What is it?

McDonald's Restaurants is the world's largest and probably best-known chain of fast food restaurants with more than 30,000 outlets. Its 390,000 staff serve Big Macs, Chicken McNuggests and Egg McMuffins to an estimated 52million customers each day. McDonald's generated profits of $2.3 billion in 2007 and recent sales growth suggests the company is weathering the economic downturn.

What jobs are on offer?

McDonald's is expecting to hire up to 150 graduates in 2009 to work as trainee business managers. New recruits start with an intensive 18-week management development programme that provides a grounding in operations, finance, marketing, leadership and human resources, before joining a restaurant management team. Promotion to business manager typically takes 2-3 years and means responsibility for running an individual restaurant with up to 60 staff and annual sales of £1 million or more.

Where are the jobs?

There are more than 1,200 McDonald's restaurants in the UK, employing 72,000 staff.

What's the pay?

McDonald's pays its trainee business managers a starting salary of up to £21,500 plus an additional allowance of £3,000 for inner London or £1,500 for the south east region. Upon promotion, business managers receive a package worth £45,000. Other benefits include private healthcare and paid sabbatical leave.

What's the competition?

Across the graduate market, general management and retail roles attract up to 25 applications per vacancy.

How is it rated?

McDonald's has been ranked in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers every year for the past decade. Its highest rating was 29th place in 2003.

How do I apply?

Trainee business managers are recruited by McDonald's throughout the year. The four-stage selection process includes an online application and personality test, “on job evaluation” and a final round interview. See www.mcdcareers.co.uk for details.

The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers is based on research with more than 15,000 final-year university students.
www.top100graduateemployers.com

Times Recommends

• Inspirational leadership
• How to get a new job
• The reluctant CEO