The first step in this process is to first assess what it is you actually are looking to do. Ask yourself “why do I want this job?” or “what is it about this job that truly sparks my interest or relates to what I WANT to do in my career?” Once you are able to convince yourself that you are right for the role and this position makes sense for what you want, convincing the hiring manager of the same realization will be a cake walk.

It is important to remember that using the exact same resume for every job that you apply for may not be the best strategy. You want your resume to be tailored specifically for not just the job you’re applying for, but to the outlined job duties. Be sure to update and highlight specific job description details from past employment on your resume that are easily and readily recognizable as transferable skills. You want to focus on past experience that can directly relate to the new role in question. In an effort to try and match up your experience to a new role, do your research. Get to know the company’s culture and all around mission to grasp a better idea of what type of position this may be. This will help you be prepared to prove to the hiring manager how you are THEIR solution and not just another resume.

Unless you work in some form of design, fashion or other creative industry, less is certainly more when it comes to the formatting and layout of your resume. While you want your resume to look professional and stand out, if the layout, font, colors, etc. are too distracting, the hiring manager may not even bother reading it. It is important to keep your resume simple, concise and with a lot of white space. Although, you may feel it necessary to list all qualifications, duties, etc. on the resume, by keeping it simple and to the point, you can better convey your value to the Recruiters reading it.

Whatever you do, do not rely solely on applying online or leaving your resume out there on a job board, hoping that someone will locate it. If you want to stand out among the crowd, you need to be proactive in your strategy. Try reaching out directly to Hiring Managers or start building relationships with individuals in your industry. Networking can be huge when it comes to getting in front of the right people. By cultivating these meaningful relationships, you may find out about openings before they are even posted and could, in turn, get your resume in front the proper decision makers before your competition.

If you have concerns about your resume or are trying to figure out why you are not getting any hits or responses, take these tips to heart and maybe re-evaluate your current job seeking strategy. Your resume should never be the only arrow in your quiver; but should be the catalyst to get you noticed so you can truly sell your skills and value to your future employer.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, Trillium Hospitality and Trillium Techs. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

What seems to be the most evident reasons for the skills gap? According to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute who surveyed leading manufacturing Executives, the 3 major contributing factors are as follows:

1. Shifting skill sets due to new advanced technology and automation
2. Negative perception of manufacturing companies and positions by students and their parents
3. Increased levels of Baby Boomers retiring

What can companies do to combat these factors? Truthfully, it needs to start with potential job seekers understanding the facts behind a career in manufacturing and companies taking a stand in dispelling all too common myths. As technology seems to be taking over everywhere we look, the major myth that people tend to believe is that manufacturing is a dying industry full of monotonous work in dirty, outdated facilities where it can be hard to make a true living. While those that work in the industry know that this is, for the most part, not even close to the truth, it can be extremely difficult to convince whole generations of parents and job seekers otherwise. Now, let’s talk about what a career in manufacturing could really look like.

• Manufacturing jobs can, in fact, pay well. According to Manufacuturing.net, on average manufacturing jobs can earn up to $84,000 per year including pay and benefits. In fact, 92% of manufacturing employees were eligible for full health benefits in 2015, which is about a 15% higher average than all other firms. The good part for students is that many manufacturers offer entry-level positions that allow employees to work their way up, improving their skill sets and increasing their pay along the way.
• Increased technological advancement doesn’t have to mean that manufacturing positions are being replaced. This simply means that old, outdated machinery is becoming easier and more cost efficient to replace and use. This, in turn, means that manufacturing employees are able to use higher quality equipment, programs, software, etc., in an effort to increase efficiency and, ultimately, profits.
• Manufacturing is not dying! In fact, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), for ever $1 spent in manufacturing, another $1.89 is added to the overall economy. This is highest multiplier effect of any economic sector.
• The manufacturing industry is literally going to have more jobs available than they know what to do with in the next 10 years. It is estimated that there will be more than 3.5 million available jobs in this specific sector alone with 2 million expected to go unfilled.

With all of that said, the only thing standing between companies and finding skilled talent is getting the truth out! Manufacturing leaders need to start from the ground up with recruiting talent. More emphasis should be put on enlightening students, their parents, and counselors on the ever present availability of career options in the manufacturing industry. The labor shortage isn’t going to go away on it’s own and unless something is done to discredit the years of misconceptions and myths regarding a career in manufacturing, the industry itself could start to struggle which could have a very detrimental effect on the economy overall.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, Trillium Hospitality and Trillium Techs. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

As unfortunate as the reality of it is, people get laid off all the time; you are not alone and most importantly, there can be light at the end of the tunnel. If you are struggling with a recent layoff, expected or not, moving forward can feel like a very overwhelming and daunting process. However, according to Forbes.com, these key tips can go a long way in helping you move on to bigger and better things.

• Breathe. Whether you being laid off was sudden or somewhat expected, it can feel like a huge blow to your professional career and your personal well-being. You need to give yourself some time to sit and think about what just happened. You may be angry, hurt, frustrated, worried, etc., but regardless of how you feel, it is important to remember that these feelings are natural. Talk to a friend or even keep notes on how you’re feeling. It will surprise you how much of a weight can be lifted by just allowing yourself time to breathe.
• Try To Stay Positive. Obviously this is much easier said than done. The idea is simple; if you fill your mind and inner dialogue with positive thoughts, focusing on your strengths as a person and employee, your brain will instinctively react accordingly. Positivity can only foster further positivity and growth.
• Remember To Take Care of Yourself. Initially, your first reaction to being laid off and suddenly without an income may be panic and an urgent need to save your livelihood. However, your first thought needs to be to take care of yourself. Simple acts such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and continuing to get enough sleep, going for walks etc., can go a long way in clearing your mind and enabling you to focus on what’s next.
• Open Yourself Up To The Positive Side Effects Of Being Laid Off. It will be extremely easy to immediately find all of the negative potential outcomes after being laid off. However, it is key to try and focus on anything positive that may come out of it as a result. For instance, you may find yourself gravitating towards jobs that may be better suited for your skills and interests. Use this time to figure out what is truly important to you and what you really want to do moving forward in your career. Who knows, your next position may have higher pay or even more lucrative benefits available.
• Take Advantage Of Your Support Team. Whether this means surrounding yourself with family and friends or reaching out to your networking circle, keep the conversations and connections open. Do not feel embarrassed or ashamed for being laid, it happens to even the best performers. Your support team may be able to lend some insight into how you’re feeling and provide recommendations or advice on how to move forward.

Regardless of how, why or when you were laid off, no one likes the idea of suddenly being back in the job market without a solid foundation under them. The feeling of having to start over can be hard to wrap your head around. The best thing you can do is focus on the positive possibilities that are now available to you. Keep your head up and push forward, remembering that this is all temporary, especially if you focus your energy on the next step, in what is sure to be a long and productive career.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, Trillium Hospitality and Trillium Techs. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

Don’t worry! There are some key tips that you can utilize going into that next interview to not only give yourself confidence in your abilities but to also project that same confidence to the interviewer.

• Do Your Research: When looking into a specific job opportunity, look beyond the job description. Get to know the company and their overall mission to see how this aligns with your own goals and values. If you go into an interview prepared to not only explain why you’re excited about the role but can discuss how the company’s mission aligns with your experience and ideals, this will go a long way with impressing the interviewer.
• Passion for the Industry/Product/Company: Regardless of the particular position you are interviewing for or in what department it may fall, express how passionate you are regarding the industry, product or service that the company provides. If an entry level Admin walks into a software company discussing how much they enjoy using the product at home or in their previous position, this will stand apart with the Interviewer. The bottom line is that no matter the industry, companies love to hear how consumers enjoy their products or services.
• Understand the Role: Maybe you don’t have industry specific experience but have experience in the duties involved in the role. If this is the case, be sure to emphasize the job duties that you do have experience in. For instance, if you have worked previously as a Marketing Data Analyst for a local non profit but are now seeking work in the logistics industry, explain how your experience with market data analysis and promotions can translate to other industries and how in turn, that role has prepared you for future positions.
• Sometimes it is all about Timing: Many times the first question that is asked during an interview is “What brings you into the job market?” How you answer this seemingly simply question can prove to be quite beneficial. There are plenty of reasons why individuals end up in the job market, searching for a position, but how you portray this to a potential employer is important. A lot of times, job seekers may be looking to change industries or even start a new trajectory in the same industry. For example, if the next step in your current role is in management but you are not too keen on going down that path, it may be time to make a change. This could certainly benefit a potential employer who would be getting an experienced individual ready to work where their expertise is needed. However, it is extremely important to not dwell on your past working relationships if they are a huge reason for making a move in the first place. Companies want to hire you because they feel you will be a good fit and because you express that you want to work there, not because you’re just looking for something to replace your previous employer.

When looking for a new job it is the hope of any job seeker to find a new job with which they can be passionate about, not only the job itself but with the company as a whole. Although, this may not always be the case, try to make the best of any job search by implementing as many of these concepts as you can to ensure you are better prepared for what any interviewer may throw at you.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, Trillium Hospitality and Trillium Techs. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.