Assembly Jobs

Can I apply for a Detroit Three assembly job online?

Chrysler maintains a site for hourly employment, and usually informs Michigan Works! agencies about opening. GM has frequently hired via employee referrals and through Michigan Works! agencies. Ford appears to prefer to take applications at plants, rather than using Michigan Works! agencies, but this could change. Find a Michigan Works! agency.

Getting in via Michigan Works! agencies

In the past, Michigan Works! agencies were the semi-official gatekeepers for automotive assembly line job recruitment in S.E. Michigan, especially at GM and at Chrysler. This practice could continue or it could all change.

Add your resume to the Michigan Talent Bank

This is necessary to obtain any service from your Michigan Works! agency including a Detroit Three placement. Adding your resume to the Michigan Talent Bank does not guarantee anything, but it is a first necessary step.

How does it really work?

• When one of the Detroit Three needs some assembly line candidates (beyond those provided by the Friends & Family Network), they send a job order to a selected Michigan Works! agency. Word gets out that an agency has received a job order and candidates then line up around the block to get applications. Those who have added their resumes to the Michigan Talent Bank receive applications. Those who have not yet done so, are told to post their resumes. Posting your resume to the Michigan Talent Bank is a required first-step for receiving any employment or training service.
• Posting to the Michigan Talent Bank, however, does not guarantee that you will be considered, since at this time, the database appears not to be systematically searched when a Detroit Thee job order is being filled. Word of mouth appears to provide an ample supply of candidates.
• News of these job orders is managed by the receiving agency, and the information appears to be spread mainly by word of mouth. Newspaper ads have been run or flyers distributed to agency clients, but not always. At this time, these jobs are not posted in the Michigan Talent Bank, or announced centrally outside of the receiving office.
• Be aware that Michigan Works! agencies receive a limited number of assembly worker job orders from Detroit Three companies, and that when job orders are received, the agencies are deluged with people hoping for a position. The Detroit Three appear to be hiring fewer and fewer assembly workers in S.E. Michigan, and usually are quite able to fill vacancies from long standing sources, namely the families and friends of their employees.

The Family and Friends Network

Having your resume hand carried to a plant manager by the right family member or friend could increase your chances of getting an assembly line job. Having the right family and friends might also position you to learn early on when a Michigan Works! agency has received a job order.

Improving your chances

• Make yourself more attractive by taking some classes at a community college, i.e., math, electronics, computers - something to show that you are interested in learning and have something going.
• Take every opportunity to develop group problem-solving skills.
• Prepare yourself to be tested. If your math and reading skills are poor, sign up for some remedial classes. Also, consider one of the Manufacturing Technology programs offered through adult education.
• Realize that you may need to get some production experience elsewhere before seeking employment with a Detroit Three company or one of the tier one suppliers. A work history in itself is an asset. Sub-tier suppliers offer the most entry-level jobs and frequently post their openings on the Michigan Talent Bank site.

Selection process--typical steps

• Orientation session at which Candidate Information Booklets typically are distributed.
• Skill and Ability Testing.
• Group Assessment Exercises
• Completing an Application Form. Be prepared to supply information about previous employment and education including contact information for present and previous employers going back at least seven years.
• Employment Verification. Usually at the time of testing you will be asked to complete employment verification forms for each of your past employers including complete employer name, mailing address, phone number, and dates of your employment (month and year).
• Drug Testing
• Medical Examination