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“Interview? I have to interview? It’s an industrial job. What, like a suit and everything?” This could well be a thought that goes through your head after you apply for a manufacturing job. If it is, you’re not alone! There’s a lot of information and advice out there for folks looking for office work at every level. But chances are a lot of that advice doesn’t apply to you.
Make your first impression count:
Regardless of the job you’re applying for, the adage that you only get one chance to make a good first impression is consistent across the board. And you do want to make a good first impression. That means presenting yourself professionally. Dress appropriately and mind your hygiene. Offer a handshake and be friendly and personable when you meet your interviewer. Also, just in case it needs to be said, lay off swearing or slang language. Though you might be working in an informal setting, you’re still presenting yourself as a potential employee. Employers are looking for someone who’s respectful and reliable, and your language and attitude matter.
What to wear to an industrial job interview:
In your line of work, steel-toed boots and a hard hat may be appropriate in the workplace, but they’re not in an interview. Don’t worry; we’re not suggesting you wear a three-piece suit and tie, either. Professional in the industrial sector usually falls somewhere in the middle. Though you might take a more casual approach to your wardrobe, it should always be clean, neat, and in good repair, head to toe (that includes your shoes!) Do not wear sneakers or work boots to an interview. Clean khakis or slacks, a button down and dress shoes are usually an appropriate middle ground, though it can depend on the employer. If you’re really unsure, it’s fine to ask the interviewer about their dress code. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, err on the side of overdressed. A simple suit in a neutral colour such as black, grey or navy will always be safe.
Prepare ahead:
Whether your interview takes place in an office or on the factory floor, we always advise candidates to be prepared. Though you might think you know your stuff and all the questions will be a breeze, it’s always best to gather your thoughts ahead of time. Don’t think you’ll be able to wing it and emerge with a job offer. You’d be amazed at how little it takes to throw you off your game when you’re under the hot lights in an interview setting. Being unprepared tells your interviewer you’re not taking the interview seriously, have little respect for their time, and indicates how you’d approach the job should you get it.
Study the job description:
It sounds obvious, but reading the job description is important. If you know exactly what your interviewer is looking for, you can speak to key points in the requirements and apply them to your own experience. Talk about your qualifications, projects you completed on (or ahead of) time and that demonstrate your initiative, recognition or awards you’ve received, promotions – anything that shows your value to the organization.
Prepare answers to common interview questions
To help you out, here are some questions you might hear in your interview. Make sure you have an idea of how you’d answer all of them. You don’t have to prepare an answer word for word, but you should have a point or two in mind that you want to mention for each.
Tell me about yourself.
You might think that this is the easiest question ever, and in your car on the way to the interview, it could be. But add in a little stress and an interviewer who’s looking to be impressed, and your great response might just fly right out of your head. Think about your answer beforehand. Check out our blog on how to answer ‘tell me about yourself’ for more advice.
Why do you want this job?
This question can also crop up as “why should we hire you?” or “why are you the right person for this job?” Don’t make the mistake of talking solely about how much you love the company or how great this job would be because the pay and hours are great. It’s awesome that you’re excited about the job, but employers want to know why they should hire you over the other guy. Your answer needs to convey not only that you’re very interested in the job and organization, but also that you’re the right fit and have all the skills they are looking for.
How do you handle stress?
Manufacturing and logistics jobs often require someone who thrives under pressure, especially if the role requires managing strict deadlines or quotas. So questions about stress are common in the sector. This is another way of asking how well you work under pressure or how successful are you at meeting tight deadlines. Other similar questions that could emerge that require short, clear, honest answers are: ‘how well do you work with others?’ Or ‘how are your time-management skills?’
Why did you leave your last position?
This is one of the more tricky to navigate questions. Though it’s generally a good policy to be as honest as possible in job interviews, this question is one exception. If your last (or current, if you’re actively employed) job was awful, this is not the place to share. Always speak highly of any previous employers. If you’re not sure what to say, it’s always safe to say you were looking for something different and a chance to try something new.
Do you have any questions for me?
You may not always be asked this, but if you are, it’s your golden opportunity to clinch the deal. Make sure you’ve prepared some questions; they might include asking about the work environment, opportunities for advancement, or next steps in the hiring process. A great closing question is: ‘Is there anything I can add to this interview that would assure you I’m the right person for this role?’
Close on a strong note
As the interview draws to a close, take a moment to confirm your interest in the job and briefly review your qualifications. Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time and let them know you hope to hear from them soon (if, in fact, you do). Send a thank-you email when you get home; it’s another opportunity to remind them that your skills align with the job and to add anything vital you may have forgotten in the interview. More importantly, it’s the other bookend to your good first impression.
Top Tips for Securing that Blue Collar Job
1. Do your Research
Whatever industry you are hoping to secure a job in, you need to do your research on the company and the job before attending the interview. This will allow you to predict the type of questions that may be asked. Visit the company website and learn about the company’s projects, vision and ethos. Furthermore, have a clear idea of the job description in your mind and how it relates to your skill set and employment history. Last but not least, make sure you know how long it takes to reach the location, as of course being late is a disaster.
2. Expand on your CV
The interviewers will want to know about your skills and experience. However, will already know the rough contents of your CV, so summerise your CV briefly and then build on that content with supporting ideas. Relate your skills and experience directly to the job at hand, and expand your answers by giving concrete examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in the past and how they will benefit the company in the future.
3. Be Authentic
Being real is crucial for interview success. Employers, like most people, like honesty and authenticity. If you’re not sure how to answer a particular question, don’t panic. Respond initially with a phrase such as Hmm…that’s a good question, and give yourself a moment to think. Practice answering the questions listed at the bottom of this post, so you have a range of ideas to draw on if you’re asked a hard question. Above all stay true to yourself.
4. Be Aware of Your Body Language
Body language is important at an interview. Greet your interviewer with eye contact, a smile and a firm handshake. When you sit down, keep a straight-backed posture, and keep your arms open at your side. Slouching, or crossing your arms can give the impression that you are either bored or defensive.
5. Dress the Part
If you are applying for an administration, or high level role then a suit is an appropriate choice for your blue-collar industry interview. However, if the job does not involve any formal dressing a more casual look may be appropriate. Avoid being too casual though. In all cases, clean shoes and a collared shirt are a must.
6. Ask Questions
We often forget that an interview is a two way process. Asking one or two questions at the end of an interview shows thoughtfulness, and confidence as well as keenness for the job. Furthermore, it shows you have done your research. It’s a good idea to have two or three questions in mind in case the interviewer has already answered a question earlier on.
7. Practice Questions for Interview
Obviously interview questions will vary according to each job. However, here are 15 standard questions to practice at home and get you in the interview mood:
-Why do you want this job?
-Why are you suited to this job?
-Tell me what you think this position involves.
-What do you know about our company?
-Why would you like to work with our company?
-What can you bring to this company?
-Tell me about your experience in the field as it relates to this job.
-What are your strengths and weaknesses?
-What have you learned from a mistake on a previous job?
-Where do you see yourself in 2 – 5 years?
-What are you looking for in Career development?
-Describe a situation where you had to organize something/ fix something/ improve something.
-Tell me about your greatest achievement.
-How would your previous manager/co-worker describe you?
-How do you keep yourself organized for work?
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