Given the often sophisticated and dangerous nature of the work done by manufacturing firms, it’s only natural for these organizations to look for people with the right combination of experience and technical expertise. Skills like welding, CAD drafting, supply chain management, and engineering are just some of the core aspects of many manufacturing jobs.
The Importance of Soft Skills in Manufacturing
More manufacturing firms are beginning to realize the importance of strong soft skills, which have the ability to enhance the technical skills of employees in the long term.
With technology creating sweeping changes across the industrial and manufacturing landscape, today’s manufacturing workers no longer just work with their hands. They need to be able to think on their feet, communicate their progress and status, and work with teams — all of which is known as soft skills.
This is precisely why you should integrate them into your hiring process. Not sure which soft skills matter in your manufacturing hires? Here are a few of our suggestions.
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Communication
Manufacturing and engineering specialists are often imagined as lone wolves — people working long hours on their own, tinkering in the shop with no collaboration. This should never be the case in modern manufacturing facilities.
Candidates must have the ability to collaborate, handle conflict, and create action using their words, both verbally and on paper. They need to be able to articulate their ideas, challenges, and progress to ensure projects are smooth and safe for everyone involved.
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Interpersonal Skills
Likewise, interpersonal skills (people skills) are a must for any manufacturing professional. With the majority of today’s manufacturing jobs requiring constant interaction between people, employees must have the ability to work in teams and get along with others.
When it comes to manufacturing teams, the whole will always be greater than the sum of its parts. In other words, the whole team will suffer if one person is a disaster to work with, no matter how talented and skilled that candidate is.
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Timeliness
Although being on time doesn’t sound like a skill, in the deadline-oriented world of manufacturing, it might as well be. Timeliness doesn’t just refer to a person’s ability to come to work on time every day – it also refers to their knack for meeting deadlines, finishing projects quickly, and thinking of solutions to problems in a swift manner.
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Adaptability
Murphy’s law is an ever-present truth in the world of manufacturing. The things that can go wrong, will – often at the least convenient time. Manufacturing employees must be able to be able to think on their feet, come up with solutions to problems on the fly, and adapt to situations as they happen.
Be sure to check back on this blog for more career insights and guides. If your recruitment processes need a nudge in the right direction, the staffing services specialists of The Reserves Network are happy to help. Call our offices to learn more about our recruitment solutions.
