Making the Manufacturing Job Hunt More Effective

The Internet makes it easier to access information about companies and peruse listings for manufacturing jobs, but with so much information available, it can be difficult to create an effective job hunt process. Streamlining your data-gathering process, understanding how to maximize your resume, and documenting your progress can make your hunt more effective.

When you're looking for manufacturing jobs, the Internet is a strong data-gathering tool. Begin with the websites for local or nearby newspapers, then expand your search to quality job sites such as CareerBuilder or Monster. Don't waste your time scrolling through hundreds of jobs that aren't suitable for your needs; instead, use advanced search options to limit the listings you see to manufacturing jobs in the area where you're looking. Don't be afraid that you won't see the perfect opportunity when you limit search results. You can always expand search parameters once you've seen whether there's a gem of an opportunity in your hometown. Create accounts with job listing sites so you can save searches, save jobs for later research, and load your resume for employer review.

Maximize your resume for both hard-copy and online presentation. According to Pradeep Amladi, Vice President of Discrete Manufacturing Industries, there are manufacturing jobs available, but employers are struggling to find the skilled professionals necessary to fill those positions. Make your job hunt more effective by making it easier on the employer. Note special skills and professional certifications prominently on your resume. For hard-copy resumes or documents attached to emails or online applications, that means putting skill lists at the top. Ensure your resume is search friendly—employers may search job recruiting sites like Monster and LinkedIn or their own application databases for keywords that match job requirements. Understand what other professionals in the industry are looking for and structure language in your resume to match those terms.

Using multiple sources to find manufacturing jobs means you'll run into the same opportunities in multiple places. Documenting your progress keeps you from wasting time—both yours and the employer's—on duplicate applications. Keep a list in a spreadsheet or notebook detailing jobs you've applied for. Include the company name, position name, how you found out about the job, the date you applied, and how you applied. You might also want to record available information about pay, benefits, or location to help you make decisions about jobs once they're offered. Once you start the interview process, you can also use this list to keep track of appointments, make follow-up calls on opportunities, and send thank-you cards to interviewers.

When looking for manufacturing jobs, don't limit yourself to one application or research process. Use the Internet, but network within your industry as well. Everyone has different job-search strengths—exposing yourself to employers in a variety of environments lets you discover and play to those strengths.

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