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How to Describe Your Manufacturing Experience in a Job Interview

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How to Describe Your Manufacturing Experience in a Job Interview

Manufacturing jobs often require their own set of skills and technical abilities. When you’re interviewing for a manufacturing position, the interviewer wants to understand your level of experience. They may ask, “What responsibilities have you had in previous manufacturing jobs?” or “What relevant experience do you have?”

You may or may not have previously worked in a similar position. Your goal during the interview is to emphasize any features the roles have in common.

What’s in the job description?

Let their job description be your guide. What specific skills, abilities, or technical knowledge do they require? Which of those skills do you possess?

Take note of technical language and industry jargon. You’ll want to mirror their wording in your response. Confidently using terms they recognize will help reinforce your expertise.

It’s a match!

When there are strong similarities between a past position and the one for which you are interviewing, be sure to emphasize them! Pay close attention to skills at the top of the list, as well as those mentioned more than once.

In addition, highlight your knowledge of industry-specific software, technology, processes, equipment, or tools noted in the job description.

Relevant Experience

Even if your experience isn’t an exact match, look for skills the roles have in common. For instance, you may have received a similar certification, used a similar software, tool, or piece of machinery.

“The first thought a hiring manager has when they interview you is, ‘Does this person have the skills and experience needed to step into this job and succeed?’ So the more you can show the interviewer that you’ve used similar skills or successfully performed similar tasks in the past, the better they’ll respond to your answers,” says Career Sidekick.

Transferable Skills

Maybe you’re just entering the industry or have been working in an unrelated field. That doesn’t necessarily rule you out as a candidate. Certain “soft skills” can be key to your success in a new role.

Unlike the technical skills necessary to perform a job or operate a piece of equipment, “soft skills are abilities that relate to how you work and how you interact with other people,” according to Indeed. “Employers look for soft skills in candidates because these skills are hard to teach and are important for long-term success.”

Soft skills reflect personal characteristics. Are you adaptable? Organized? Hard-working? A critical thinker or problem solver? Highlight these skills and support your claim with examples of when you have demonstrated them on the job.

While companies can train new staff in technical skills, soft skills are harder to teach. Being a reliable team player who’s willing to learn may tip the scales in your favor.

Ready to jump into the manufacturing workforce? Contact Pro Resources for professional job placement services in manufacturing and light industrial firms in Central and Northern Indiana.

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