How can I put "assembly line" in the best light?

November 6, 2009 8:45 PM

How can I best describe "light industrial" (assembly line) work to a potential employer? and other questions

I'm currently temping at a job where I assemble ugly plastic pieces all day. There is little room for advancement, the work is mindless, and everyone is really impressed with my ability to show up on time and follow directions. It must be the college education. As I see it, the skill I'm demonstrating here is the ability to come to work, put my head down, and do a mindless, nearly pointless task over and over. That seems like something employers value. But how do I phrase that in conversation with a potential employer? And am I correct in thinking that that is the primary takeaway skill from this position, or is there something else?

FWIW, I also interact with my coworkers in their native language, since most are non-English speaking immigrants, and plan to promote this part of the job. I would actually love to pursue that part of the work -- talking with people, learning their stories...

Related question: Is there any point in staying here and accepting promotions as they come, or does it just look like I set my sights too low?

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posted by anonymous to work & money (4 comments total)

Probably the most positive and common way to describe this trait is as a "good work ethic". Whether it's true or just a euphemism is up to you.

As for your related question, I would definitely bolt when a better opportunity came by. Good for you that you are a hard worker, but your idle brain is gonna eventually shrivel up into a little prune.
posted by randomstriker at 9:01 PM on November 6

I'd try to work this theme in many times in different ways rather than dropping a single bold claim.

"I'm good at grinding through work even if it's not interesting."
"I'm precise and accurate."
"I take pride in showing up and working hard even when I don't feel like it."
"I like challenges but I'm not afraid of mindless work either."
"I try to do really good work on even the small parts of the job."
posted by rokusan at 9:28 PM on November 6 [1 favorite]

Put in what you do. What do you do? Are you proficient in potting compounds, soldering, injection molding, sonic welding, attention to detail? etc etc etc

I worked several jobs like this and put all those on my resume. In the engineering profession things like that are valuable, because you know how things are made, not just what things are made for, or why.
posted by sanka at 10:17 PM on November 6

And am I correct in thinking that that is the primary takeaway skill from this position, or is there something else?

You've demonstrated you've got a good work ethic, you get along really well in a diverse workplace (not a small thing, especially if your long-term career plans are in areas like IT where this is not a given for everyone who walks through the door!). You are also someone who's not prissy about doing work that needs to be done and holds out for "dream jobs" instead. Those are all good things.
posted by rodgerd at 11:21 PM on November 6