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Production Operator*

3M · Cordova, IL · Full time

Posted Jul 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This job runs chemical processing equipment in Cordova. Tell me about a time you followed a written procedure exactly, even when it seemed slower.

What they are checking: Whether they respect procedures in a chemical plant, where skipping a step can hurt people.

You collect samples and do basic calculations. Tell me about a job where accuracy with numbers or records really mattered.

What they are checking: Whether they treat sampling and data as part of product quality, not busywork.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work. How did you find out, and what did you do about it?

What they are checking: Whether they report errors quickly, which matters most when a mistake affects product or safety.

How do you stay alert and focused across a long shift doing repeated tasks?

What they are checking: Whether they have habits that keep attention steady, since lapses cause both defects and injuries.

Tell me about a time you had to hand off work to the next shift. What did you make sure they knew?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate clearly at shift change, when problems most often get lost.

What would you do

You're watching a process and a reading starts drifting outside its normal range. What do you do first?

What they are checking: Whether they notice early signs, know when to escalate, and avoid guessing at fixes alone.

A coworker tells you to skip wearing a face shield for a quick task. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they will hold to protective equipment rules when peers pressure them to cut corners.

How do you troubleshoot a piece of equipment that keeps stopping, and when do you call maintenance instead of fixing it yourself?

What they are checking: Whether they know the limits of their role and avoid unsafe repairs outside their training.

About the work

Have you operated a forklift or pallet jack? How do you make sure a load is safe before you move it?

What they are checking: Whether they have real material handling habits that prevent drops, tip-overs and injuries.

Bulk loading and unloading is part of this job. What safety checks would you expect before a transfer starts?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that bulk chemical transfers need verification of product, connections and protective gear first.

What does it mean to you to keep production flowing while also keeping your area clean and organized?

What they are checking: Whether they see housekeeping as part of safe, steady output rather than something extra.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by 3M.

Job Description: JOB TITLE: Production Operator LOCATION: Cordova, IL Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it is equally important for you to know that the company that you choose to work for, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers. This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career. The Impact You’ll Make in this Role: As a Production Operator , you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by: • Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot production and chemical processing equipment to safely manufacture quality products in accordance with established procedures, operating standards, and site requirements. • Support production operations and material movement by performing bulk loading and unloading activities, transferring finished products, operating forklifts and pallet jacks, and maintaining production workflow. • Monitor process conditions and maintain production accuracy by collecting samples, performing basic calculations, documenting production data, managing inventory, and ensuring proper labeling and identification of materials, equipment, and finished goods. • Maintain a clean, safe, and production-ready work environment by cleaning equipment, totes, hoses, and work areas; supporting container management and drum setup activities; and ensuring readiness of production systems. • Perform routine equipment inspections, first-line maintenance, and minor repairs while following all safety, environmental, hazardous material, and emergency response procedures to support reliable operations and regulatory compliance. Your Skills and Expertise: To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this 3M Production role, in compliance with U.S. labor and safety laws. • Must have high school degree or equivalent. • Minimum 1 year of experience in manufacturing, agriculture, construction or like field required. • Must be able to work 12 hour rotating shifts to include weekends and holidays as well as working overtime as needed. Applicants meeting the basic qualifications may be required to take and pass 3M elected testing as a part of the selection process. Work Location: Cordova, IL Travel: None Relocation Assistance: N/A Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status). Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information, systems, technologies subjected to the regulations/compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws. U.S. Export Control laws and U.S. Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on companies and their ability to share export-controlled and other technology and services with certain "non-U.S. persons" (persons who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., refugees, "Temporary Residents" (granted Amnesty or Special Agricultural Worker provisions), or persons granted asylum. To comply with these laws, 3M must help assess candidates' U.S. person status. The questions asked in this application are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this particular position. Pay Transparency: The starting rate of pay for this position is $30.52/hr. This targeted compensation range represents a good faith estimate and can vary based on factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Other benefits and incentives may apply; pay and benefits overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/ . This information is being disclosed in accordance with local Pay Transparency Rules. Supporting Your Well-being 3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope. Chat with Max For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers. All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M. Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties. Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement. Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/ 3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly. 3M Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms. Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here) . Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.

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