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.