ATAR Notes: Forum
General Discussion => General Discussion Boards => Employment and Careers => Topic started by: scientificllama on September 25, 2019, 05:35:39 pm
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Hey guys! :)
Somehow I've been lucky enough to receive job offers at 3 different places.
However, at the end of the day, I can only select one place to work.
Which place do you is better for a first-time job? Huxtaburger, Grill'd or the infamous Maccas
Thanks ;D
(if anyone would like any tips or want someone to read over your resume, my PMs are always open)
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What do you see as the pros and cons of each? :)
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As an add-on, do you know the pay for each of these jobs? Is it the same, or do they have different EBAs/awards?
From the interview and communicating with them, is there one company you think you prefer the environment/vibe of?
For what it's worth, I've had several friends work at Maccas and they stop getting shifts once they turn 18 because they're a lot more expensive than a 16 year old. I'm sure this doesn't happen all the time but whether you want to keep the part time job long-term as you head into uni and such is another point to consider.
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What do you see as the pros and cons of each? :)
Well... all of them are quite close to both school and home.
Huxtaburger seems like a really chill place and is holding a "trial" shift which is a pro. For the others
Grill'd:
Pros:
- The employees seem incredibly nice and are really friendly
- Paid sick and holiday leave
- 50% of burgers (how could that not be a pro?)
- certificate 3 in hospitality through a training program with William Angliss
- Super flexible with exams
- Manager is super chill
Cons:
- Not many extra employee perks like maccas for say
- Having to walk across Yarra bridge (don't know what it's called but it smells) and walking through some blind spots at night
- No pay rise until the completion of the hospitality course (10 months)
- No penalty rates
Maccas:
Pros:
- 50% of McDonald's and that perks card with other places
- Great international reputation for future resumes
- Incredibly familiar with the menu, restaurant, and procedures
Cons:
- SUPER busy and a commonplace for night time fights (hence it'll be stressful and chaotic)
- Not many shifts (from what I've heard)
- Heard that Maccas apparently makes people work overtime
- Shitty pay
Huxtaburger:
Pros:
- Really chill and friendly place
- Can do whatever job whenever (no fixed positions)
- Pay is pretty good for starters (I think)
- Shorter shifts (3 hrs per shift)
- Paid sick and annual leave
- The manager is super nice
- Flexible around school and exam periods
Cons:
- Mirrors everywhere (I hate mirrors)
- Would become the youngest employee
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As an add-on, do you know the pay for each of these jobs? Is it the same, or do they have different EBAs/awards?
From the interview and communicating with them, is there one company you think you prefer the environment/vibe of?
For what it's worth, I've had several friends work at Maccas and they stop getting shifts once they turn 18 because they're a lot more expensive than a 16 year old. I'm sure this doesn't happen all the time but whether you want to keep the part time job long-term as you head into uni and such is another point to consider.
That's actually a pretty good point...
Grill'd possibly have the best opportunity for awards and accreditations. Whilst the others don't have many opportunities to do so except Huxtaburger. As their management team is above the store (slightly extra pressure to perform well but a potential to gain future member roles).
Both Grill'd and Huxtaburger honestly have the same chill and friendly environment but it's hard to tell the complete "working vibe" when the interviews were held as they opened.
Maccas at this point doesn't sound like the best option considering the pay and rostering of its employees. Also, considering it's in the city there's a higher rate of being verbally abused at work (but.... the monopoly stickers are so tempting ;D)
Currently what I know about the pay at all 3 stores is:
Maccas: $10-$13
Huxtaburger: $15+
Grill'd: $13-15 (raises immediately after the course is completed)
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Don't work at Maccas
It's not worth it lol :P
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Don't work at Maccas
It's not worth it lol :P
Will take that advice on board ;D
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Honestly from the pros and cons you've listed, it seems like Huxtaburger has the most benefits! Don't be discouraged by being the youngest/a younger employee - I work in retail (so admittedly a bit different to hospitality) and have never found age gap to be a barrier to getting on with other employees - everyone is usually pretty nice. Plus, if they're already chill like you say, shouldn't be an issue! Just an opportunity to make some more friends :)
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Grill'd or Huxtaburger will also look better on your resume in the future and will give you a different kind of experience to working at Maccas. (Would definitely not recommend taking the Maccas job with two other options...)
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I worked at Maccas when I was in year 9 up till year 10 and I absolutely hated it (not saying you would tho). Do you know where you are stationed to work? The front or the back? I was on grill side and it was exhausting! The training wasn't good either and I remember that on my third shift I was rostered 4pm-11pm and was left alone from 8pm-11pm... Yeah not too great if you ask me.
If anyone actually still works at Maccas, I salute you (especially grill side), there are way too many jobs to do like restock condiments, clean the grill, clean up bench, restock the sundae machine, make burgers in like 10 seconds, deep-fry etc - and this is only the tip of the iceberg...
How old are you? Have a look at this: https://imgur.com/a/j3GCAkn assuming you are hired as a casual, at most times you will be paid + 25% rate (the other rates are special occasions like overnight, public holidays etc)
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Honestly from the pros and cons you've listed, it seems like Huxtaburger has the most benefits! Don't be discouraged by being the youngest/a younger employee - I work in retail (so admittedly a bit different to hospitality) and have never found age gap to be a barrier to getting on with other employees - everyone is usually pretty nice. Plus, if they're already chill like you say, shouldn't be an issue! Just an opportunity to make some more friends :)
That's really true! Luckily, I'm completing a "trial shift" today (god it's going to be busy) which should help see if that is the best place. Still not sure about the pay though.... It's really good to hear that an age gap doesn't create such a large effect when working in retail.
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Grill'd or Huxtaburger will also look better on your resume in the future and will give you a different kind of experience to working at Maccas. (Would definitely not recommend taking the Maccas job with two other options...)
After this post, I'm definitely going to deny the job offer. Maccas seems like a gamble. Especially that some places don't train well and the management seems dodgy. As well as that working near Flinders street is hectic.
Thanks for the advice!
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I worked at Maccas when I was in year 9 up till year 10 and I absolutely hated it (not saying you would tho). Do you know where you are stationed to work? The front or the back? I was on grill side and it was exhausting! The training wasn't good either and I remember that on my third shift I was rostered 4pm-11pm and was left alone from 8pm-11pm... Yeah not too great if you ask me.
If anyone actually still works at Maccas, I salute you (especially grill side), there are way too many jobs to do like restock condiments, clean the grill, clean up bench, restock the sundae machine, make burgers in like 10 seconds, deep-fry etc - and this is only the tip of the iceberg...
How old are you? Have a look at this: https://imgur.com/a/j3GCAkn assuming you are hired as a casual, at most times you will be paid + 25% rate (the other rates are special occasions like overnight, public holidays etc)
Jeez that sounds hectic! I salute you for surviving being stationed at the grill. I am being stationed at the front.
Thank you so much for the chart!
Also, does anyone know if it's illegal not to pay penalty rates? As Grill'd don't do so :-\
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Jeez that sounds hectic! I salute you for surviving being stationed at the grill. I am being stationed at the front.
Thank you so much for the chart!
Also, does anyone know if it's illegal not to pay penalty rates? As Grill'd don't do so :-\
It depends if they have an EBA or if you’re covered by the award. If they have an EBA then they can do whatever the EBA says (even though there are plenty that have been approved which shouldn’t have been...)
If they’re paying you according to the award then you should be getting whatever penalty rates are in the award.
But also grill’d does that whole training thing which is really just an excuse to pay you less because trainees don’t get as much.
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UPDATE:
Just completed my trial shift at Huxtaburger last night and I got the job!
It was actually pretty fun, considering it was super busy because of the footy and all I did was clean and wash dishes (and a bit of waitressing).
Now it's time to pick between Grill'd and Huxaburger... and I still have no clue.
I like Grill'd because I can complete a certificate 3 but it's just an excuse for them to underpay me. Huxtaburger is great and the pay is higher ($13? per hour) than Grill'd but there isn't really any opportunities to progress later on :-\
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Wow everybody is shitting on maccas
I know you’re only choosing between the other two stores now but for future ppl reading this, honestly maccas is a great place to work especially if it is your first job. It is indeed very hectic, the managers’ and training standards are rigid cos of the int’l reputation, and you get pretty long as shifts which are quite tiring, BUT it’s really good experience and training for future jobs.
I only worked at maccas for 2 months and with that training on my resume I found it so easy to find work elsewhere, unlike my friends who worked at relatively high-pay and chill places who finds it a lot harder when they want to move to a new job.
I think when you’re in high school the most important thing is making sure you build your resume and you shouldn’t focus too much on finding comfortable / high pay positions.
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Purely based on my own interactions here since I haven't worked at Maccas myself, but all my friends who have worked at Maccas have said the training is great and there's potential to develop leadership qualities (albeit in a fast food store but still, better than some places)
I would definitely consider Maccas as well.
I think when you’re in high school the most important thing is making sure you build your resume and you shouldn’t focus too much on finding comfortable / high pay positions.
Absolutely.
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Purely based on my own interactions here since I haven't worked at Maccas myself, but all my friends who have worked at Maccas have said the training is great and there's potential to develop leadership qualities (albeit in a fast food store but still, better than some places)
I would definitely consider Maccas as well.
Absolutely.
I'm still considering McDonald's... but it's just the location of the specific McDonalds that's the issue (it's one of the if not busiest maccas in Melbourne).
And I'm scared it'll cause me to relapse into my "maccas" addiction again (stupid ik).
The idea of it being internationally reputable and building my resume are valid reasons I'm taking into account.
Maybe I'll just go to the training day and see how it goes? But it does feel a bit like a gamble; either that it's going to be a good or terrible place to work a.
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Agree with Milanander and Aaron. Maccas is one of the best places to work at for your first job (I’m assuming it’s your first job from what you’ve said) due to the training you receive and the hectic work schedule. Worked there for 3 months when I was 15 and I’d willingly do it again if you rewind the clock.
For what it's worth, I've had several friends work at Maccas and they stop getting shifts once they turn 18 because they're a lot more expensive than a 16 year old. I'm sure this doesn't happen all the time but whether you want to keep the part time job long-term as you head into uni and such is another point to consider.
Yeah but do you really still want to be working at maccas after you’re 18? You should be qualified for other jobs by then.
Grill'd or Huxtaburger will also look better on your resume in the future and will give you a different kind of experience to working at Maccas.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Employers don’t hire you based on the uniqueness of your resume, but rather if you have what it takes to do the job well. Maccas is internationally recognised and their training is top notch, hence arguably you’d be more likely to be hired with maccas. My manager at my current work has told me that he mainly only hires people with experience working in extremely busy environments as they tend to have better work ethic.
So I’d recommend maccas > grilld > huxtaburger.
The hospitality course for grilld sounds pretty useful. Huxtaburger (from what everybody has said) doesn’t seem to offer any benefits since its ‘pros’ are just good pay and easier working conditions but nothing that gives long term growth.
(Btw working at maccas will more likely cure you of your maccas addiction) ;)
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I'm still considering McDonald's... but it's just the location of the specific McDonalds that's the issue (it's one of the if not busiest maccas in Melbourne).
I personally think it's great that the location of that Maccas is busy - the whole purpose of a fast food job is interaction and bettering your interpersonal development. It's a very great opportunity to be more confident. You sure as hell won't be working by yourself anyways (my Maccas has maximum of 2 people working grill side every weekday because it doesn't get extremely busy).
And I'm scared it'll cause me to relapse into my "maccas" addiction again (stupid ik).
Yeah um... once you work there for a while, you start to realise some 'stuff' that other people don't see. That's all I'll say.
The idea of it being internationally reputable and building my resume are valid reasons I'm taking into account.
Maybe I'll just go to the training day and see how it goes? But it does feel a bit like a gamble; either that it's going to be a good or terrible place to work a.
Don't have too much knowledge, but I think till side (front side) is better than working grill. The only difficult bit is dealing with the customers, and unfortunately there's no easy option out of this (you'll probably be trained to work in drive-thru later, which according to my manager is the hardest position).
I personally didn't really like the atmosphere of my store, but given that your store is in the city, you'll probably find it more enjoyable to work there than I did. If you stay there for long enough and work well, you can even be promoted to 'team leader' where you get to train trainees.
I am a bit confused though, you've complete a trial shift for Huxta and you got the job, so does this mean you're scheduled to work? If you are, just have a think about how your manager is going to feel hiring you, then you leaving quickly. I'm not sure if Maccas does offer training day though - my one didn't at least.
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I am a bit confused though, you've complete a trial shift for Huxta and you got the job, so does this mean you're scheduled to work? If you are, just have a think about how your manager is going to feel hiring you, then you leaving quickly. I'm not sure if Maccas does offer training day though - my one didn't at least.
Trial shifts go both ways - they're for the company to see if you're any good (and get some free work out of you...) and for you to see whether you'd want to work there.
Obviously it can be a bit shitty for them to have to teach another new person how to work there so soon if you leave. But also remember that they're a corporation making profits off the backs of people being paid minimum wage (and below minimum wage which for some weird fkn reason society accepts because you're young). Don't feel guilty about doing what is best for you, they'll cope just fine.
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Trial shifts go both ways - they're for the company to see if you're any good (and get some free work out of you...) and for you to see whether you'd want to work there.
Most if not all major corporations offer paid trial shifts and training. From memory, maccas offer 1hr online training and 3 x 3hr in-store training, all paid at the full rate.
@scientificllama You might want to steer clear of places that expects you to work/train for free. AFAIK it’s not illegal but it’s a clear sign their practices are not up to int’l standards.
they're a corporation making profits off the backs of people being paid minimum wage (and below minimum wage which for some weird fkn reason society accepts because you're young).
Because nobody in their right mind would pay 15-year-olds 19 bucks an hour for putting fries in an oil vat. Not to mention Australia already has the highest min wage rate in the world.
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Most if not all major corporations offer paid trial shifts and training. From memory, maccas offer 1hr online training and 3 x 3hr in-store training, all paid at the full rate.
Do they still do this? When I got the job, I had to do online modules that, once completed, earned you 3/4 of your hourly pay. I also didn't have any in-store training, but I did have orientation (which also paid me 3/4 of my hourly rate). The only training I received was on the spot training, where my first shift was pretty much an average worker's normal shift. They put me on and had the team leader teach me everything from scratch.
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Most if not all major corporations offer paid trial shifts and training. From memory, maccas offer 1hr online training and 3 x 3hr in-store training, all paid at the full rate.
@scientificllama You might want to steer clear of places that expects you to work/train for free. AFAIK it’s not illegal but it’s a clear sign their practices are not up to int’l standards.
Because nobody in their right mind would pay 15-year-olds 19 bucks an hour for putting fries in an oil vat. Not to mention Australia already has the highest min wage rate in the world.
Just to clear it all up, the trial shift at Huxtaburger was a paid one (at a full team member rate) with basic training.
Honestly readding maccas into the list is just making it confusing again. And I'm starting to think it may possibly be the best option. However, the certificate 3 at Grill'd is really persuasive. I love Huxtaburger, but I do agree (not sure who said it but thank you for the advice!) that it isn't much of a benefit for me in the future. Even though it's the highest paying job.
Thank you for everyone's advice tonight! If you had to chose out of the 3 jobs which one would you pick and why?
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Do they still do this? When I got the job, I had to do online modules that, once completed, earned you 3/4 of your hourly pay. I also didn't have any in-store training, but I did have orientation (which also paid me 3/4 of my hourly rate). The only training I received was on the spot training, where my first shift was pretty much an average worker's normal shift. They put me on and had the team leader teach me everything from scratch.
Considering you worked/working at maccas, do you recommend for someone to work there?
Also, do you get paid sick and holiday leave? As well as that you're guaranteed a certain amount of shifts?
Apologies for all the questions GodNifty!
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Considering you worked/working at maccas, do you recommend for someone to work there?
Apologies for all the questions GodNifty!
I love questions, so please feel free to ask me!
Just so I'm clear, you already know that you'll be working front side, right? During my interview, my manager didn't mention any roles or where I was stationed at, but I was put onto grill side even though I didn't want to be stationed there (I don't really think you get a choice tbh). But, it's a bit rare to see girls work at grill side (not intending to be sexist, please don't take it the wrong way!) because it involves a lot of weight carrying (seriously, the patty boxes can weigh up to 8-10kg, it's heavy af), I'm pretty sure 95% of my grill co-workers were male and like 75% of front side were girls.
To keep it short, I wouldn't recommend you work grill, but instead work front - however, this is based on my experience at my store, your store is near Flinders so the conditions are very different to mine. Just try not to be overwhelmed with how busy it is - the food court near RMIT has like 8 people at front and too many people to count at back.
Also, do you get paid sick and holiday leave? As well as that you're guaranteed a certain amount of shifts?
It depends, are you hired as a casual or part-time? Casuals don't get paid sick and holiday leaves whereas part-time does. Part time is pretty much a lesser version of full time - you work at a fixed schedule every week (which you can see it as a guaranteed amount of shifts), but casuals on the other hand, is when the manager rosters you anytime, which can range from no shifts per week to a lot of shifts per week. If you're casual (which you'll most likely be), it's essentially a coin toss on how often you get shifts. City Maccas are busy, hence you would assume the store would hire a lot of people, but you're advantaged because you're young and cheap.
Edit: Whoops! Just realised you are asking for which part-time job to choose from. In this case, yes you would get a guaranteed amount of shifts and will be paid sick and holiday leaves
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the certificate 3 at Grill'd is really persuasive
All depends on what direction you want to head towards in the future. If you want to work in the hospitality field or if you think that cert III could be helpful then I’d suggest Grilld. Otherwise go for Maccas.
Also someone mentioned the Cert III takes 10 months to complete. Consider whether you can commit to that. A lot of people work in fast food for less than 6 months before moving to other fields like retail.
@Godnifty were you only trained on grilld? When I was there (I also worked at the back) all the kitchen staff were expected to know all the stations - grill, line, fries, and you could work on multiple stations per shift. also there were plenty of girls working at the back when I worked there. Gender wise it was pretty much a 50-50 split.
Yeah I was paid the full rate for training. They may have changed it since I left though? I worked there in 2016.
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@Godnifty were you only trained on grilld? When I was there (I also worked at the back) all the kitchen staff were expected to know all the stations - grill, line, fries, and you could work on multiple stations per shift.
Yes, I was only trained on grill. My job was primarily grill (making burgers) and deep-fry, making fries were only for front side people.
also there were plenty of girls working at the back when I worked there. Gender wise it was pretty much a 50-50 split.
Hm, I guess only my store was different. I legit only saw like around 5-7 different girls working grill in my whole one year there.
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But, it's a bit rare to see girls work at grill side (not intending to be sexist, please don't take it the wrong way!) because it involves a lot of weight carrying (seriously, the patty boxes can weigh up to 8-10kg, it's heavy af), I'm pretty sure 95% of my grill co-workers were male and like 75% of front side were girls.
No offense taken :) Completely salute you for surviving the grill!
It depends, are you hired as a casual or part-time?
I'll be working part-time, but thank you so much for the help! It's really good to know that there's a guaranteed amount
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All depends on what direction you want to head towards in the future. If you want to work in the hospitality field or if you think that cert III could be helpful then I’d suggest Grilld. Otherwise go for Maccas. Also someone mentioned the Cert III takes 10 months to complete. Consider whether you can commit to that. A lot of people work in fast food for less than 6 months before moving to other fields like retail.
Hospitality is definitely something I don't want to do in the future. However, I am looking for a job I can do until I finish year 12. Do you recommend maccas as a somewhat decent job to do for 2+ years? (that's a weird question :-[)
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I am looking for a job I can do until I finish year 12. Do you recommend maccas as a somewhat decent job to do for 2+ years? (that's a weird question )
IMO no, Maccas is better as a ‘starting’ job for you to get some experience so that you can quickly and more easily transition to other jobs that require more skill and is more relevant to what you want to do in the future. I don’t think you’d want to stay there for too long though.
Are you sure you only want ONE job until the end of year 12? You’d be far better of gathering a variety of experience from all sorts of jobs to be better equipped with more skills for when you start looking for work relevant to what you want to do.
I’d suggest working in both fast food and retail at the very least, equips you with a lot of skills that employers look for when you want a job more relevant to what you want to do as a career. Having both fast food and retail is very beneficial for your resume, I think retail would be better than fast food but it’s also harder to get in without experience. So I think you should think twice about working at one store until graduation, particularly if it’s a fast food chain.
It’s tempting because after a few months you get comfortable in your current position but as Milanander said above, you shouldn’t be making your decisions based on what makes life easiest for you, especially not now.
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Are you sure you only want ONE job until the end of year 12? You’d be far better of gathering a variety of experience from all sorts of jobs to be better equipped with more skills for when you start looking for work relevant to what you want to do.
It’s also important to show future employers that you won’t just quit after a few months. Don’t aim to stick with a job for less than a year at least.
Remy is right that getting retail experience will be useful. Training as a lifeguard or swim teacher if you like water is also a decent job - the pay is good and because there’s a bit of training involved it’ll be easier for you to get a subsequent job in the same area over someone with no experience.
Also worth noting that volunteering can replace work experience - for example you could volunteer at an op shop once a week and that would give you a similar experience to working in retail with less time commitment.
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UPDATE:
I have withdrawn from the Mcdonald's near Flinder's street. Both the restaurant itself and the locations isn't the right place for me. Especially with it being quite dangerous during my availability. However, in the future, I'm more than happy to work at maccas but somewhere that is close to home.
Now, this results to choosing between Grill'd and Huxtaburger. At the moment, Huxtaburger seems like the perfect place and it is the busiest restaurant out of its franchise. Does anyone know if you complete a certificate 3 in something that you can't do another certificate 3? (heard it from somewhere)
Also, huge shoutout to everyone who contributed! Especially GodNifty, PhoenixxFire and Remy33
It’s also important to show future employers that you won’t just quit after a few months. Don’t aim to stick with a job for less than a year at least.
Also worth noting that volunteering can replace work experience - for example you could volunteer at an op shop once a week and that would give you a similar experience to working in retail with less time commitment.
Compelty agree with the idea of not quitting after a few months. Which is a reason for wanting to work at a place for more than a year as moving jobs so often is both difficult (settling into new environments) and makes it seem an employee is not committed. I have had experience at an Op Shop which was incredibly helpful to my resume and some work experience places :) Thanks for the advice though!
Are you sure you only want ONE job until the end of year 12? You’d be far better of gathering a variety of experience from all sorts of jobs to be better equipped with more skills for when you start looking for work relevant to what you want to do.
Quite sure that I want one or possibly two jobs until the end of year 12. It's quite difficult to find work near both school and home.
I’d suggest working in both fast food and retail at the very least, equips you with a lot of skills that employers look for when you want a job more relevant to what you want to do as a career. Having both fast food and retail is very beneficial for your resume, I think retail would be better than fast food but it’s also harder to get in without experience. So I think you should think twice about working at one store until graduation, particularly if it’s a fast food chain.
Completely agree with this. One job for 3 years isn't the most helpful in terms of skill but I do have a bit of retail experience as mentioned before. It's really difficult to find a retail job though (like actually getting the job).
It’s tempting because after a few months you get comfortable in your current position but as Milanander said above, you shouldn’t be making your decisions based on what makes life easiest for you, especially not now.
It's super tempting to stay at one place once comfortable. However, considering that I'm chronically ill and that school is far from home, I need to find a place that is somewhat easy to get to and doesn't counterbalance school. This also really changed my outlook on the job offers.