4 Things You Should Never Say in a Manufacturing Technology Interview

A great resume will get your foot in the door with top manufacturing companies, but interviews are what seal the deal. Your interview is a chance to explore what you want to know about the company and to present how you bring value to the role. While there are several topics you can cover in this meeting, here are 4 things you should never say in a manufacturing technology interview.

  1. ‘Sorry, I haven’t researched your company.”

A hiring manager will ask why you want to join the company is one of the most common questions in an interview. This question is meant to assess how well prepared you are for the interview and whether you are interested in working with them or just filling a role. When you are interviewing for a manufacturing technology role, you can talk about their manufacturing department and related details.

  1. “My biggest weakness is I’m a perfectionist.”

Refusing to share the areas you still need to grow in is dishonest and a disservice to yourself. Finding the right candidate for the position is in the best interest of the candidate and the company. You don’t want to end up at a job that doesn’t match your skill set and work tendencies. If you are better at managing people than crunching numbers, say that!

By being honest about the skills and practices you still need to improve, you show potential employers that you are self-aware and know where you need help.

  1. “I prefer to work alone. Others just slow me down.”

Very few jobs are done in a silo. In fact, having a good team of talented people is vital to the success of any business. Moreover, it is critical to have a team that can finish tasks on time without compromising on the quality of work. Instead of focusing on your preference of individual work in your response, you could discuss how accountability is important to you and your preference to work with teams that value autonomy over being micromanaged.

After all, manufacturing work is a team effort, not a solo performance. Hiring managers will prefer new hires willing to build trust with others rather than those that insist on going at it alone.

  1. “This company is way better than my last company”

Talking badly about others never reflects well on you, even if it is in the context of praising someone else. The reality is that every company knows it could be your previous company. When your review of your last job is completely negative and seems to put all the blame on your employer, it is a red flag and reflects a lack of ownership and compassion in your work. If something negative or lacking made you leave your last company, provide context in your explanation, and explain it from multiple perspectives.

The bottom line with interviewing is that it is in the interest of both employers and jobseekers to connect, matching skillsets and workplace preferences with the right opportunities. So don’t be shy about your flaws. Make it clear if you aren’t a social butterfly and prefer to work with a small team. Alternatively, if you have solid interpersonal skills yet lack technical acumen, communicate that to the hiring manager and highlight that you are eager and willing to learn. Using these tips, you can nail your next interview and find an excellent company for your unique strengths and skills.

If you’d like to explore opportunities within the manufacturing workplace, partnering with NLG brings you not only access to incredible opportunities, but the inside track on the ones you’re a great match for. Learn more about our services for jobseekers here, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re on the market for new career opportunities within manufacturing.

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