What does your careers page say about your company? 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
- Varda (aerospace) — varda.com/careers
- Zapier (software) — zapier.com/jobs
- Zipline (drone delivery & logistics) — zipline.com/careers
- Figure (humanoid robotics) — figure.ai/careers
- EVBox (electric mobility) — evbox.com/careers
- Oatly (food) — careers.oatly.com
- Stripe (finance) — stripe.com/jobs
- Anduril (defense) — anduril.com/careers
- Hermeus (aerospace) — hermeus.com/careers
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.
Cookie Preferences