Toyota plant in Blue Springs, MS (builders, whole, bought)

[the4hammys]

Originally Posted by Jayokay

Had my interview this morning...

After flying down hwy 78 at about 100 mph in order to make it on time, I arrived with about 15 seconds to spare before the guy came out expecting to see myself and the other guy that had the same appointment time. First I filled out an application - its pretty detailed so try to bring as much info about your prior employment and schooling as you can. (I thought it was pretty remarkarkable that up until this point Toyota had absolutely no idea what kind of work or education history I had)

After that was the interview. A woman cam out to the area where the other applicants and i were sitting and escorted me back to a cubicle where 3 other Toyota represetatives were waiting to introduce themselves. The four of them (other applicants said they had a different number of interviewers) first listened and asked general questions as i described my past work history. I just basically game a summary of the jobs I had over the last decade and why I left each of them. Then they took turns asking me the behavioral based interview questions (google it, seriously). The require you to cite specific examples of things like a time you had a disagreement with a coworker or a time you made your work more efficient, or a time you noticed a safety issue. they want to know what the situation was, what you did, and what the result was. I think I got a total of about 6 of these questions asked of me. Luckily I was able to answer all of them with a fair share of grace and success.

Next was a role-playing simulation where I was to attempt to train a new employee on how to assemble a toy car (similar to one of the ones from the group activity on day 2). Take car to follow the instructions exactly. Then there was a second part to the role-play. You had to do a follow-up of sorts with your new employee and be sure to address certain things, all of which are given to you in advance with time to study them and you can keep these sheets for quick references if you need them during the role-play.

Next I did ANOTHER computer test. For some reason they had me (and I believe every other person there) take the test for team leader. This was generally more of the same from day 1 testing. It was like 6 sections, problem solving, math, and decision making, with more of the psychological, fill in the bubble as to how much you agree of disagree, bs questions.

Then it was off to drug testing. Urinalisys and hair test. If your hair is at least an inch long or so they will take it from your head, if not they'll got for your leg next, if none there they go for your armpits. Idk what they'll do if you are completely hairless, probably dismiss you or arrange for a blood test maybe. The lady that took my hair was nice and took small amounts from several places on my head so as to not leave a noticeable bald spot.

After that I was outta there. I checked my email from my phone on the way home the email saying that they started the background check was already there. It seemed like it went really well overall and I am optomistic about my chances. I do hope to get started soon.

Oh, some additional stuff I learned while I was there:

Benefits take effect the day that you start work - no probationary or waiting period.

Pay starts $15/hr for production team member and $16 for team leader, capping at $21 and $22/hr.

I was told that in order to climb the ladder any higher than team leader you will need a bachelors degree in either management or some kind of engineering.

Once training begins you will be employed full time up until start of production (I was told Oct. is the target) there will be no spotty gaps where you will temporarily be out of work until things get going.

You will probably be required to travel for training but locations can't be specified until they decide what department you are going to be assigned to.

I think thats all. I'll post more details if i remember anything I left out.

Now that folks is how it is done!!! WTG Jay!! NICELY DONE!!! if there was a clapping guy I would post one!! Thanks jay!! I really appreciate it!! May I just say, this is by far the best description and great details!! Ur a good guy!

[MS Teacher]

Originally Posted by Jayokay

Had my interview this morning...

After flying down hwy 78 at about 100 mph in order to make it on time, I arrived with about 15 seconds to spare before the guy came out expecting to see myself and the other guy that had the same appointment time. First I filled out an application - its pretty detailed so try to bring as much info about your prior employment and schooling as you can. (I thought it was pretty remarkarkable that up until this point Toyota had absolutely no idea what kind of work or education history I had)

After that was the interview. A woman cam out to the area where the other applicants and i were sitting and escorted me back to a cubicle where 3 other Toyota represetatives were waiting to introduce themselves. The four of them (other applicants said they had a different number of interviewers) first listened and asked general questions as i described my past work history. I just basically game a summary of the jobs I had over the last decade and why I left each of them. Then they took turns asking me the behavioral based interview questions (google it, seriously). The require you to cite specific examples of things like a time you had a disagreement with a coworker or a time you made your work more efficient, or a time you noticed a safety issue. they want to know what the situation was, what you did, and what the result was. I think I got a total of about 6 of these questions asked of me. Luckily I was able to answer all of them with a fair share of grace and success.

Next was a role-playing simulation where I was to attempt to train a new employee on how to assemble a toy car (similar to one of the ones from the group activity on day 2). Take car to follow the instructions exactly. Then there was a second part to the role-play. You had to do a follow-up of sorts with your new employee and be sure to address certain things, all of which are given to you in advance with time to study them and you can keep these sheets for quick references if you need them during the role-play.

Next I did ANOTHER computer test. For some reason they had me (and I believe every other person there) take the test for team leader. This was generally more of the same from day 1 testing. It was like 6 sections, problem solving, math, and decision making, with more of the psychological, fill in the bubble as to how much you agree of disagree, bs questions.

Then it was off to drug testing. Urinalisys and hair test. If your hair is at least an inch long or so they will take it from your head, if not they'll got for your leg next, if none there they go for your armpits. Idk what they'll do if you are completely hairless, probably dismiss you or arrange for a blood test maybe. The lady that took my hair was nice and took small amounts from several places on my head so as to not leave a noticeable bald spot.

After that I was outta there. I checked my email from my phone on the way home the email saying that they started the background check was already there. It seemed like it went really well overall and I am optomistic about my chances. I do hope to get started soon.

Oh, some additional stuff I learned while I was there:

Benefits take effect the day that you start work - no probationary or waiting period.

Pay starts $15/hr for production team member and $16 for team leader, capping at $21 and $22/hr.

I was told that in order to climb the ladder any higher than team leader you will need a bachelors degree in either management or some kind of engineering.

Once training begins you will be employed full time up until start of production (I was told Oct. is the target) there will be no spotty gaps where you will temporarily be out of work until things get going.

You will probably be required to travel for training but locations can't be specified until they decide what department you are going to be assigned to.

I think thats all. I'll post more details if i remember anything I left out.

Woah Jay! That was the best ever report! I almost felt like I was there with you LOL I do wonder about the inability to move up in the company without one of those 2 degrees. That seems strange to me when there are so many different areas inside that place! Did you have to take your resume or just do the application?

[gawells]

You have to have three resumes with you when you have your interview.I had five peps interview me.

[MS Teacher]

Originally Posted by deltaboi20

ok today i did my physical and me and the nurses talked about alot of things!! and boy do i have alot of information for you guys! ok first of all for everyone who is waiting on toyota to call and schedule a physical date just be patient because that one little clinic has to perform a physical on each of the people who made it past the computer test and stimulation!! so you know they are booked!! ok and another thing is for everyone who has received your physical date the medical stack of papers they made you print out, please, and i mean please make sure that everything is on there correct and make sure each question is answered! the nurse told me that if something is wrong with your papers that toyota is gonna push your paper work to the back of the stack! And is far as the physical is was nothing hard at all!! you do the visual test, hearing test, and nerve test and the docter checks your blood pressure and muscles making sure everything work!!!

Awesome details! Thanks so much! That is what is great about this site.

[the4hammys]

Originally Posted by gawells

You have to have three resumes with you when you have your interview.I had five peps interview me.

Gawells,
U mean (3) copies? hmmmm lemme kno. thanks.

[toyotoya]

Originally Posted by poolcapt

I've heard from a reliable source that the are going to be hiring all year and by dept.....quality, paint, stamping first then assembly so some of you that are waiting longer than others may be slotted for the assembly jobs that will hire last....

Exactly right. Be advised that the hiring and training that is being done at this time is for assembly line support positions that are not actually working on the line. Quality, Paint, Skilled Positions, Shipping/Receiving, Production Control, etc.
We were told that about 30(ish) people have been hired so far, 10 a week. They expect a class of 80 the second week of Feb. Don't know if that is assembly or another dept.

DON'T GIVE UP!!!

Word to the wise....After the initial hiring is done and production starts it is almost impossible (not really, but VERY HARD) to get on with Toyota unless an expansion happens....they use temporary workers alot...BUT!!!!!!!!! Land has already been cleared for an expansion. I was told to expect an expansion announcement when production starts!!!

[gawells]

Originally Posted by the4hammys

Gawells,
U mean (3) copies? hmmmm lemme kno. thanks.

Yes 3 copies.

[MS Teacher]

Originally Posted by the4hammys

Now that folks is how it is done!!! WTG Jay!! NICELY DONE!!! if there was a clapping guy I would post one!! Thanks jay!! I really appreciate it!! May I just say, this is by far the best description and great details!! Ur a good guy!

4Hams
We must invite Jay to the barbeque!!! He deserves his own margarita machine

[toyotoya]

Oh, expect more testing for actual job placement once you finish 1st week orientation.

[MS Teacher]

Question: Since it has been a decade since Ive actually had to do a resume, what length did all you guys do? Did you include references in the resume? I mean do I need to have something done by a professional? I'm outta the loop on this stuff. Help me out please