Manufacturing has a real talent gap. You can’t fix it alone, but you can make sure your careers page isn’t working against you.
According to HR Dive, 61% of U.S. manufacturers say they’re struggling to fill critical roles.
HR runs most of hiring and the ATS is out of your hands, but you do control this page. Here are the do’s and don’ts that make it stronger.
Do’s for a stronger careers page
- DO show the real work: use actual photos and short clips from the floor to counter the "dark, dirty, dangerous" perception problem. Highlight clean facilities, modern equipment, and real employees.
- DO design for mobile first: two-thirds of applications come from phones. Make sure the page loads fast, works on a small screen, and lets people apply in under five minutes. Note: check your analytics, this might differ from your prospects/customers who are primarily on desktop!
- DO explain the path, not just the position: show clear career pathways (entry to lead to supervisor to management) and call out training, certifications, and any advancement support.
- DO surface benefits and schedule details: bring health, 401k, shift differentials, OT, training, and scheduling realities out of hiding. Plain language only.
- DO add process transparency: tell candidates what happens after they click apply. Timeline, steps, and who to contact so HR’s ATS friction doesn’t kill momentum.
Don'ts for a stronger careers page
- DON'T use stock photos: they look fake and make the old "dark and dirty" image of manufacturing even worse. Use real people and real equipment instead.
- DON'T make the apply flow a slog: if the application takes too long or only works on a desktop, most candidates will quit. Keep it short and make sure it works on a phone.
- DON'T hide the basics: pay, shifts, training, and what happens after someone applies should be easy to find. If candidates have to dig for this, they won’t stick around.
Good examples from manufacturing and other industries
Be at the helm of an orbital industrial revolution • Varda Space Industries
Varda is establishing the first scaled industrial operations off our home planet. Join the team and help build off our home planet.
Varda (aerospace)
Job openings at Zapier | Work from anywhere
We’re on a mission to Make Automation Work for Everyone. And we’re hiring!
Zapier (software)
Careers | Zipline Drone Delivery & Logistics
Do you love to build? Are you obsessed with the details? Looking for a career that positively impacts the world? See open roles at Zipline.
Zipline (drone delivery & logistics)
Careers | Figure
Figure is the first-of-its-kind AI robotics company bringing a general purpose humanoid to life.
Figure (humanoid robotics)
Careers at EVBox | EVBox
Join our mission to empower the global shift to electric mobility with our all-in-one EV charging solutions. Explore our open roles and apply now!
EVBox (electric mobility)
! ENTERING THIS SITE MAY LEAD TO A POSSIBLE CAREER WITH OATLY ! - Oatly AB
So, are you absolutely sure you want to apply to work for a company that strives to produce the most sustainable, responsible products on the market?
Oatly! (food)
Stripe: vacatures
We creëren mogelijkheden voor ondernemers en ondernemingen om producten te ontwikkelen, nieuwe businessmodellen te implementeren en wereldwijd te groeien. En we willen graag dat jij ons daarbij helpt.
Krithika Muthukumar
Stripe (finance)
Careers | Anduril
Anduril Industries builds advanced autonomous systems and defense technology to protect US and allied forces. Creating the future of national security through AI, robotics, and cutting-edge engineering.
Anduril (defense)
CAREERS | Hermeus
Join us on our mission to build the world’s fastest aircraft
Life at Hermeus
Hermeus (aerospace)
What this means for your team
You can’t fix hiring alone, but you can make this page clearer and easier to use. Show the work, surface the basics, and cut the friction and you'll be in great shape.