What is McDonald’s Orientation? (How Long, Do You Get Paid + What To Wear)

There are a few steps involved in becoming part of the McDonald’s team, with one of the final steps being attending orientation.

We know you have a ton of questions, including what is McDonald’s orientation all about and whether you will get paid for it? We’ll answer all of these questions and more below, so keep reading!

What is McDonald’s Orientation?

McDonald’s orientation is for new hires where you can learn more about McDonald’s and talk more in-depth with your manager. You’ll go through the kitchen and tour the restaurant you’ll be working in, fill out paperwork, find out what the expectations are, what working at McDonald’s is like, and you maybe will be able to make some free food to eat.

While that’s the basics of orientation, there are a lot of other details and things to know about McDonald’s orientation, so read on to learn more!

How Long Does McDonald’s Orientation Last?

McDonald’s orientation can last from two hours to five hours depending upon the location and if other new hires are also there.

Additionally, when asking how long McDonald’s orientation lasts, it also depends upon whether you have questions and how much interest you have in learning more details about the company.

On average, you can expect to spend two hours or three hours at your orientation. 

Do You Have to Wear a Uniform to McDonald’s Orientation?

You do not have to wear a uniform to McDonald’s orientation, but you’re expected to dress formally but also comfortably. 

Furthermore, you might be asked to wear a white shirt and black pants, and you’ll need slip-resistant shoes since you’re going to be walking into the kitchen.

Is the McDonald’s Orientation Paid?

McDonald’s will pay you the hourly wage that you agreed to when you were hired to attend the orientation, and you’ll get that money on your first paycheck

What Should You Bring to McDonald’s Orientation?

For orientation at McDonald’s, you should only have to bring your I-9 tax form, a valid government photo ID, and your social security card.

However, you could bring a notepad so that you can take notes when the manager and others are talking and going over the job duties, tips to help you with the job, and other details.

In addition to that, you may want to bring water and a small snack just in case orientation runs a little longer than anticipated or you get hungry on your way back home.

Do You Get Your Uniform During McDonald’s Orientation?

Do You Get Your Uniform During McDonald’s Orientation?

You will get your uniform at the end of the McDonald’s orientation once all of your paperwork has been filled out appropriately, and you’ve gone through any additional steps required.

Additionally, McDonald’s will not charge you for the shirt, name tag, and cap, which are all part of the uniform. 

Unfortunately, you will have to purchase black pants from a retail store if you don’t own a pair that’s acceptable to wear for the job.

However, in certain situations, your store may be out of your size in shirt and have to order it for you, so be patient if your manager has to find you a uniform after orientation.

Will A McDonald’s Employee Handbook Be Given Out During Orientation?

During orientation, you’ll also receive an employee handbook from McDonald’s, which goes over everything from what’s expected of you to your potential benefits.

Additionally, this handbook goes into various company policies such as zero-tolerance sexual harassment, being a drug-free workplace, and how to communicate with management.

Will You Get Your Work Schedule During Orientation?

McDonald’s will give you your upcoming work schedule at the end of the orientation, which the manager often puts together. 

Furthermore, the schedule could be for one week or for two weeks, depending upon how that particular store operates.

How to Prepare for McDonald’s Orientation

While orientation for McDonald’s isn’t a long all-day event, if you want to make a good first impression, then you should prepare for the orientation a couple of days beforehand.

Furthermore, we have tips on helping you prepare for your McDonald’s orientation below!

1. Go Over Documents Given Out During Your Interview or Day You Got Hired

A lot of times, you’ll receive some documents during the interview that tell you more about McDonald’s and more about what the job description and duties are for the job you’ve applied for.

In addition to that, if you were hired in person, some McDonald’s locations will go ahead and give you the employee handbook instead of waiting for orientation day. 

Subsequently, you want to read through these materials given to you so you can ask appropriate questions during orientation, and it also shows you care about the job and are ready to work.

2. Write Down Questions You Have About McDonald’s, Job Duties, or Other Relevant Topics

Show you’re prepared for McDonald’s orientation by jotting down some questions you have for the manager that they can answer when you see them in person.

Furthermore, these questions should be focused on your job duties, requirements for that specific McDonald’s location, questions about holidays and holiday pay, and much more!

3. Plan to Arrive 15 to 20 Minutes Early

If you’re going to McDonald’s orientation, you should be prepared and plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before the start of the class. 

Additionally, if you’re going to orientation in a location you’ve never been to, make sure to at least look up the directions and map out the route you want to take beforehand. 

In addition to that, you may need to call the manager and ask about parking, such as where to park to ensure you’re not in the way of customers or current employees.

4. Have an Open Mind & Be Willing to Listen

Even if you’ve worked in fast food previously, McDonald’s orientation is going to be different because it’s a different company and the second-biggest fast-food chain in the world.

Further, to prepare for orientation, you need to have an open mind and be willing to listen to the manager and others talking about the specifics of that McDonald’s.

However, if the manager says something in orientation that doesn’t sound right to you, follow up and ask questions that show you’re listening and want clarity before starting the job.

5. Dress Nice & Look Presentable Regardless 

While preparing for the Mcdonald’s orientation, look in your closet and see what nice outfits you have that you can wear. 

Furthermore, if you weren’t told to wear a specific color shirt and pants, try to wear something that you’d put on for a fancy restaurant or celebration.

In addition to that, do not wear dress shoes as they are often not slip-resistant, and they may get dirty if you happen to get an opportunity to try out cooking fries. 

If you want to learn more, you can also read our posts on whether or not McDonald’s drug test, if you need a resume for McDonald’s, and if McDonald’s pays weekly.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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