By: Nick Gambino
Snapchat has been pushing to be much more than a disappearing photo/video app for teens in the last couple of years. Hillary Clinton even used the app to announce her run for presidency. Now it seems it has application in the workaday world. McDonalds is now accepting job applications through the Snapchat app.
The new program is referred to as “Snaplications.” The feature is humorous but also clever. It applies a filter that places a McDonald’s hat on your head as well as a name tag to round out the outfit. You then record a 10-second video pitching yourself. Shoot it off to McDonald’s and that’s your job application.
Ok, that doesn’t sound like much of an application. I’d say that’s more of a way to say, “Hey, I’m a real person and I’m interested in a job.” The snap will minimally get the job application process rolling. In other words, this is really just a recruiting tool.
For now this is only being used by McDonalds Australia but if it proves successful I’m sure we’ll be seeing it roll out internationally.
“We think this is actually a world first,” COO of McDonald’s Australia, Shaun Ruming, tells news.com.au. “Snaplications is basically a Snapchat ‘lens’ that gives users the ability to apply for a job – or at least commence that process – by sending a 10-second snap.”
The use of Snapchat is obviously a way of targeting the young folk. Somehow, I don’t see a lot of 50 year olds using Snapchat to get a job at McDonald’s.
It’s also a way of checking the applicant’s personality in a snapshot. “We’re looking for that positivity, bubbly personality, someone we think would be good in a customer service role,” Ruming says.
Though of course Snaplications wouldn’t ever replace in-person interviews. Let’s face it, I don’t want anyone serving me fries on the basis that they look bubbly in a 10-second video sporting a virtual McDonalds hat and name tag.
What do you think of the new McDonald’s Snaplications feature? Sound off in the comments section!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nick Gambino is a regular script writer and tech beat reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and daughter.
