5 Things You Need to do Differently in a Manufacturing Job Interview
Posted January 7th, 2015
Working in a manufacturing setting is a lot different than working in an office. That’s why if you want to stand out to manufacturing hiring managers, you need to emphasize a different set of skills and priorities. Makes sure you hit on these five points during your next manufacturing job interview.
Emphasize Safety
Safety is paramount in any manufacturing environment, and employers only want to hire people that are committed to working carefully and responsibly. Make sure to emphasize how seriously you take safety, highlight your personal safety record, and mention any certifications or awards you’ve received. You can also describe any instances where your safe practices prevented an accident or injury.
Be Ready for a Tour
It’s not uncommon for a hiring manager to take a candidate out on the manufacturing floor, show him where he will be working, and even ask him to complete a few simple tasks. Make sure you are ready to dive in and demonstrate your skills even if you are only scheduled for an interview.
List Your Skills
Being capable and competent is essential in a manufacturing setting, and every hiring manager will want to know that you possess the exact skills they are looking for. As you are answering questions, avoid abstractions, generalities, and descriptions of your “soft skills,” and focus instead on the machinery, equipment, and techniques that you have expertise with. The more boxes you can check off, the more likely you are to rise to the top of the candidate pool.
Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Manufacturing as a whole is undergoing a concentrated period of change. The person hiring you wants to know that you can adapt to new machinery, processes, and products as the company inevitably evolves. Demonstrate your ability to adapt by describing efforts you’ve taken to expand your skill set, or times when you’ve had to deal with unexpected events quickly.
Be Flexible
In an office setting, you might have more bargaining chips that you can use to negotiate your compensation or schedule. This is usually not the case for manufacturing jobs. You are being hired to fill a specific role, at a specific time, for an amount that has already been budgeted. Understand this going in, and resist the urge to negotiate terms that are more amenable to you. You will most likely be passed over for someone else.
Now you know how to ace a manufacturing job interview, but you might still be struggling to find companies that are hiring. Connect with employers that are eager to employ skilled manufacturing professionals like you by working with Bayside Solutions.
