For job seekers looking to land a new role in industry, it’s important to keep four key points in mind while navigating the job hunt and, eventually, the hiring process.
1. Assess Your Skill Set
As technology continues to evolve, the manufacturing skills gap has taken center stage. With automation and robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and other advanced technologies changing the way business is done, employers are seeking individuals with skill sets that look very different than they did even a decade ago.
But for job seekers lacking some of these more tech-focused skills, or for those looking to hone their current skill set or further develop their soft skills, how can you gain the knowledge and experience you need to excel?
Recent grads and those looking to get a foot in the door should first take stock of apprenticeship, internship, and mentorship opportunities; in recent years, many states and localities, businesses, and schools across the U.S. are increasingly focused on offering hands-on educational opportunities for individuals looking to break into the world of industry.
2. Get Your Resume Noticed
Before embarking on the job hunt, it’s crucial to first develop a solid understanding of the hiring process — where jobs are posted, what experience HR professionals and hiring managers are looking for, and how they find the best candidates for their specific company needs.
Many recruitment professionals now make use of applicant tracking systems (ATS) like Google Hire. According to a Jobscan study, 98% of Fortune 500 companies make use of ATS, and 66% of large companies and 35% of small organizations utilize employment software, according to a Kelly OCG survey.
These systems allow hiring professionals to choose keywords that should be included in candidates’ resumes — significantly speeding up the process. Being aware of this, and ensuring that your resume contains the keywords you need to stand out, can help speed up the process for you, as well.
Keeping in mind how small a window you have to get noticed, take the time to carefully review job descriptions and be sure to cater your resume to specific positions based on the requirements and skill sets outlined in the listing.
Reading up on how ATS works may also be useful, helping to ensure your resume isn’t passed over. Keep the wording in your resume simple, actionable, and clear.
3. Show Your Passion
Whether writing a cover letter or responding to an inquiry from a recruiting professional (congrats!), it’s crucial to show excitement for the role and express yourself in a professional, but personable, manner.
Keep a close eye on your inbox while engaged in the job hunt, and in your reply, make sure you express your enthusiasm for the role and thank for the recruiter for reaching out.
When you get deeper into the details of the role and why you’re interested in the job, make sure you touch on specifics mentioned in the job description. Is the company looking for candidates with leadership experience? Is it imperative that you have certain manufacturing certifications or licenses?
HR professionals immediately know when candidates haven’t carefully read a listing; you risk starting out on the wrong foot when your answers are vague or lack enthusiasm.
4. Make Sure It’s a Good Match
Candidates and recruiters alike often throw around the terms “good match” and “good fit,” but it’s paramount that you fully understand what exactly this means or you could risk ending up in a role you don’t enjoy, within a company culture that doesn’t mesh with your working style.
Strong HR professionals will work to ensure that the job description is as clear as possible and gives candidates a sense of the company culture. Try your best to get a sense of the workplace environment as early as possible — and trust your gut if something feels like a bad match. Once you’ve advanced to the in-person interviewing stage, see as much as you can of the machine floor, job site, or office you would be working in. Many hiring managers give workplace tours, but if they don’t offer, don’t be afraid to ask.
And, of course, ask relevant questions at the end of your interview that will not only show your enthusiasm and thoughtfulness but also give you a better idea of the company culture and day-to-day atmosphere.