During a challenging period of labour shortages in the foodservice industry across Canada, fast food chain McDonald’s has embarked on a campaign to hire thousands of people for its more than 1,400 restaurants.
Becky Ohayon, Senior Director, Field Human Resources McDonald’s Canada told Retail Insider that there are more than 20,000 open positions at McDonald’s for job-seeking students looking for work as well as more mature job seekers.
“We like to say that we’re always hiring, and the back-to-school season is no exception. There are a range of positions available for youth at McDonald’s Canada restaurants from Crew member all the way to Guest Experience Leaders, with opportunities for growth no matter where you’re starting from,” she said.
“With students going back-to-school in the coming weeks, we are looking to hire students looking for flexible work during the school year. Around 70 per cent of our restaurant staff is under 24. Available roles offer youth and students flexible schedules to help balance school, extra curriculars, community work and life while working in a skill-building position.”
Ohayon said hiring is an industry wide problem today.
“Everyone is looking to hire, but our size and scale makes hiring an extra challenge. While many brands in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) space may be looking to hire, there’s a lot that makes McDonald’s Canada stand out as an employer. From career development opportunities to flexible schedules, McDonald’s Canada has long been a great first job to kickstart your career—a claim recognized by hiring managers and recruiters across Canada.”
She said working with the fast-food chain is more than just a paycheque as it provides learning and development opportunities designed to empower employees with the tools to grow and succeed in their careers.
McDonald’s cites some independent surveys showing:
- 58 per cent of employers surveyed say it would be appealing for a job candidate to have experience working at McDonald’s restaurant;
- 89 per cent agree McDonald’s restaurant experience demonstrates that applicants can work well as part of a team;
- 82 per cent per cent agree McDonald’s restaurant experience is applicable to careers beyond the food and beverage industry;
- 77 per cent of hiring managers and recruiters believe that McDonald’s restaurant experience signals applicants have acquired versatile skills including people skills, communication skills, listening skills, time management and empathy;
- 35 per cent of hiring managers surveyed would select the applicant with McDonald’s restaurant experience when looking at two similar CVs;
- According to a recent survey, Canadian residents with previous McDonald’s restaurant work experience went on to work in fields such as education (six per cent), healthcare (eight per cent) and government (nine per cent).
Ohayon said about one in 10 Canadians have worked at a McDonald’s restaurant at some point.
McDonald’s has operated in Canada for the past 55 years.The first McDonald’s was launched in 1967 in Richmond, BC. Nearly 100,000 people are employed from coast to coast to coast, and more than 90 per cent of McDonald’s 1,400 Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent franchisees.
