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General Laborer

Sonoco · Wisconsin Rapids, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

You will need to get a Power Truck Operator license. Have you driven a forklift or other power truck before?

What they are checking: Whether they have experience or a willingness to learn equipment that is a condition of the job.

Tell me about your attendance at your last job. How many days did you miss, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they will show up reliably, which the posting calls crucial to the team's success.

You will work in different departments. Tell me about a time you had to switch tasks quickly.

What they are checking: Whether they adjust well to new tasks and new people without losing focus on safety.

Tell me about the most physically demanding job you have had. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can meet the physical demands of a paper mill or plant over long shifts.

What does working in a fast-paced environment mean to you, and where have you done it?

What they are checking: Whether they have proven they can keep up without getting careless, as the posting requires.

What would you do

This job rotates through 11 to 7, 3 to 11 and 7 to 3 shifts in seven-day blocks. How would you manage your sleep and life with that?

What they are checking: Whether they have really thought about a rotating schedule, which is the main reason people leave.

What would you do if you saw a coworker doing something unsafe near moving equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they would speak up or stop work rather than stay quiet to avoid conflict.

A supervisor asks you to do a task you have never done before and then walks away. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they ask for help and training instead of guessing on a job that could hurt them.

How do you stay alert and safe at the end of a long overnight shift?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize fatigue as a real safety risk on rotating shifts and have ways to manage it.

About the work

How do you make sure the product you handle meets quality standards before it moves on?

What they are checking: Whether they check their own work and catch defects instead of assuming someone else will.

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The full job description

As published by Sonoco.

Position: General Laborer Location: Wisconsin Rapids, WI Pay: Starting at $21.55 plus shift differentials with a generous benefits package including Medical, Dental & Vision. Shifts: This is a rotating shift - The shift rotations are like this: 7 days 11-7 then 2 days off, 7 days 3-11 then 1 day off, 7 days 7-3 then 4 days off. From a small family business to a multi-billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people. While reporting to the Production Supervisor, as a Laborer you will work in a variety of departments. Must be able to meet all physical and vision requirements and obtain Power Truck Operator license. Excellent attendance is crucial for the team to achieve success. You must have a proven record of success in a fast-paced environment. You must have the ability to work with various teams and be dedicated to providing quality product in a safe manner. You will take pride in your personal hands-on and analytical abilities, organizational skills and attention to detail. Day to day responsibilities include: • Collaborating closely with other departments and teams • Having the ability to think on your feet and troubleshoot problems and situations • Making incremental process adjustments, monitor and report quality of manufactured product. • Critical thinking and troubleshooting skills to setup new jobs and operate various machines is very important. • Maintaining a safe, clean and organized work area. • Performing all duties as designated by supervisor/manager. • Performing all duties in support of Sonoco’s quality and safety policies. • Helping out other departments as needed This position is in our Paper Mill plant in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • We expect you to be Sonoco mission driven. • Previous experience in the paper industry is extremely helpful. • You have to have a “get it done” attitude and an urgency to resolve problems/tasks. • To succeed you must learn basic computer functions and be able to read and use measuring devices. • Working independently and managing multiple tasks simultaneously is needed. • You need to have working knowledge of our products and their quality requirements. • Being reliable, having good initiative, being committed, and being quality focused is a must. • Must maintain a Company Industrial Lift Truck operator’s license. • You will need to be able to climb, e.g., ladders, catwalk, reel stand, etc. as needed. • Having the ability to effectively work with a team in a fast-paced environment is crucial to success. • You will need to have the ability to read and understand manufacturing instructions. • You will need to able to perform repetitious duties, including climbing stairs and standing for long periods of time and work in extremely hot areas. • You will need to have the ability to work quickly while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. • No prior manufacturing experience required. We care about the health and wellness of you and your family. That is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that makes it easier to manage your health and provide financial security for you and your family. Apply today and help us get stronger! At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee. Benefits • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options • 401(k) retirement plan with company match • Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services • Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family • Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance • Tuition reimbursement We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

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