McDonalds is looking to hire about 2,000 people across Arizona, including nearly 900 in Maricopa County. The company designated Wednesday as "Hiring Day" with walk-in interview opportunities across the state.
As the fast-food industry changes, so are employment expectations. A few years ago when Chris Carney graduated from McDonald’s Hamburger University, it was all about speed.
“You know, it was how fast can we get you through our drive-through so you’re not running late to work,” he said.
Focused, multitaskers were considered great hires then, but now Carney said, “Customers are telling us, hey it’s OK to slow down. I want my order to be accurate, I want my food to be great and I want a wonderful experience from your crew people.”
That feedback, along with competition from fast casual restaurants, has McDonalds looking for friendly, outgoing employees. Carney, who is an owner/operator of three restaurants in the Valley, said he has added staff to help customers navigate order kiosks and provide table service.
McDonald’s says it currently employs nearly 10,000 people statewide.
