If you’re here, you’ve most likely gone through the application and interview process for a job at McDonald’s. Now it’s time to think about what’s next.
If everything goes well and you get hired, you might worry about your first day at work. What do you need to do to make the most of your first day?
Congratulations on landing your new job at McDonald’s. It’s normal to be anxious about your first day at work.
As for McDonald’s, the first day is pretty simple; you need to show up on time and find the manager, who will introduce you to all the staff and train you for your duties.
You’ll be handed over paperwork containing all the policies you must go through and sign before starting. Pay close attention to everything if you look forward to starting on the right foot.
Following tips and being well-prepared can help you make the most of your first day.
The first day at McDonald’s should not be onerous. Read on to find out how you can ace your first day and what you need to be mindful of.
What Happens on the First Day at McDonald’s
Finally, the day you have been eagerly looking forward to for quite some time is just around the corner, and you’ll start a new job soon.
It’s crucial to start on the right foot, as a good initial impression can greatly benefit you in the long run.
Here’s an overview of what to expect on your first day at McDonald’s:
1. Find the Manager
You first need to approach the counter, introduce yourself, and tell them you’re here for your job. Ask for the manager; if you’re lucky, the manager might already be at the counter.
He will show you around and introduce you to the staff:
2. Understanding Policies
You’ll be required to go through some paperwork outlining the job regulations, followed by your signature, to confirm that you’ll abide by the assigned rules.
Some of the McDonald’s branches have training videos for recruits. These videos explain all the policies, guidelines, and other things like health and safety on the job.
This process may take an hour or two, and you should pay attention to each detail.
Confirm and ask questions about anything you don’t understand before signing the paperwork.
3. New Uniform
Once you are done with the policies and paperwork, you’ll be given a uniform. If they don’t have your size, you can request the one that fits, and the manager will take care of it.
You’ll get a shirt, apron, hat, and a name tag, but the pants and shoes will be your own. Make sure that you have black pants and dark slip-resistant shoes.
4. Shadow Your Trainer
The manager will assign you an experienced crew member who will train you in everything related to the job.
You are supposed to follow your trainer everywhere and carefully observe everything throughout the process.
Management
The first part of shadowing your trainer will be focused on familiarizing yourself with things around the restaurant, where you will learn how to properly clean and arrange everything along with the equipment’s operating procedures.
Kitchen Tasks
After you understand the management, you will be introduced to the kitchen.
They’ll start you deep-frying the fries and gradually show you how to cook and assemble the burgers, followed by wrapping them correctly.
It’s always good practice to take a notepad with you and pen down all the requirements, especially if you tend to forget things easily.
Eventually, you will start getting the hang of everything and be able to handle things on your own with confidence.
Gearing Up for Your First Day
Preparing for the first day of your job can help you gain confidence and allow you to pull it off with greater success.
1. Do Your Research
Learn as much as possible about the company’s history, culture, and mission. This will help you understand the company’s values and how you can contribute to its success.
Many people share their experiences in videos, blogs, and live sessions about how they felt and overcame the confusion of first-day pressure at McDonald’s.
You can discover some useful tips or precautions through such content online.
2. Understand the Requirements
Before starting your job at McDonald’s, try to learn about its services and courtesy style.
Search and understand every aspect of your responsibilities, and it will make things easier for you in the future. Once you get familiar with their services, you can rock your job.
3. Value Your Workplace
McDonald’s is a leading global fast-food chain, with over 200,000 employees serving customers at more than 40,000 locations in various countries worldwide.
Being a member of such a massive business requires some dedication and commitment.
It would help if you worked with a strong commitment and willingness to deliver exceptional services to meet their standards.
How To Ace Your First Day at McDonald’s
There are a few tips that you could follow to have a wonderful start to your job at McDonald’s:
1. Punctuality
The first rule to follow for a successful career is promptness in your work hours. Arriving on time for your shift will make a positive first impression and demonstrate your commitment to the job.
McDonald’s is about working fast; everything needs to be done quickly, from providing food to cleaning the tables.
2. Join the Herd
You don’t want to show up with an arrogant attitude on your first day, right? Be friendly and get along well with everyone because from now on, you’ll see these faces every day.
Communication and soft skills will help you get along well with other employees at McDonald’s.
Keep the best possible attitude and work with a positive mindset; it will make your working hours more pleasant in a few days.
3. Stay Sharp
Being attentive and proactive is crucial for a successful start at any organization. During your first few days at McDonald’s, management will monitor your professional conduct closely to analyze if you’re a good fit.
It’s important to stay calm and energetic while performing your duties to make a positive impression.
Remember that being attentive to customers’ needs and taking the initiative in your work will demonstrate your commitment to the job.
Observe and pay attention to everything. It will enable you to tackle the situation effectively.
4. Keep Your Phone on Silent
Considering a customer’s perspective, if you walk into McDonald’s and find the attendant casually talking on his phone, what impression does it create? Highly unprofessional, right?
If you are going to work at McDonald’s, the same goes for you. Always keep your phone silent to avoid distraction and a negative impression.
If you expect an important call, you can switch off the ringer and keep your phone vibrating to entertain that call in the back room.
5. Don’t Be Hard on Yourself
Lastly, you don’t need to be hard on yourself. Relax, have your lunch on time, and enjoy your first day at McDonald’s to make it a good start.
You might have to deal with the harsh tone of your seniors and face some criticism, so take it positively and don’t give up.
Don’t rush into things or be over-efficient on your first day; learning everything and earning a reputation is a slow process.
Wrapping It Up
Everything has a starting point, and your start determines how far you can go on the path to success.
Your debut at McDonald’s depends on several factors; you should be punctual and be mentally prepared for some criticism. Your manager will ask you to watch training videos and sign off paperwork containing workplace policies.
Once you complete the paperwork, you’ll be asked to shadow a trainer and observe everything he does.
Stay sharp and observe everything or note it down, as it will help you start your job well. Good luck with your first day!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Early Should I Show Up on My First Day at McDonald’s?
It’s a good practice to show up 15 minutes before the assigned time, as in some cases, you may find it difficult to get a hold of your manager.
If you are visiting during rush hours, you should visit 30 minutes earlier because you’ll most likely have difficulty securing a parking spot and finding someone you can talk to, as associates might be busy entertaining the customers.
Should I Buy a Uniform Before My First Day at McDonald’s?
You don’t need to buy the uniform yourself; the manager will hand it to you on your first day. However, you’ll have to wear black pants and dark shoes.
How Long Do I Shadow My Trainer on My First Day at McDonald’s?
Usually, it takes around 2-4 hours to understand your tasks, but the exact answer to this question depends on your ability to understand things and the nature of your job.
If you are only going to deal with cleaning and arranging at the restaurant, you won’t have to shadow for much longer, but if you are looking forward to working in the kitchen, it might take some time.
Remember to ask questions about anything you don’t understand or are confused about, as it will benefit you in the long run.
Do I Need Cooking Skills To Work at McDonald’s?
You don’t necessarily need cooking skills to work at McDonald’s.
It’s not mandatory, but it can benefit someone who already has such skills and has previously worked at any other fast-food chain, as they will be familiar with kitchen tools and management.
