Posts by Nora Hawkins
Why Regularly Updating Your Job Postings on Job Boards is Key to Finding Top Talent
2027 update: Review each open posting at the start of 2027 and refresh any that have not been updated in the last week. 2026 Update: Algorithm changes across major job platforms in 2025-2026 now prioritize fresher listings more aggressively. Job postings refreshed every 7-10 days receive 47% more applicant views. Indeed and ZipRecruiter now flag…
Read More3 Key Traits Business Owners Look for When Hiring: From Entry-Level to Top-Level Jobs
2026 Update: As the skilled trades labor market tightens in 2026, employers are increasingly willing to hire workers who demonstrate attitude and aptitude even without all required certifications, with 73% saying they’d train a strong candidate over wait for a fully certified one. The top traits driving hiring decisions in 2026: reliability (92%), communication (87%),…
Read MoreServices for Business Owners
The Blue Collar Recruiter offers a full range of services designed specifically for owners of skilled trades and home service businesses — not generic HR support, but hiring, retention, and growth strategy built around the realities of running a trades company. Services for business owners include contingency and retained recruiting for technicians and leadership roles,…
Read MoreServices Available from The Blue Collar Recruiter
The Blue Collar Recruiter offers a full range of hiring services for skilled trades employers, from single-role contingency search to full talent partnerships covering technicians, managers, and administrative staff. Employers who want more detail on how a recruiting partnership compares to other options can see our comparison of the top blue collar recruiting firms in…
Read MoreGet Job Ready with Industry-Leading Certification
Key Program Features: 2026 update: Graduates of these certification programs are in high demand — see our list of the best online trade schools in 2026 for more accredited options.
Read MoreBest Ways to Prepare for Your Upcoming Job Interview: A Complete Guide
2026 Update: In 2026, 62% of skilled trades employers now include a hands-on skills assessment as part of their interview process. Video interviews have become standard for initial screening (used by 71% of employers), while final interviews are still predominantly in-person. Candidates who research company reviews on Google and Indeed before interviews are 38% more…
Read MoreMaster a Trade Without Leaving Your Couch
Online and hybrid trade training programs make it possible to start learning a skilled trade from home before ever setting foot on a jobsite. Coursework covers the fundamentals — safety, tools, terminology, and trade theory — so students arrive at hands-on training already ahead of the curve. This flexible format works well for career-changers who…
Read MoreOptimizing Your Seasonal Labor Strategy for Blue-Collar Industries
2026 Update: Seasonal labor demand has shifted significantly in 2026, with HVAC demand extending beyond traditional summer peaks due to climate patterns. Companies that maintain year-round hiring pipelines (even for seasonal roles) now fill positions 43% faster during peak demand. Year-round retention bonuses now outperform one-time signing bonuses by 3:1 for seasonal trade workers.
Read MoreThe Blue Collar Recruiter and Virtual Trade School Opens in Indianapolis
The Blue Collar Recruiter and Virtual Trade School, a skilled labor permanent placement firm, is now open in Indianapolis, offering a specialized hiring and training resource for employers and candidates in the blue-collar space. The Blue Collar Recruiter (TBCR), a skilled labor permanent placement firm, has opened a franchise location to serve the Indianapolis region. Mindy Paulin,…
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