Skill Sets Recruiters Are Looking for in Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a broad industry. Job listings in this category may include numerous professions, including — but not limited to — the following:

•  Assembler.

•  Warehouse worker.

•  Quality control.

•  Manufacturing technician.

•  Welder/fabricator.

•  Millwright.

•  Boilermaker.

•  Packaging engineer.

•  Plant manager.

•  Shipping and receiving.

Because of the diversity of manufacturing jobs, the required skills are equally diverse. However, there are quite a few skill sets recruiters watch for in candidates.   

If you are preparing a resume for your next manufacturing job application, here are essential skill sets to highlight.

First Things First

Before you list your skill sets, detail your work history, education, certifications, and extra training — in that order.

Document your work history in reverse chronological order using the following correct format.   

-    Position

-    Company name

-    Location

-    Dates of employment

Don’t forget to include past responsibilities and completed projects. 

List your education — again, in reverse chronological order. If you have earned extra certifications, include them in a separate section following your education history.

Highlight Your Skill Sets

Regardless of your manufacturing arena, the following skills are essential.

Attention to Detail

Paying attention to detail is vital in manufacturing. Because of the machinery involved, safety awareness is paramount. However, manufacturing also includes a lot of repetition, making it easy to fall into a subconscious rhythm and go on “auto-pilot.” This state of mind is dangerous — both for quality control and safety. Therefore, the ability to remain focused despite job monotony is a key trait sought by recruiters.

Critical Thinking

Problems are bound to pop up on the work floor. Employers appreciate it when workers troubleshoot the small stuff independently without involving supervisors. Therefore, critical thinking identifies a first-rate problem solver.

Strong Communication Skills

Good communication skills are a must in manufacturing. Communication remains crucial to any industry or workplace, but manufacturing brings its own unique set of challenges. Work floors are often hot, loud, and fast-paced. Therefore, clear communication becomes even more necessary.

Dependability

In manufacturing, each person plays an essential role in the workflow. Each part of the process is part of a cyclical chain reaction. A worker’s ability to complete each step depends on the people surrounding him.

Supervisors must know they can depend on you to show up, give 100%, and do your job well. They also need to know you care about safety procedures, so you keep yourself and others out of harm’s way.

Assembly Line Skills

Assembly line work requires its own specialized skill set. Both attention to detail and accuracy are crucial elements. Speed is also necessary, as is the ability to see and respond to defective goods and damaged equipment. And since you will be on your feet for long periods, physical endurance remains crucial. Assembly line experience demonstrates multi-tasking capabilities, so recruiters are on the lookout for this key skill.

Aptitude for Technology

Technology has become mainstream in the manufacturing world. Machinery has become increasingly computerized. And artificial intelligence (AI) has increased its influence in large and small sectors. Therefore, manufacturing recruiters want candidates with an aptitude for general technology and experience crafting and implementing technological solutions.

As you prepare your resume, tailor it to showcase how the job requirements align with your professional skills and experience.

In addition, consider partnering with a staffing agency like Career Concepts. With over 50 years of experience under our belts, we can help the right people find the right jobs. Contact us today.