Job Success During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Congratulations to FootBridge manufacturing recruiter Cameron Richard who’s celebrating two years with our team! We couldn’t be happier to have him working with us, and to mark the occasion, we sat down with “Cam” to get his take on what it’s like to work in the staffing industry and how he found job success during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question: How did you learn about FootBridge and recruiting in the manufacturing industry?

Cam:  I had an interesting career start. While at the University of New Hampshire, I majored in electrical engineering but switched to a finance major with a minor in economics. Upon graduating in 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, plenty of companies were on hiring freezes. Fortunately, Danny (my brother) was working at FootBridge with the manufacturing team, and knowing my background, they took a chance on me.

Question: What was it like starting as a recruiter in the manufacturing industry compared to where you are now?

Cam: There was a steep learning curve, but Tony Blestis and the entire manufacturing recruiting team were great to work with and helped me learn the industry.

The biggest takeaway is that it’s not beneficial for the manufacturing client if a candidate works for a month and then realizes it’s not a good fit. Therefore, whenever I talk with candidates, which can be upward of 15 to 20 a day, I try to make sure the job resonates with the candidate and is one where they can succeed.

Question: What makes someone a good candidate for work in the manufacturing industry?

Cam: Anyone who is determined and willing to work extra hours to ensure the manufacturing job gets done. I look for hardworking, physically capable individuals who are willing to work in a clean room environment when needed. Manufacturing can be a rugged environment. You’re on your feet all day. A hardworking candidate could be someone from the trades, or restaurant industry,  from the military, or have experience working as a mechanic or carpenter.

We fill day-to-day mechanical assembly positions, electro-mechanical assembly, shipping, receiving, material handlers, system technicians, and testing technicians for a well-known robotic manufacturer in the semiconductor industry. Anyone with hands-on experience or willing to learn about the industry could be an ideal candidate as the manufacturing industry requires using tools and working off instruction manuals.

Question: What makes FootBridge different from other manufacturing staffing firms?

Cam: That’s easy. We show up and have years of experience working in the manufacturing industry. Program manager Tony Blestis is on-site once a week to check in on candidates, and we have weekly meetings to discuss protocol, upcoming projects, staffing topics, and more. Plus, our team, from administration to accounting, energy, and manufacturing, are very supportive of one another.  I feel like the team members push one another to succeed but are also there for each other when we have questions and need help.

Question: Are there any misconceptions when it comes to recruiting?

Cam: Yes, sometimes manufacturing candidates worry once a contract ends, they will be let go. While FootBridge hires contract employees to start, they can transition to a perm position if someone puts in the work.

Question: Any tips for candidates looking for work in the manufacturing industry?

Cam: It’s important to follow up after the interview as it shows myself and the client they are interested in the position. Also, be punctual.  If we speak on the phone and I ask for a resume, the sooner they can get it to me, the better. These jobs don’t always stay open.

Question: On that same topic, what’s it take to be a good recruiter in the manufacturing industry?

Cam: A good recruiter is organized and communicative. Just as we want our candidates to be punctual, we must also be mindful and respect the candidates’ time.  I always let them know if the position isn’t a good fit. When applying for jobs, I would rather hear that from the company I’m interviewing than nothing.

It also doesn’t hurt to be competitive. Seeing the GP reports pushes me to get my numbers as high as possible. It’s also a nice feeling to impact people’s lives positively. I’ve got quite a few people who thank me once we’ve brought them the job – for helping them out and for our time.

The manufacturing industry brings in hundreds of millions of dollars in yearly revenue.  Strong candidates can look forward to overtime, benefits, and flexible schedules. Interested persons can contact Cam at: crichard@footbridgecompany.com.