As a candidate, you have likely heard about the concept of a skills gap for new employees. Employers worry about it, recruiters try to avoid it, and professionals looking for their next opportunity can’t overlook the fact that in all likelihood, there will be at least a little bit of a learning curve when adjusting to the realities and demands of a new job. While the skills gap – particularly in the manufacturing field – isn’t something you can ignore, that doesn’t mean the existence of a skill gap will necessarily reduce your chances of landing the job you want. In fact, we’ll tell you how to not only overcome the skills gap, but perhaps even use it to your advantage.
Exemplify Your Commitment to Continued Education
The manufacturing industry is constantly reinventing itself through updates in technology, as well as system and process improvements. This often results in a skills mismatch that means employers are desperate to find the right employee for the job. As a candidate looking for your next position in the manufacturing industry, show employers you understand their conundrum and want to bridge the gap through continued education. Whether you return to school to earn an official degree or focus your efforts on advancing an existing career through courses and training seminars to learn specific skills currently in demand on the market, you are sure to get the edge over your competition. Not to mention, your future employer will appreciate your initiative and commitment to being the most effective employee for their position.
Consider Applying Your Cross-Industry Skills
There are plenty of skills and qualities in candidates that are very marketable across multiple industries. Many candidates making a move into manufacturing have skills that they have earned in their past experiences that may be unique to their qualifications. Many job requirements (though not all, of course) can be met through a wide variety of experiences and job histories. Finding the opportunities that will most benefit from your special skill set is key, and once you identify those opportunities your varied skills can help you lessen the impact of a perceived skills gap, while providing interesting and distinctive qualifications for employers to consider.
Understanding what Employers are Looking For
The most important thing you can do to address the skills gap is to confront it head-on. That means acknowledging the existence of a possible gap, and planning and communicating how you expect to address the issues within the new position. Employers know that candidates are unlikely to know all the ins and outs of a new job right off the bat. Candidates who refuse to acknowledge the issue of a skills gap are unable to provide the assurances that businesses need when it comes to transitioning new employees in to a critical position. Show prospective employers that you understand their position and provide a game plan for reducing that transition time for increased confidence in your abilities.
We understand that you are unique – we’ll never try to fit you into a cookie-cutter staffing solution, or a job that doesn’t suit you. Sentech Services is a leader for industrial jobs in Detroit and the surrounding area. Contact us today to get started!