Want to move your resume from the “pass” pile to the callback list?
With low unemployment rates, employers are competing for a smaller pool of qualified candidates. But you need to communicate your skills and qualities in a way that signals to employers you are qualified for the job.
We asked members of the AdvantaStaff team who are involved in the hiring process to share the top skills they look for in candidates. If you’re looking for work in manufacturing—whether in engineering, skilled trades, quality and safety, warehouse and production, office support, or a professional role—use this list to review your resume and polish your story so you can land more interviews and job offers.
- Technical Certifications
Get the industry-specific certifications you need for your role or the role you want to move into. OSHA 10 or 30, NCCER, forklift certification, GMP training: these credentials signal to employers that you meet a certain standard. If you’re lacking relevant credentials, you can look to programs like FastForward at Virginia’s Community Colleges for short-term online and in-person job training.
- Hands-On Experience
A degree isn’t enough. Employers prioritize technical and tactical on-the-job skills—and you need to be able to articulate these skills. But a list of skills and generic bullet points isn’t enough.
You need to be able to explain, in your own words, specific tasks you’ve done, equipment you’ve worked on, and outcomes from your work history. If your resume looks like it was copied and pasted from the job description, it’s unlikely you’ll get a call back.
And be prepared to demonstrate those skills, too. Some employers now use technical, behavioral or practical assessments as part of the interview process.
- Mechanical Aptitude
For production, trades, and technical roles, employers value candidates with specialized experience. If you understand how things work and know how to troubleshoot when they don’t, make sure that’s clear on your resume.
In Central Virginia, where there’s a strong presence in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, it helps to cite any industry-specific experience you have.
- Cross-Training
Employers value employees who can work across functions: a maintenance tech who can handle basic electrical work or an auditor with operational compliance experience. If you have skills beyond your primary role, make sure your resume reflects that.
If you are still in your current role, ask your employer if you can cross-train in other areas to gain that experience.
- Digital Literacy
You must be comfortable with basic software and data entry. Depending on your role, you may need experience with specific manufacturing software or inventory systems.
- Reliable Work History
Job hopping is only a deal breaker if you don’t have a clear explanation. Get comfortable telling your story in a way that demonstrates your character and shows why you were an asset to your previous role. Employers want stability, so major gaps and frequent moves require a clear and honest explanation.
- Shift Flexibility
Right after the pandemic, many people had expectations of remote work. But if your resume makes it clear that you’re only open to remote work, it will most likely trigger a rejection letter. Employees open to schedules beyond a single shift time or even schedules that rotate automatically stand out in a job market where flexibility is increasingly hard to find. If you’re open to different shifts, say so.
- Adaptability
It may surprise you that many companies look for people who are easy to work with, not just those with the right technical skills. Employers want candidates who can evolve alongside their operations and work well as part of a team. A willingness to learn and an openness to new responsibilities will make you stand out. You can show this on your resume by including any continuing education or certifications you’ve received, as well as cross-functional training. If this is missing on your resume, look into courses you can take to fill this gap.
- Communication
On your resume and in any interview, you need to be able to clearly explain what you did in your previous role(s), why it mattered, and what value you feel you can add to the job you’re interviewing for. Instead of looking for perfection, look to tell your story succinctly in your own words—not a rehearsed script from ChatGPT.
- Accountability
It’s important that employees align with a company’s values and can fit into their culture. A major piece of this is taking pride in your work. That means showing up on time and taking initiative—often without having to be asked in the first place. Employers don’t want to invest in distracted employees who are a safety risk to themselves, others, and equipment.
The first way to demonstrate your accountability is to show up prepared for an interview—even if it is an initial phone screening.
While specific certifications and technical requirements will vary by job role, you should try to reflect all ten of these areas on your resume. It’s what will earn you a callback—and, potentially, the job.