SkyWater Blog

Even in our state’s sustained, historic low unemployment, a small wave of layoffs has been disrupting the lives of a growing number of Minnesotans. If it happens to you, take these 6 smart steps next.

In his classic 1974 book, Working, Studs Terkel interviews Americans about “what they do all day and how they feel about what they do.”  It covers a broad swath of 1970s jobs, from farming the land, to coaching a football team, to being a comedian. In some ways, the book now reads like a peek into a time capsule; we don’t have switchboards or their operators anymore. But at its core, the book is timeless – and more timely – than ever.  

Over the past many months, we have all watched as the term DEI (for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) gets batted around by political figures, the media, and of course, social media.

Before I continue, let’s pause to acknowledge the obvious. These three words, “Diversity,” “Equity,” and “Inclusion” are self-explanatory:

Juneteenth is a newer national holiday, and as such, many of us have the day off work. Do take a minute to think about why this day has become a national holiday. Think about your workplace and how you and your colleagues can be inclusive an welcoming to coworkers with different backgrounds and life experiences from your own.

2023 is set to see an increase in employee turnover with at least three-quarters of the American workforce actively pursuing alternative employment. It’s a trend that is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, but as a candidate, how do you know when it’s time for a change?

These are some of the reasons we hear most frequently at SkyWater in no particular order (and it’s not all about the money):

In a recent blog titled "Before you quit your job, read this!" we gave some advice on how to get your ducks in a row before leaving your current role, to set yourself up for success during the upcoming time of change. If you have now secured your next career move, it’s time to hand in your notice.

The way most people quit their job ranges from a spontaneous walk-out to agonizing over how to explain their decision to leave to their boss and colleagues. Some professionals become so anxious about quitting they decide not to accept an alternative job offer.

You have an exciting job offer and you’ve quit your existing job, eager to get started in your new role. Now your current employer has asked for an exit interview, the thought of which fills you with dread. What do you do?

It’s HR policy in many companies to request an exit interview. This gives the hiring manager the chance to find out exactly why you are leaving the company and your views on working for them. This can be a difficult situation for many employees, especially if your time with your employer has not been a happy one. Do you air your grievances about your co-workers and your boss or do you smile and claim it’s “nothing personal?”

The decision is up to you, but as with every interview, preparation is the key. Our tips below will provide you with a good starting point.

And How to Make Sure Never Make Them

Let’s face it. Rock-star employees are always tough to find. But in a candidate’s market (like the one we’re in right now), a superior candidate pool can seem as elusive as a herd of unicorns. At times like these, hiring managers often ask me for tips and tactics that can help them compete in a battleground market like this one.

My answer: keep the employees you have – and keep them happy.

If you think Citizen Science is only for retirees and others who can spend hours tramping through nature and taking field notes, consider these surprising – and empowering – facts.

For many of us, the very idea of protecting our earth can trigger feelings of worry, anxiety, and even helplessness. After all, our best household-level efforts to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle can seem piddling, given the current pace of climate change.  But recently, in an effort to understand what more we mere mortals can do, I took a closer look at the Citizen Science movement. I was blown away by what I found.

Reveal a Job Candidate’s True Capabilities