me in any career path I choose.”
This response shows that you have clear goals and understand how a position at McDonald's can contribute to achieving them, demonstrating both foresight and ambition.
13) How would you deal with angry customers?
When answering this question, show that you can handle challenging situations with composure, empathy, and professionalism.
Sample answer:
“When faced with an angry customer, my first step would be to remain calm and listen attentively to their concerns. It’s important to empathize with the customer and acknowledge their feelings. I would apologize for any inconvenience they’ve experienced and then focus on finding a solution, whether that means correcting an order or involving a manager for further assistance. Maintaining professionalism throughout the interaction is crucial. Finally, I would reflect on the situation to learn from it and help prevent similar issues in the future, continually aiming to improve the customer experience.”
This response shows that you understand the importance of handling customer complaints effectively and professionally, which is key in a customer-facing role like that at McDonald's.
14) What are your greatest strengths?
When answering this question, focus on strengths that are relevant to the job and provide examples to illustrate them.
Sample answer:
“One of my greatest strengths is my ability to communicate effectively. In my previous role as a customer service representative, I regularly interacted with customers to resolve issues, which required clear and empathetic communication. I’m also a strong team player; during a group project in college, I coordinated with team members to efficiently complete the project ahead of schedule. At McDonald’s, I believe these skills will help me collaborate effectively with colleagues and provide exceptional service to customers. Additionally, I adapt quickly to new situations, a trait I think is essential in the fast-paced environment of a busy McDonald’s restaurant.”
This answer highlights strengths that are relevant to the job at McDonald’s and provides concrete examples to illustrate how you've applied these strengths in real situations, demonstrating their value for the role you’re interviewing for.
15) How do you deal with difficult situations?
This question is not a curveball but is meant to gauge how well you handle certain scenarios like dealing with a rude customer or working with someone in a group that didn’t want to cooperate.
Sample answer:
"In tough situations, I always start by staying calm and clearly understanding the problem. I must think critically to find the best solution. For example, at my last job, I once dealt with a customer who was unhappy with their order. I listened carefully to understand their concern, calmly explained how we could resolve it, and acted promptly to correct the order. These kinds of experiences have shown me how vital clear communication and staying composed are in handling challenges. I always aim to learn and get better from such situations."
This kind of response shows that you are capable of handling difficult situations professionally and that you view challenges as opportunities for growth.
If you have experience, great. Describe a specific situation where you successfully handled a difficult problem. This could be in a previous job, during school, or in any other relevant context.
16) How do you make sure customers get the best service you can offer?
When answering this question, focus on your customer service skills, attention to detail, and commitment to the company's standards.
Sample answer
"To provide the best service possible to customers, I pay great attention to detail, ensuring their orders are correct and meet their specific needs. Effective communication is key, so I make it a point to listen attentively to customers and respond in a clear, friendly, and helpful manner. I’m committed to maintaining McDonald's high standards of speed, quality, and cleanliness in my service. Teamwork is also crucial, as it helps improve the overall experience for customers. Most importantly, I’m always open to feedback and eager to learn ways to improve my service."
This response demonstrates that you understand the key elements of excellent customer service and are committed to delivering it in line with McDonald's values and standards.
17) What does respect mean to you?
When answering the question, convey your understanding of respect in a workplace context, particularly in a customer service-oriented environment like McDonald's.
Sample answer
"To me, respect is about treating others as I would want to be treated. It means acknowledging and valuing each person's contributions and recognizing the dignity of every individual, regardless of their role or background. In customer service, this translates to listening attentively to customers, addressing their needs with courtesy, and ensuring they feel welcomed and valued. Within a team, respect is about appreciating diverse viewpoints and working collaboratively. This approach aligns with McDonald's commitment to inclusivity and teamwork, and I believe it's essential for creating a positive experience for both customers and colleagues."
This response shows that you have a thoughtful understanding of respect and how it applies to both customer interactions and team dynamics, aligning well with McDonald's values.
What to Expect in the Interview
The interview process for McDonald's is typically straightforward and consists of questions about your availability, experience, and customer service skills.
Based on the experience of a Crew Member, he was only asked these three questions during his interview:
- What is your name?
- What does respect mean to you?
- Why did you apply to McDonald's?
After these questions, the interviewer spent the rest of the time explaining the ins and outs of working at McDonald's, including details about shifts and various work locations.
Another Crew Member in Australia said her interview lasted 5 minutes. The assistant restaurant manager asked her simple generic interview questions such as:
- Describe yourself in 3 words.
- What school do you go to?
- What year are you in?
- What is your favorite and least favorite subject, and why?
- Why do you want to work at McDonald’s?
- What is your availability?
It's important to note that these experiences might not be typical of all interviews. For instance, one Crew Member mentioned his interview had more questions and lasted 20 minutes.
The interview process varies depending on your location and who’s interviewing you. To ace your interview, it’s best to prepare yourself with all the possible answers.
Understand the interviewer’s point of view
To prepare for an interview, it’s wise to understand what the interviewer is looking for. Here are the things that hiring managers consider when deciding who to hire:
1. Someone who can cope well under pressure. McDonald’s is extremely busy, and they like it when people say things about how they thrive in a busy environment.
2. Someone with good social skills. I know it’s hard in an interview but try not to be shy, and be as friendly and outgoing as possible. You should have a generally positive attitude because people can get very moody on shifts, so they need someone with a good vibe essentially.
3. Someone with reasonable availability. Assuming you’re willing to work full time, tell them that you're available to work in the evenings and on weekends. Also, emphasize your ability to work during school holidays, a time when it often gets very busy.
All of the questions they ask are to test these main points, so you’re bound to get the job if you give them a good impression. Your personality is one of the most important things. Keep these things in mind, and you’ll be able to answer any question the way they want you to.
Most importantly, be confident. Sit up straight, use hand gestures for emphasis, and avoid touching your hair or face. It's okay to feel nervous; just do your best and try not to dwell on negative thoughts.
Good luck!
