McJobs. The term has long been shorthand for a teen's introduction to the work world or, for older workers, a last-chance fast-food job.
McDonald's national hiring event last week and the Sacramento region's high unemployment rate refocused attention on what were once seen only as entry-level jobs and the stigma attached to them by some job seekers.
But Orlando, Fla.-based career expert and author John Strelecky said job seekers were wise to look for opportunities under the Golden Arches.
"McDonald's has a good record of promoting from within, and these are not all entry-level jobs," Strelecky said. "If you've been out of work for a while, these are hotbeds of learning if you're open to it. Ask yourself, 'What can I learn from the job? I get paid to learn something anyway.' "
He said enthusiastic employees can capitalize on their opportunities.
Thousands of job seekers in the Sacramento region and across the country flooded McDonald's restaurants Tuesday during its national hiring day.
Sacramento-area McDonald's owners last week said they paid close attention to candidates' enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard and learn on the job.
Candidates "really impressed us (with) their desire for the job and their hard-working attitude," said Courtney Ristuben, who owns McDonald's restaurants in Citrus Heights and Folsom. "They really want the job and they're ready to give it their all."
Though positions are initially low paying, Strelecky said employees should use the entry-level job as a platform to move up the ladder and show employers they're worth a quick promotion and a raise.
"Realize that you need to add more value than what you're being paid," Strelecky said. "If you do the job well, you won't be there long."
Resume workshop is free
Career counselor JoAnn Tennyson will show job seekers how to build strong resumes and craft branding statements to help them stand out in their career search at a workshop Tuesday in Sacramento.
The free 10 a.m. workshop, hosted by the Sacramento Professional Network, will be held at the Center for Employment Training, 6853 65th St., Sacramento. For additional information, email Sacramento Professional Network's Julia Acuna at julia.l.acuna@gmail.com.
Aid for older job seekers
Mature job seekers are the focus of a free workshop Wednesday at American River College in Sacramento.
The Career Center at American River College will host "Employment for the 50-plus Workforce" from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Raef Hall, Room 128, on the American River College campus.
Guest speakers will address issues faced by mature workers when they enter the workforce and how to create new employment opportunities.
For reservations and additional information, call the college's career center at (916) 484-8492. Allow 30 minutes for parking.
American River College is at 4700 College Oak Drive in Sacramento.
