The National Association of Manufacturers noted 465,000 open positions in manufacturing in October last year.¹ This serves as an accurate example of how the industrial sector holds many opportunities for professionals looking for a new role.
What can you do to improve your chances of landing the job you want? This article will discuss the best methods to secure a role and a few positions you can consider within the industrial industry.
An Overview of the Industrial Job Landscape
The industrial sector forms the backbone of modern economies. It offers careers that range from hands-on technical roles to operational management positions.
The sector emphasizes:
- Physical production
- Technical expertise
- Operational efficiency
Many of its workers experience working with equipment and machinery to produce different products or services offered by their organization.
What makes the industrial job landscape unique? It blends hands-on physical skills with emerging technologies. Workers often operate alongside AI-driven robotics and IoT-enabled machinery, unlike in other sectors.
Roles in 3 Major Industrial Sectors
The industrial sector encompasses many industries. There are numerous titles and positions that may be the right fit for your skills and interests. To help you begin your research in this vast field, the following are three major industrial sectors as well as some roles you can consider:
1. Manufacturing
From transforming raw materials into finished products to operating advanced machinery, manufacturing is an important sector of industrial activity. It encompasses many services, such as automotive assembly, textile manufacturing, and electronic production.
Example Role: Machine Operator
Machine Operators serve as essential personnel in manufacturing facilities. They are responsible for controlling and maintaining production equipment that creates actual products.
To excel in this role, professionals must possess strong technical aptitude. This would ensure they can read and interpret technical manuals. Machine operators must also have enough physical stamina for long periods of standing and operating machinery.
The duties of Machine Operators include setting up equipment, monitoring production processes, and performing basic maintenance. Their work environment typically involves climate-controlled factory floors.
2. Construction
Construction forms another vital industrial sector that focuses on building and infrastructure development. It involves both residential and commercial projects as well as large-scale industrial facilities. This sector demands a diverse workforce skilled in various trades. Its nature usually requires professionals to work in dynamic outdoor environments where project coordination and safety awareness are vital.
Example Role: Skilled Tradesperson
Skilled tradespeople in construction can refer to many professionals, including electricians, plumbers, and welders. Regardless of which title, this role requires specialized technical training and certification in their specific trade.
Professionals who are interested in this role must possess deep technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. They also need manual dexterity to perform complex installations and repairs assigned to them.
From installing new systems to conducting unexpected repairs, the work environment of a skilled tradesperson can be dynamic. Due to this, candidates interested in this position should be adaptable to different weather conditions and contexts.
3. Agriculture and Food Processing
Agriculture and Food Processing combines traditional farming operations with modern industrial techniques. It’s used to produce and process food products at scale to meet the demands of consumers. This sector spans the entire food production chain. It’s comprised of people who have both agricultural knowledge and technical expertise in food safety, processing quality control, and the like.
Example Role: Agricultural Production Manager
Agricultural Production Managers oversee the entire farming operation. Aside from utilizing agricultural knowledge, it requires professionals to practice modern management methods. Their responsibilities range from planning production schedules, managing workers, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with agricultural regulations.
This specific role requires professionals to conduct both outdoor fieldwork and office-based planning. Workers in this position must be able to create a productive work environment where employees are motivated, safe, and efficient.
5 Steps to Land the Roles You Want
Whether you’re interested in industrial engineering or handling supply chains, you can land the job you want with a strategic approach. Follow these steps to secure success in your job search:
1. Conduct a thorough skills assessment
The first step to pursuing an industrial career is a thorough skills assessment. This can help you understand clearly your current capabilities and areas for improvement.
Begin by creating a comprehensive inventory of your technical skills. Include your equipment operation experience, safety certifications, and specialized training. Afterward, evaluate your soft skills. More than technical capabilities, skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork are valuable in many industrial positions. This assessment should also include an honest evaluation of your physical capabilities, since many industrial roles require specific physical demands.
To conduct this assessment effectively, consider using industry-standard skills assessment tools. If possible, consult with mentors in your desired field. Take note that it’s important to get both a personal and an outsider perspective on your skills as a professional.
2. Research job market trends
Conduct your own research regarding job market trends. Start by analyzing industry publications and economic forecasts to identify growing subsectors and emerging roles within the industry. This would help you identify any promising opportunities that align with your interests.
Pay attention to technological advancements such as automation, robotics, or new manufacturing processes. Ensure that the information you gather is from the latest sources. Your research can also include different salary ranges, working conditions, and advancement opportunities.
Once you have a clear idea of the available roles, utilize the results of the first step. Match your capabilities with specific positions where you’ll be the most effective. Identify where your strengths and goals align perfectly with the job descriptions.
Read more: Navigating the Application Process: What to Expect When Applying for Light Industrial Jobs
3. Pursue certifications and training
Pursuing certifications and training is essential for standing out in the industrial job market and meeting specific role requirements. Think of it as a form of self-development. You can use it as a tool to qualify and secure the roles you’re interested in.
For this step, identify which certifications are most valued in your target role. Some common examples are OSHA safety certifications or specific equipment operation licenses. Find accredited training programs you can take through technical schools, community colleges, or industry associations.
Consider both mandatory certifications and additional certifications that could give you a competitive edge. Many employers prefer specific training and experiences, so having them before applying can significantly increase your chances of being hired.
4. Design targeted resumes
Targeted resumes ensure that you’re highlighting the qualifications needed for the role. With that said, it’s necessary to carefully craft your documents to include the skills and experiences employers are looking for.
This is easier than it sounds! You don’t always have to make resumes from scratch. Create a master resume that includes all your experience, then customize it for each application by emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to that particular role. Use industry-specific terminology and do your best to highlight quantifiable achievements such as productivity improvements or efficiency gains. Include specific details about equipment you’ve operated, processes you’ve managed, or systems you’ve worked with.
Make sure to feature relevant certifications and training. Your resume should demonstrate your understanding of key industry concepts, so finding the balance between technical terms and concise language is important.
Read more: 5 Advanced Tips to Craft a Job-Winning Resume in a Crowded Market
5. Prepare a detailed portfolio or work samples
Often, resumes are not enough to prove your expertise. It’s important to have tangible evidence of your capabilities and achievements. Compile your work samples to create a portfolio you can readily show potential employers.
When making this portfolio, include photographs of completed projects you’re authorized to share about. Document processes that you’ve improved in your previous positions. You can also list specific systems you helped implement in past organizations.
Be detailed when describing the challenges you’ve overcome both as a professional and an employee. Include contexts that would best prove your competence and expertise.
Read more: Level Up Your LinkedIn Game: 5 Profile Optimization Hacks
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Whether you’re looking to be an industrial engineer or expert machine operator, Horizon America is here to help you reach your goals.
As a staffing company for light industrial and manufacturing industries, we are known as the hotspot for temporary and temp-to-hire positions. We understand what our professionals are capable of and connect them with the companies that need their expertise.
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Reference
- NAM News Room. “Manufacturing Job Numbers Dip Slightly.” NAM, 3 Dec. 2024, nam.org/manufacturing-job-numbers-dip-slightly-32768/?stream=series-input-stories.
