Manufacturing companies are known for their fast-paced and demanding work environment, and the interview process can be equally challenging. While it’s great to have well-crafted answers to the most common interview questions, you’ll still need to bring your A-game to the table.
In this blog post, we’ll share helpful tips to make you stand out among the other candidates in your manufacturing job interview.
Wow Your Employer with Company Research
Before your interview, research the manufacturing company. Start with its website and then make your way to news articles about the company. Jot down anything exciting that you could bring up in the interview.
Study the company’s products and services and think about what ways you can help improve them. You might have an opportunity to bring it up in the interview. For example, you can say, “I noticed you do [this]. Have you ever considered [this]? It may help to improve [something with their company].”
Also, familiarize yourself with the company’s mission and values. They give you insight into the company’s culture and what they’re looking for in a candidate. You can highlight how they reflect who you are as a potential employee.
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Highlight Your Experiences Based on the Job Description
Make a list of your skills and experiences that match the job requirements. Your list will help you articulate why you are the best candidate for the job during the interview.
It’s given that interviewers will ask you questions about the job. If you can pinpoint what you bring to the company by connecting their questions to your experiences, you’re already starting to stand out among other candidates. Often, interviewers love to hear examples of your past experiences, so they have a better idea of how you’ll fit into the role.
You can also highlight your skills that the company could use that wasn’t initially listed in the job description.
Rehearse Your Answers to Common Interview Questions
There are several common interview questions that you can prepare for and practice answering with stories from your past experiences.
Here are the top five:
- What experience do you have in manufacturing?
- Why are you interested in this job?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your long-term career goals?
- Tell me about your most challenging project.
Ask a friend or family member to play the role of the interviewer, so you can practice answering questions, work on your tone and body language, and get your thoughts together on how you want to talk about your experiences and skills.
Dress in Business Formal Attire
Manufacturing companies typically have a business-casual dress code. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and dress more formally for the interview.
Men should wear a suit and tie, and women should wear a professional dress or suit. Make sure your clothing is clean and ironed.
If you’re doing a virtual interview, you’ll still want to dress in formal business attire. It can help put your mind in an interview mode. Think of the idea, “Dress for success.”
Arrive at Least 15 Minutes Early
Arriving at least 15 minutes early for your interview will give you time to find the interview location and calm your nerves. It’s a good time to double-check the name of the person you’re meeting and freshen up.
If you’re doing a virtual interview, check your equipment and make sure everything is working. Check your background so there are no distracting items or items you do not wish your interviewers to see. Make sure you’re in a well-lit room.
If you have time before they let you into the virtual meeting room, you can review your notes and quickly review your answers to the common questions.
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Have a Pen, Notebook, and Other Necessary Documents Handy
Suppose you’ve been taking notes in a notebook while researching the manufacturing company and matching your skills and experiences with the job description. In that case, you can bring that notebook to the interview. There may be moments when you’ll want to take notes during the interview, whether you’re doing a virtual or in-person interview.
If you’re in person, you can review your notes while waiting in the lobby area or the interview room.
Consider bringing several copies of your resume, references, and any other documents requested by the company if you’re doing an in-person interview. It can be helpful to your interviewers, and it shows how prepared you are.
Ask Questions About Your Role and Company
At the end of the interview, the interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions, which is an excellent opportunity to show your interest in the company and the job.
Ask questions about the company’s culture, training and development opportunities, and what a typical day on the job will look like. A good question is what they expect you to do in your first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job. It’ll give you insight into what you’ll do and allow you to add to their expectations for the position.
DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Engineering Interview Prep Guide
The Final Note
Preparing for a job interview in manufacturing requires research, preparation, and a professional demeanor. With these tips, you’ll be ready to ace your manufacturing job interview and land the job of your dreams. Best of luck! You got this!
