6 Traits That Get You Hired in Manufacturing: Secrets to Impressing Employers

With technology constantly evolving, the manufacturing industry experiences the need for continuous development of their processes. This results in an increased demand for talented professionals who can address skills gaps.

The U.S. manufacturing industry foresees 3.8 million open roles within the sector from 2024 to 2033.¹ Although this is generally good news to job seekers, it highlights the need to meet requirements as well as possess specific traits to impress manufacturing leaders. Learn more about these qualities by reading this article to help you succeed in your job hunt.

6 Essential Traits for Manufacturing Success

The current manufacturing landscape requires candidates to have more than just skills-based requirements. Employers also tend to look for professionals with valuable soft skills that can help them succeed in their potential roles.

While technical expertise ensures candidates can operate machinery, read blueprints, and understand quality control processes, soft skills determine how effectively they can integrate into a workplace’s ecosystem. The most successful candidates are usually those who can demonstrate a balance between soft and hard skills.

Technical Skills

In the context of manufacturing, technical skills encompass the specialized knowledge and abilities needed to perform specific tasks. These usually involve having the proficiency to handle equipment while ensuring high-quality outcomes. The following are three examples of technical skills your potential employer may look for:

1. Physical Stamina

Manufacturing roles often require workers to stand for extended periods or lift heavy materials. They also involve performing repetitive motions while maintaining productivity throughout long shifts. With the nature of the job in mind, employers tend to look for candidates with physical stamina.

This trait demonstrates your ability to handle the physical demands of the job without compromising your safety or quality standards. Manufacturing leaders particularly value this attribute because it directly impacts metrics such as operational efficiency and production output.

Candidates who can demonstrate their physical endurance are preferred since they often have lower absenteeism rates than those who easily get exhausted.

2. Safety Consciousness

Employers look for candidates who can demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of OSHA regulations and proper PPE usage. They also prefer individuals who can identify potential safety risks before they become incidents.

Safety consciousness is valuable for manufacturing leaders because it helps maintain compliance. It can also reduce workplace accidents and protect both personnel and expensive equipment.

Leaders in manufacturing emphasize this skill because a strong safety record not only preserves human capital but also significantly impacts insurance costs. When employees remain safe, they contribute to the company’s overall operational efficiency.

3. Equipment Operation and Maintenance

With the current utilization of technology in manufacturing fields, employers look for those who know how to operate and maintain valuable equipment. This includes professionals with the technical proficiency to handle industrial machinery, troubleshoot tools, and prevent potential equipment issues.

Manufacturing leaders prioritize this trait because efficient equipment operation can directly impact operational productivity. It has the potential to improve product quality while lowering costs. By having an employee with this trait, companies can minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of their machinery.

Soft Skills

Soft skills in manufacturing refer to the interpersonal and intrapersonal abilities that allow you to effectively work and interact with others. These skills are essential for success beyond technical proficiency. Some vital examples are:

1. Attention to Detail

An eye for detail is a critical soft skill that sets exceptional manufacturing candidates apart from average ones. This trait gives professionals the ability to maintain consistent focus on quality standards. It also allows professionals to accurately complete documentation and observe subtle process variations that can indicate possible issues.

Manufacturing employers particularly value this characteristic because it directly correlates with reduced error rates. The meticulous focus on minimizing defects and creating quality products can also lead to significant cost savings or improved overall efficiency within the organization.

2. Problem-Solving Capabilities

This trait refers to a candidate’s ability to think critically, analyze situations logically, and develop practical solutions under pressure. This soft skill becomes particularly useful when resolving process bottlenecks and addressing challenges during a typical workday.

Employees who are skilled in finding solutions to problems contribute to reduced downtime. Their ability to innovate and think of solutions quickly is a desired trait for many manufacturing leaders. These employees contribute to continuous improvement efforts, making them valuable to the company that hires them.

3. Growth Mindset

A growth mindset indicates a candidate’s commitment to continuous learning. Employees with this way of thinking are open to feedback and opportunities for professional development.

This desired quality manifests through the willingness of a professional to learn from their mistakes and experiences. They actively seek new challenges and dislike being stagnant in their roles.

Manufacturing employers highly value this characteristic because it suggests long-term potential and the ability to grow with the organization. Leaders specifically look for candidates who can demonstrate their commitment to learning through examples of additional certifications, cross-training initiatives, or successful adaptation to new roles.

How to Present Traits and Qualities?

Even if you possess all the skills and traits listed above, you won’t be considered for the role if you cannot showcase them during recruitment. To effectively present these qualities, consider these three simple methods:

1. Tailor your resume and cover letter

Tailoring resumes and cover letters involves strategically highlighting relevant manufacturing experience and skills aligning with each job posting. Take the time to carefully analyze job descriptions and incorporate industry-specific keywords into your document. List equipment experience and relevant certifications that match the employer’s requirements.

This customization demonstrates both attention to detail and technical expertise. It shows your potential employers that you understand the unique needs and responsibilities of the role. By specifically mentioning your qualifications, you can effectively showcase both your technical and soft skills.

2. Quantify your achievements

This method can transform vague accomplishments into powerful evidence of capability and impact. Instead of simply stating “improved efficiency,” you should provide specific metrics. For example, you can state that you reduced setup time by a specific percentage. The key is to be exact. This will help recruiting managers better understand your impact on your previous organizations.

These concrete numbers demonstrate multiple skills simultaneously:

Technical proficiency in equipment operation
Attention to detail in quality control
Problem-solving capabilities in process improvement

This approach can also show physical stamina and reliability through metrics like consistent production rates or safety records.

3. Tell a complete story

During the interview, make it a point to use the STAR method when answering questions.

Explain the situation that’s relevant to the topic.
Specify the task given to you as well as the actions you took.
Lastly, highlight the results of your decisions.

By answering in this structured format, you can demonstrate how you utilize your qualities to yield positive outcomes.

For example, describing how you resolved a complex equipment malfunction can showcase both your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. These detailed narratives give your potential employers insight into how you think, work, and approach challenges.

Improve your job search with Horizon America.

With more than 30 years of combined experience, Horizon America is ready to help you drive your career journey. We are equipped with an intensive network of companies within the light industrial and manufacturing sectors. Moreover, we understand how to create connections that last.

Interested in learning more about the opportunities we offer professionals like you? Reach out to us today!

Reference

“US Manufacturing Could Need As Many As 3.8 Million New Employees by 2033, According to Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute.” Deloitte, 3 Apr. 2024, www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/press-releases/us-manufacturing-could-need-new-employees-by-2033.html.