Even with a better employer brand, manufacturing still needs to change what they hire for to match a technology-forward workplace.
The pervasiveness of computer-controlled machinery means today’s manufacturing worker needs a blend of technical, cognitive, and interpersonal skills. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and dependability matter just as much as traditional experience—if not more.
Instead of filtering candidates by resume or education level, skills-based hiring assesses what really matters: a person’s ability to learn, adapt, and perform.
Tools like behavioral and cognitive assessments help identify long-term potential and cultural fit. Situational judgment tests (SJTs) let candidates demonstrate how they’d respond to real-world scenarios on the factory floor. And Realistic Job Previews (RJPs) give applicants a chance to self-select out early if the role isn’t right for them—saving time and improving fit for everyone involved.
Discover the top 5 skills today’s manufacturers should be hiring for.
