If you are searching for a manufacturing job, you’ll need a strong resume. What can you do to attract attention and land that interview? Follow these manufacturing resume tips to get the best results.
Stay Focused
When you are working in a factory, efficiency is vital. As a result, you’ll want to reflect this quality in your resume. Rather than listing every qualification you have, only include the information most relevant to this position. If possible, limit your resume to one page. In addition, keep the formatting simple. Use basic fonts (Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri) as well as headings, bullet points and white space, so your final document is easy to read at a glance.
Match Your Resume to the Job Description
Manufacturing jobs usually require a specific skill set. However, chances are a person won’t check your resume, a computer will. In fact, according to a recent study, 75 percent of resumes are never seen by human eyes. Instead, companies use applicant tracking system (ATS) software to prescan applications. If your resume doesn’t contain specific keywords and key phrases, it may not make it past the bots. Take the time to read and highlight the job description, and then customize your resume accordingly. If you are hoping for a more sophisticated approach, search for online tools that test your resume against an ATS. Most of these services offer free trials.
Provide Detailed Information
In manufacturing, results matter. Therefore, hiring managers will ignore overused expressions that fail to show your true potential. Rather than falling back on meaningless phrases like “track record of success” or “innovative leader,” use facts, figures and examples to show exactly how you have added value over your career. For example, you could mention a specific accomplishment such as, “Organized a six-person team to implement a new lean manufacturing technique that reduced waste by 50%.”
Highlight Your Soft Skills
Teamwork is essential for a factory or manufacturing plant to run smoothly. Even if your technical abilities are top-notch, you may struggle if you can’t relate well to others. Weave skills, including leadership, communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, creativity and time management, into your resume. And, of course, give detailed examples showing how you have been able to demonstrate these traits.
Don’t Forget About Social Media
Many manufacturing professionals mistakenly assume social media accounts are only for business types. Nevertheless, according to a 2018 survey, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates. Keep in mind, hiring managers aren’t only searching for digital dirt, they also are hoping to find reasons TO hire you. A LinkedIn account is a fantastic platform to feature all the skills and experiences you couldn’t fit in your resume. Setting up a profile is relatively easy, and it may give you an edge over the competition.
Are You Looking for More Manufacturing Resume Tips?
At Connectology, our professional recruiters would be happy to review your resume and offer other career-building advice. We specialize in making manufacturing placements throughout the upper Midwest. Learn more about the advantages of partnering with us today!
