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McDonald’s Assessment Test ({YEAR} Guide)

McDonald’s Assessment Test (2024 Guide)

Why Do You Want To Work At McDonald’s?

McDonald’s is the world’s largest restaurant chain by revenue.

In 2018, the restaurants served more than 69 million customers per day in more than 100 countries.

Although headquartered in Chicago, McDonald’s restaurants are a global franchise, with more than 80% of UK locations franchise-owned.

McDonald’s tends to hire internally for managerial positions, and 90% of current business managers started as crew members, with £43 million a year invested in training and development of staff.

McDonald’s can be so much more than just a job.

McDonald's Career Opportunities

McDonald's career offers a variety of opportunities that can be categorized into three distinct areas.

Restaurant Roles

  • Crew member
  • Customer care assistant
  • Customer experience leader

Early Careers

  • Student work experience
  • Apprenticeship
  • Management degree apprenticeship
  • Graduate trainee manager

Head Office

  • Marketing
  • Supply chain
  • Corporate affairs
  • Business strategy and insight
  • HR
  • Finance
  • New product development

Within the realm of McDonald's career benefits, employees enjoy a range of advantages such as comprehensive training recognized for its excellence, flexible work schedules, a pension scheme, holiday pay, regular performance evaluations and service accolades.

Additionally, restaurant staff are entitled to a complimentary meal during their shifts, while all employees have access to discounts at various renowned high street retailers.

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How to Apply for a Job at McDonald’s in 2024

McDonald's Application Process

The McDonald's hiring process is simple and streamlined, beginning with the McDonald's online application.

The online application form requires the usual background details, work experience and qualifications.

Additionally, you will encounter McDonald's-specific questions that delve into your motivations for joining the company and your career aspirations.

McDonald's Personality Test

If your application meets the criteria for the role you have applied for, you will be sent a link to the personality assessment.

As part of the hiring process at McDonald's, applicants are required to complete the McDonald's Personality Test, a pre-employment assessment.

This assessment is administered online and can be conveniently completed using a computer or laptop. Its purpose is to evaluate whether your personality traits align with the job role and the company culture at McDonald's.

McDonald's Telephone Interview

Once you have completed the personality questionnaire, you will take part in a McDonald's telephone interview.

In this phone interview, you will be asked questions about your competencies.

Here, the recruitment team is looking for examples of when you have had to deal with a difficult customer, work as a team or complete a project, all based around McDonald’s core values, which according to the corporate website, are:

  • We put our customers and people first
  • We open our doors to everyone
  • We do the right thing
  • We are good neighbors
  • We get better together

There will be opportunities for you to ask questions during the telephone interview, and this is where you can demonstrate the research you have done for the position, about the job role, the UK business and the wider business.

McDonald's Orientation Day

If you are successful in the telephone interview, you will be invited to an McDonald's orientation day.

You will watch some videos outlining McDonald’s history and other important points about the business, and you might be asked to have a face-to-face interview with a member of management.

What Is the McDonald’s Personality Test?

Personality tests are a branch of psychometric tests designed to help recruiters understand more about candidates' personality traits, work behavior and motivations to match them with the role and the wider business.

McDonald’s Personality tests tend to involve a measure of self-reporting, which means that applicants need to consider their response to the question prompts regarding how accurately they are portrayed.

Personality tests tend to be based on workplace psychology, looking at personality traits that are important for the role. These might include:

  • Teamwork
  • Communication styles
  • Extraversion
  • Motivation
  • Conscientiousness

McDonald's Personality tests produce profiles that recruiters can use to compare the results of each applicant to an ‘ideal candidate', so they can take the right candidates forward in the application process.

McDonald's Test : How to Apply for McDonald's in 2024
McDonald's Test : How to Apply for McDonald's in 2024

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McDonald's Personality Test Answers

There are no right or wrong answers in a McDonald's personality test.

But there are good and bad responses that employers use to find candidates who have the required personality traits and work behaviors.

It can seem a bit unusual and unnerving to ‘reveal’ yourself through a personality test, but in most cases, you will not be aware of the data points that are being collected. Introspection can be uncomfortable.

The McDonald’s personality test is structured similar to most personality tests, with statements rather than questions that need to be answered.

There are 64 pairs of statements presented in the assessment, and you need to choose the statement out of the pair that you think best describes you.

The statements may not be related to one another, or they might be similar. Some pairs might both seem to have negative traits, and you will still need to choose the statement that best describes you.

The test is not timed but usually takes between 15–30 minutes to complete.

It can be difficult to choose which statement is truer for you, but the best way to answer is to be honest and try not to overthink how you are answering, as these tests are designed to pick up on any unclear answers.

The statements that are in the McDonald’s test might be like the below:

  • 'I enjoy learning new things'
  • 'I prefer to let other people make decisions'

Both statements could be equally valid for you, so the choice needs to be which is most appropriate.

To make the best choice, answer quickly rather than trying to think too hard about which answer the recruiters want you to pick.

How to Pass the McDonald’s Test in 2024: McDonald's's interview tips

Step 1. Research the Company

This is an essential step throughout the whole application process.

In this research, focus on the culture and general mission, which is to 'make delicious feel-good moments easy for everyone', and keep in mind the values as mentioned above.

You can also make a good impression in the interviews by using this research and news reports about the business and wider fast-food industry to form interesting and insightful questions to ask the recruitment team.

Knowing the type of person that the recruitment team is looking for can help you focus when you are choosing statements, even if you are honest.

Step 2. Know the Role and Key Competencies

The role you have applied for will list key competencies, skills, experience and qualifications that you need to be successful.

This information will help you provide examples of your experience that highlight these competencies and demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge in the interviews and in the personality assessment.

Step 3. Don’t Rush Through the Questions

Although the best advice is to go with your gut when you are answering the questions, don’t rush.

Make sure you read and understand each statement before choosing the appropriate answer in each pair to avoid missing anything important.

There is no time limit to worry about, so you can take your time.

Step 4. Answer From a Professional Perspective

Remember that, when you are selecting the right statement that best describes you, you need to be answering from a professional perspective.

In your personal life you might be rather different from your professional persona, and this is where you need to consider how your workplace behavior and responses might be different.

Keep your professional head on while you are answering the questions to get the most accurate results.

Step 5. Answer Honestly

Once you have done your research, it might seem like a good idea to try and choose the answers that best match the key competencies, the values of McDonald’s and the type of person you think the company might want to recruit.

However, the test is designed to pick up on contradictions and unclear answers, so honesty is the best way to answer.

The personality test assesses how well you will fit in the role and in the wider company culture, so it is important that you are honest in your answers.

If you are not a great fit because of your personality traits and the way you like to work, the likelihood is that you won’t be successful, and you probably won’t enjoy working there.

Think of the personality assessment as a way to decide if you are the best person for the role or if your talents make you a better fit in a different position.

Step 6. Avoid Contradictory Answers

Although it might be difficult when the statements can be so different, it is best to try and avoid selecting too many answers that contradict each other.

This runs the risk of making your results appear inaccurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McDonald's, like many fast-food chains, sometimes conducts on-the-spot interviews for certain entry-level positions.

They may offer immediate employment to qualified candidates who meet their hiring criteria during the interview process.

The minimum hiring age at McDonald's can vary depending on local labor laws and regulations in each country or state. In many places, the minimum age to work at McDonald's is typically 14 or 16 years old, but it's important to note that some locations might have higher minimum age requirements.

There is no fixed timeframe as it can depend on the company's internal processes, the number of applicants they are considering, the urgency of the hiring needs, and the availability of the hiring managers or decision-makers.

Here's a general outline of what you can expect:

  • Application: You can apply for a job at McDonald's online through their official website or by filling out an application form at the restaurant.

  • Initial Screening: Once your application is received, the hiring manager or HR representative will review it to assess your qualifications and suitability for the position.

  • Interview Invitation: If your application meets the requirements, you may receive an invitation for an interview. This could be in person at the restaurant or conducted virtually through video conferencing.

  • Face-to-Face Interview: The interview itself will usually be conducted by the hiring manager or a member of the management team. During the interview, they will ask you questions about your work experience, availability, customer service skills, and your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. They might also inquire about your knowledge of McDonald's and your motivation for wanting to work there.

  • Assessment and Skills Evaluation: In some cases, McDonald's may ask candidates to take a short assessment or participate in a skills evaluation, especially for roles that require specific skills or knowledge.

  • Background Check: After the interview, McDonald's may conduct a background check to verify your employment history and criminal record.

  • Job Offer: If you successfully pass all stages of the interview process and meet the necessary requirements, you may receive a job offer from McDonald's.

The duration of a McDonald's interview can vary depending on the location, the position you are applying for, and the complexity of the interview process. Generally, a McDonald's interview can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

In many cases, especially for entry-level positions at McDonald's, a formal resume may not be required. McDonald's often provides a standard application form that applicants can fill out with their personal information, work history, and availability.

However, having a resume can still be beneficial, even if it's not explicitly required. A well-prepared resume can showcase your skills, experiences, and accomplishments, making you stand out as a more organized and professional candidate. It can also demonstrate your ability to take the application process seriously.

Here are some common reasons why individuals might want to work at McDonald's or any other fast-food restaurant:

  • Gain Work Experience: McDonald's is often a popular choice for students and young people who are seeking their first job.

  • Flexibility: Fast-food restaurants like McDonald's often offer flexible work hours, making it an attractive option for individuals with other commitments, such as students or those with part-time jobs.

  • Career Growth: McDonald's and other fast-food chains provide opportunities for career advancement.

  • Employee Benefits: McDonald's may offer various employee benefits, such as discounted meals, health insurance options and training programs.

  • Team Environment: Working in a fast-food restaurant involves being part of a team and working closely with colleagues.

  • Interacting with Customers: For those who enjoy interacting with people, working at McDonald's allows them to engage with a diverse customer base and provide service to people from various backgrounds.

  • Part-Time or Temporary Work: McDonald's can be an attractive option for individuals who need part-time or temporary work to supplement their income or manage financial needs.

Here are some common questions that you might encounter during a McDonald's interview:

  • Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
  • Why do you want to work at McDonald's?
  • What do you know about McDonald's as a company?
  • Have you had any previous experience in the fast-food industry or customer service?
  • How would you handle a difficult customer?
  • How do you prioritize tasks and handle a fast-paced work environment?
  • How do you work as part of a team?
  • Are you comfortable working flexible hours and weekends?
  • Tell me about a time when you demonstrated excellent customer service.
  • How do you handle stressful situations?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses as an employee?
  • How do you ensure cleanliness and food safety in the workplace?
  • Are you familiar with McDonald's menu and offerings?
  • How would you handle a situation where a coworker is not pulling their weight?
  • Why should we hire you?

The length of McDonald's orientation can vary depending on the location and the specific training program they have in place. In general, McDonald's orientation typically lasts for a few hours to a full day.

Here's what usually happens after the orientation:

  • On-the-Job Training: Following the orientation, new employees will receive on-the-job training specific to their role. They will work alongside experienced staff members to learn the tasks and responsibilities related to their position.

  • Continued Training: McDonald's often provides ongoing training to help employees improve their skills and stay up-to-date with company policies and procedures.

  • Probation Period: Some McDonald's locations may have a probationary period for new employees. During this time, the performance and suitability

  • Job Assignment: Depending on the specific position and the needs of the restaurant, new employees may be assigned to various roles within the restaurant, such as cashier, cook, or customer service.

  • Shift Scheduling: After the training period, new employees will be added to the regular shift schedule.

  • Employee Benefits: If applicable, employees may start receiving any benefits offered by McDonald's, such as discounted meals, employee assistance programs, or health insurance (for full-time employees).

  • Continued Growth: McDonald's encourages employee development and provides opportunities for career advancement.

As of my last update in September 2021, McDonald's drug testing policies can vary depending on the location and local regulations. In the United States, for example, McDonald's typically doesn't conduct pre-employment drug testing for entry-level positions like crew members or cashiers.

However, some locations or franchisees may have their drug testing policies in place, so it's essential to check with the specific McDonald's restaurant or franchise where you are applying to confirm their drug testing requirements.

Final Thoughts

The McDonald’s personality test is an essential part of the application process for all roles.

Although it can be a difficult prospect to assess yourself using the statements provided, it is an excellent way for the recruiting team to assess your work behavior and personality traits.

The best way to answer these questions is to be honest about your professional self and behavior so that the McDonald’s recruitment team can make the right decision about taking you forward in the application process.

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