Tips for Networking with Local Manufacturers
By Stephanie Poirier, MPS Technical, Branch Manager The Minnesota and Wisconsin job market has proven to be extremely tight over the past few years with recent unemployment rates at an all-time low of 4.5% in Minnesota and 5.7% in Wisconsin. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) While this seems to be an advantage for candidates looking for work, it can still make it difficult to find a job within manufacturing. Many manufacturing positions are requiring technical skills or degrees and many companies are hesitant to budge on their requirements. This can make the job hunt especially difficult for entry-level candidates or…
Tips to Improve Your Application Process
According to the Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal: More than 1 in 4 candidates reports having had a bad experience when applying for a job. 42% would never seek employment with that company again 48% of candidates drop out of applicant tracking systems Part of attracting the best talent comes down to the nuts and bolts of your hiring and application process. If past applicants have had bad experiences they can potentially spread the word and your corporate brand will suffer. Also, as the finding above shows, if your application process is too difficult, job candidates will simply drop out voluntarily.…
“Good” Resume Tips
A good resume is important to securing an invitation to interview. It can seem simple enough; list the skills, experience and education you have and BAM! an employer calls for an interview. Not so true, time and energy must be spent on this job search tool in order for it to work. Customization is important. Your resume should be applicable for the job you are applying for. Don’t simply send one resume for all positions. Research the industry, the company, the job description and customize your resume to be relevant. A cover letter also works great to highlight a few…
Manufacturers Take Action: Skills Gap & Boomer Retirements
In a tight labor market, finding qualified workers to meet customer orders and replace retiring baby boomers is becoming increasingly difficult. It may seem overwhelming, but there are actions you can take today to position your company for future success on both fronts. The skills gap is expected to only get worse in the coming years as more baby boomers retire, reports Industry Week. Below are three industry best practices for overcoming the skills gap: Change perceptions, drive more interest. More people need to choose manufacturing as a career. Now is the time to look at our local community and…
Recruiting Tips: Passive Candidates
With our local hiring market tight, it is important not only for human resources but also hiring managers to keep qualified “passive candidates” interacting with you and your company. A passive candidate is not actively searching for a job but may be willing to consider if the right opportunity comes along. Approaching a passive candidate about a job opportunity is different than speaking with a candidate who is actively searching or has applied. HR industry expert, Lou Adler, of Inc. writes “recruiting passive candidates is not about selling them on how great your open job is; it’s about getting them…
Create a Great Place to Work: Improve Employee Communication
When you provide a great place to work not only are employees more productive but they also stay long-term with your company, which is especially important in today’s tight market for skilled-workers. Employee communication is a key component to creating a great work environment, making it an essential retention tool. Even as communication channels have changed in recent years with a wave of new digital options, you must continue to get the “basics” of communication right. Ms. Robin Hardman of HR resource site TLNT.com reminds us of the basic rules of good employee communications: Honesty. Don’t keep employees in the…