Chipotle wants to create 4,000 jobs in one day.
The Mexican eatery is planning a hiring blitz during what it’s calling “National Career Day” on Sept. 9 in hopes of attracting thousands of new employees.
Those hired will start out earning $10 an hour, with paid sick time and vacation, and tuition reimbursement. But the company is also dangling the opportunity for quick promotions and a chance to land a special “Restaurateur” gig – a level of achievement for the highest performing managers that would bring with it a company car and six-figure salary.
Chipotle spokesman Chris Arnold said the one-day event, which will see each of its 1,800-plus restaurants open early and process 60 applicants between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., was hatched as a way to fill a seasonal hiring lull.
“We typically see a downturn in the number of applications we receive nationwide at this time of year, and we thought an event like this might create an influx of applications,” he said.
Chipotle’s move comes as major restaurant chains battle to be more appealing to possible employees.
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McDonalds announced earlier this year it would raise employee pay in its corporate-owned restaurants and offer paid time off. And Starbucks recently partnered with Arizona State University to offer workers access to online degree programs.
Chipotle employs more than 60,000 people at its U.S. locations and said more than 10,000 employees were promoted to management roles – from hourly crew positions – in the last year, according to a press release.
Prospective applicants can sign up at www.NationalCareerDay.com.