Manufacturing is a dynamic and cutting-edge industry, so you’re going to want to update your resumé to match. No matter what your current skill set is, these are easy ways to spruce up your resumé so it gets to the top of the pile.
Top 5 Tips for How to Write a Great Resumé
Let’s start with the basics. Believe it or not, some of the simplest things you can do, like taking a little time to perfectly format your resumé, will set you apart from the crowd. Here are the top 5 tips for how to write a great resumé:
- Keep it under two pages long
- Use a clear and professional font
- Use bullet points and short powerful sentences
- Make sure there is plenty of white space
- Edit your work before you submit your resumé
How to Tailor Your Resumé to a Job in Manufacturing
Now that you’ve set up a well formatted resumé, it’s time to tailor it to the specific industry you’re applying to. Manufacturing in Ontario is currently booming, and there are many examples of companies thriving and looking for employees just like you. Here’s how to maximize your chances of landing an interview:
1. Write the Summary at the Top to Match the Exact Job
The traditional “Objective” statement at the top of a resumé is no longer the standard. Instead, write a brief 2- or 3-sentence summary of your skills, your experience, and why you’re a great fit for this particular company.
The key here is to make sure you show you are well suited to the specific job you are applying to. If you are applying for the job of a welder at a small manufacturing company, you’d state that you have excellent practical welding skills and that you’re looking forward to working in a small, agile team of technicians.
By adjusting your summary to match each individual position that you are applying for, you show that you’ve researched the company, and that you’ve taken the time to carefully craft a response. Small details go a long way.
2. Highlight Your Skills - Technical and Otherwise
If you have technical skills that match the job you are applying for, state those first (before the soft skills). Your resumé should have a skills section, using bullet points to showcase what you’re good at and have experience with. Examples that might apply to a career in manufacturing include:
- Programming in C++ and Java
- Licensed technician
- 12 years of experience as a machinist
- Fabrication
- Chemical engineering lab experience
- Six Sigma green belt
- Professional Engineer, P.Eng.
Because manufacturing is such a fast-paced industry, it’s important to show that you have the soft skills to be successful. Skills development around communication and teamwork make you a more desirable employee than technical skills alone, so make sure you include those soft skills, such as:
- Problem solving
- Being able to tackle challenges yourself and find solutions will make you a more independent employee, who can always “get the job done”
- Management experience
- You will be able to advance into positions where you oversee other people or projects, and you’ll also be able to better work in teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Miscommunication can often lead to mistakes, time lost, and inefficiencies, which cost a company money. But through effective communication everyone remains informed and understands project statuses, deadlines, and expectations
- Attention to detail
- In technical positions, paying close attention to installation instructions, blueprints, or safety procedures are essential to your safety and the accuracy of the products you help to produce
- Quick study
- Not only will this shorten your onboarding process, but when new systems are added to the manufacturing operation, you can quickly become the expert and move the project along
- Adaptable and able to think on your feet
- As technology continues to evolve the industry, this skill is a must to continue to contribute to Ontario manufacturing
3. Put Experience Above Education
In the structure of your resumé, put your experience before your education. Even if your only work experience is an apprenticeship as you were training, put that at the forefront to indicate your suitability as an employee.
In addition, limit what you say about your education to only what is applicable to the job in manufacturing. Include your technical certifications and degrees/diplomas, but leave out any high school-specific achievements or other irrelevant information (like basketball championships or being on student council).
Expand Your Job Search to Eastern Ontario
If you’re writing a resumé for a job in manufacturing, check out the many job postings in eastern Ontario. There are exciting careers available, and it’s an affordable alternative to larger cities in the province.
External links are provided as informational resources only and are not necessarily endorsed by Ontario East.
