McDonald's Holds National Hiring Day Tuesday

Tara Vreeland, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- McDonalds is looking to hire 50,000 employees across the country. It's the first National Hiring Day for the restaurant chain; 300 of those jobs can be found right here in northeast Oklahoma.

 The company is jumping at the opportunity to attract new employees, because the job market is still weak.

Hunter Reed wants a job with his side of fries.

"Went everywhere. No one was hiring but McDonald's so I figured I'd give it a shot here," he said.

Reed says he's not just looking for work, but for a way to help take care of his family.

"My dad is battling skin cancer so I'm trying to help him out," he said.

The job market may be tough, but fast food giant McDonald's is on a hiring spree.

"In order to have great service, I've got to have enough people to take care of you," Tim Rich said.

Franchise owner Tim Rich is looking to hire more than 20 people for his stores.

"We're looking for people who want to start a new career or maybe supplement a job they have right now as a second job," he said.

In its first National Hiring Day, McDonald's is aiming to hire 50,000 people nationwide; 300 of those in Green Country.

See the current list of McDonald's job openings in Oklahoma.

"We really believe the opportunity to grow is in front of us," Rich said.

There are 196 McDonald's in Oklahoma and almost 9,000 employees. Rich says his stores pay an average of $9.80 an hour, with some other perks.

"I know when I started at McDonald's, my mom and dad were very happy that I had a job where I could eat. It helped supplement our family income a lot," he said.

Rich says the company is also trying to change the perception of drive-through jobs. He says a first time gig can easily turn into a career."We've had a lot of people who have stayed with us a long time," he said. "We're proud of that. We call it our McFamily."

That's just what Reed wants to hear.

"Has this many openings? 50,000?" he said. "That's pretty good. At least I know I won't be hurting for a job."

The owner of the restaurant News On 6 reporter Tara Vreeland spoke with says he hopes McDonald's in Oklahoma will hire more than 300. He says if you can't apply Tuesday, they'll still accept applications Wednesday.

Those interested in applying for an available position are encouraged to visit their participating local McDonald's location or apply online at www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/careers.