THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Finding job at some McDonald’s now as simple as asking Alexa

Finding job at some McDonald’s now as simple as asking Alexa

In what they hail as a “world’s first” McDonald’s says their “Apply Thru” feature allows job applicants to get started merely by using their voice.

McDonald’s Corporation is now working with a voice familiar to millions. Alexa is able to assist with the first step in applying for a McDonald’s restaurant job, helping to drive worldwide talent to apply through the McDonald’s Apply Thru skill.
The world’s first voice-initiated application process, the McDonald’s Apply Thru is available starting today (September 26) as part of the recently launched Made at McDonald’s global hiring campaign that seeks to drive applications worldwide, according to a Thursday release.
“We must continue to innovate and think of creative, and in this case, ground-breaking, ways to meet potential job seekers on devices they are already using, like Alexa,” said the fast-food restaurant giant’s executive vice president and chief people officer, David Fairhurst.
“Alexa has many of the qualities we look for on our teams – friendly, responsive and fun. I am looking forward to having our application process simplified with Alexa.”
Thanks to Alexa, starting a job application is as simple as saying “Alexa, help me get a job at McDonald’s.” You can also use any device with the Google Assistant built in, by saying, “Hey Google, get me a job at McDonald’s”. The voice experience is available on Alexa and Google Assistant devices in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the UK and is expected to roll out to other countries in the coming months. After opening McDonald’s Apply Thru, all users need to jump-start their application process is answer a few basic questions ranging from their name, job area of interest and location. Potential applicants receive a short text message shortly thereafter with a link to continue their application process.
“Alexa makes life easier, and we’re thrilled to see McDonald’s utilise voice to create a simpler, more convenient job application process for customers,” said Steve Rabuchin, vice president for Alexa. “With Apply Thru, customers can start the process for a job at their nearest McDonald’s restaurant – all they need to do is ask.”
This move is part of the company’s larger Made at McDonald’s campaign, which highlights all the opportunities a first job, part-time job, or lifelong career at McDonald’s can create.
McDonald’s and its independent franchisees provide jobs for almost 2 million people across the world and are committed to inspiring workplaces where everyone – from crew to c-suite – is equally supported and empowered to realise their full potential. This campaign underscores the ways jobs at McDonald’s restaurants help build skills, education and relationships that translate to new experiences, said the release. Whether crew members plan to enjoy a career at McDonald’s or in another industry, the skills made at McDonald’s restaurants are transferrable no matter what career path they choose. 
With the McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity education programme, eligible employees at participating US restaurants receive an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, receive upfront college tuition assistance, access free education and career advising services and learn English as a second language and so set them up for future success. Later this year, McDonald’s intends to launch a career navigation app in the US that will allow eligible employees and the communities in which McDonald’s operates the chance to explore careers at the chain and in other industries like healthcare and IT.

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