Paul Beard

Paul Beard
I am one of the co-founders of SkyWater and have over 28 years experience conducting contingent and retained search services. Recent retained projects include: President/CEO, CFO, CIO, EVP of HR, VP of Global Sales, EVP of EVP of Operations, EVP of Global Sourcing, VP of Supply Chain, VP of Marketing, and a variety of Director level positions that roll up to these positions. While the vast majority of my work is conducted in the Twin Cities, I do work on a national basis.
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Recent Posts

Forbes Magazine Names SkyWater Search Partners one of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms in 2020

Posted by Paul Beard on 6/15/20 10:15 AM

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SkyWater Search Partners has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as a Top Executive Recruiting Firm in its 2020 ranking of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms. Compiled by analytics firm Statista, this year’s Forbes rankings were based on a survey of more than 18,000 participants. While thousands of firms across the country were considered for inclusion, SkyWater Search Partners was one of only 200 firms that made the list, including only 3 in Minnesota.

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New Hire Ramp Up: The 5 Focus Approach

Posted by Paul Beard on 2/5/20 8:45 AM

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Zero in on these Critical Areas for Fast, Effective Onboarding

You’ve probably seen the studies linking employee retention to new hire experience.  If you haven’t, you might start with this one by the SHRM Foundation.  In it, you’ll find a compelling argument for re-investing in your onboarding process.  Whether your new hire is fresh out of school or a seasoned veteran, they need to experience a guided, intentional introduction to your organization, their new team, and their role within it.  And if you thought that you could save a few dollars by just “buddying them up with Betty Lou over here because she really knows the ropes…” well… no, you can’t.

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Want to Show Your Appreciation this Veterans Day?

Posted by Paul Beard on 11/11/19 12:15 PM

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Today and this whole week seem like an especially great time to pause for a moment to celebrate our country and the countless individuals who serve and have served it with honor:  our veterans.  And what better way to truly show our appreciation for our American veterans than to hire them when they get back home?

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What To Expect When There Are More Jobs in MN Than People Looking For Work

Posted by Paul Beard on 10/17/19 3:07 PM

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Why Fall Is A Great Time To Hire

Posted by Paul Beard on 8/19/19 12:10 PM

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Fall is a celebrated season in the great state of Minnesota. Leaves transform into vibrant orange, yellow, and red colors. Apple orchards, corn mazes, and hay rides reserve their dates in our weekend calendars. A once beautiful and fashionable population of beach goers prepare to spend the next three months wearing the customary plaid and flannel Minnesotan uniform. 

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A Will To Win - How Athletes Win In Business

Posted by Paul Beard on 8/9/19 12:37 PM

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Many of us bring fun trinkets to the office to help us clear our heads or stay focused throughout the work day. Sometimes it's a stress ball, or a fidget spinner...

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When Leaders Make Mistakes….

Posted by Paul Beard on 6/17/19 3:09 PM

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Everyone, no matter who they are, from the office rookie right up to the President of an organization, makes mistakes at work. When you are a manager or a leader of a team, however, those mistakes are magnified. As a leader, whatever the reason for your error, it is vital that you are accountable and own up to your error.

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6 Words and phrases to Omit During A Job Interview

Posted by Paul Beard on 5/1/19 1:00 PM

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You have an interview lined up. You’ve rehearsed answers to typical questions and you’re fairly confident you’re prepared for whatever the hiring manager will fire your way. You may know what you should say, but are you certain about what you shouldn't?

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5 Tips For Your Interview Follow-Up

Posted by Paul Beard on 3/4/19 11:00 AM

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You've just had a great interview. You know that you are a perfect match for the role you've just interviewed for, but that doesn’t mean that you can afford to take your interview for granted. The follow-up remains one of the most important things you can do after an interview to increase your chances of securing a second meeting (or a job offer). Not sure exactly the best strategy for your interview follow-up? We're here to help. We've helped thousands of candidates like you secure their dream jobs, and we've also seen our fair share of classic mistakes in the job market. Here are five tips to help you when following up after your job interview.

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Write The Perfect Interview Thank You Email

Posted by Paul Beard on 3/1/19 11:38 AM

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Preparing for a great job interview is a job in itself. You’ve done your homework on the company, perfected your resume, answered every question will clarity and confidence. By the time it’s over, you may be tempted to breathe a sigh of relief and think that the ball is now in their court. Well, it’s not. Not quite. Your interviewers invested their time and energy to meet with you. You not only owe them a thank you; you have one more opportunity to remind them of your qualifications for the job.

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