Frequently Asked Questions

And Some Answers Based on 20 plus Years of Experience

• What’s going on in the economy?
• So why can't I find a job?
• What can we expect in the next quarter?
• Is this a good time to be looking for career advancement opportunity?
• Do I need a resume?

What’s going on in the economy?

At the start of the New Year, it appears that the US economy continues to grow despite a dismal housing market, dramatic changes in the fortunes of the domestic auto makers, continuing escalation in oil and energy costs, and relocation of manufacturing to China and other offshore locations.

Our view is that the US Plastics Industry has decreased both in the overall number of manufacturers and in the volume of goods produced in the US.  The Injection Molding Industry has been hardest hit, with many firms moving production to offshore locations and others either being acquired and consolidated with other firms or simply going out of business.  Our estimation is that up to 30% of production in that sector has shifted offshore.

Automotive molders, particularly in the Upper Midwest and Northeast have experienced significant changes as both domestic and foreign owned OEM's have tightened quality and cost requirements.  The bankruptcies of several major suppliers and the financial and operational struggles of the remaining automotive molders is well known and needs no further discussion here.

Consolidation among numerous injection molding and blow molding firms serving the food, drug, and consumer product packaging industry has reduced the number of manufacturers, closed numerous plants, and created some instability in a industry segment that has been relatively stable in the past.

The downturn in the construction industry has had an effect on a broad range of manufacturers of products such as home siding, roofing, plastic pipe and other products.  This segment has reported a number of recent acquisition and consolidation moves designed to reduce production levels to match current demand.

We believe that there is still considerable over capacity in the plastics industry in the US and that market forces will continue to work towards reducing that overcapacity.

There are bright spots to consider.  The current devaluation of the US Dollar has created increasing demand for the production of tooling and molded plastic components for foreign companies producing products in the US. Companies such as BMW, Honda, and other manufacturers with plants in the US have expanded purchasing of US made products because the lower value of the dollar makes goods produced in the US financially attractive.

The scandal over lead in Chinese made toy products and the tainting of other items produced in China has created an opportunity for US manufacturers.  It's too early to make broad assumptions, but we are confident that Americans have the skills and productivity to be competitive and take back at least some of the manufacturing that has been controlled by the Chinese.

United States employment rates have changed very little over the last year.  Despite the challenges of the last several months, 95% of Americans are working. Help Wanted signs are everywhere and companies continue to find recruitment to be a major challenge.  Demand for Engineering and Technical personnel y exceeds supply in most markets. 

We cannot help but note that, despite the tight labor market, many companies are continuing to be exceedingly selective in their selection process.  It is not unusual for a search to take from 90 days to 120 days to complete and we have seen many searches stretch out to more than 180 days.

Because of the relative low level of unemployment, the ultra selectivity of hiring officials, and demand exceeding supply, salaries have increased over the last 24 months at rates probably in the 5% to 6% range per year.  We believe that this pressure to raise salaries will continue into the new year.  We also believe that companies will continue to alter hours and benefits to attract and retain more qualified personnel.

We are optimistic, but we anticipate that 2008 will be a year in which we see a slight slowdown in automotive, construction, plastic equipment, and some parts of the plastic packaging industry.  Other industries, notably the medical device and consumer product industries, are developing new products to meet the needs of an aging America.  In our view, demand for highly specialized personnel continues to be high in those fields.   Geographically, needs in the Southern States are increasing as consumers purchase more fuel efficient cars and trucks produced in that part of the country.

All in all, we believe that the economy is continuing to produce jobs and that the plastics and packaging industries will continue to offer long term opportunities for individuals with the educational, experience, and can do attitudes that the market demands. 

While the job market is far from booming, the steady increase in demand we have seen over the last year indicates that many employers are optimistic about the future and are willing to invest in needed personnel. Now is a great time to be in the market if you are looking to advance in your career.

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So why can't I find a job?

If you review the jobs listed in this web site, you will note that each position requires a very specific set of skills, experience, and education. Companies are fighting stiff competition and the need to carefully control costs is clearly reflected in the reluctance of employers to be more flexible in the selection of personnel. The keys to successfully finding employment or making that all important career move are: 

• Clearly understanding what it is that you want to do.  Where is you real passion?
• Development of a long range plan and acquiring the education and experience you need to meet your career goals.
• Being open to geographic relocation as a necessary part of your career progression. OR
• Developing a broad range of skills applicable to more than one industry if you cannot or will not consider relocation. (Teachers, Lawyers, Doctors, etc. can often be successful without moving)
• Taking action-few jobs will come to you.  You must take charge of your career and be aggressive in your search for employment.
• Getting help from professionals.  Contact several recruitment specialists in your industry, listen to their advice, and work with them in your search.

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What can we expect in the next quarter?

We believe that the economy will continue to improve and that hiring will continue to at a steady but not spectacular pace.Our firm is engaged in search efforts for clients in a number of geographic regions and plastic and packaging industry niche markets. The retirement of millions of Baby Boomers, increasing demand for medical products, growing dissatisfaction with offshore production, and the resilience of the consumer are just a few of the reasons to be optimistic.

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Is this a good time to be looking for career advancement opportunity?

Yes! The economy will create many new opportunities. With more optimism, consumer spending, and business investment, there will be added pressure on companies to expand to meet higher demand. Being prepared and open to opportunity are the keys to meeting your long term Career Plan goals.

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Do I need a resume?

Yes! A resume is a necessity if you want to effectively compete for a professional job opportunity. The importance of preparing a well written resume and presenting that document in an attractive format cannot be overstated. See "How to Write a Resume for guidance.

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