Quality Control Inspector Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does a Quality Control Inspector Do?

Quality control inspectors ensure that the products or services produced by an organization meet the desired quality standards. In this role, these inspectors examine materials and products for defects, deviations from specifications, and other quality issues. Additionally, they may review production records and test data to ensure that products comply with quality standards and regulations.

A quality control inspector typically works in manufacturing facilities, laboratories, or other specialized settings. It is essential that professionals in this role possess excellent analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and an understanding of technical specifications and regulations in order to perform this job effectively. Communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team, are essential.

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National Average Salary

Quality control inspector salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.

The average U.S. salary for a Quality Control Inspector is:

$42,740

Quality Control Inspector Job Descriptions

Crafting the perfect job description may be the key to finding an exceptional quality control inspector. To help you with your recruiting search, our team has put together some examples from past openings.

Candidate Certifications to Look For

  • Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) – As a CQI, candidates have the proven skills to aid and work under the direction of quality engineers, supervisors, and technicians. They demonstrate the knowledge to evaluate hardware documentation, perform laboratory procedures, inspect products, measure process performance, record data, and prepare formal reports. To be eligible for the exam, candidates will need 2 years of relevant experience and a high school diploma or GED.
  • Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) – The CQAP program trains candidates to become a leader in quality assurance by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to develop quality control processes. A CQAP is also part of a network of high-level quality assurance experts that candidates can get help. With a CQAP, they will have a solid understanding of quality assurance tools and frameworks and their use in any industrial environment. Topics include quality management systems, quality system standards, and customer satisfaction and relationship management.
  • Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) – The CCT tests, calibrates, maintains, and repairs electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, analytical, and electronic measuring, recording, and indicating instruments and equipment for conformance to established standards. To become a CCT, candidates will need 5 years of experience working with measurement and calibrations systems. Part of the experience requirement can be waived if candidates have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a university or trade school.

How to Hire a Quality Control Inspector

When hiring a quality control inspector, first consider the following:

  • Recruiting: Do you have the knowledge, tools, and resources to attract and screen candidates?
  • Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid or junior-level skills and experience suffice?
  • Duration: Is this a one-time project or an ongoing need?
  • Management: Do you have the time and expertise to direct the work effectively?
  • Urgency: How soon does the work need to be completed?
  • Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?

Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, great options exist for every scenario. These are our recommendations:

1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)

The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.

This is the best route to take when:

  • You need to fill the position quickly
  • You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
  • Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
  • You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff. 
  • You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
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2. Advertise your opening on a top job board

Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice. 

We recommend using a job board when:

  • Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
  • You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort 
  • You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
  • You are prepared to respond to all applicants

We recommend CareerBuilder when hiring a quality control inspector:

CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.

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3. Leverage your internal resources

You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates. 

A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.

We recommend these options when:

  • Your brand has great name recognition
  • You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
  • You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
  • You have an effective employee referral program in place

If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.

Sample Interview Questions

  • Do you have any experience working with technical specifications and quality regulations, and how do you ensure that products meet these standards?
  • When you are dealing with multiple projects and deadlines, what are some methods you use to prioritize and manage your workload?
  • How do you determine the severity of defects or quality issues in materials and products?
  • What would you do if management asked you to approve a release with critical defects?
  • When identifying quality issues that may impact project timelines or budgets, how do you manage conflict?
  • What are some examples of difficult quality-related decisions you’ve had to take, and how did you come to those decisions?
  • What is the role that quality control played in a process or project you managed from start to finish?
  • What methods do you use to ensure that quality issues are communicated to other departments or stakeholders?
  • In your role, how do you stay current with changes in quality regulations and standards?
  • What steps do you take to ensure all team members follow established quality procedures?
  • Can you give an example of when you had to shut down a production line? How did you proceed?
  • What are the details or specifications you examine when testing a new product?

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