The job interview is a crucial step in identifying the best manufacturing talent. However, even experienced hiring managers can make missteps during interviews that turn off candidates or fail to reveal their full potential. Working with a trusted manufacturing staffing agency can help you avoid common interview mistakes like:
Asking Illegal Questions
It's vital for manufacturing employers to avoid questions that touch on protected characteristics like race, religion, marital status, disabilities, or age during job interviews. Asking about these topics could expose your company to discrimination lawsuits. A manufacturing staffing agency can provide guidance on proper interview questions that steer clear of this legal risk. Their recruiting experts can advise you on constructing interviews focused only on the necessary skills, experience and fit for the role.
Failing to “Sell” the Role
Many interviewers focus exclusively on screening candidates through questions during manufacturing job interviews. However, it's also important to sell candidates on the attractiveness of the open role and your company. Take time to highlight details that will get candidates excited, like training and development programs, team building activities, workplace culture, career growth opportunities, or interesting product and company growth plans. Discussing these types of advantages can persuade top talent to join your organization.
Poor Body Language or Tone
Manufacturing hiring managers need to be aware of inadvertent signals during interviews that may create a negative impression on candidates. Things like lack of eye contact, closed or slouched posture, yawning, fidgeting, or an abrupt communication style can unconsciously turn off applicants. A manufacturing staffing agency can provide feedback on hiring managers' verbal and non-verbal conduct during practice interviews, so these aspects can be improved prior to speaking with real candidates. Maintaining a positive and engaged demeanor is key.
Talking Too Much
It's important that job interviews aren't one-sided conversations where the interviewer does all the talking. Be sure to allow enough time in the interview for candidates to speak and ask their own questions. Resist the urge to dominate the discussion or cut candidates off, as you want to gain a full picture of their skills and potential fit.
Asking Leading Questions
Manufacturing employers should avoid asking interview questions that subtly nudge candidates toward a specific desired answer. This does not provide an accurate depiction of the candidate's true experience or abilities. Keep questions open-ended and neutral to organically gauge capabilities.
Disorganization
Any disorganization on the employer's part during a manufacturing job interview can demonstrate disrespect for a candidate's time. Fumbling to locate the candidate's resume or work samples, lack of structure to the interview, awkward pauses, or showing up late sets a negative tone. Hiring managers should be fully prepared with a planned interview approach.
Skipping Background Research
Failing to thoroughly review a candidate's resume, cover letter, portfolio or other background materials prevents a hiring manager from being able to customize questions and probe the candidate's experience further during an interview. Proper preparation and research is key.
Conclusion
A manufacturing staffing agency recruiter can help prep hiring managers with question frameworks, interview tips, and plans to create an inviting, thorough interview process. They can sit in on early interviews and provide constructive feedback. This allows your team to improve and avoid common pitfalls.
Conducting polished, professional interviews is vital for manufacturing employers seeking to build a skilled workforce. Partnering with a trusted manufacturing staffing agency provides the expertise to make the right hiring decisions and avoid mistakes that could cost you top talent.
