Industry Outlook for Manufacturing Jobs

The overall employment prospect for manufacturing jobs, as a whole, is anticipated to continue declining in the next few years. The majority of this decline is due to the fact that an increasing number of contracts are being awarded to companies overseas because it is often cheaper.

The only exception to this downward trend seems to be in industries where fine detail is needed and requires a human hand and eyes to accurately perform the job. Aeronautics is just one of the fields that may not experience as much downsizing as other manufacturing related industries.

Manufacturing work can be very repetitive and often involves work in a noisy environment; usually standing for long periods of time. Persons employed in this occupation generally must be in excellent health, have a lot of stamina and be able to life heavy pieces of equipment. Quotas often apply to manufacturing jobs. Workers in this industry must be able to perform work quickly and accurately; as mistakes cost the company money and time.

Manufacturing companies tend to shift owners frequently which can mean a shift in benefits pay and even periods of unemployment for persons employed in this field. On the other hand, manufacturing employees tend do earn better than average wages, may be part of a union and often have access to benefits such as health and dental insurance, vacation and sick time as well as stock options.

Employment Prospects for Manufacturing Jobs

Employment prospects for the field of manufacturing vary greatly. The industry is comprised of several sub-categories which include:

• Metal
• Plastic
• Printing
• Textile
• Wood
• Power
• Water
• Liquid waste
• Food
• Assembly type work

Job Search for Manufacturing Jobs

Persons interested in manufacturing employment can find employment opportunities through a variety of means. These types of jobs are commonly posted in the classifieds section of the newspaper as well as through employment and recruitment services. Manufacturing jobs that involve working on government contracts usually have more stringent requirements and therefore tend to be posted with professional agencies.

Cover Letters for Manufacturing jobs

The cover letter used to apply for a position in manufacturing should build on the resume by highlighting skills, experience, knowledge of technology advances that apply to the industry and a strong commitment to safety.

Resumes for Manufacturing Jobs

Experience and skill are usually highly valued by manufacturing employers. Due to this the functional or combination resume can be beneficial to candidates applying for work in the manufacturing industry.

Any special training or experience on specialty equipment should be highlighted on the resume.

Manufacturing employers are also frequently concerned with maintaining a safe workforce and environment, therefore the job seeker should also mention any awards or commendations they have received for safety or safety training they have attended.

Quotas often apply to jobs in manufacturing, so it is also a good idea to frame the resume in terms of achievements and accomplishments.

Training & Qualifications for Manufacturing Jobs

Entry level requirements for employment in manufacturing vary; depending on the location and the industry; however most employers require at least a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma. A certain amount of specialty experience or training may be required in order to work with more complex machinery.

Individuals who want to be employed in the manufacturing industry, and maintain their employment, will need to be vigilant about staying on top of emerging technologies. Most equipment used in all manufacturing firms today involve some form of computer technology.

Opportunities for advancement do exist in this field for individuals who show leadership abilities and who are able to master the operation of the machine on which they have worked.

Individuals employed in manufacturing plants where work on government contracts is performed will generally be required to undergo a security clearance.

Good luck in your search for a job in the manufacturing industry !