Manufacturing is a massive industry, full of sub-sectors and thousands of career opportunities. The industry is growing, and the need for talent is real, which is great news for job seekers. But just because there's a critical workforce need doesn't mean you'll be able to walk into any job you want, especially if the company, position, pay, and benefits are competitive and desirable.
Most of us have financially invested in our careers, whether that's through a 4-year degree or a technical certification, but there are also plenty of ways you can advance your career at no additional cost to you. The only price tag you'll see is for your time and effort, which is often well worth the investment!
Take a look at these three simple and, more importantly, free ways to elevate your career game and give your job search an edge if you're actively seeking a new career opportunity.
Make a resume (or update an existing one)
Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers, so it's crucial to keep it updated and polished.
For high school and college students, this means highlighting relevant coursework, internships, and any hands-on projects that demonstrate your skills.
For young professionals in the manufacturing industry, including specific achievements such as process improvements, certifications, and relevant technical skills can make your resume stand out.
As a bare minimum, your resume should include the following:
- Your name and contact information
- Your work experience (if you have an extensive work history, limit yourself to the most recent and relevant positions)
- Your education, including completed or in-progress degrees, completed certifications, and any relevant, standalone coursework
- Technical skills (i.e., Swiss lathe operation, manual inspection with calipers and micrometers, intermediate experience with inspection software, SolidWorks, etc.)
Tips for building your resume 📃
Provide 3-5 sentences detailing your responsibilities at each role listed under your work experience
Include your references (this helps with the employer's qualifying process and can speed up the hiring/decision process; plus it's a major green flag 😄)
You can use a standard document creator like Microsoft Word; if you want more control over layout and formatting, use the free version of Canva
The best file format to submit your resume in is definitely .PDF, although Microsoft Word extensions are also acceptable (.doc or .docx); avoid file formats like .pages, which most PCs aren't able to open unless they have dedicated software
Address any short tenures on your resume, whether it's due to a contract position, layoffs, or some other reason
Regularly updating your resume ensures that you accurately reflect your most current skills and experiences. Make sure to quantify your achievements with metrics, such as efficiency improvements, cost reductions, or project completions, to give potential employers a clear picture of your impact.
Create a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and professional development, especially in the manufacturing industry. Start by creating a comprehensive profile that includes your education, work experience, skills, and certifications. Use a professional photo and write a compelling summary that highlights your career goals and key accomplishments.
Beyond just creating a profile, actively engage with the platform. Follow industry leaders, join manufacturing groups, and participate in discussions. LinkedIn also offers a wealth of learning opportunities through articles, webinars, and courses.
One of the best ways to learn and engage on LinkedIn is by identifying who to follow. There's value in following relevant businesses and organizations, especially the ones you may want to work at some day; but following the right people will provide you the greatest ROI on your time investment.
Take a Free Online Course
You've likely heard the phrases "student of the industry" or "lifelong learner" - they both mean the same thing in manufacturing: those who continuously learn advance and succeed in their careers.
Continuous learning is essential in the ever-evolving field of manufacturing. Fortunately, there are numerous free online courses available that can help you gain new skills or deepen your existing knowledge.
Free CNC machining learning resources 💡
Titans of CNC Academy
When in doubt, social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram are great learning resources; just make sure to vet the quality of the content.
Whether you're interested in hard skills like CNC machining, offered by the Titans of CNC Academy, or soft skills like leadership and teamwork, there are resources available to you.
Amanda White
