From fast food to fast apply

In a tight labour market, fast food giant McDonald’s has come up with a novel way to make it easier to apply for a role. Using phrases like “Alexa, help me get a job at McDonald’s” or “Ok Google, talk to McDonald’s Apply Thru” you can start your application without getting off the couch.

You simply answer a few questions about your name, job area of interest and location which will prompt McDonald’s to text you a link to complete the job application process online. This new feature is available across the US along with Australia, Canada and six major European countries.

Digital home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant have been growing in popularity, however penetration is still relatively low – fewer than 12% of people in the US own one.

McDonald’s is a major employer with a workforce of around two million people spread across 38,000 restaurants around the world. It has been increasingly innovative in its recruitment methods in a bid to attract more applicants.

The fast food giant now offers perks such as college-tuition assistance, English-language courses and career advice to help employees develop workplace skills.