“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 Are Hiring!
According to a poll conducted this summer by Twin Cities Business, 38% of business leaders from around Minnesota are planning to hire. Hiring is up 10% and this is currently one of the best hiring outlooks since Q2 2012. The precision and medtech manufacturing industry in the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin is definitely ready to increase their workforces. In fact, the Twin Cities Business’ survey also found that a top concern for business leaders was finding qualified candidates to fill positions in engineering, machining and technical. Many of these high-skilled positions are found in manufacturing. As a job seeker…
Why Taking Vacation is Important
With August in full swing, summer in Minnesota will soon be coming to a close. If you haven’t taken a few days off or just one (or even a half day!) to enjoy your favorite summer activity, there is still time! Did you know taking vacation time can actually improve your productivity at work? Forbes reported that more than 40% of American workers do not use all of their allotted vacation time. This is despite studies finding that taking vacation improves worker productivity, health and overall workplace morale leading to increased employee retention. Unfortunately, workers are leaving time on the…
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…
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.…