18 October 2011

BMW Interview Process: Physical

Okay, so, we're on to step four in the process of getting hired on at the BMW plant in Greer (Spartanburg County).

Step four is the physical. Assuming you make in through the first three steps and get your conditional offer of employment, this physical represents the condition. Now, I don't know exactly what they're looking for. I am neither a doctor nor an HR person at BMW. But here's what the physical consisted of.

First, a ten-page booklet of questions for you to fill out the night before the physical. Not hard questions, mostly "have you ever been treated for X." When you arrive at the clinic (there are two, one in Spartanburg and one in Pelham village (which needs to incorporate already so it doesn't just get absorbed by Greer)), you'll have four or five more pages of things to fill out. You should arrive early, although I managed to scrape in just one minute before my appointment time and didn't get tossed out.

A nurse or technician will call your name. First thing she'll do is take your blood pressure and pulse (with an electronic monitor, which I maintain are vastly less accurate than the old-fashioned kind), weight, and height. Then you'll go through a series of little exams in whatever order the stations are free. You'll have an eye exam (I was evidently the fastest eye exam any of the techs had ever done), a hearing exam (I passed and I have lousy hearing, so you should be fine), and a breath test. This is a weird test; you blow into a tube as hard as you can. I have no idea what the purpose of this test was. Per the description of the exam I failed; however the doc later said I did fine.

You'll also have your samples taken for drug testing, urine and hair both (not mixed together). Finally you'll go to a little exam room and have an EKG. Last time I had one of these (ten years ago) it took 15 or 20 minutes. This one took about one minute, maybe less.

Then you get to stay in the exam room and change into a hospital gown and await the doctor. The doctor will come in and ask you a few generic questions, test reflexes, check for a hernia, that sort of thing, standard exam stuff. Then he'll go through your medical history that you wrote out on all those pages and ask any questions that seem significant. I have a history of lower back problems and depression. I was very concerned about the history of depression, for which I've actually been hospitalized (it was voluntary, at least). But I'm used to flight physicals. He didn't ask one question about that and didn't seem to think it would make any difference at all (I asked).

About the back, he had lots of questions. So you get an idea of what BMW is mainly concerned about. The only medical records I have relating to it (apart from some chiropractic adjustments) are from the Air Force; doc said, well, I don't know how long it will take you to get military medical records... to which I was able to respond that I had a copy of all my records. This made things much easier; he said BMW would want to look over the records pertaining to my back, and if I could just make copies and bring them by that would speed things up a great deal.

The book of paperwork I'd brought home last night mentioned getting all your medical records and having to sign papers to allow them to be shared with BMW. I'm touchy about that (the hospitalization), but doc said just get the ones related to the back problems and that was all they'd really be interested in. This is a tremendous time-saver for you; if you can get access to your own medical records before the physical so much the better; if not, it appears you may not need to get them unless you have back or joint problems (repetititive stress injuries, too). That said, if you do have a history of such problems and you can get copies of those records yourself before you start the interview process you'll probably save yourself a bunch of time.

The doctor will sign a note to the effect that he sees no medical reason you can't perform the job. But that is not the final word; BMW has the final word, whether that's through an HR officer or an in-housel doctor I don't know.

If the doctor signs that note and you're cleared to proceed, you'll do a fitness test. This is an odd test. It consists of a couple of static strength exercises--grip strength, forearm strength, push and pull--followed by lifting a 25-lb weight four or five times. Then you get to play a sort of electronic Wack-A-Mole game, where you have to use hand-held wands to touch buttons that display a red or green light. Seems really easy, but the four tests are tougher than you think: the first is just on a board in front of you, and is simple. The second is somewhat over your head, at an angle, and you have to play this Wack-A-Mole game for about three or four minutes. The wands aren't heavy but having your hands up over your head for that long is tiresome. The third is the worst--you have to play on two separate boards, the lower one of which is at the floor. You can't bend at the knees to reach that board, so you're constantly bending up and down at the hips, and this one lasts even longer than the previous one. The fourth one is easy if you're 5'9" or below, because it's a board at a generic "waist height." I could reach all the buttons without actually bending at all. If you were any taller than me you'd have to bend to reach the bottom row and that would be a much tougher test.

Finally you'll do a step test: step up and down on a stool continuously (at I must admit a rather slow pace) for five minutes. Throughout all the tests you'll have your heartrate checked.

I found the fit test unusual but not difficult. Even if you're in lousy shape (and I am at the moment) it's not going to be real tough, and doesn't require any sort of herculean strength.

So. At the end of it all, do I know whether I passed? No. The folks in the clinic don't make the decisions, as I said. The doctor's assessment is probably of significant importance in BMW's decision-making but clearly it is not the whole story. No matter how bad you do on any part of it, they're not going to chuck you out; you will complete the physical. I got the impression that if there were any red flags they'd send your info off to BMW before putting you through the fit test, but that was just an impression. The tech who ran the fit test said she didn't have any idea what BMW was looking for in terms of a minimum standard on those tests.

My advice, just relax and have fun with it.

Now, I've been told repeatedly that this is the longest part of the process: the wait, after the physical. Drug testing can be done locally now (though not in the office) so the wait on those results should be two or three days, max. If they decide to request medical records and they have to get them from your doctor's office it could take weeks. How long it takes BMW to look over your records and make a decision is anybody's guess. Like the Supreme Court it seems they take their decisions on their own time and in their own way. So now we wait. And tomorrow it's back to work at my regular job.

213 comments:

1 – 200 of 213   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

So did you get the job? I just went through my assessment test and passed and now I do my 3rd test tomorrow. If you did pass how long did the process take for you to get the call back? Thanks for the blog, after doing the first 2 interviews and reading this you were pretty dead on great job.

physical therapist schools said...

I just wanted to add a comment here to mention thanks for you very nice ideas. Blogs are troublesome to run and time consuming thus I appreciate when I see well written material. Your time isn’t going to waste with your posts. Thanks so much and stick with it No doubt you will definitely reach your goals! have a great day!

Anonymous said...

InWonderment:

Where are you? This was a very interesting find and read. Would also like to know if you got the job or not and what is meant by "conditional offer of employment. Although my living quarters are far from South Carolina, I've always had a desire to work for BMW and am willing to travel there at my own expense to give it a try. If anyone has any additional information on this job opportunity I would greatly appreciate it. Again, this was very interesting because that's all I've really ever done-factory work.

Anonymous said...

Good to know info, although known too late. I just had my physical and waiting on results! A few weeks ago I searched how to prepare for assesment and got little to nothing! Today I searched how long to receive results from physical from bmw and there you were! Don't be insulted we're looking believe me

Anonymous said...

Hi guys I have a medical assesment in two days with BMW, I'm so worried coz I smoke weed, but I'm willing to quite for this job.. Would the indication of weed in my urin get me kicked off the job..?

Tasha Boone said...

Wow, that was a comprehensive exam! I've had to undergo several interview processes that required a medical checkup and drug test, but it only involved a urinalysis, blood test, x-ray and noting of vitals. I guess the type of physical exam and drug test-potential employees are subject on the company and the nature of the job.

mike said...

Has anyone heard anything from mau/bmw about a job? It has been 5 weeks since my physical and I have not heard a word about anything. I called mau and they told me that it take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for the results, and that I would get it in the mail. I don't know what getting a copy of my results in the mail is going to do to get me started working. If anyone has some input, please let my know. I dont even know if the original person who wrote this article even got a job.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the blog, I have went through all the processes and currently waiting to have this physical. All the information that you have posted has helped me a lot. However the pre-placement medical book that I got today was much more than 10 pages. And for the person that smokes a little weed, they are doing a hair sample as well as urine sample for drugs and it will be in your hair, depending how long ago you took a hit. However Hair follicle testing is the most reliable way to test for marijuana. Most tests look for use for a 90 day period. Depending on the length of your hair, marijuana can be detected for up to three years in hair. Hope this helps.

Anonymous said...

I've been in the waiting stage for almost four weeks now, and starting to get annoyed by the lack of communication on their end. I've done some crazy processes for jobs, but nothing this outrageous.

The pay and hours is what I'm looking for, but I don't have this time to sit at home and wait. I'm very disappointed in this company already and I haven't even started.

Anonymous said...

Ive been waiting for the four weeks too, i called MAU they said it would be another week!

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for so much input!!! YOU are wonderful for this dedication to inform people about the innerworkings of interviews etc... Can you offer how you feel for working at BMW now?

Anonymous said...

Hey, I came to read the BMW articles...but you are such an excellent writer/blogger...completely held my interest, excellent flow and humor!

I decided to take a look around, nice blog.

Enjoy your Christmas and New Year!
Take care.

Unknown said...

I think the jobs at BMW sound good, I hope the long waiting pays off cus I'm ready to work. I did my physical on the 18th and I'll get back to y'all when I get hired. I think that's the only question unanswered here. Hang in there, encourage one another and stay positive cus that's the only way to get positive results. Good luck to any and to all.

Anonymous said...

I done my physical on the 26th and I done pretty well (I think) on everything except the step test. I didn't do it the full 5 minutes. Does anyone think that would be reason enough to not get hired?

Anonymous said...

I go for my physical in a week I'm not worried about it other than they eye exam....can someone in from me how the eye part went please

Anonymous said...

Could you inform me on how the eye exam went...that's the only part that has me a little worried

Anonymous said...

Could you inform me on what the eye exam was like

Unknown said...

Look to tell you the truth, I did bad on it too, the bulls eye looking eye exam played tricks on my eyes too, especially the 3d part but I got the job today. I start next week. Don't worry I'm sure you got it. Oh may I add that they told me I would get a letter but I got a phone call.

Anonymous said...

Well congrats! I don't think I did good at all on the eye part but the rest I breezed through so I hope I get it lol thanks for the info!

Anonymous said...

Can u actually get hired in bmw through mau? Im worried because i have a full time job but really want to work for bmw. I dont want to quit my job to go where i may just be temporary....has any of you been gired in through mau and if so how did the pocess go? Thanks...

Unknown said...

For the assembly lines, they hire exclusively from the MAU pool. The only way to get hired directly by BMW is if you're an automotive design engineer or some similar skilled person. If you just want the assembly job, you have to start with MAU. Right now, it's going on about two years between starting with MAU and getting hired on by BMW.
Getting hired is basically a formality, as long as you are a good employee. Come to work on time every day, don't call in at all if you can avoid it, don't make too many mistakes (but the window for that is pretty big), and don't have any HR complaints against you, and you'll get hired. But there is a wait, so you have to just be ready for that. As long as the economy holds up I wouldn't worry about MAU shedding workers.

Anonymous said...

Are you with BMW now? Just curious how your test results came out.

tmedina47 said...

well jus did my physical for mau to go to bmw...I think I did all right on all test except for the step test...I have heard if you don't pass that one you failed ...I am so wanting this job..anybody have any input on this?

Unknown said...

Went through all assessments.Had my physical on 04/16/2014.Still waiting on the results.

Anonymous said...

Tmrw will b 5 weeks after my physical. I called they said it cld take up to 8 weeks!!...my friend went a week before me and got her letter 2 weeks after her physical! I wish I knew how long it can take and if I got the job if I would get a letter too

Anonymous said...

My son is just starting the process. He goes for assement next wk. We would like to know what happens in assement for 11/2 to 2hrs?

WB said...

WB

Does anyone know if BMW show ageism discrimination. Are their any who are in their forties that work for BMW. I reside in MI and it has been a desire of mine to work for BMW; I am willing to relocate.

Anonymous said...

How long after you receive a letter does it take to start?

Anonymous said...

So I received a call from mau saying congrats on completing the process and directed me to a survey to update my availability. Does that mean I'm in???

Solveig (my Norwegian name) said...

Two moths and three days after the final physical, above and beyond the standard physical, and I was pretty sure BMW had thrown my application into the permanent holding file. But no, they are not done. Today they actually scheduled me for the EFT portion of the test. Thank you so much for posting your comments,happysmith. I'd've lost faith from the beginning if you hadn't.

Solveig (my Norwegian name) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
chrissy said...

So I finished my physical today,passed everything,but the nurse said my heart rate was continuously low during the whack a mole and step test.Wondering will that prevent me from getting the job?Help!!

chrissy said...

Oh I forgot to mention the physician said everything looks good regarding my heart,before I took the step test.

Anonymous said...

What is an eft test? I have been waiting for the same amount of time after my physical and wondering why it is taking so long for orientation

Unknown said...

Hey, to WB: When I was working there we had several people on the line in 40s and 50s and even two guys in their 60s. One of the older fellas was not cut out for the work and frankly that should have been evident at the physical, and probably was; but, he passed, he may have barely passed, but then again, they're not really testing strength or endurance in any meaningful way, and they hired him. He stuck around, too, mainly out of plain bull-headedness. In your 40s I'd say you'd have no problem getting hired and there wouldn't be any significant age discrimination, but you will be working with a lot of folks who are younger, and you'll be trained by younger folks. As long as you don't have a problem with that you'll be fine.

Unknown said...

From what I hear from the folks working there right now they've just started pulling in new people in the last month or so, so, if you've been waiting for a bit, hang tight! Hiring is a bit like a slinky, some times they plus up a huge number of people in a short period of time, and sometimes everybody gets bunched up in the waiting pool. If you haven't been told 'no', then you're still alive in the process somewhere.

Unknown said...

I can't speculate on the low heart rate thing. I don't imagine that would stop you from getting hired but I'm not a doctor and don't know what that implies. I also have a very low resting heart rate and didn't get worked up during the test, which is mainly because I was in very good physical conditioning at the time. I tend to think that's a plus. But if it was extremely low, like dangerously low...I have to think they'd stop the test or something. That is sort of an odd comment, though.

chrissy said...

Thank you matthew,I received a letter saying congratulations and I will be contacted when a job becomes available,Do you know approximately how long that takes?

Unknown said...

Hey Chrissy.
When did you receive your letter because i took the test on Thursday 8/14 and im waiting on the letter

Unknown said...

Does anyone know how long it takes after the physical?

Anonymous said...

Just to update recent questions that you guys and myself have been asking- i took my physical June 5th then exactly three weeks later i got a letter saying congrats i passed and to keep updating my contact emails from mau. Make sure you do these surveys when they come. It is August 20th today so pretty much exactly two months after my letter i get the orientation call this morning. So that is the wait time most likely right now for those of you waiting. I thought i was out of the loop and freaking out for two months and then they call so be patient. Good luck to you all

Unknown said...

Thanks for these information Dustin, i didnt know its taking that long

Anonymous said...

What dept and shift did you get?? And as well when does orientation start?? Do they give you a weeks notice or is it Monday??

Anonymous said...

I had orientation today after they called yesterday. They assign you a department ask what shift you need, give you a couple shirts, a shoe truck comes and you can get a free pair up to 100$ and i start in about five days

Anonymous said...

Thanks man! I got my letter on July 15th so hopefully my call is right around the corner.

Anonymous said...

hey man how long it takes to get ur letter after the physical?

Chad said...

My wife just received the physical results in the mail today stating "you do not fall within our physical requirements" and nothing else. During her testing she was told over and over she was doing great and passed everything. I have been instructed by another business owner to request a "reason". My wife is a non smoker and does not use drugs - we are both baffled. MAU will not tell us the reason and I am considering a Labor Attorney if nothing is produced for a reason.

Anonymous said...

Hey Chad.
when did she take the test?

Chad said...

Without giving to much out on the internet - Within the last 30 days.

Anonymous said...

Dustin what department did you get?? And what were the shift layout? Like 4 day rotation or 2 one week 5 the next?

Anonymous said...

Hey, i took my physical exam in 8/14. and I just got an email saying congratulation on completing the process for MAU/BMW job and i had to do a small survey for my availability. after.
does that mean i passed the test? but i didn't get any letter in the mail yet.

Anonymous said...

yes.that Means you are in but you have to wait on the letter.if you called the office they will tell you the same.good luck

Unknown said...

I took my drug/physical test on 8/11 exactly one month ago. Haven't had any kind of communication from them as far as I know yet. Never done drugs and have basically no medical history. Passed all tests easily and was told at the doctor office when finished I'd be two-three weeks. Any one else take the test around same time as me and already hear back from them?

Anonymous said...

Hey Jacob.
Don't listen to the people at the doctor office they don't know how it works.I took my exam in 8/14 and i did receive the letter and some people took it before me and didn't receive any result so its always confusing how it works.just be patient and you will hear from them soon.
Good Luck

Unknown said...

Yeah it is kinda confusing how that goes. Maybe I'll call and ask next week or something. Don't wanna be that annoying person always calling though. I still have a job though so i'm not desperate or anything just hoping I here from them soon. Be a much better job than my current. Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know How Long It takes to get the phone call for the orientation after receiving the letter?

chrissy said...

Really not for sure bc im in the same situation.but they will start sending you surveys to complete through email and that keeps your availability updates,so its important to do the surveys and soon they should contact you.

Anonymous said...

Yeah i already received two of them in two weeks so hopefully they are about to call, thanks for responding.

Khaled said...

When did you take your physical?

Unknown said...

Well I got my letter the 19th. It was actually dated the 9th but I recently changed changed addresses so it took longer due to being forwarded to new address.
I have yet to receive any survey emails though, and haven't received any phone call yet either.

Donny said...

I took the physical and drug screen 9/29/14 and breezed through everything but the eye exam, they told me that I would need to see a eye doctor asap. If I go to the doctor and get that taken care of do you think the eye test will still keep me from getting the job?

Janet said...

Hey Matthew, okay so I took the physical and drug screen today (9/30/14) and I'm sure I breezed through everything but the doctor said my blood pressure was high.. that I needed to go see my doctor for another test. But they still let me proceed with everything. Do you think my blood pressure could keep me from the job? Thanks

Anonymous said...

how many surveys will they send you before they actually call you for orientation

Anonymous said...

it really depends when they are ready, I received 3 til now and still didn't hear from them yet.

Anonymous said...

o ok thanks I thought they had already started hiring people and I had missed out but I guess not

Anonymous said...

Yeah, they are hiring weekly and they have orientation every week, but you have to wait until your turn because there is a lot of people.

Anonymous said...

o ok hopefully it won't be much longer it feels like I been waiting forever lol

Anonymous said...

So did you ever hear anything back from bmw? I took my test today and the only one I couldn't complete was the step test she stopped it bc she said I wasn't keeping with the rhythm of the ticking she kept saying I was going to fast so then I would slow down and then it was to slow.

pjohnson said...

Okay so I took all the final test today and the only one I wasn't able to complete was the step test I couldnt keep the rhythm so said I was going to fast so I would slow down and then it was to slow.anyone know how it with passing everything else would that one part keep me from passing everything?

Anonymous said...

Same here, I'm so ready to start, I feel like I'm getting old, when did you take your physical test?

Anonymous said...

I know how you feel I took my physical Aug 4 and got my results back sept 10 now it a month later and I am still waiting for them to call me for orientation

Anonymous said...

Wow. You took it even before me, mine was on Aug 14th, but hopefully we will hear something this week

Anonymous said...

yes I hope so I'm so ready to start I been praying that I hear something soon matter of fact I hope we all hear something soon

Anonymous said...

I wish you a good luck, just if you heard from them, let me know and I will do the same

Anonymous said...

Thanks and I sure will

Anonymous said...

Do you have an email?

Anonymous said...

Yes I have one you have to have one to receive the surveys from BMW to update them on your availability

Anonymous said...

Yeah I do, I'm just making sure that you do as well

Anonymous said...

o ok I already have a job but this one is a better one plus its closer to my house so less driving I got to do

Anonymous said...

I do too, but at BMW it will be much better plus it will be so useful for my school.

Anonymous said...

O you are absolutely right having a good job like BMW is good but having a degree from school is 100% better because u can always fall back on that degree if u need too

Anonymous said...

Yeah, especially in my field i will have to deal with a lot of electronics

Anonymous said...

write your email down if you don't mind

Anonymous said...

o ok sure so you can email me about the job

Anonymous said...

Yeah, if I found out anything

A.Smith said...

Hey guys I'm new at this so I'm going to ask a question today makes 3 months for me sense I started this whole process to get the job at BMW 3 months and still no call is this normal to wait this long to get the call from them?

Anonymous said...

Did you get the letter?

Khaled said...

What did you get done?

A.Smith said...

Yes I got the letter a little bit over a month ago

A.Smith said...

I got my results for my physical a little bit over a month ago

Khaled said...

Yeah, that's normal, I been waiting over 2 months after the letter

A.Smith said...

WOW 2 months and still nothing that's crazy so all they been doing is sending u the surveys to complete?

A.smith said...

Has anybody heard anything from BMW yet?

Khaled said...

No man, that's crazy. I still have a job but I'm hoping for it because it's gonna be much better. So if you are not working try to get something for now, because you don't know how long it will take. Good luck

A.Smith said...

Thanks and yea this is crazy for it to take this long and yes I already have a job also but this job would be a better job for me too hopefully we'll hear something soon and good luck to you too.

Khaled said...

Has anybody heard anything from MAU yet?

A.Smith said...

No I haven't I called up there last week and told the lady on the phone at MAU that i took my physical Aug 4th and I still haven't got a call yet from BMW and she told me their were people still in front of me that's hasn't been called yet I said wow this is ridiculous to have to wait this long.

A.Smith said...

Great news guys I just got the call from MAU to come in on Thursday for orientation so it took a little bit over 4 months for the whole process from start to finish.

khaled said...

What happened at the orientation? When do you start? And how many hours weekly?

A.Smith said...

You go over a lot of stuff about MAU at BMW you also get your shoes and 2 shirts different people come in and talk to you about what u can and cant do at BMW it took like 5 hours. I start Dec 1st on A shift for a month for training then I go to B shift and I will be working about 80 hours every two weeks so like I will be getting 40 hours a week

Anonymous said...

Do they call, email, or letter for orientation

A.Smith said...

They will call you for orientation also some new people are coming in Monday night so hopefully they will call you soon

Anonymous said...

hey guys i took my physical on aug 8 2014 and just now got a letter saying congratulations on dec 11 that took way to long to get results back and just took my first survey the same day do you think i would be ahead of some people since i had to wait that long for my letter

A.Smith said...

Wow you took your physical Aug 8 and you just now getting your letter Dec 11 that is a long time because I took my physical on Aug 4 and got my letter back Sept 10 had orientation on Nov 20 but they will call you in the order you completed the process so hopefully you will get called soon

Anonymous said...

hey a smith is the work out there hard don't get me wrong i am not scared of hard work i heard they work yall like dogs out there and what are the shift times out there

A.Smith said...

Well I work in the paint shop its the easiest out of the three which are the Body shop,Paint shop,Assembly line once you learn your job its all pretty easy And they only have two shifts which are first shift also called A shift and third shift also called B shift A shift 7am-7pm and B shift 7pm-7am starting January 1st and its a rotation schedule

Anonymous said...

hey a smith how long did it take mau/bmw to call you for orientation after u got your letter in the mail

A.Smith said...

I got my letter September 10th and they didn't me for orientation until November 20th so it took a little bit over 2 months

Anonymous said...

hey does anybody know why i might not receive a email to update my availability anymore i been receiving them since December and yesterday i was supposed to receive one but did not i checked my spam and bulk mail to make sure but nothing

Anonymous said...

The reason why they stop sending you the emails is they could be about to call you soon to start working or you may need to call MAU office to ask them why they stopped sending you the emails

Anonymous said...

I had my physical October 1st and just got a phone call yesterday about orientation and a start date.

A.Smith said...

O that great i hope wherever they put you you'll like it the departments out there are not too hard once you learn your job but im pretty sure you'll get the hang of it fast congratulations once again

Anonymous said...

Thanks! Are you working 12 shifts?

Anonymous said...

That was suppose to be 12 hour shifts.

A.Smith said...

yes im working 12 hours shifts i believe everyone is

Anonymous said...

I know someone in assembly and they said they are not working 12 hour shifts. That makes for a very long day. I will be working days, how is the traffic in the morning and the parking situation?

A.Smith said...

O ok because i work in the paint shop and i'm working 12 hours and yes if u dont get there early traffic is a mess but we have different parking lots so everyone dont park in the same parking lot hopefully you wont have far to park or walk

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info. I hope you do not have to stay on 12's for long.

A.Smith said...

You welcome anytime and yea 12 hours can wear you out

Anonymous said...

I had my physical December 10th and got my letter like in January, I did a lot of surveys am I close to being called

A.Smith said...

Well you could be called soon i know for me it took another 2 months and a half after the letter before they called me but everybody is different and they have brought in some new people in the last week so hopefully you will be called soonA

Anonymous said...

I had my Physical January 15th... I have not heard or received any notice yet. I go to school part time (three classes) so this job would be really helpful for me.

Anonymous said...

December 12th physical and drug screen January 19th email and letter. Live out of state so hoping for some kind of notice before orientation but at this point dnt really care just want to hear something

Anonymous said...

I had my physical October 1, received my letter 2-3 weeks later and got my call for orientation and work January 28. So it took almost 4 months after the physical for me. Hopefully it won't take that long for you.

A.Smith said...

Yea you right it takes about 4 months for the whole process for everything

Unknown said...

Why have I stopped receiving surveys from BMW

Unknown said...

I had my physical on December 10 and received a letter January 19 should I be getting a call by the end of March since it's almost 4 months

Anonymous said...

It's not cool that the process and wait time are so long. I just got out of the military and I know I passed the physical and drug test because I don't do drugs and I'm physically fit. I had my physical January 15th and I haven't received the surveys or a letter yet. It's really irritating. Should I call up there and see where I'm at int he process?

A.Smith said...

Guys I know going thru all this stuff for this job and you past everything then they make you wait is ridiculous trust me everything you are going thru I had to to go thru the samething and I thought it was going to kill me waiting that long but u have to be patient with them because they have a lot of people that have applied for the same job so they are trying to go thru everyone I mean you can call up there but all you going to get is the run around from the time you get your first interview to the time you start your first day on the job it takes about 4 months so once the 4 months are up and u stop receiving the survey you should be getting a call from them soon but please be patent with them they will call you it just takes time. Good luck to all of you

Anonymous said...

If you did not receive your survey email it is probably due to a holiday during that two week period and you will probably get it on Monday.

For the person who had their physical on January 15th and still has not received a letter or an email, I would call MAU, it can't hurt.

I just had training this past week and was told by the instructors that this was a small class. We had about 24 people and some were assembly, some logistics and some were paint & body shop. Not sure if this means that they are just not needing as many people at the moment....

Anonymous said...

I did my physical December 19. Got my letter middle of February. I heard they are slowing hiring now. Could be a while. Wish there was a way to know how long. Without guessing.

Anonymous said...

I'm the guy who had the physical January 15th... I just called MAU and they told me that they were still waiting on my results from the Physical. All the lady told me was when they get my results I will receive a letter in the mail... If anything I was just glad to find out I didn't get lost under some stack of papers or rejected.

Anonymous said...

I received my letter today... things are looking up

Anonymous said...

Glad you got your letter.

I heard that two quit and one went out for an injury on my line so there are 3 more slots open.

Anonymous said...

hey guys i did physical drug screen on july 25 2014 got letter on December 11 2014 and still no call for orientation this is ridiculous i do the surveys every two weeks y is it taking so long

Anonymous said...

Sounds like your paperwork was sitting on someones desk too long....

Anonymous said...

ikr pissing me off lol i guess i got bad luck

Anonymous said...

I think that there are so many people applying that some fall through the cracks. It is good to follow up.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I just took my drug screening and physical today, and I'm pretty positive about how everything went. The physician said "Within 4-6 weeks, you'll be receiving a letter in the mail."

Hopefully it will not be any longer than that, but I just have to wait and see.

Anonymous said...

I've completed two surveys but I've started applying for a lot of other jobs now. Pretty much whatever I can get at this point because I can't continue to wait on BMW... I completed the physical January 15th and I'm still waiting...

Anonymous said...

Just filled out my 6th survey hoping I hear something soon the 19th will be 4 months...

Anonymous said...

^^ damn you just really got my hopes up about this job. BMW should stop hiring and making people go through such a long process if they are going to string people along for so long.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if they are still hiring ppl if it is still around the 4 month wait time or anything??

Unknown said...

This past Thursday, I just received a letter in the mail from MAU. It reads:

"We have received noticed from Associate Family Health Center that you were determined to be inside of the guidelines established by BMW. We will contact you in the order you that you completed the process, once we have a position available."

I got the letter faster than expected, so I'm guessing I may start working for BMW within a few weeks from now. I'm keeping faith on this.

Anonymous said...

I received my letter in January and have completed over 8 surveys. It's been 4 months since my screening. I honestly wouldn't get ur hopes up. There is a VERY LARGE POOL of names. I hope for your sake you do but like I said don't get ur hopes up

Anonymous said...

You just got the letter... You got a long wait ahead of you. I've finished my 4th survey and still no job at BMW. They should stop hiring... wait time is ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

a little over 4 months and I finally got a job. I start monday... I will say it doesn't hurt to check up on your status at MAU. I believe they forget about people. I didn't get a letter until 7 weeks after my physical and it was after I called to check on my status. I didn't get a call for orientation until 2 months after my letter and it was after I physically went to MAU to check on my status. It doesn't hurt to be a little proactive.

Kristen said...

Hey, just wanted to share my current status with MAU.
First Interview was February 4th.
Physical was February 18th.
Got may letter of passing on March 12th (forgot what day it was dated though).

At this point it has been about seven and half weeks. I'm anxious to get a call right now!!!

Anonymous said...

i just tried calling MAU and they only said to wait for the call and didn't even ask for my name.

Is there a specific person I should ask to speak with?

Unknown said...

They do random test to. Hair and piss both back to back... Ben with them for 3 months the and have yet to get randomly drug tested but have seen 10+people go in to get it done... sucks but keeps us working with half way decent people and safe workplace.

Unknown said...

I just received the call from MAU today, and it's only been a month since receiving the letter in the mail and taking two surveys.

Orientation has been scheduled this Thursday, the 21st, and I start next week.

Kristen said...

Just got a call today for orientation tomorrow!!!

Today marked nine and a half weeks since I received the letter!

The lady from MAU said my starting day could be within the next two weeks.

So excited!!!

Anonymous said...

This blog helped out a lot. My first interview was back around the second week of March. Completed all the assesments and my physical completed the third week of May. I was told that I would receive results in 2-4 weeks. The only thing I don't understand are surveys, I have no idea what you all mean by surveys. The only emails i get are reminders from MAU for my appts. Anyway, I'll come back and post when I hear from MAU. Hopefully ASAP as it's already been three momths since my first interview. -Ulrich

Anonymous said...

Who ever wrote this blog your awesome at explaining this torment of a hiring process!!!! I went to hiring Blitz of 1000 people for BMW thru Mau on June 15 did all 3 parts and physical and drug test next Fri July 10th and heard that the physical part is exactly as this blog explained it step by step so thanks for all the info!!!

Anonymous said...

I went thru all the testing and passed. I had the physical on July 7 2015. I thought I did well on everything. It took a month to get my letter and it said I'm outside of BMWs guidelines for the job and to try again in a year. It didn't say what I did wrong or anything I am so disappointed. You ppl that got good news you are lucky.

Anonymous said...

I started the process on July 30th 2015. Aside from the interview and assessment, I was scheduled to go through my medical and physical on Sept. 3rd. as with everyone else I wasn't so sure I passed the physical part of the exam, so I waited, until Sept. 24th I got a call from the nurse at the occupational health telling that I'd get the letter within the week. I received the letter on the 30th, but it didn't state if I passed nor failed but asked for more information about a medical condition that was in question during the medical exam, and said that I should get in contact with the Doctor who diagnosed it and asked for a copy of the records and wanted to know of the diagnoses, treatment, and if the problem was under control to where it doesn't affect my ability to work. The next morning I got the info and made sure to drop it off personally at the clinic. And to my surprise got the "call" from MAU Friday, Oct. 1st to Start!

So after it's been said and done, it took me a little over 2 months.

Anonymous said...

This is Ulrich again checking in from the 22nd of May. I must say that those of you who were denied are the lucky ones. I know you can't gain much info from the internet other than the pay, and watching youtube videos of a relatively 'easy looking' process. However, if you're going in as a production associate, you WILL more than likely ruin your body. I don't say this as a maybe, it's a question on how long you'll last. MANY people quit on the first week, others trickled out. Only the desperate remain, OR the ones in the 'better' sections of the plant. I do wish I paid more attention to the negative reviews. They truly don't care if you get hurt or not, and if you get hurt, they just tell you to ice it and it'll get better. It won't. Prepare to take lots of pain medications and such. I was a healthy 23 year old, prior military and in my point of view this place is assembly line slave labor. All I can say is the 16.30 is VASTLY underpaid for the work you're doing. Turnover rate is extremely high for MAU, (think about it, if it was a great place, they would likely not have orientation with HUNDREDS of people) There are hundreds of new folks leaving every week. I'm lucky to have left with my health intact, but a few of my friends from orientation are still complaining of wrist and shoulder problems. Again, I'm not a complainer, but I'm throwing this out there as a heads up. Go there and see for yourself, then remember that damn Ulrich guy was correct. I'll admit, the first week at the training center was setting me up to believe this is the place to stay and make a career. I quickly found out it was vastly different. Why do you think there are no more entries from the blogger about BMW? He quit. Many folks went back to working their old jobs. You can't put a price on your health. So I say this in closing, go in there with an open mind but keep in mind it will more than likely not work out. I say this based on statistics. Only thing I wish I would have changed was going in as forklift operator, they can't become BMW employees but at the same rate of pay as production associate, you're not wearing out your body either. It looks easy, but trust me, this job will take your body to it's limits. Pray that you're put in the body shop or paint shop or else you're screwed for the most part. I hope this helps. If you're desperate for money and don't give a damn about anything else then feel free. But again, I say that it's just not worth it and you'll see why. I'll be re enlisting back in the military very soon. This is Sgt. Ulrich signing out. Good luck friends.

lace and lipstickss said...

So I don't know if anyone reads this anymore but I just got done doing all my tests and I did my physical and drug test January 2 2016. The people at mau said I would know something this week, start orientation Thursday and then start training next week. From what I've read, it took everyone 4+ months to get started then what mau told me it would take 3-4 to get on the line. Anyone know anything about this? I'm just hoping I don't gotta wait 4+ months to know something. That's just crazy.

lace and lipstickss said...

3-4 weeks**

Unknown said...

Hey sarah they told me bybthe 3rd week of janurary we would be working. How long did they say your physical results would take?

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
lace and lipstickss said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
lace and lipstickss said...

I'm so glad someone responded lol! The guy told me the same exact thing too that we would be starting the third week in July. Well the guy doing my physical told me that it would be the end of the week before I got my results back but then again the guy at the BMW training place said I would know by this wenesday and that's what is so confusing. How long did they tell you your results would take? And if you get them back please let me know when you start your orientation! I hope everyone starts at the same time and not wait 4+ months. I'll deff write on here when I get my stuff back and when I start the orientation.

lace and lipstickss said...

I mean January not July!

Unknown said...

Lol. The lady doing my physical didnt even tell me when the results would be back in but i will definitely write and let u kno when they reach out to me. I hope we start at the same time as well.. I look forward to working with you. Let me know if they call and i will do the same. :-)

lace and lipstickss said...

I look forward to working with you as well! And I will deff let you know as soon as I find out! :)

lace and lipstickss said...

Just an update I still haven't heard anything yet lol :( did they say how they would contact you? I signed up for texts but I heard they mail a letter out. Idk I'm getting so anxious lol

Unknown said...

Hey I haven't heard a thing yet either I signed up for text as well.. They said it would only be a week wait. I'm getting anxious too... I'm so ready for that call.. Lol

Anonymous said...

I did my physical on January 27th, 2016. And I got an email today February 6th, 2016 telling me congratulations you passed your physical and you have completed the BMW/Mau process. I had to fill out a survey letting them know when I could start as well as update/confirm my contact information.
It says, they will be contacting me in the near future with a job offer. I'm not sure how long it will take to actually start orientation. I will post as soon as I am contacted with a start date. Hope this helps!

Anonymous said...

Just an Update... (I did my physical on Jan. 27th) I called MAU on Feb. 9th, and spoke with the operator and told her I received an email on Feb. 6th, telling me I passed the physical and asking me to complete a survey. I asked her how long it would be before I could anticipate actually starting work? She transferred me to a Staffing Specialist. He asked me if I could attend orientation this coming Thursday (Feb. 11th, 2016) and start training on the following Tuesday. I said yes... I went to orientation the following Thursday. I just completed my week of training at the same place I took the Mounting/bolting test (mostly classroom training) and I start at the BMW plant this coming Tuesday night at 8 pm to actually begin training on the job I will be doing.
The best thing you can do is wait until you receive a letter or an email confirming you did pass your physical and then call MAU. Sometimes the early bird gets the worm Lol
I also know that if you gave them a date that you know you will need to be off in the next 90 days (because they asked this the when you passed your mounting and bolting test) they will not let you start until that date has passed. Because you CAN NOT BE OUT the first 90 days! Period (I found that out this week as well. Hope this helps!

Roman lesnar said...

Thanks, that was a really cool read! drug test cups

Anonymous said...

Checking in about MAU's hiring process right now, for anyone reading.

I went to the 1st MAU interview on 3/3/16. At this interview, I was asked to take the written test later that same day, so I knocked it out.

I returned the next day to do the hands-on simulation tests, 3/4/16.

I completed my physical and drug test on 3/5/16.

I received a call from MAU saying I'd passed everything on 3/15. I agreed to the orientation date of 3/17.

I start my first day of work/training on 3/21/16.


I don't know what all factors in to when different associates are called in, but as of March 2016 the process is potentially very fast :) Good luck everyone!

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to ask if anyone has been done this way during the physical,?I finished my physical but didn't do the step test and wack a mole ,nor the grip test? The nurse practitioner said they would call me back to further my process. I asked if I would get a letter she said no they would call me? Haven't heard from them yet ?

Unknown said...

I finished my assessment and physical completely. I then was instructed to return to MAU to submit a start date, when I called to check my status they informed me that I would receive a letter.... Does that mean I didn't pass some part of the physical??

Unknown said...

Do you think it had anything to do with the hair follicle test?

Anonymous said...

Hey there everyone! My name is Kendall. Today is June 14th. I just wanted to tell my story so that you can all get an idea of what the current process looks like! :)

I went for my first interview at MAU on June 7th.

I went for my written test at lunch that same day.

I went for my physical production simulator test on June 10th and passed with flying colors.

I went back the next day on June the 11th for my physical evaluation & drug test on June 11th.

Now today is June 14th and I am waiting to hear back. I will post and update you when I hear back from them.

-Kendall

Anonymous said...

Good news! I got the call today!

My orientation is June 30th!

And I start on July 5th!

So the whole process took me less than a month!

I hope this helps you all.

Good luck to you all!

-Kendall!

Unknown said...

I went for a physical test today 6.27.2016. I hope that I passed. Mau said they will contact me within 2-4 weeks. Waiting with anticipation. I wish you all good luck with your test and I will update you when I get my result!

Doug said...

Have you heard anything?

Doug said...

I completed the physical and drug test on July 7th. Still no call or letter. I did move since that date from Michigan to SC. I was told I should hear something 2-4 weeks.

Unknown said...

I got a letter from them a 1.5 week ago stating that I'm out of their physical guideline. That I can reapply back in a year. So all the process that I went through was a complete waste of waste time! Anyway, I'm happy that I didn't get because I heard people complaints that work at atmosphere was hard, fast phase, tough and very hot in there!! Good luck to you though!!

Doug said...

Did they ever reply?

Doug said...

Did they ever reply?

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if MAU will rehire people back?

Anonymous said...

On Aug 8th I applied online. On Aug 10th I went in for the interview and was directed to the testing center for the written test. After passing the written test, I was scheduled for the APS tests on Aug 11th (4hrs). After passing that I was scheduled for a physical on Aug 15th at their contracted health center off HWY 14. - MAU told me 2 weeks before hearing back about the results 4 weeks at most -- I have not received a letter or phone call -- I called the office last week (4 weeks after my physical) and explained that I hadn't heard anything. They said a letter was mailed out -- still no letter so I casually called again today stating the same concerns of having 'no word' and I was then redirected to an answering machine ( I left a message). -- 3 hours later I got a call back from a lady saying I did not pass the endurance part of the physical - it is a bit strange because I am in fairly good health and I was able to keep up with all of the test and I never got the feeling during any of the endurance testing that something was amiss. -- oh well, that's life (maybe I dodged a bullet) - I am happy to know now, so that I can start making other plans instead of waiting around and hoping they call... ps- she did say I could come back in three months and retake the endurance test (so maybe)

anonymous said...

If you fail just one part of the physical...does the disqualify you from getting hired? Im only 5'1 and they told me im 5'4 and im short and had a hard time getting on and off the platform so i stopped...that was the only thing i had an issue with...just wondering how they determine your hire...some say it depends on how bad they need people...others say if you even fail just one part you are ineligible...pleaee help..

Amanda said...

This is not true my bestfriend works for BMW in the paint department and she started through MAU and worked 3 years with mau she has been a full time BMW employee for 5 years now

Deepakala said...



This is really nice. Thanks for sharing this informative article.

Testing Training with Live Project

Unknown said...

I completed my drug screen and physical and stress test for BMW. Now what does it mean when they ask you to come back and repeat?

cdjp84 said...

You screw abunch of bolts into holes in varying orders all while making sure you follow the proper steps, everything is on a sensor so they can monitor what you are doing, then you do a similar thing with weights and bushings.

Angela Coffey Antiveros said...

Did they do both hair and urine?

DJ bam said...

Did you get hired since you didn't make it through the whole 5 minutes of the step test? I didn't either but breeze through everything else..

DJ bam said...

Did you get hired since you didn't make it through the whole 5 minutes of the step test? I didn't either but breeze through everything else..

DJ bam said...

Did you get hired since you didn't make it through the whole 5 minutes of the step test? I didn't either but breeze through everything else..

DJ bam said...

Did you get hired since you didn't make it through the whole 5 minutes of the step test? I didn't either but breeze through everything else..

Anonymous said...

do they alway do hair folic test and urine ?

Unknown said...

Did u take functional assessment ever same day as physical and drug screen? They didn't give me the functional test after I seen doctor and I don't know if you're suppose to or they make another appointment

Anonymous said...

Yup

Anonymous said...

I've made it to the end and had my physical this morning....however the wouldn't let me do the last step which was the step test because my heart rate was above 120. My blood pressure was fine 116/78. Can anybody tell me how this would affect me? I've always had a higher resting heart rate.

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