The Flip Side of Lower Unemployment
In June, Minnesota saw its unemployment rate decrease to 4.5%. While this is a good sign for the economy, there is a flip side. It means a tighter market for skilled workers. Precision manufacturing and medtech in particular have experienced this downside for quite some time. David Fondler of the Saint Paul Pioneer Press recently interviewed MPS Technical about the flip side of lower unemployment. When asked if businesses are suffering from the current environment MPS responded, “Absolutely.” They point not only to a tighter market for skilled-workers, but also to demographic and cultural trends. There aren’t enough young folks to…
Recruiting Tips from the Marketing Department
When you think about “marketing” you might first think about “branding”, but there are three other elements important to marketers that also apply to recruiting candidates. Kevin Wheeler for HR resource site ERE.net points out that recruiters like marketers cannot lose sight of: Design Data Engagement First design, Mr. Wheeler suggests “one of the ways [to add value] is to enable potential candidates and people in the organization to share information, talk about the brand, about daily life, and about the good and not so good sides of working there.” The design of websites, social media and communications plays an…
Minnesota Manufacturing: Thriving
Jake Anderson of the Twin Cities Business Magazine recently reported “More Minnesota Manufacturers Say They’re Thriving” based on a new report. The report also showed that Minnesota is also faring better than the nation as a whole. The annual report by McGladrey LLP surveyed 920 U.S. manufacturing and distribution firms, 62 from Minnesota, reports Mr. Anderson. Here are some of the results: 42% of MN respondents said they were “thriving” compared to 36% nationally Sales grew for 74% of the MN respondents versus 69% nationwide Wisconsin is even more confident with 44% reporting they are “thriving” Mr. Anderson reports these…
Interview Tips: Power Poses
During a job interview, we are very familiar with the positive and negative effects our body language can have on how others perceive our abilities. But, did you know that your body language can affect the way you see yourself and impact how you perform in an interview? Professor Amy Cuddy of Harvard Business School has found that your body language shapes your self-confidence and in turn can impact how you perform during a job interview. Professor Cuddy explained in a Business Insider article, “Certain power poses don’t just change how others perceive you. They immediately change your body chemistry.…
The Importance of Candidate Credentials
NIMS certifications will only continue to grow in importance in a local precision manufacturing market with such a strong presence of medical device companies. Certifications offer candidates a significant edge in job competition as these Twin Cities employers seek greater and greater levels of assurance that prospective employees can deliver what is required in the workplace. Why? Medical device employers live in a world governed by ISO 9000 and FDA “traceability” standards. They are required at the macro-level to certify they can perform at defined levels of excellence with respect to their ultimate experience and satisfaction of their customers. These…
Surefire Ways to Scare Away a Candidate
You work hard to promote your company and get in front of top talent to fill key positions. Once you have secured an interview, Mr. Graham Winfrey of Inc. cautions you on the following to prevent your candidate from running out the door! Turnover talk. Be clear and explain why you are hiring. If it is due to growth in your operation be sure to make that clear. You don’t want top talent to think people are leaving your company in droves. Be prepared for a candidate to ask you, “What happened to the person in this position before me?”…