You’re about to step into your first interview for a manufacturing job, and you’re ready to start strong and make a great impression! You have a clean and appropriate outfit ready to go, you’re going to show up on time, and you’re going to make eye contact and project a can-do attitude. While you prepare to give yourself every advantage, add another to the list by anticipating the kinds of questions you’ll be asked and having some answers in mind.

Here are a few questions you’re likely to face. Be ready!

Tell me about yourself.

When you hear this question, answer by telling your life story, but with some very large edits. Turn the entire story into three sentences, and take out every detail except the parts that brought you here to this interview on this day. Explain that you were born, then something happened, and because of that event, you decided to interview for this job. Skip the rest.

Why do you want a manufacturing job like this one?

Answer this question with an honest explanation of what you hope to get out of this role over the long term. Do you have a personal connection to the product made here? Do you have a background or any experience with this specific type of production? If you chose this job simply because you respect the company and it’s close to where you live, it’s okay to just say that.

Why do you want a job that involves hard work?

Physically demanding or mentally taxing jobs that come with odd hours, discomfort, and a higher level of sacrifice are not for everyone. Your interviewer will likely ask why you think this type of environment will work for you, and how you plan to deal with these demands. Again, be honest. If you don’t mind spending long hours on your feet, or you truly enjoy the stimulation of working with your hands and staying in motion, say so.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

There are two answers that employers want to hear when they ask this question: They want to hear that the interviewee plans to stay right here with this company, OR they want to hear from a generally

bright, focused, ambitious person with long term goals outside of this place, goals that will require her to work hard here and make a great impression before moving on. Let your interviewer know that in five years, you plan to be right here within these walls. OR let them know that you’re using this job to get somewhere else. You’re putting yourself through school, you’d like to work your way into a supervisor role, or you’d like hands-on experience with the company’s technology so you can leverage those skills later on. Just don’t shrug and act as though your future doesn’t concern you.

For more on how to impress your interviewer and land the job you’re looking for, talk to the staffing pros at PSU.