You're about to go to a food manufacturing job interview. How can you prepare yourself?

1 Research the company

Before you go to the interview, do some research on the company you're applying to. Find out what products they make, what their values and mission are, and what challenges and opportunities they have. This will help you tailor your answers to their specific needs and goals, and show them that you're genuinely interested in working for them. You can also prepare some questions to ask them about their company culture, their expectations, and their future plans.

2 Review your skills and experience

Another way to prepare for the interview is to review your skills and experience related to food manufacturing. Think of some examples of how you applied your knowledge, abilities, and achievements in previous or current roles. For instance, you could mention how you improved the quality, safety, or efficiency of a food production process, how you solved a problem or handled a crisis, or how you learned a new skill or technique. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your impact.

3 Know the standards and regulations

Food manufacturing is a highly regulated industry that requires compliance with various standards and codes of practice. You should be familiar with the relevant laws and guidelines that apply to your role and the company you're interviewing for. For example, you should know the basic principles of food safety, hygiene, labeling, traceability, and waste management. You should also be aware of any certifications or accreditations that the company has or requires, such as HACCP, ISO, or BRC. Show that you understand the importance of following the rules and keeping up with the changes.

4 Dress appropriately and professionally

The way you dress for your interview can make a good or bad impression on the employer. You want to look neat, clean, and professional, but also suitable for the work environment. Depending on the role and the company, you might need to wear a formal suit, a business casual outfit, or a protective clothing. Check the dress code beforehand and follow it accordingly. Avoid wearing anything too flashy, revealing, or distracting. You should also bring any documents or materials that the employer asked for, such as your resume, references, or portfolio.

5 Be confident and courteous

Finally, you should be confident and courteous during your interview. Confidence means that you believe in your skills and abilities, and that you can handle the challenges and responsibilities of the role. Courteous means that you respect the interviewer and the company, and that you behave in a polite and professional manner. You can show confidence and courtesy by arriving on time, greeting the interviewer with a smile and a handshake, maintaining eye contact and good posture, listening attentively, answering clearly and concisely, thanking them for their time, and following up with a thank-you note.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?