How to Interview for a Manufacturing Job

If you are looking for a job in manufacturing, you may think that the interview is less important than if you were interviewing for say, an office job. As long as you have the required skills, does anything else matter?

​In truth, all employers are looking for the best fit for their business, and they will want to get to know you at least a little before they decide to hire you. 
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Here are three tips on how to interview for a job:

Make That All-Important First Impression
As humans we can be shallow at times – we make our minds up about people within the first few moments of meeting them, and it takes a lot for that first impression to fade. If you turn up for an interview in shabby clothes, unshaven (if you are male!) and with dirty fingernails, your interviewer will feel you are not taking the interview seriously, and will therefore not take your job seriously. Make sure you are dressed neatly, that you look presentable and your personal hygiene is absolutely tip-top.

Choose the Right Clothing
If you are interviewing for a job in manufacturing, your interviewer may think it strange if you turn up in a three-piece suit and tie. That doesn't give you the excuse to turn up in shorts and wearing the jersey of your favorite sports team, though. The best attire is a collared shirt, slacks (not jeans!) and dress shoes. Avoid bright colors, outlandish hairstyles or weird attire. If you have tattoos or piercings it might be best to cover them up during your job interview.

Be Prepared
Nothing annoys an interviewer more than an unprepared candidate. If you don't care about the interview, then you give the impression that you don't care about the job. Even if you think you know all about your industry, there's always the opportunity to learn more, or to refresh what you know. It's also worthwhile learning a little bit about the company you hope to be working for.

You can also arm yourself by preparing answers for some of the most commonly asked interview questions. These are likely to include "old favorites" such as:

• Tell me a little about yourself
• Why do you want this job?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• What do you think you can bring to this role?
• Do you prefer to work as an individual, or do you prefer to work as part of a team?

​When the interview concludes it’s important that you create a strong and friendly final impression. Shake hands firmly (but not in a vice-like grip) and thank your interviewer for their time.

If you are looking for the perfect role, then our team would be delighted to hear from you. You can contact RC Staff at (330) 983-4400, or you can use the online contact form that is available on our website. Our staffing agency has been working in the staffing industry for decades and would be more than happy to offer our assistance when it comes to placing you with an employer that will truly value you as an individual.