Brand spotlight

Does McDonald's Hire 16-Year-Olds?

Most McDonald's restaurants hire at 16, and many franchise owners actively recruit teens for crew roles. Managers look for applicants who show up on time, follow instructions, and keep a friendly tone with guests even during rush periods. Your teen job kit, which includes a resume, availability grid, and short cover note, signals that you take the opportunity seriously.

Before applying, understand the pace of a typical shift: taking orders, assembling food, cleaning stations, and supporting coworkers. Think about times you executed tasks quickly and accurately, whether in school projects, extracurriculars, or family responsibilities. Highlight your stamina and willingness to learn standardized procedures. McDonald's values consistency, so emphasize how you follow checklists, accept feedback, and stay calm when technology glitches or lines grow.

Expect the interview to cover teamwork, customer service, and schedule flexibility. Practice explaining how you handle multitasking, keep areas clean, and communicate with supervisors. Bring a detailed availability grid; franchises often need after-school coverage until closing and weekend breakfast shifts. Mention your transportation plan so managers know you can arrive early and stay until the lobby or drive-thru is cleaned.

Follow up after the interview with a thank-you call or message. Ask about next steps, onboarding paperwork, and required training modules. Managers frequently promote teens who show initiative, greet guests warmly, and volunteer for extra shifts before big events or sporting seasons.

Apply online

Visit careers.mcdonalds.com and search for crew positions near your ZIP code. Each listing notes whether the store is company-owned or franchised and specifies age requirements. Confirm the role accepts 16-year-olds before applying.
Prepare your resume with bullet points about customer service, teamwork, and reliability. Include extracurricular leadership, volunteer hours, and any first aid or food safety certifications. Save it as a PDF.
Complete the application form carefully, answering scenario questions with examples that show a positive attitude and compliance with procedures. When asked about availability, list realistic hours you can work during school weeks and holidays.
Track your application through the McHire portal or call the store after two days. Ask to speak with the hiring manager, mention your application, and offer to stop by with your resume and availability grid.

Walk-in application tips

Visit during mid-afternoon, typically 2 to 4 p.m., when lunch rush has ended. Wear neat, casual attire, tie back long hair, and bring your resume folder. Greet the staff politely and ask for the hiring manager.
Introduce yourself with a quick pitch describing your interest in customer service and how you can support the team during busy shifts. Smile, maintain eye contact, and speak clearly.
Ask about training schedules, uniform requirements, and preferred follow-up methods. Take notes so you can tailor your thank-you message to what matters most to that location.
Leave your resume and availability grid with the manager, thank them for their time, and follow up within 24 hours via phone or email.

Resume bullets you can copy

Resume bullet 1

Thrives in fast-paced environments; helped coordinate school concession stands and maintained accuracy under pressure.

Resume bullet 2

Communicates clearly with teammates and adults; resolves conflicts quickly and keeps interactions positive for guests.

Resume bullet 3

Keeps work areas clean and stocked; follows sanitation checklists and double-checks orders before delivering to customers.

Resume bullet 4

Available evenings, weekends, and many holidays; discusses schedule adjustments early to avoid last-minute conflicts.

Finish your packet

Pair these bullets with a polished resume and an availability grid. Managers at McDonald's hire faster when teens walk in prepared.

Open resume builder Plan availability

Frequently asked questions

Do all McDonald's restaurants hire at 16?Show

Most do, but franchise owners set their own policies. Some high-traffic urban locations prefer applicants aged 17 or 18. Check each posting or call the store to confirm before applying.

What should I expect during orientation?Show

You will review safety procedures, food handling, customer service expectations, and the uniform policy. Pay close attention to how managers want guests greeted and how stations should be reset after each rush.

How can I show I am dependable?Show

Bring a precise availability grid, explain your transportation plan, and mention achievements tied to reliability, such as perfect attendance awards or leadership roles.

What should I do if the fryer or register malfunctions while I am working?Show

Stay calm, inform a manager immediately, and follow the troubleshooting steps you were trained on. McDonald's values teens who communicate quickly and protect food safety standards.

How do I request more hours after training?Show

Speak with the shift manager or general manager once you feel confident in your role. Share updated availability, volunteer for upcoming events, and continue demonstrating punctuality and teamwork.