Told by their parents that they’re too lazy to get off the couch and go apply for a job, teens no longer have an excuse — and no longer have to leave the couch. People can now begin to apply for one of the most well-known first jobs by saying “Alexa” or “OK Google.”
McDonald’s is giving applicants the ability to start job searches via any Alexa- or Google Assistant-enabled device. The skill, aptly named Apply Thru, is the first voice-initiated application process, according to McDonald’s.
The process begins with the user saying “Alexa, help me get a job at McDonald’s.” On Google, initially, the wording is "OK Google, talk to McDonald’s Apply Thru"; eventually it will work when the user says “OK Google, help me get a job at McDonald’s."
After applicants answer questions such as the country where they want to work and their first name, the voice assistant outlines some roles that might be available. As a crew member, Alexa says, according to a script, “Your role could range from preparing all of McDonald’s world-famous food to helping customers order their favorite menu items.” Alexa or Google Assistant then asks for a mobile number, and the user receives a text to the chain’s job board in the country the person mentioned.
“Alexa has many of the qualities we look for on our teams—friendly, responsive and fun,” David Fairhurst, McDonald’s executive VP and chief people officer, said in a statement. “I am looking forward to having our application process simplified with Alexa.”
McDonald’s even released a video that shows how the process works, though the person in the video isn’t seen going through all of the steps. Instead, he gets up from the couch and walks away, mobile phone in hand. Maybe he’s going to apply? Maybe he’s suddenly got a hankering for fries and remembers he lives near a McDonald's? The viewer is left to wonder.