The labor market remains tight, which can make it tough to find and recruit top-quality manufacturing candidates. But there are some specific steps you can take to make your search easier and more successful. Here are a few tips.
Rethink Your Job Descriptions
If you’re still writing yesterday’s job descriptions, today’s top-tier talent will pass you by. It’s no longer enough to list the basic duties and requirements for the role. You’ll need to highlight your company culture, briefly explain what to expect day to day, and mention salary right up front. If you offer any sort of perks, such as catered meals or pet health insurance, touch on those as well.
Focus on Soft Skills
Depending on the exact role, your manufacturing candidates may need certain hard skills, such as machine operation. But that’s only the beginning. Soft skills are those things that help the workplace run more smoothly, such as communication and problem-solving. You’ll get a much wider and more diverse applicant pool if you focus primarily on soft skills and offer on-the-job training for most of the hard skills.
For those hard skills that are essential, consider offering skills-based assessments. Many people have a natural mechanical aptitude, perhaps honed at home or in a volunteer setting, that isn’t necessarily reflected on their resume. So allow candidates to prove their skills hands-on, rather than rejecting them for a lack of experience.
Streamline the Process
Top-tier candidates won’t stick with you through a long, drawn-out hiring process. Cut the number of interviews to a bare minimum. Send out screening questionnaires or assessments to new applicants right away. And keep all candidates informed of their status on a regular basis.
Partner with a Staffing Agency
Recruiting and hiring manufacturing candidates can be a full-time job, but your HR department may already be stretched thin. Dedicated manufacturing staffing agencies know where to find the people you need and how to determine if they’re the right fit. We can do the heavy lifting for you while you focus on your core business concerns.
Need some new talent?
At Gem Care, we specialize in all aspects of manufacturing talent. Whether you need an expert in production, engineering, or the skilled trades, we are ready to help. We can also provide talent for professional and managerial manufacturing roles. If you need manufacturing workers in Greeneville, Jefferson City, or Knoxville, TN, contact us today to get started!