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Sometimes recruiting in plastics is an absolute disaster. I’ve been working on a position in the plastics industry for four months. We found a candidate, made an offer, and he turned it down. So we kept interviewing. Found another candidate. Made another offer. He accepted! Twelve days later, he backed out. Four months. Two offers. …

Sometimes recruiting in plastics is an absolute disaster Read More »

I had a conversation last week with a plastics company trying to hire a Molding/Processing Manager. What they described is exactly what I see across small to mid-sized injection molders right now. They’re not just looking for a manager. They’re looking for someone who can do all of this: ▪️ Understand molding ▪️ Understand processing …

I had a conversation last week with a plastics company trying to hire a Molding/Processing Manager Read More »

Many Plastics Executives are underestimating a workforce problem that’s already here.   This chart comes straight from LinkedIn Recruiter data. Over 1 million professionals have identified themselves as working in plastics. Here’s the part that should get your attention. ▪️ A huge percentage of the industry is 20+ years into their career ▪️ The 30+ …

Many Plastics Executives are underestimating a workforce problem that’s already here Read More »

“We’ll pay $5k for relocation.” I hear this all regularly. It might sound reasonable until you actually think it through. If you find someone who’s single, renting, has no kids, no house, and no roots, maybe they can pull it off. For everyone else, it’s fantasy math. Here’s are things that often go into relocation …

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“I feel good about the offer. Not great.” That’s not how you want a new employee starting with your company. A friend of mine said that after getting an offer from a company. The base salary was a little below market. The relocation package was weak. Vacation time was short for an executive role. And …

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In recruiting for plastics and manufacturing, money isn’t a later conversation. It’s the first one. People love to say, “It’s too early to talk money.” But that’s how you end up wasting everyone’s time. When I take a job order, I ask for the range. If it’s off, I say so right away. If the …

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When I’m recruiting for senior roles in plastics, I expect sharp questions. The best candidates always ask them. When I’m working on a roles paying $150,000 to $200,000 or higher, I’m talking to people who’ve built their careers on asking good questions. They’re sharp. They don’t waste time. If you can’t answer their questions, you …

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#1 Job Search Tip – Call the person you submitted your resume to As one part of my recruitment process, I post my jobs online. Almost Nobody calls me to follow up once they’ve sent their resume. Following up with a phone call will significantly increase your chances of getting noticed. Making a phone call …

#1 Job Search Tip – Call the person you submitted your resume to Read More »