Hiring Press Op

[ZooCity]

Check this link for details:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FuusEnEwSss6iAt6Dih0udckv0Y3jOhuPCZhk7ZJn7s/edit

We have a pretty dismal response in our region when hiring for skilled positions (or even finding those motivated to learn) and are willing to assist in moving the right person here.  Montana is a hell of a place to live and we think our jobs are some of the better ones in the area. 

Share if you can and thanks.

[jsheridan]

* way to much information!

You're hiring a body for a minimum wage position..

General Labor

No experienced needed for t-shirt printing!

Start tomorrow, cash paid first week!

Bring an ID, social security card, water bottle and comfortable shoes to XXX at XXX time, be ready to work!


The screening process is those who want to work, will show up to work, those that want a job.. won't bother.

[Dottonedan]

I for one, totally disagree with Johns reply but that's just me, coming from someone who is more saturated into this industry as a career. If I were a serious printer, desiring to be around professional shop environment, that job description would be exactly what I would be expecting to see. Fact is, those types of people are far and few as well as...the position is not that attractive as a long time career.

I think any shop should include all information as to the possibilities of advancement. People want to know there is a chance they can grow into something better with more money within your Co.

I cringe at position postings that just say...

" Printer position open. No free loafers. Must be willing to shut up and take orders and get the job done. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen".

Yes, Ive seen that before.

[Dottonedan]

I just posted a position on here also for TN. That position for press op is far from Min wage (at entry level). If they have exp. The pay is better.

In my opinion, a press op is not general labor in a good shop. It's a skilled labor. Not everyone understands the need for or the specific amount of adjustment needed for a lighter pressure, different squeegee, faster stroke, and why you are doing it, How fast you can bump up the press speed and all things considered.  A good press operator may be the difference of the shop profiting 30% a day, or $38% a day per press. That's a big difference over a year.

[ZooCity]

I think I get your approach John, it's catered to what we see here, very generic applications from people just looking for a job or something better.  Like Dan, I cringe at descriptions like this and immediately reject apps like this.  If a person is not genuinely interested in our trade to some degree we are guaranteed to have issues with them.  We don't have the HR capabilities to deal with this crowd and we don't want to. 

This isn't a min wage position by a long shot.  If you have zero experience and we are going to train you ground up then yes, you're starting off low and working your way up on wages. If you are experienced you're going to start high and go on up.  Also, this is Montana, our benefits, pay and work environment is actually very good or at least we're somewhat proud of it compared to what else is available.

Another reason our job descriptions are detailed is that it's actually a CYA in MT.  If you can't perform all the job duties listed you are technically in a training period for quite some time and while we can't fire at will we can terminate with low risk of someone who we tried hard with but just slacked off and was ultimately let get dipping into the unemployment funds we all contribute to. 

[jsheridan]

This is funny..

as that serious career oriented press op who sat behind a desk posting ads and sorting through professional emails all these years... my most succesful candidate was a guy I got from the home depot parking lot one morning to help me hang some drywall.

The guy had desire

That's all I want.. a guy with desire, I can train the rest.

[ebscreen]

I can teach anything except work ethic.

[bimmridder]

You can't teach common sense.

[mk162]

but you essentially vetted that guy before hiring him.  He didn't answer a help wanted ad.

[jsheridan]

I can teach anything except work ethic.

You can't teach common sense.

And that is why my help wanted ads are bird shot.. large spread for a single kill.

[ZooCity]

Polar opposite experience here.  Our best have been those who either know or are at the very least interested in what we do.  The rest have been 1000x more work on our part to get them functioning and few of the ones that we grab because they're solid people ever end up actually excelling at the job. 

I'm with you though to a degree, we do hire people just because they have good drive and attitude and any solid person is going to grow into that love of the print that we like to see but I heartily disagree that a person with no interest in our art/craft is the best option.  That just doesn't match our experience.

[GoWestRob]

I like Zoo's 3 page job description.  The more professional you appear when hiring, the more serious your candidates will take you and could weed out some less serious applicants.  We're also going through a couple rounds of hiring right now.  Our guys tend to stick around a long time, so we're always kind of lost when it comes to hiring and how to attract great attitudes and talent.  It comes down to the drive and work ethic more than anything, a serious desire to learn wins every time.  Pair that with an interest in the craft and experience in the industries you cater to and you've got a winner.