Insights from SkyWater on job growth, economic uncertainty, and hiring trends in the Upper Midwest.
Adam Hoffarber
Recent Posts
On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we take a moment to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy and the lessons his work continues to teach us about leadership, justice, and the pursuit of equity. As an executive search firm, SkyWater Search Partners is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the organizations we serve, a mission that aligns deeply with Dr. King’s vision of a society where everyone has equal access to opportunity.
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 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.
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.
Introducing the SkyWater Search Partners 10 For 10 Award
When we achieve success or hit a major milestone at SkyWater Search Partners, we know who got us there: our team members. To celebrate our tenth anniversary as an organization, we wanted to say Thank You to the three extraordinary leaders who have been with us since the very beginning with a gift that was unforgettable, experiential, and completely designed by each recipient:
July 4th, Independence Day, holds a special place in the hearts of those who live in the United States. It is a federal holiday celebrated with patriotic displays, fireworks, barbecues, and more. Whether you consider yourself patriotic or not, there's a good chance you still appreciate the chance to enjoy the summer and recharge for a day. Here are some things to consider as a US Employer.
At SkyWater Search Partners, we believe that vibrant communities are built through strong community partnerships. 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.
As Minnesotans celebrate Juneteenth as a state holiday for the second year, we would like to pass along this story about Minnesota playwright and activist Rose McGee. McGee’s long-running play, “Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story,” has been bringing the meaning of this holiday to life for communities across our state and several others, through the power of storytelling, music, and sweet potato pie.
MSP Business Journals selects SkyWater Search Partners as one of the 2024 Best Places to Work!
SkyWater Search Partners is honored to be recognized by Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journals (MSPBJ) as a 2024 Best Place to Work. This is the 9th time we have received this distinction. As always, we are delighted to see our continuous investments in talent and our commitment to our values validated so powerfully and publicly.
