We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Katy Thieman as Director of SkyWater Search Partners' newly expanded Marketing & Creative practice. Katy joins us with more than 20 years of industry expertise, bringing an unparalleled depth of knowledge and a passion for connecting top talent with forward-thinking companies.
At 14% of Minnesota’s total GPD, manufacturing is its largest private sector element, according to a recent article. The sector currently employs one in seven people living in Minnesota, equating to approximately 306,000 and supports jobs in other sectors. Directly or indirectly, manufacturing supports a third of all Minnesota jobs.
Over the past several months, a handful of major U.S. companies have announced "Return to the Office," aimed at bringing back the traditional workspace dynamics that served them well pre-pandemic. Each time I read one of the headlines, I am struck by the fact that these directives occur in the midst of increasingly compelling data suggesting that remote and hybrid work models are becoming the standard, not the exception. From what I see as an executive recruiter, turning back the clock doesn't seem to work very often.
Stress often gets a bad rap, often for good reason. When it becomes pervasive in our lives, stress has the power to mess with our emotional well-being, deplete our physical health, and even impair our judgment and cognitive abilities. When these symptoms encroach on our ability to do our work, they can lead to self-perpetuating cycles of ever-increasing anxiety. They don’t call it the Stress Monster for nothing.
...And how a recruiter can help facilitate this process.
At SkyWater Search Partners, we believe that vibrant communities are built through strong community partnerships. One way we live by that value is through our Employee of the Quarter Award. Each quarter, we honor a top-performing team member with the gift of a substantial financial donation, in their name, to a nonprofit organization of their choosing, whether they serve a local neighborhood or a world community in need of support.
A 2022 report from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) revealed that 79% of supply chain organizations struggle to find qualified talent to fill key roles. This talent shortage is fueled by a combination of factors, including the aging workforce, a lack of awareness about supply chain careers, and the increasingly complex skill sets required for roles in this field.
I've looked at thousands of resumes since I joined SkyWater in 2022. Only one template consistently stands out as the best. I've also got great news: you don't need to hire a resume writer to get it. I'll share this resume template with you, share why recruiters like me love it, and give you some tips on how to make it your own.
As sales recruiters, many of our clients come to us asking for help finding a top-performing professional in technical sales. It can be hard to fill the position without a specialized recruiter as it demands deep technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and exceptional interpersonal abilities. The role of a technical sales professional is not just to sell a product but to act as a trusted advisor, bridging the gap between technical solutions and customer needs.
This Veterans Day, we’re reminded of the courage, resilience, and dedication that our nation’s veterans have demonstrated in serving our country. For their bravery and commitment, veterans deserve not only our gratitude but our support as they transition back into civilian life. One of the best ways we can honor their service is by offering meaningful career opportunities.
Veterans bring a wide array of skills and qualities that enrich the workplace. Their military experience instills values like discipline, teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure—traits that translate seamlessly to many industries. By hiring veterans, organizations can tap into a unique and highly skilled talent pool, while veterans benefit from a supportive environment where their skills and dedication are appreciated and put to valuable use.
Why Hire Veterans?
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Unmatched Leadership Skills: Veterans are often trained to lead by example, make tough decisions, and inspire others, even in challenging situations. Their ability to manage, motivate, and guide a team is a powerful asset to any organization.
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Commitment to Mission: Military personnel are accustomed to prioritizing the mission. This commitment to purpose and the ability to work with determination align well with corporate goals and can drive long-term success.
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Problem-Solving Abilities: Service members encounter unpredictable challenges that require fast, creative, and effective problem-solving. They are skilled at adapting to changing situations—whether in combat or logistics—and bring that quick thinking to the workplace.
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Diverse Skill Sets: The military trains individuals in various technical and interpersonal skills, from cybersecurity and engineering to logistics and medical care. Veterans have valuable expertise that is relevant across many sectors.
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Resilience and Reliability: Veterans are resilient and accustomed to handling stress. They understand responsibility and accountability, which can be a stabilizing presence in any team.
Ways to Support Veteran Hiring
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Create Veteran-Friendly Job Postings: Highlight specific qualities or certifications that veterans may have. This can help veterans see how their experience aligns with the role.
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Offer Training Programs: Transition training or upskilling programs can help veterans adjust more easily to civilian job roles. Mentorship programs are also an excellent way to support them as they settle in their new environment.
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Connect with Veteran Support Organizations: Several organizations, including Hiring Our Heroes and Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), are dedicated to helping veterans find work. Partnering with these organizations can make your hiring process smoother and more impactful.
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Value Diversity of Experience: Veterans bring a unique perspective that can contribute to diversity and inclusion efforts within your company. Recognizing and valuing these experiences makes for a richer workplace culture.
Hiring veterans is not just a way to say “thank you” but a smart investment that can strengthen any organization. This Veterans Day, let’s show our appreciation not just in words but in action by creating opportunities that welcome our service members back into the workforce. They have served us well; now, let’s do our part to serve them.
To all veterans: we honor you, we thank you, and we support you.
