Mastering the McDonald’s General Manager Interview: Top 25 Questions and Answers

Getting hired as a General Manager at McDonald’s can be a competitive process. With over 38000 locations worldwide they only select the most capable leaders to oversee operations. Being prepared is key to landing this coveted role. This article will explore the top 25 most common McDonald’s General Manager interview questions along with sample answers to help you put your best foot forward.

Why a Career as a McDonald’s General Manager?

Before diving into the interview, it’s worth exploring why becoming a General Manager at McDonald’s is such a sought-after position. Here are some of the key benefits and opportunities:

• Advancement potential – McDonald’s promotes heavily from within and many franchise owners started as crew members. As a GM, you’re on the road towards larger leadership roles.

• Competitive salary – The average McDonald’s GM earns $55k annually. Significant experience can garner over $65k.

• Bonus opportunities – Performance bonuses are common. Top GMs at high-volume locations can earn into six-figures with bonuses

• Experience with a global brand – Managing for such an iconic company looks impressive on any resume.

• Training programs – McDonald’s provides top-notch corporate training to equip managers with leadership skills.

• Benefits – Typical manager benefits include medical/dental insurance, 401k matching, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.

McDonald’s General Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Q1. Why do you want to be a General Manager for McDonald’s?

This question tests your motivation level. Show enthusiasm for the company and highlight skills that align with the role. Focus on leadership competencies, problem-solving abilities, and aptitude for operations management.

Example: I’m excited for the opportunity to be a GM with McDonald’s because I’m passionate about developing my leadership skills in a fast-paced environment. With your extensive training programs and emphasis on promoting from within, I feel this role will enable me to sharpen my abilities in strategic operations management. I’m also drawn to the chance to uphold McDonald’s reputation for top-notch customer service. My experience resolving issues calmly under pressure will help me ensure our customers always leave satisfied.

Q2. How does your past experience make you a strong candidate for this role?

Use real examples to demonstrate you can handle the key responsibilities of the job. Emphasize achievements in operations management, team leadership, and hitting sales goals.

Example: In my last GM position, I oversaw 50 employees across multiple shifts. We ranked regionally for the highest customer satisfaction ratings by implementing my staff training initiatives focused on de-escalating conflicts and fostering teamwork. Through analytics, I also identified ways to streamline food prep and reduce ticket times by 3 minutes during rushes, resulting in labor cost savings of 15% in 6 months. My ability to lead teams to provide fast and friendly service makes me confident I’ll excel as a McDonald’s GM.

Q3. How would you handle an unhappy customer?

Show you can diffuse situations calmly and change negatives into positives. Focus on active listening, understanding the issue, and finding a solution.

Example: First, I would sincerely apologize that they had a poor experience and ask for details on what went wrong. I’d listen closely to fully understand their perspective. Then, I would thank them for the feedback and offer a solution, whether it’s a free replacement meal or coupons for future visits. My goal is to turn complaints into opportunities to improve and rebuild trust by addressing issues promptly, calmly, andrespectfully.

Q4. Are you comfortable working a flexible schedule? What hours are you available?

Emphasize your willingness to work when needed, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Highlight any open availability.

Example: Absolutely, I’m comfortable working a flexible schedule based on business needs. In my past GM roles, I frequently worked overnight and weekend shifts to oversee 24-hour operations. I understand customer traffic patterns drive the need for operational coverage at all hours. Currently, I have completely open availability so I can work whenever needed, whether it’s holidays, overnights or anything in between.

Q5. How would you respond if a customer complained about incorrect food or poor service?

Show you aim to quickly resolve issues and learn from mistakes. Outline steps for addressing the problem while maintaining a friendly environment.

Example: First, I would sincerely apologize for the poor experience and thank the customer for bringing it to my attention. I would have the order immediately corrected and offer a coupon for a free meal on their next visit. After resolving the issue, I would follow up with the staff involved to understand how the mistake occurred and coach them on proper procedures to prevent similar issues in the future. My focus is on promptly correcting problems while learning from them to continuously improve service quality.

Q6. A new McDonald’s is opening across the street from your location. How would you maintain competitiveness?

Demonstrate business acumen and creative thinking. Focus on promotions, speed of service initiatives, and leveraging your location’s strengths to differentiate.

Example: While new competition is always a motivation to improve, I would focus on leveraging the strengths of our established location. For example, many regulars appreciate our friendly and fast service, so training staff to provide an exemplary experience and speeding up service times further could help us stand out. I would also run special promotions for loyal customers and optimize our mobile ordering to make ordering from us even more convenient. Finally, I would engage with our customers to get feedback on what they enjoy about our location so we can tailor our efforts around those unique attributes.

Q7. You see a customer yelling at an employee. How do you respond?

Show you can calmly de-escalate conflicts and defuse angry customers. Emphasize respectful communication.

Example: I would immediately walk over and politely intervene, asking the customer to explain their concerns while also making clear that yelling will not be tolerated. I would listen actively to understand the situation, apologize sincerely for their experience, and assure them I will address their complaint. If they continue yelling, I would politely but firmly request they speak to me privately about the issue in a calm manner or leave the store. My priority is maintaining a safe, respectful environment for both customers and employees.

Q8. How do you motivate employees to provide excellent customer service?

Focus on positive reinforcement, leading by example, incentives, and fostering teamwork. Share examples of techniques you’ve used successfully.

Example: I motivate teams by recognizing excellent service publicly during team huddles and privately through written thank you notes. Leading by example also shows the standard I expect. I make a point to greet every customer warmly and ensure they leave satisfied. To further encourage great service, I’ve used small incentives like giving out movie tickets to the friendliest employee of the week. Most importantly, I facilitate group activities that reinforce we’re all part of one team dedicated to excellent experiences for our customers.

Q9. Our GM role requires working 50-60 hours per week. Are you willing to commit to this schedule?

Express your readiness to take on the heavy time demands of the job. Highlight any relevant experience working long hours in managerial roles.

Example: Yes, as a multi-unit GM, I consistently worked 55-60 hours per week to properly manage the business, so I’m very comfortable committing to a schedule in that range. My priorities are being present during peak hours, planning labor needs, completing administrative tasks and being available to address any customer or staff needs quickly. I have no qualms about putting in long hours because it’s truly what the role requires, and I enjoy being actively involved in all aspects of operations.

Q10. What makes you believe you will enjoy working at McDonald’s?

Share your excitement about the company’s training, team environment, and advancement opportunities. Convey a natural affinity for the brand.

Example: From what I’ve researched about McDonald’s, the training programs and opportunities for promotion within the company are unmatched. I’m excited by the chance to develop my leadership skills in such an employee-focused environment. Additionally, I really admire McDonald’s commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion and community involvement. The combination of strong corporate values, great training, and proven career development make me confident I will truly enjoy being part of the McDonald’s team.

Q11. How do you stay productive on slow work days?

Show you use downtime productively for planning, training, cleaning, inventory, and other tasks that improve operations.

**Example:When things are slower, I leverage the time in several ways to stay productive. First, I catch up on planning for future promotions, events and adding new menu items. Next, I ensure all necessary cleaning and maintenance is done thoroughly. I also use slow periods for training staff on new skills and to cross-train in multiple duties. Lastly, I complete inventory management and replenish supplies. Staying on top of these types of tasks during slow periods ensures we’re ready to provide excellent customer service when traffic picks up again.

Q12