SkyWater Blog

For most jobseekers, December is traditionally written off on the assumption that employers delay filling new vacancies until the New Year hangover has worn off.

That’s a myth.

At SkyWater, December is frequently one of our best months for placing candidates and our hiring activity continues throughout the holiday season. Don’t put the brakes on your job search. For candidates, the holiday season is the perfect time to secure that elusive job offer and end the year on a professional high. Here’s why:

A Halloween Challenge

Earlier this quarter, as we were finalizing our 2024 Salary Guides, we reflected on an emerging theme among candidates – and some hiring managers: a sense of worry about next year. Maybe, they suggest, this isn’t the time to take that job they’ve always wanted, or fill that position that’s gone unfilled for months. Maybe it would be safer to stick with what they’ve got until the dust settles... and things get "back to normal.”  

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.

As an executive recruiter, I see 100s of resumes a month. I understand that, especially in a candidate's market, some job seekers may not feel that they need to take the time to proofread their resumes and check for formatting mistakes. However, submitting a resume that isn't formatted well is a sloppy move, and doesn't put your best foot forward.

Video interviews are commonplace in today's hybrid work economy. If you're interviewing for a role, you may find yourself attending an interview that is conducted over Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or others. The mistake job seekers often make is to treat the video interview less seriously than an interview that takes place in an employer’s office. The next time you are invited to a video interview follow these tips:

Congratulations, you’ve been invited for an interview! That means the employer has seen something in your resume that matches the requirements of the job you’ve applied for. The next step is to build on that initial impression during your interview. Attending your first interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, so we’ve put together our five golden rules to help reduce your anxiety levels:

The interviewer asks, point blank, “What is your salary requirement?” And there you are, trying to present yourself as forthright, easy to work with, and clear about what you need. It’s a tricky business, refusing to answer without looking rude, unprepared, or both. With thoughtful preparation, a little online homework, and careful scripting, you can navigate your way through these discussions masterfully.

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):

At SkyWater Search we know from our experience of talking to candidates on a daily basis that a growing number of disgruntled employees are desperate to quit their current job before securing their next career move. If you are intent on resigning without a formal job offer from a new employer, take our advice and read this article.

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.