4 Things Hiring Managers Expect from Manufacturing Job Seekers in 2015
Posted February 5th, 2015
Over the past few years, researchers at the Economic Policy Institute carried out a nationally representative survey of manufacturing establishments to determine if the much-discussed skills gap is real, and to identify the skills manufacturers are most eager to recruit. The results were released last year, and they are of interest to anyone that is employed in manufacturing in any capacity.
These are the four skills that are essential to have in 2015:
Advanced Reading Skills
All manufacturing employees are now expected to have basic reading, writing, math, and computer skills. But when survey respondents were asked which advanced skill was most important, 52.6 percent responded advanced reading skills. That is significantly more than the second place finisher, advanced computer skills which only 41.9 percent of respondents said was essential. Advanced reading skills are defined as the ability to read and comprehend technical documents, documents longer than five pages, and trade journals.
Varied Computer Skills
When respondents were asked which category it was most important to have two or more advanced skills in, reading again got the top response. But right behind it was computer skills, which suggests it’s not enough for manufacturing job seekers to have just one area of technical expertise. Employers are eager to hire candidates who know a combination of CAD/CAM, other engineering software, and can write their own programs.
Soft Skills
Social skills are increasingly important in manufacturing. Of the survey respondents, 81.2 percent said it was very important for candidates to “cooperate with others,” and another 64.2 percent reported that the “ability to work in team” was essential. Manufacturing responsibilities are not as discreet as they used to be, and employers want to know that anyone they hire will be able to work productively and cordially with others in a diverse workforce.
Proven Safety Record
This was not explicitly addressed on the survey, but that’s largely because it’s an essential manufacturing skill that has always been important and will always be important. Simply put, employers won’t hire someone that is unwilling or incapable of working safely. And it takes credentials to demonstrate your commitment to safety. Candidates can cite their safety record, training or certification programs they have completed, or initiatives they have spearheaded or participated in to make the workplace safer.
Do you have these four skills? Do you know how to highlight all four on your cover letter and resume and during your interview? If you are eager to get your manufacturing career on the right track, work with Bayside Solutions.
