6 Skills That Can Get You a Manufacturing Job Anywhere

The Chippewa Valley has a strong manufacturing community.  Several world class manufacturers have their headquarters right here in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and Menomonie.  There are a lot of employers hiring right now, but getting the best positions with the best employers will always be competitive.

Here are the skills you need to succeed in manufacturing.  If you develop these strengths, you’ll not only make yourself an attractive candidate for the most sought after positions, but you’ll set yourself up for advancements along the way.

1. Dependability & Strong Work Attendance:  Never underestimate the importance of showing up to work every single day, doing the things you were asked to do, and being a positive teammate to everyone you work with.  Employers quickly filter out candidates who have jumped around from job to job to job. If you stick with a job for 1-3 years, work hard and develop strong dependability, you’ll be able to get a job anywhere you want.
2. Problem Solving:  Manufacturing professionals are increasingly being asked to be skilled with many different machines and processes.  Set yourself apart by demonstrating your ability to learn multiple skills at the same time, follow complex instructions and troubleshoot problems in real time.  Time is money in manufacturing, so if you can showcase your ability to solve problems and keep processes moving, you will be a valuable asset to a potential employer.
3. Teamwork: A successful business depends on people who work together positively and support each other’s roles.  Effective teams have a huge impact on a business’s bottom line and finding employees who are not only able to work in a team but also actively help build team unity are getting hired very quickly.
4. Tech Savvy:  Some manufacturing jobs are high tech and some are low tech. The positions that are higher tech tend to pay more and be more rewarding.  If you’re good at understanding complex systems and can learn new programs quickly, make sure to speak to this skill set in interviews.
5. Interest in Details:  In manufacturing, precision and speed matter.  Thousands of products are being produced rapidly and little mistakes can be very costly.  Paying attention to the little details can be tedious but those who have a good eye for the small things will be the most successful.
6. Communication Skills.  Strong communication skills help in every area of life and work is no exception.  In your job interviews, give examples of when you communicated a challenge to your team or supervisor and how you talked through (and implemented) a solution.  Every job and industry has its challenges and those who can effectively communicate it and come up with a mutual solution are highly sought after.

Each of these skills will help you get the job and paycheck that you deserve. In fact, curious what manufacturers are paying in the Chippewa Valley? Head over here

Sharpen as many of these skills as you can and you will be well on your way to landing the job that fits your lifestyle and compensates you well.