Chipotle Mexican Grill is hoping to recruit more Gen Z job applicants by meeting them where they are: On TikTok.
The fast-casual chain on Thursday said it will begin accepting TikTok resumes to grow its workforce. Chipotle also is hosting a second Career Day hiring event on July 15 with the goal of hiring another 15,000 workers.
Like most restaurants, Chipotle has been struggling to staff up as pandemic restrictions have lifted across the country. The latest move is an attempt to experiment with new methods for reaching potential applicants.
Job hunters are invited to use TikTokResumes.com to search for posted jobs and submit their short videos, or use the TikTok app. Candidates must use #TikTokResumes in their caption when publishing their video resume. Chipotle’s TikTok program will accept submissions through July 31.
Chipotle isn’t only looking at TikTok to reach potential young workers. The chain is also an exclusive restaurant partner for the livesteam gaming platform Twitch.
“Given the current hiring climate and our strong growth trajectory, it’s essential to find new platforms to directly engage in meaningful career conversations with Gen Z,” said Marissa Andrada, Chipotle’s chief diversity, inclusion and people officer, in a statement. “TikTok has been ingrained into Chipotle’s DNA for some time and now we’re evolving our presence to help bring in top talent to our restaurants.”
The short-video format will allow prospective applicants to showcase their authenticity and true passions in unique ways outside of a traditional resume or sit-down interview, the company said.
Joseph Albano, Chipotle's senior manager, field recruiting, said in an email that they will be looking for candidates that have a passion specifically for Chipotle and want to join the purpose-driven company.
"Although prior training is not necessary for applicants, we pride ourselves on using real culinary techniques in our kitchens, so we're excited to see applicants show off their cooking skills in creative ways," Albano said.
Those who prefer sit-down interviews, however, can reserve time during the July 15 Career Day, which will take place between 8 a.m.-10 a.m. and 2 p.m.-5 p.m. local time at participating locations. To schedule an interview, go to coasttocoastcareerday.com.
Earlier this year, Chipotle hosted a national Career Day event on Jan. 14, also hoping to hire 15,000 workers, mainly store-level crew. In 2021 alone, Chipotle has hired more than 82,000 crew members and had more than 4,200 promotions among restaurant staff, the company said.
The Newport Beach, Calif.-based chain has also boosted its benefits to spur recruitment. In June, the company increased wages resulting in an average $15 per hour wage, with starting wages ranging from $11 to $18 per hour, depending on the region and position.
The company said its Restaurateur program allows crew members to advance to the role of general manager in as little as three and a half years, with average compensation of about $100,000. The company operates more than 2,800 restaurants in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
UPDATE: This story has been updated to include additional comments from Chipotle officials.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected]
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