Gone are the days when you could post a job listing, sit back, and watch the applications roll in. Today’s workforce is competitive, the best employees are already employed (and yes, sometimes by your competitors), and recruitment strategy is as much about marketing as it is about hiring. If you’re waiting for talent to come to you, you’re already behind.
Recruiting quality talent in manufacturing requires more than just filling positions. It’s about building a reputation, fostering a sense of belonging, and demonstrating to potential employees that your company is the place where they want to invest their time and skills. How can you do that? With a marketing-for-recruitment strategy that’s intentional, proactive, and human.
1. Build a Digital Brand Worth Applying To
Here’s the hard truth: potential applicants are Googling you. Before they set foot in your plant or hit “apply,” they’re scrolling through your website, skimming your social media, and probably stalking your Glassdoor reviews.
What are they looking for? Culture. Growth opportunities. Real talk from current employees. They’re asking themselves, “Is this a place that values its team, or is it just another cog-in-the-machine kind of gig?”
So, make sure your digital footprint screams, “This is where great people come to work!”
Actionable Tips:
- Polish Your Website: Dedicate a section to careers that highlights your company culture and what makes your workplace unique. Include your company values, team photos, and even videos that offer a behind-the-scenes look at daily life. Make it clear why someone would want to join your team and how they can make an impact.
- Stay Active on Social Media: Use your social channels to celebrate your employees and show off your company culture. Share team highlights, celebrate employee milestones like anniversaries or accomplishments, and post pictures or videos of team events, volunteer efforts, or fun office activities. This personal touch can attract candidates who align with your values.
- Encourage Employee Reviews: Ask current employees to (honestly) share their experiences on platforms like Glassdoor or LinkedIn. Positive reviews can provide valuable insight for potential hires, while constructive feedback demonstrates transparency and a willingness to improve.
A strong, well-branded online presence isn’t just for your customers anymore—it’s a powerful tool to attract and hook top talent by showcasing why your company is a great place to work.
2. Use Marketing to Humanize Your Company
Manufacturing can feel... well, kind of cold. Machines, assembly lines, efficiency metrics. But behind that are real people with stories, personalities, and achievements. Showcasing that is what makes you relatable.
Here’s What Resonates:
- Employee Stories: Highlight the people behind the work by sharing interviews or spotlights on their journeys. For example, “Meet Tammy from the assembly team! She’s been with us for five years, can rebuild a carburetor blindfolded, and recently volunteered to mentor new hires.” These stories not only showcase skills but also add a personal, human touch to your company culture.
- Team Achievements: Celebrate your team’s wins, big or small. Whether they raised money for a local charity, participated in a community cleanup, or sponsored an event, let the world know! Sharing these accomplishments shows you value teamwork and care about making a positive impact beyond the workplace.
- Community Connection: People love seeing companies invested in their communities. Share your involvement in apprenticeship programs, school partnerships, or sponsoring local sports teams. Highlight how these initiatives help build relationships and support the growth of the community in meaningful ways.
Showcasing your company as a place where people thrive—not just a place where work gets done—is a game changer for attracting both talent and positivity.
3. Recruitment Content Strategy That Converts
Content might be the last thing you associate with recruitment, but trust us, it works. The goal is to make potential employees picture themselves in your workspace.
What to Create:
- Day-in-the-Life Videos: Show what a typical day looks like, from clocking in to happy hour after work. Pull back the curtain. This stuff works.
- Career Growth Pathways: Break down how employees can grow with your company. People want to see a future, not just a paycheck.
- Behind-the-Scenes Content: Safety protocols matter. Team dynamics matter. Leadership philosophies matter. Talk about them!
Creating content isn’t fluff. It’s storytelling, and it’s what skilled talent needs to envision themselves as part of your company.
4. Reach Passive Job Seekers Proactively
Here’s a stat for you: most of the best candidates aren’t out job hunting. They’re “opportunity scanning” (yes, that’s a real thing). These folks aren’t hitting “refresh” on job boards, but they’re willing to consider better opportunities if they come knocking.
How to Get in Front of Them:
- Targeted Digital Ads: Leverage platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or even YouTube to run highly targeted ads that showcase your job opportunities, highlight your company culture, and demonstrate why your roles stand out. Use detailed targeting options to zero in on specific industries, job titles, or skill sets to ensure your message reaches the right audience. Don't forget to test different ad formats, like videos or carousel ads, to find what resonates best.
- Radio Campaigns for Trade Workers: Local radio campaigns are incredibly effective for reaching trade professionals. Many tradespeople tune in to local radio stations during their commutes or on job sites. Running a well-crafted ad on radio stations in your area can help you connect with these workers directly and stand out in a less crowded advertising space.
- Engage on Industry Platforms: Get involved in the discussion on industry-specific platforms, forums, and online communities where professionals in your target field gather. Actively post job opportunities, share helpful resources, and participate in conversations to build trust and elevate your company’s presence. This can be particularly effective for niche industries where job seekers value connections and shared expertise.
The key is to position your job offering as a step up in their career, providing clear opportunities for growth, better benefits, or a more fulfilling work environment—not just another short-term stepping stone. By focusing on what makes your roles unique, you’ll attract top talent ready to commit.
5. Leverage Trade Shows, Community Colleges, and Apprenticeship Integration
Here’s the thing about trade shows, career fairs, and apprenticeship days: they’re not just events. They’re opportunities to show off your brand. Treat them as a stage to display how awesome your company is.
Make an Impact:
- Host Facility Tours: There’s no better way to show off your workplace than by opening your doors and giving people a behind-the-scenes look. Whether it’s students, job seekers, or community members, facility tours help showcase your company culture, cutting-edge technology, and the opportunities you offer. It’s a great way to leave a lasting impression and build trust.
- Partner with Schools & Colleges: Everyone loves an employer that invests in education. Collaborate with local schools and colleges by offering programs like scholarships, internships, or mentorship opportunities. These partnerships not only build goodwill but also help develop a pipeline of young, talented individuals who are already familiar with your business and aligned with your values.
- Sponsor Skills Competitions: Get involved in skills competitions where students and tradespeople showcase their abilities. These events are a win-win: they encourage learning and growth while giving you the chance to identify and connect with future stars in your industry. Plus, it demonstrates your commitment to fostering talent and innovation.
These touchpoints aren’t just effective for recruiting fresh talent—they’re also powerful tools for enhancing your company’s reputation and strengthening ties within your community.
6. Internal Culture Training That Builds Retention
Okay, so you’ve successfully recruited top talent. Great! But you also have to keep them. Having strong retention saves you money, time, and the headache of constant hiring.
Culture Training? Yes, Please.
Invest in training that not only helps people do their jobs better but also makes them feel like they belong. Programs like customer service training or leadership seminars can boost team dynamics and morale.
The happier your employees are, the longer they’ll stay. Simple as that.
Hiring for the Future Starts with Marketing Today
Recruiting isn’t just about finding employees anymore. It’s about building a brand that people aspire to work for.
By shifting from a passive “post and pray” method to an active, marketing-driven strategy, you’ll attract the industry’s top talent, foster community connections, and create the kind of workplace culture that makes people stay.
Need help crafting that strategy? Start building your recruitment content and employer brand today. You don't need to tackle it alone. After all, marketing isn’t just for selling products anymore. It’s for building dream teams.