Recruiting Blog
Social Media Do’s and Don’ts
It was brought to my attention recently that LinkedIn has started to become politicized, and now that I’m paying attention, the gradual polarization, name-calling, and insults on this professional network have begun. Is LinkedIn turning into Facebook or Twitter? Are we going to be seeing your cat memes and back to school photos next? I was still under the impression that talking about politics or religion at work or in a professional setting was a no-no, or a sensitive topic... more
Interviewing: The New Look
Looking for a new job during a pandemic can be extremely difficult, but not impossible. There ARE companies that are currently hiring. However, the interview process for both the candidate and the employer may look a little bit different these days. When preparing for your interview, you might ask yourself some of these questions: How should I greet the interviewer if I can’t shake hands? Does the interview have to be in-person or will it be virtual? If it’s in... more
Men vs. Women – The Pay Gap is Real
MBS Advisors and SPE have been conducting an annual salary survey for plastics professionals for many years now. One of the factors that we look at is the difference in pay by gender. Does that old adage, “Women get paid less than men for the same work,” ring true in our industry? Are women less likely to make their way up the corporate ladder in the plastics industry? According to our survey, on average, men in the plastics and packaging... more
Consequences of a Bad Hire
First, let’s define a “bad hire.” According to CareerBuilder, a bad hire: Didn’t produce proper quality work; Had a negative attitude; Didn’t work well with others; Attendance problem; and Skills didn’t match their claims. The costs of recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, and employee development can be expensive, but that isn’t the only issue that can stem from a bad hire. Poor performers lower the bar for other workers, and bad habits and bad attitudes can spread causing less productivity, compromised... more
Results of COVID-19 Poll
Between the dates, Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – April 3, 2020, MBS Advisors conducted an online poll aimed at individuals in the plastics industry asking if they job status had been affected by the recent COVID-19 crisis. 312 plastics professionals took our poll. The poll consisted of only 3 questions: What is the status of your employment since the COVID-19 crisis began in the U.S.? Answer Choices Responses Was employed, still employed 75% Was employed, now furlough 13% Was employed,... more
Has COVID-19 impacted your job?
Some plastics companies have seen increased demand, while others have been shut down. How has your job status changed, if at all, as a result of COVID-19? Take our quick 30-second poll. This survey has been closed. We will be posting the results of this poll in a few days.
Single-Use Plastics & Plastic Bag Bans: What do we think of this now?
The New York State plastic bag ban couldn’t have come at a worse time amidst the constant worry of the spread of the Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19. Reusable shopping bags are known to harbor bacteria3 since most people do not wash the bags in between grocery trips. Microbiologists have found E. coli, salmonella, fecal coliform, and other harmful bacteria in reusable bags if they are not properly sanitized after each use.7 New York State officials have announced they will... more
Job Search and Coronavirus
Yes – the current outbreak of COVID-19 is unsettling, yes, it’s rippling its way through our everyday way of life and economy, but for those actively searching for a new career opportunity, it’s not all doom and gloom. Throughout this, plastics manufacturers continue to need talent, the skills gap remains wide, and skilled workers continue to be in demand. Be prepared for an increase in virtual interviews, check your Skype or video conferencing account, test your audio and video, be... more