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Table of contents

McDonald’s resume examples
How to format a McDonald’s resume
How to write a McDonald’s resume in 5 simple steps
Do you need a cover letter for a McDonald’s crew member position?
Key takeaways for your fast-food resume
FAQs from job seekers

Making a resume as a McDonald’s employee, whether a crew member or a manager, involves showcasing your experiences and skills in a way that’s as enticing as the first bite of a Big Mac.

It’s your opportunity to present the key ingredients that make you a standout candidate and to underline the unique strengths you bring to the fast-food industry.

Reviewing the job description closely can help you tailor your resume to meet the specific needs of the position you’re aiming for.

If the thought of putting together a resume makes you uneasy, don’t worry. Our guide is here to support you.

This guide covers:

A fast-food resume example, perfect for roles at McDonald’s.
A step-by-step guide to ensure your resume grabs attention.
Design and formatting tips to make your application look professional.
Advice on crafting a cover letter that complements your resume perfectly.
Key insights to aid your career progression in the fast-food industry.

Want to make your resume now? Our AI Resume Builder is here to help. It’s easy to use and features templates specifically designed for the fast-food industry, ensuring your resume and application truly stand out.

McDonald’s resume examples

McDonald’s crew member resume example

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Here’s why this resume hits the mark:

The objective statement is effective
The applicant starts by sharing their goals in a tightly written resume objective, which touches on a range of skills from work ethic to customer service.
Formatting is consistent
Poorly formatted resumes get tossed in the trash bin. This document uses headers, bullet points and bold text in an effective, easy-to-read way.
Skills are prioritized
Like all applicants early in their careers, this resume focuses on skills rather than work experience. Skills run the gamut from soft skills like teamwork to hard skills like inventory management.

McDonald’s manager resume example

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Here’s why this resume hits the mark:

A splash of color helps it stand out
When recruiters are sorting through dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes, a little touch of color (in this case, red), is a great way to stand out from the pack.
Work history is emphasized
As a manager, this applicant has a good deal of experience at McDonald’s. See how they use bullet points to emphasize duties and accomplishments in their previous roles, citing data whenever possible.
Includes relevant certifications
The resume ends with a short list of certifications, including ServSafe Food Handler Certification and another for CPR and first aid.

Browse other popular samples

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Fast Food Resume: Skills, Examples & Job Description

How to format a McDonald’s resume

Let’s start with the basics of formatting your resume.

Choosing the right resume format can be as important as ensuring freshness in food and cleanliness in a fast-food environment. Here are three main resume formats explained (and why you might choose each one):

Chronological resume: Best if you’ve progressed in fast-food roles, say from crew member to shift manager. It’s like listing your work history on a menu, showcasing your growth within the industry. Opt for this if you have a solid track record of positions with increasing responsibility.
Functional resume: This format is ideal if you’re new to the fast-food world or have some gaps in your employment history. It highlights your skills — like quick service or maintaining cleanliness — rather than a detailed job history. If your strengths are in efficiency and customer service, this layout helps put those skills front and center.
Combination resume: Perfect for those with hands-on experience and robust skills in fast food, such as managing busy shifts and training new staff. This format allows you to display both your past roles and the skills you’ve honed, like ensuring smooth operations during peak times.

Remember, even though McDonald’s and other fast-food jobs may not always require a resume, having one prepared is a smart move. Now, let’s pick the right resume design.

Selecting a resume design

Create your resume

Now, let’s discuss resume templates. The right design will ensure your key achievements, like managing a busy lunch rush or boosting service efficiency, are highlighted.

For a fast-food or restaurant role, you can choose from a range of templates, from simple to creative.

Securing the perfect template sets you up for success.

How to write a McDonald’s resume in 5 simple steps

Creating a resume for a McDonald’s position becomes easier when you follow a few clear steps. Here’s how to make sure your resume grabs attention.

Step 1

Check out the McDonald’s job description

Tailor your resume to match exactly what McDonald’s and other fast-food employers are looking for. Instead of listing general skills, focus on the specific abilities and experiences that are highly valued in fast food, such as speedy service, cleanliness and customer satisfaction.

Start with the job posting. Read it thoroughly to pinpoint the skills that are emphasized, whether it’s being quick in a fast-paced environment, understanding food safety standards or managing a team.

These skills are your keywords. Think of them like the special sauce in your Big Mac — they make your resume tastier to recruiters. Incorporate these keywords throughout your resume to demonstrate your understanding of the role and to help your resume get past any applicant tracking systems (ATS) that McDonald’s might use to screen candidates.

For those of you who have previously worked at McDonald’s or another fast-food chain and are trying to figure out how to describe that experience, look no further than the job descriptions for guidance. Here’s what a typical fast-food worker job description might include:

Examples to use when describing your experience working at McDonald’s:

Provide fast, efficient service to customers.
Maintain high cleanliness and hygiene standards in all areas.
Prepare and serve food adhering to safety standards.
Work collaboratively with team members to achieve service goals.
Handle cash register operations and ensure transaction accuracy.

Simply mention you have exactly what they’re describing, and you’ll be well on your way to getting an interview.

Step 2

Kick it off with a summary

Begin your resume with a strong introduction that grabs attention. Choose either a professional summary or a resume objective based on your experience.

If you’ve previously worked at McDonald’s or another fast-food restaurant, opt for a professional summary to highlight your skills and experience, demonstrating why you’re an ideal candidate for the position.

For those new to the fast-food industry or transitioning from another field, an objective statement can outline your goals and show how they align with the demands of a fast-food job.

Here’s how you could craft these:

Professional summary example:

Experienced fast-food worker adept at maintaining cleanliness, providing rapid and friendly service and efficiently managing kitchen duties. Proven success in boosting customer satisfaction and optimizing workflow during busy hours. Looking forward to bringing my dedication and proven abilities to McDonald’s, enhancing customer experiences and fostering loyalty.

Resume objective example:

Eager to enter the fast-food industry at McDonald’s. Coming from a customer service background, enthusiastic about thriving in fast-paced environments and keen to develop skills in food preparation and team management. Committed to delivering exceptional service and supporting team goals.

Step 3

Highlight skills you used at McDonald’s

Selecting the right skills for your resume is akin to perfecting the layers of a double cheeseburger.

In fast food, a mix of practical, hard skills (like operating grills and fryers) and soft skills (like effective teamwork) is essential. Being quick on your feet, maintaining a spotless workspace and providing excellent customer service are crucial.

If you’re leveraging your fast-food experience for a different industry, highlight transferable skills such as teamwork, time management and clear communication. These skills are valuable as they demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of a fast-paced environment while upholding high service standards.

Example of a balanced skill set for a fast-food worker:

Hard Skills

Food preparation.
Maintaining cleanliness.
Operating kitchen equipment.
Adhering to food safety standards.

Soft Skills

Effective communication.
Engaging customer interaction.
Managing peak times calmly and efficiently.
Resolving customer issues promptly.

Skills section example for a McDonald’s crew member:

Proven ability to maintain cleanliness.
Skilled in ensuring order accuracy.
Strong team player with effective communication skills.
Capable of multitasking under pressure.

Pro tip

Don’t omit your computer skills. Knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems and order management software can greatly enhance operational efficiency, making you a valuable addition to any McDonald’s team.

Step 4

Create a work experience section

Your work experience is like the special dipping sauces that make your fast-food resume stand out, especially if you’ve achieved notable milestones in the industry.

Since hiring managers typically review resumes quickly, it’s crucial to present your experience in clear, concise bullet points, beginning with your most recent job and working backward.

Example of a work experience section for a McDonald’s resume:

Fast-food Team Member, Burger Queen
Townsville, ST
March 2019 – May 2024

Served up to 200 customers daily, ensuring high-quality service and speedy delivery, which contributed to a 20% increase in repeat business.
Kept a meticulously clean and organized workstation, consistently exceeding health inspection standards with scores of 95% or higher.
Excelled in multitasking, effectively managing cash register duties and food preparation during busy periods.
Developed a customer feedback initiative that raised customer satisfaction scores by 10%.
Trained and mentored 15 new crew members, promoting a team environment focused on efficiency and precision.

Pro tip

Begin each bullet with dynamic verbs like “served,” “kept” and “developed” to showcase your initiative and the positive outcomes of your work, helping you stand out as a proactive and impactful team member.

Step 5

Highlight your education

In the fast-food industry, your education section can set you apart.

Even if your hands-on experience at McDonald’s taught you the essentials, listing your education and any relevant certifications can add a professional touch and show your commitment to the industry.

How to present your education:

Education:

High School Diploma
Anytown High School, Anytown, USA
Graduation: June 2019

Certifications:

Food Handler’s Certification
Customer Service Excellence Training

Optional sections for your fast-food resume

Languages

Being fluent in multiple languages can help you communicate with a diverse customer base, which can improve your customer service and team dynamics at McDonald’s.

How to present your language skills:

English: Native proficiency
Spanish: Advanced
Mandarin: Conversational

Awards and recognition

Highlighting honors and awards, like “Employee of the Month,” can distinguish you as a dedicated employee. Such accolades demonstrate your commitment and excellence in the fast-food industry.

How to format your awards:

Employee of the Month: Recognized for outstanding customer service and teamwork, McDonald’s, 2021.
Best Team Player Award: Awarded for exceptional cooperation and boosting team morale, McDonald’s, 2020.

Volunteer work

Relevant volunteer experiences illustrate your commitment to community engagement and leadership, showcasing highly valued qualities in any team setting.

How to list your volunteer experience:

Food bank volunteer: Led a team in organizing and distributing meals, highlighting leadership and commitment to community service, 2021-2022.
Community cleanup participant: Actively involved in local environmental cleanup efforts, showing dedication to community improvement and teamwork, 2020.

Special trainings

Including special trainings you’ve completed shows your initiative to enhance your skills, making you a more competent and versatile employee.

How to list special training:

Food Safety Certification: Completed a comprehensive course on food handling and safety protocols, enhancing quality control skills, 2021.
Customer Service Excellence Workshop: Participated in a workshop focused on improving customer interactions and satisfaction, 2020.

Do you need a cover letter for a McDonald’s crew member position?

Cover letter example mcdonalds crew member

Create your cover letter

It’s not common to submit a cover letter when applying for a position as a McDonald’s crew member. However, knowing how to write a cover letter is a valuable skill.

If you’re interested in going the extra mile, start by exploring some cover letter examples specifically tailored for fast-food roles. Pay attention to how they are structured and formatted.

You might also consider using a cover letter builder designed to help craft messages suited for positions like a McDonald’s crew member, providing customized content highlighting your strengths in customer service and teamwork.

Key takeaways for your fast-food resume

Read the job description

Ensure your resume includes keywords and phrases that match the McDonald’s job posting. If the role emphasizes quick service or food safety, highlight your experience in these critical areas.
Pick the best format based on your experience

For those new to fast food, a functional layout can help highlight the skills you bring to the table, much like putting the right items in a Happy Meal.
Choose a design

Your resume should be as appealing as a neatly arranged menu. Opt for a clean, structured design that makes your qualifications easy to read and understand.
Represent a range of skills

Include a mix of technical skills, such as operating kitchen equipment, alongside soft skills like customer service and teamwork.
Highlight the qualities that set you apart

Detail specific achievements that demonstrate your effectiveness, such as improving customer satisfaction scores or reducing wait times.

FAQs from job seekers

Was this information about McDonald’s Resume: Examples, Skills & Job Description helpful? Let us know!

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.