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…
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?”…
Improve Morale on the Shop Floor
Happy employees are more productive and easier to retain long-term. As their leader you play an important role in keeping them satisfied with their work. Sometimes it is a simple statement or question that can make a big impact on employee morale. Geoffrey James reminds us of these simple acts in a recent Inc. article. “I need your help.” When your employees feel like they are a valued partner, they feel more invested in the company and in the operation. “What do you need from me?” Employees may have mixed feelings about asking for assistance – some might think they…
Creating a Company Culture
When speaking with perspective candidates, not only must manufacturers clearly explain the job requirements and benefits, but also the workplace environment and company culture. You may think you don’t have a company culture, but more than likely you do. Take time today to identify what that culture is and develop a story to better communicate it to job seekers. As Amy Power of Entrepreneur explains, “Company culture doesn’t have to be all about massages, breakfast burritos and swag. Culture definitely matters, but its success is based more on how people feel about working for the company than ritzy perks. Real…