Digital Flipbook
JOB
HUNTING
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Current Open Positions:
• Experienced Toolmaker with previous CAD and CAM experience. Design and fabricate tooling for assembly, machining and robotic welding functions.
• Custodian part time. 10 to 20 hours per week. Offering flexible scheduling.
• Assembler wide range of light construction products with gasoline engines and electric motors.
General Equipment Company, Owatonna, MN, is a premiere manufacturer of specialized light construction equipment for the US and global markets.
Consider Learning a Trade
Not every career requires a degree from a four-year university. In fact, some of the most varied and sought-after positions are skilled trades learned through technical schools and apprenticeships. You can build a great career with no student debt.
About 30 million jobs in the United States that pay an average of $55,000 per year don’t require bachelor’s degrees, according to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce. CEW also reports that a higher level of education doesn’t necessarily translate into a higher salary. In Texas, for example, workers with associate degrees in chemical technology had median earnings of $75,500 in 2020, compared to $50,600 in median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders in the state. Training for some of these in-demand roles can begin in high school, where the basics of woodworking or auto repair might be taught. Apprenticeships are available upon graduation. Others may attend a trade school or technical college for more advanced lessons. Many veterans leave the service with transferable skills that allow them to directly enter the workforce. They may also take advantage of veteran benefits that provide additional train-
ing or teach adaptive skills to transition into the civilian workforce.
Those who are willing to work with their hands and complete this training, serve apprenticeships and earn certification emerge with a sturdy career that provides services that are always needed. Most also have substantial pay rates, sometimes into six figures. Key areas of need include electricians, plumbers and construction technology:
Plumbers
To earn a license, plumbing technicians must attend a year of training at a technical school and then begin an apprenticeship. They’ll learn about more than pipes and drains. Modern plumbing includes cool tech like tankless water heaters, smart appliances and WiFi-powered leak detection systems. You’ll exit training with a job that is always in demand.
Construction Technology
As with plumbing, construction jobs are now defined by huge advancements in computerization. In keeping, one of the fastest-growing trades is the relatively new field of construction technology. These workers are versed in all of
the latest smart-enabled systems, with skills ranging from installation to troubleshooting and repairs. With a focus on everything within the digital footprint of modern spaces, workers in this field needed additional training. It will take two to three years before technologists earn certification, followed by a paid apprenticeship.
Electricians
Anyone with an interest in this field and a highschool degree or equivalent can begin technical school training to become an electrician. You’ll receive training in the fundamentals of this field, from traditional wiring to programmable systems used in residential, industrial and commercial settings. Two years of school is typically required, followed by an apprenticeship before electricians earn the required licensing.
• Print ad in special section reaching 96,000 readers Southern Minnesota.
• All ads will be on our career website minnesotastate.jobs.
• Includes 5,000 on any Southern website.
SENIOR
How to navigate salary inquiries during the interview process
Navigating a job search can be exciting. As professionals look to take the next, or even the first, step in their careers, they may encounter numerous opportunities that will allow them to make the most of their talents and fulfill their potential.
The excitement of a job search is sometimes accompanied by nerves. Nervousness often fluctuates during the hiring process, and salary is one area that can cause some anxiety. As candidates progress through the interview process, salary can seem like the elephant in the room. No matter how great an opportunity may be, professionals still want to ensure their salaries are commensurate with their experience and reflective of their talent.
In an ideal situation, hiring managers will
discuss salary early in the process. In fact, many job postings list salary range in the job description. However, that information may not be as readily available when professionals earn interviews through networking. That’s a significant distinction, as surveys have indicated that networking is how many experienced professionals find new jobs. In fact, a 2012 analysis of data from sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Glassdoor conducted by Interview Success Formula concluded that as many as 80 percent of job openings are never advertised. So it’s often not as simple as scouring a job listing to determine salary range. Candidates should not interpret a failure to broach the topic of salary as a firm having something to hide. A lack of salary information in a job posting might be related to potential legal concerns. In an effort to combat pay discrimination, a growing number of state and
local governments now forbid employers from asking about candidates’ salary histories. The human resources experts at HR Dive note that 21 states in the United States have state-wide bans that prohibit employers from asking about salary histories. Those bans are not in place in Canada, but in 2019 Ontario became the first province to pass pay transparency legislation that mandated all publicly advertised job postings include a salary range. Various firms in the United States insist they are committed to transparency and will list salary ranges in job listings. But even those that do not list salary range in a listing may reference it during an initial interview. Candidates in the early stages of the hiring process can therefore benefit from being patient.
If salary still hasn’t been brought up after an initial interview or a second interview, candi-
dates can request a range. An initial interview is not the appropriate time to do that, as it can make candidates appear overeager about salary. However, requesting a range after a first or second interview indicates to a firm that candidates are still interested in the position. And though it can spark some nervousness on the part of candidates, it’s entirely reasonable to request a salary range before committing any additional time to the interview process, especially since that process may require travel and time off from work.
Salary can be the elephant in the room during a job interview. A patient and delicate approach to salary discussions can reflect positively on candidates and ensure they get the information they need to make the most informed career decision.
Beyond Online Job Boards
Don’t limit your search to the same old tried-and-true resources
Those looking for open positions can usually find a treasure trove through online job boards and classified advertisements. But plenty of opportunities exist outside of those closed systems, and leveraging your personal network, in-person job fairs and social media may uncover employment options you never knew existed.
Personal Network
There will always be a so-called “hidden job market” where openings exist that are never posted online — or, in previous eras, printed
in newspapers or circulars. Employers may take this approach because they’ve engaged the services of a recruiting firm, are trying to save money on advertising fees, are hiring internally or are relying upon internal recommendations. In the latter case, you may be able to promote your candidacy through personal peer connections. Expand your personal network to include former coworkers and friends in the industry, those who work at a company of interest to you, and experts and leaders whom you may have crossed paths with along the way. Let them know you are open to new opportunities, and doors may open that you never knew existed.
Sharpen Soical Media
Keep in mind how important your own social media presence is when it comes time to look for a new job. Before you begin the process of widening your network, make sure you’re presenting your best face online. Everything should be in service of your career goals during a job hunt.
Highlight important professional achievements, while engaging in conversations about the industry and its unique challenges and opportunities. Make sure you’re not participating in potentially offputting behavior on the web. Basic searches are sure to follow from a hiring manager, so this also gets you ahead of the game.
In-Person Searches
Look for upcoming job fairs and related industry conferences, and make plans to visit with industry leaders and peers within your field of employment. At the very least, you’ll be extending your professional web. But these in-person events might also lead to concrete employment opportunities. When making new contacts, be concise and informative. Strengthen your message by being reactive to their comments, not simply listing off your own achievements and credentials. Present yourself with confidence, but try to avoid coming off as too assertive or overbearing. First impressions count.
OPPORTUNITY WITH WPI FEEDING FAMILIES
Does feeding families seem like a rewarding job to you? Our team of herdsmen are very proud of their work in animal care and protein production. You can be on our team too. Apply today!
OPEN POSITIONS
Grow-Finish Field Representative, Gaylord, MN & Sibley, IA
Custom Wean-to-Finish Herdsperson, Amboy, MN
Sow Farm Technician, Waseca & Little Falls, MN
Apply at wakefieldlpork.com/careers
WENCL PLUMBING, INC. IS LOOKING TO ADD TO OUR GROWING TEAM!
We are looking to hire additional HVAC Installers, HVAC Service Technicians, and Journeymen Plumbers!
We are looking for people who are self-motivated, detail oriented, and able to provide excellent customer service.
Offering hourly pay with an excellent benefit package. Benefits include 401k, medical, dental, and vision plans.
We cover 100% of employees medical insurance and a portion of family insurance.
Wencl Plumbing, Inc. has been locally owned and operated since 1976 specializing in remodeling and new construction.
Customer relationships and communication are our highest priorities.
To inquire about this position or to apply, contact Melissa Davidson by calling during business hours at 507-451-0987 or email resume to melissawenclplbg@gmail.com
To learn more about us, or to contact us through our website CLICK HERE!
Great part-time jobs for retirees
Many adults nearing retirement age count down the days until they can bid adieu to the daily tasks of commuting and working so they can enjoy much more time for recreation, travel or whatever is they aspire to do.
As enticing as unending free time may seem, some retirees find it is not ideal to be entirely free from the responsibility of working. As current seniors can attest, inflation can drive up the costs of living, meaning that seniors who were once able to afford a certain retirement lifestyle may no longer enjoy that hard-earned luxury. Others may miss the daily opportunities to socialize that working provides, or the way problem-solving on the job stimulates the brain. But even retirees who miss working may not be ready to return to the workforce fulltime. That can make part-time employment an ideal fit for mature workers.
Here’s a look at some part-time positions that could be a good fit for older adults reentering the workforce.
Retail sales associate
Working in retail opens seniors up to a wide array of responsibilities and scenarios. Jobs may include greeting customers, making sales, putting out inventory, and helping customers select merchandise. Being personable and having good customer service skills are necessary traits to have when working in retail. Many stores offer part-time employees flexible hours so schedules can be customized.
Consultant
Retirees who loved their job but wanted to spend less time doing it can return as consultants. According to The Balance: Money, individuals often find they earn more per hour working as consultants than they did as fulltime staff members. Consulting is a way to share expertise and experience without making a full-time commitment.
Customer service representative
A customer service representative is tasked with helping customers solve problems and ensuring customer satisfaction. He or she may work ain a traditional office or store location, or answer calls and resolve issues from home.
School positions
Retirees may want to consider jobs working in schools or in related capacities. Driving a school bus is an option if people are willing to undergo the proper training and licensing to operate this type of vehicle. Seniors also may consider working as lunchroom aides or lunch service providers, crossing guards, substitute teachers, and paraprofessionals. School employees will only work a few hours during the day. TheyÕll also enjoy many holidays off as well as summer vacations.
Receptionist
Receptionists greet patients or customers in office settings. According to AARP, they are the welcoming faces of organizations. Answer-
ing phones and light clerical work also may be required of receptionists. Those who want to work off-peak hours can think about working nights and weekends in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.
Seniors have many different options if they decide they want to return to the workforce in a part-time capacity.
3 tips to to update a resume to align with the modern job market
The job market can be unpredictable. Though reports on jobs suggest the market is now flooded with openings, working professionals looking to change careers or switch firms know the reality of modern job hunting is no walk in the park.
Reports indicate that there was an average of one opening for every two applicants on the professional social networking site LinkedIn at the onset of summer 2023. Professionals also are contending with a job market in which firms that hurried to hire applicants during the pandemic are now being more deliberate with their hiring process, sometimes interviewing candidates as many as six times before concluding the process. In addition, a 2023 survey from TIME/Harris Poll found that 52 percent of applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher completed an interview
process without receiving a job offer.
There’s no denying the difficulty professionals seeking new jobs face when they begin their search. Though there’s no guarantee the right opportunity will come along quickly, professionals can update their resumes in three notable ways to increase the chances their applications are seen.
1. Write a new summary
The professional resources experts at Indeed recommend individuals write a new summary of their work history that reflects their qualifications for any job they intend to apply for. Consider past accomplishments, tasks and
2. Include important keywords
The frustration many modern professionals feel when looking for new opportunities may stem from how easy it can be to apply for a job but never hear back. Indeed notes that many hiring managers utilize applicant tracking system (ATS) software when considering applications. Such programs scan resumes for predetermined keywords, discarding applications that do not include them. Reading each listing carefully can shed light on which keywords to include, as the right terms tend to be right there in the job description. Indeed also advises mentioning the company’s name and exact position title in the summary statement or career objective section.
3. Don’t forget the person who will read your resume
Though ATS software plays an integral role in modern hiring, eventually a human being will see the resume if it gets past the ATS portion of the vetting process. Before submitting a resume, read it several times to ensure it reflects your accomplishments, talents and aspirations and not just the keywords that will get the document seen by human eyeballs. Numerous resumes will get past the ATS software, so it’s imperative that the resume illustrates a candidate’s qualifications and talents.
Modern job seeking is time-consuming and often frustrating. Getting past the vetting process involves updating a resume so applicants can use the modern hiring process to their advantage.
Qualifications:
• Flexible, self-starter, as well as able to multitask
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Responsibilities:
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Join the team at MJ Hydrostatics Inc. Office Assistant
Are you detail oriented, ambitious and eager to learn and grow with the company?
We are looking for someone who is able to professionally field and direct calls, assist customers, vendors, and visitors, while providing efficient clerical, accounting, and word processing support.
Compensation $20-$23/hr dependent upon experience and skill set. Paid vacations and holidays. Benefit package includes Healthcare insurance, dental, vision, & life insurance and 401K plan contribution match.
Hydraulic Technician
We are looking for someone who is mechanically inclined, has ambition, detail oriented, good communication skills and willing to learn.
We are willing to train, and we have the tools for you, just bring the motivation!
Compensation based on experience and quality of applicant. Paid vacations and holidays. Benefit package includes healthcare insurance, dental, vision, and life insurance. 401k plan contribution match.
To apply for either position:
Associate Editor Northfield News
SUMMARY
The Northfield News is looking for its next newsroom leader who will lead by example, engage with our audience and community on a regular basis, develop and procure content that ensures “must read” status, be organized and efficient, and work harmoniously with other team members in our group of newspapers.
The goal for our Associate Editor is to maintain and increase readership and subscribership, and to help the team continually improve our printed publications and digital platforms.
As the Associate Editor, you will head up the news reporting for the Northfield News, and organize the weekly printed paper, while ensuring the website is constantly updated.
LOCATION
The city of Northfield sits along the Cannon River, offering a vibrant downtown that is well known for its charm in Southern Minnesota. The community is largely well educated, consisting of two renowned private colleges in St. Olaf and Carleton. There is no shortage of news to cover, with a highly active city government and school district, healthy service groups, a wide range of nonprofits and small businesses, a robust arts scene, and a number of frequently debated issues.
EXPECTATIONS
• Live in or near the city and come into the office regularly
• Create and procure must read content for our print and digital offerings
• Lead and manage online and print publishing cycles and develop effective planning for both
• Plan and execute regular social media postings and other audience engagement efforts
• Engage with the community at a wide variety of events, happenings, clubs, meetings, etc.
• Help the team develop targeted e-newsletters based on reader interests
• Comply with media law and ethical guidelines
• Be an effective member of the APG Southern Minn leadership team
REQUIREMENTS
• Proven working experience in the journalistic field, preferably with writing background
• Strong writing skills and an excellent portfolio
• A proven ability to be both self-sufficient and capable of working in a team
• Demonstrated news judgement
• An eye for detail along with critical thinking
• A penchant for organization and multitasking
• An understanding and interest in the use of computers and technology
• Degree in Journalism or related field (preferable but not required)
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
BENEFITS
The fringe benefits include medical (split between employer and employee), dental and vision options (employee paid). There are three company-sponsored benefits, including short-term disability, long-term disability and a term life insurance policy. The company pays for six major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day), plus volunteer days and floating holidays. In addition, employees accrue 3.33 hours of paid leave per pay period in the first year of employment (80 hours) and increasing to 5.0 hours per pay period (120 hours) after their one-year anniversary of employment. The company will pay 35 cents to the mile for work-related driving, in addition to a monthly sum for use of a smartphone on the job. The company has the option of making a discretionary match to the 401K retirement plan after year’s end.