When it comes to hiring a manufacturing process engineer, it's not just about their skills and qualifications. Ensuring they blend seamlessly with your team is equally vital. In fact, Leadership IQ reports that a staggering 89% of job failures can be attributed to a poor attitude, emphasising the significance of cultural compatibility before making a hiring decision.

In this article, we provide you with a step-by-step process to guarantee that the manufacturing process engineer you hire will be an excellent fit for your team.

Step 1: Define Your Company Culture

Before you embark on finding the right manufacturing process engineer, you must have a thorough understanding of your team's values and culture. If you haven't already, create a list of core values by consulting your team members. Incorporate these values into the job description and prominently display them on your website. This enables applicants to gain a comprehensive understanding of your company and its ethos.

Additionally, familiarise yourself with the personalities of your team leaders and colleagues who will be working closely with the new engineer. Understanding their management styles and work processes will help you assess which candidates will integrate smoothly into the team.

Step 2: Discuss Your Team's Values During the Job Interview

To avoid any post-hiring surprises, it's crucial that candidates have a clear picture of what it's like to work on your team. During the interview, articulate your team's values and expectations for employee behaviour. Provide candidates with an opportunity to visit the workplace and engage in discussions with your team members before extending a job offer.

Step 3: Ask the Right Questions During Interviews

To ensure a mutual fit between the candidate and your team, it's essential to go beyond assessing skills and experience. Devote time during the interview to ask questions that provide insights into the candidate's personality and values. Look for individuals who exemplify and uphold the values your team cherishes.

Consider asking questions such as:

• How would you describe yourself?
• What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
• What aspect of your personality do you consider your greatest strength, and why?
• Conversely, what aspect of your personality do you struggle with, and why?
• Which core values do you believe in?
• What management styles do you work best with?
• Are you familiar with our team values? Which ones align most closely with your own values?
• Why are you interested in pursuing a manufacturing process engineer role?

Step 4: Get Your Team Involved in the Hiring Process

There's no better way to assess cultural fit than by involving potential colleagues directly. Arrange for candidates to meet your team members, either during the interview process, at their workstations, or in a social setting. The feedback you receive from your team will be invaluable in evaluating the candidate's compatibility.

Consider utilising psychometric analysis to gauge cultural fit. These assessments measure intelligence, critical reasoning, motivation, and personality profiles. Over 80% of Fortune 500 companies and more than 75% of the UK's top 100 companies now incorporate psychometric testing in their hiring processes. At Hero, we offer psychometric testing services to aid you in making informed decisions. Please reach out to us for further information.

Step 5: Do Your Research

While it's common advice to research candidates, including their social media presence, before the interview stage, it's important to approach this aspect with caution. While social media can offer insights into a candidate's authentic self outside of the workplace, it's important not to draw hasty conclusions. Remember that online personas may not always accurately reflect a professional candidate's true character. Utilise social media as a guide rather than making it the sole basis of judgement.

In conclusion, when hiring a manufacturing process engineer, finding a candidate who aligns culturally with your team is of utmost importance. Skills can be developed over time, but shared values and cultural harmony are crucial for long-term success. By following the above steps, you can ensure you make the right choice.

For assistance in recruiting candidates who not only possess the technical skills but also thrive in cultural alignment, please contact HERO. We specialize in finding the perfect match for your team.