New to Manufacturing? Here’s How to Approach Your Interview

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Whether it’s time for a change or you’re just getting started, preparing for a job interview in the manufacturing industry can feel a little intimidating. You might not be sure what to expect or how to prepare, and you want to make a great first impression. 

The good news is, you’ve already made a good impression if you’re being interviewed! Take a deep breath, give yourself a little pep talk and keep in mind these tips. 

  • Do your research.

    Spend some time reading up on the company where you’re interviewing. Learn about its history, its founders, and what the company makes. What is it known for? Is it a prominent member of the community with a stellar reputation or a newcomer looking to make a name? Try to get a sense of the competition, locally and nationally, and make a note of what sets it apart from other companies in the same field. This is good information to have on hand if your interviewer asks you what you know about the company and/or why you want to work for this company. Doing your homework is also a sign of respect for the interviewer and demonstrates that you’re interested in the job and are eager to get started. 

  • Understand how your skills translate to the manufacturing industry.

    If you’re currently working in a different industry, consider how the skills you already have can be applied here. Can you work independently as well as in a group? Do you have leadership skills that can be utilized when working on a new team? Are you a creative thinker and problem-solver who isn’t afraid to try something a little unconventional to find a solution? Think about what you’re good at and what you’ve learned from your work experience, and speak to your strengths. Transferable skills like leadership, communication, time management, project management, and organization are important in every kind of work. 

  • Be prepared to talk about tech.

    The manufacturing industry today isn’t what it was 50 years ago or even a decade ago. Now it’s more about your comfort working with technology and embracing change. How tech-savvy are you? Do you get excited about new gadgets and the latest smartphones? Are you interested in robotics and the potential of virtual and enhanced reality? How about artificial intelligence? Do a little reading on this topic and how it will change manufacturing in the not-too-distant future, and have a few comments prepared in case your interviewer brings up the subject. 

  • Have questions ready.

    Equally important to understanding the company and the job you’re interviewing for is having questions ready to further demonstrate your interest. Ask not just about the particulars of the job but about how the company is leaning into the tech-heavy future. Is the company looking to go greener? Ask, too, about the company’s practices for providing training. This keeps the company on the cutting edge of the industry but also helps keep employees’ skills relevant and helps future-proof the workforce for changes that are on the horizon. You can always ask about benefits, of course, but keep an eye on the future and show that this is a job where you could see yourself making a career and being invested for the long-term. 

  • Prepare your own answers.

    There are some questions that are bound to come up in any interview, regardless of the job. Practice your answers in advance to predictable questions, like where do you see yourself in five to 10 years, what about this job interests you, what are your strengths and weaknesses, and how you’ve handled any previous conflict with a coworker or manager. The point of these questions is more to understand how you approach work and what your long-term goals are than they are about the specific job at hand, and having answers ready shows that you’ve taken the time to think ahead and have honest answers in mind. 

Job interviews can cause some stress, but it’s also an exciting time to show off your talents and get to learn more about a company. Use the interview to your advantage — you’re getting to know the company as much as the interviewer is getting to know you! 

If the interview makes you think the job isn’t for you, or you’re looking for a different opportunity, call Davis Staffing. We work with great companies that are eager to find job candidates with your background and experience. Call Davis Staffing today, and let’s help you find your next job!