McDonald’s PR Push– Da-Da-Da-Da, Are You Loving It?

In an effort to change the longstanding career image of the low-paying, dead-end work also nicknamed the “McJob”—McDonald’s has announced “National Hiring Day”– a massive hiring spree on April 19. The fast-food giant is hoping to recruit 50,000 Americans—both full and part time– in a single day at nearly 14,000 U.S. restaurants. Yes, 50,000 jobs– a number that is roughly equivalent to a quarter of the new jobs created in the entire U.S. in March.

According to the press release, McDonald’s wants to use the nationwide recruitment to educate potential applicants that the “McJob is one with career growth and endless possibilities.”

With a two week-long PR blitz and ambitious ad campaign launching yesterday—McDonald’s will be showcasing the employees of McDonald’s, hoping to prove that working at the fast-food chain is indeed a desirable employment opportunity. According to Ad Age, “the campaign will appear in print magazines such as People, Us Weekly, Ebony and various ethnic publications, on the fast feeder’s social-media and digital channels, local radio spots, and as point-of-purchase, in-store marketing and on packaging on certain items.”

Interestingly, TV will not be a component for the campaign. “We found that print was the best medium to communicate the story about the brand and the opportunity people have here,” said Tania Haigh, marketing manager at McDonald’s USA.  In addition as part of the social media push, short videos starring employees of varying ranks– from cooks to corporate– will reveal why they love their jobs, in an effort to promote a positive image of working at McDonalds.

Whether the campaign gives the company a competitive advantage or brings McDonalds to the top of the hot jobs list—the company’s goal of redefining the McJob and offering 50,000 jobs in the midst of high unemployment, does raise some questions—is this an image-boosting PR stunt?

Whether you’re loving or hating it— what are your predictions for this campaign? What are some of the campaign missteps? And what do you see as their best moves? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.