SkyWater Blog

The March 2026 U.S. jobs report delivered a stronger-than-expected rebound after a weak February, while Minnesota’s latest unemployment data shows a rare uptick in joblessness. But for Minnesota employers, the real story isn’t in the headlines. It’s in the context.

The loss of 92,000 jobs nationwide is significant. But it increases the chance of further rate cuts.

The February 2026 jobs report delivered a surprise, with the U.S. economy losing roughly 92,000 jobs, a sharp reversal from January’s modest gains (Washington Post, 2026).

Black History Month is a time to recognize the contributions, leadership, and resilience of Black Americans whose work has shaped our economy, our communities, and the way organizations lead today. We believe this reflection is especially relevant in the recruiting and executive search industry, where leadership decisions shape culture, innovation, and long-term impact.

In recent years, the job market has witnessed a clear shift: many employers are placing less weight on formal degrees and more on what a candidate can do. Skills-based hiring,  prioritizing competencies, experience, and demonstrated ability over educational credentials, is becoming a leading trend in recruitment. According to NACE’s Job Outlook 2025 Spring Update, almost two-thirds of employers surveyed reported using skills-based hiring to help identify candidates with potential.  Below, we explore why this is happening, what the data shows, and what organizations and job seekers should be thinking about as the change accelerates.

When leadership transitions occur without planning, organizations often struggle with disruption, turnover, and loss of institutional knowledge. In today’s environment, succession planning should rank among the top priorities for executive and HR leaders.

Insights from SkyWater on job growth, economic uncertainty, and hiring trends in the Upper Midwest.

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.