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The distribution of food manufacturing jobs and where they pay the best



EMSI analyzed the food manufacturing industry in each state, as well as in the150 largest metropolitan areas around the country.
When we think of regions where the economy is driven by food, most of us think of cornfields in Iowa, apple orchards in Washington and dairy farms in California. But a lot of the economic activity around food actually occurs after it is picked from the ground or milked from a cow.
Food manufacturing, which turns livestock and agricultural products into other products for consumption, is responsible for Green Bay's cheese and Seattle's coffee. This industry made up nearly 1.5 million wage-and-salary jobs in the United States in 2014—about three times the number of crop production jobs—making it a significant employer.
But where are food manufacturing jobs located? Where do they make up the largest share of local economies? Where are food manufacturing earnings the highest? The lowest? (Hint: Earnings have a wide range!)
To answer these questions, EMSI analyzed the food manufacturing industry in each state, as well as in the 150 largest metropolitan areas around the country.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AN INTERACTIVE MAP

By metro


In the metro map above, large bubble sizes indicate high job counts, showing that food manufacturing has a significant presence in the local workforce. But since job counts tend to favor the largest metros, they don't always produce interesting analyses. Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles have the largest food manufacturing workforces, despite the fact that food manufacturing only accounts for about 1 percent of jobs in these metros.
But take a look at the blue bubbles, which indicate that food manufacturing has a high share of the local economy. These metros have lower job counts because their overall workforces are smaller, but food manufacturing is nonetheless important to the region.
Let's take a closer look at food manufacturing in these five metros.

Here are some takeaways from this data:
  • The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro has the highest share of food manufacturing out of all 150 metros. Out of the five metros with high shares, Fayetteville also has the highest job count in this industry.
  • Visalia-Porterville is the only metro out of these five where the food manufacturing industry has seen significant growth in the last five years. In fact, in three of the five metros, this industry is declining.
  • Despite the "Cheese Heads," Green Bay's largest employing subindustry in food manufacturing is not cheese manufacturing, although it is very close behind (1,858 jobs in animal slaughtering, 1,829 jobs in cheese manufacturing).
  • In Modesto and Visalia-Porterville, food manufacturing jobs pay on average higher earnings than the average for all industries in these regions (average earnings per job* for all industries in Modesto: $52,593; in Visalia-Porterville: $45,269).

By state


Food manufacturing has the greatest share of state economies in the Midwest and the South, although it is also prominent in Alaska, Delaware and Idaho. But, in all honesty, food manufacturing doesn't make up a huge share of any state's economy (Arkansas' share is the highest at 3.7 percent).
Still, half of the states that have higher shares of their economies in food manufacturing (appearing in blue in the above map) are also among the states where the average earnings per job for food manufacturing is higher than the average earnings overall. These states include Idaho, Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Kansas. In some cases— Idaho, for example—the combined higher-than-average pay and large share of the economy may be enough to indicate that food manufacturing is a driver industry for these states.
Here's the list of all 13 states where food manufacturing jobs pay better than the average earnings. (Keep in mind that, in contrast, food manufacturing jobs pay worse than average in 37 states):

Since food manufacturing jobs are adding higher-than-average wages to these economies, it's great news that this industry is growing in all 13 of these states (even if, in the case of Iowa, it is growing only slightly). In Vermont, food manufacturing jobs have grown a whopping 27 percent, which is exciting news since the industry pays on average $2,600 more per job than average.
New Hampshire has the highest average food manufacturing earnings per job out of all states at $67,358. And they should count themselves lucky, especially in comparison to Mississippi's $36,707 average earnings per job in food manufacturing—the lowest in the nation.
*Average earnings per job includes wages and salaries, plus supplemental compensation such as bonuses, stock options, and contributions to 401(k) plans, for all jobs in a specific metro or industry. Because EMSI includes non-wage/salary compensation, EMSI's industry earnings numbers should not be treated as "average salary." They are generally higher than average salary by industry numbers that may come from other sources.

4 Tricks for Getting Rid of Your Nerves and Appearing More Confident in a Job Interview

Body language experts say the trick is to distract your mind and focus on things that don't make you nervous. Here are five tricks for doing just that.

Grow up: 10 bad habits that make you look immature at work



There's a difference between sounding crabby in a 4:30pm meeting occasionally and being a habitual crabapple
When you're a kid, you don't yet have the tools that help process actions and your emotions – tools like maturity, patience or looking at the context of a situation. And apparently for a lot of adults, maturity and patience still prove difficult to master: three in four employees (77 percent) have witnessed some type of childish behavior among colleagues in the workplace, according to a new CareerBuilder study.

Letting emotions get the best of you
Everybody has a bad day, but these are the kind of actions that create toxic workplaces and add drama to your career—none of which will position you as Employee of the Month. So what bad behaviors are standing out to your boss? When asked which child-like behaviors they've witnessed colleagues displaying in the workplace, workers gave the following answers:
1.Whine: 55 percent
2.Pout over something that didn't go his/her way: 46 percent
3.Tattle on another co-worker: 44 percent
4.Make a face behind someone's back: 35 percent
5.Form a clique: 32 percent
6.Play a prank on another co-worker: 36 percent
7.Start a rumor about a co-worker: 30 percent
8.Storm out of the room: 29 percent
9.Throw a tantrum: 27 percent
10.Refuse to share resources with others: 23 percent

Bad habits for a bad career
None of those behaviors will make your co-workers admire you more, nor get you closer to a promotion. In fact, they may even act as red flags in your career path. An earlier 2015 CareerBuilder survey among employers found that some specific adolescent behaviors can have a negative impact on an employee's chances of being promoted, including:
  • Negativity: A majority of employers (62 percent) say they are less likely to promote employees who have a negative or pessimistic attitude (whining, pouting, etc.).
  • Vulgar language: More than half of employers (51 percent) consider vulgar language an indication that an employee is not ready for promotion.
  • Gossip: Nearly half of employers (44 percent) say they would think twice before moving an employee who participates in office gossip up the ranks.
  • Sloppiness: Employees who do not clean up after themselves can hurt their chances for a promotion in the eyes of 36 percent of employers.
Real-life drama and workplace tantrumsThere's a difference between sounding crabby in a 4:30pm meeting occasionally and being a habitual crabapple. When asked to name specific immature or adolescent behaviors they have seen at work, employers reported the following observations of one or more employees:
  • Company owner threw tantrums, yelled and slammed doors when he didn't get his way.
  • Employee hid to get away from duties and work responsibility.
  • Employee intentionally set up a co-worker to get him/her in trouble.
  • Employee ate other employees' food from the company refrigerator.
  • Employee blocked parking spots to prevent other employees from parking closer to the front door.
  • Employee gossiped about all of his direct reports, then pretended to be their advocate.
  • Employee constantly pulled up inappropriate content on her cell phone and showed it to her "clique."
  • Employee went to lunch and never came back.
"Some degree of what we may consider 'adolescent' conduct can be harmless, enabling employees to let off some steam and even promote a sense of camaraderie in the office," says Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer of CareerBuilder. "But there's a fine line between innocent fun and inappropriate behavior. Actions like spreading rumors, 'tattling,' and forming cliques to exclude others can be perceived as mean-spirited, bullying and even harassment." Leave the drama for your favorite TV shows and focus on your work and having professional relationships—your career will thank you.

4 hacks to a happier workday




Some days, everything seems to go wrong from the moment you hit the snooze button. Here are four tried-and-true ways to turn a bad morning around.

Some days, it's a struggle to find the energy to push the snooze button, let alone get out of bed. Other days, though you think you've got it all together, you arrive at work and realize you forgot your headphones, your morning coffee… or your laptop. And on those "I can't even…" days, you step on said headphones, spill your coffee all over your new white shirt, or face the "blue screen of death" as you open up your computer.

What's a working gal or guy to do when your day doesn't start off as expected? Here are four hacks to turn a bad morning into a prett-ay, prett-ay, prett-ay, prett-ay good day.

1. Clear your head. OK, first things first: Step away from your desk or work area. Pry your keys off that keyboard or phone screen, and head to the nearest exit. Use the 20 minutes or so you'd normally spend surfing the Internet and instead, get outside and enjoy some fresh air with a walk around the block. (Studies have shown even 20 minutes of exercise like walking can boost happiness, reduce risk of disease and improve memory). Practice your breathing techniques while walking (aka breathwalking) – and actually reap the benefits of meditation while getting your circulation going and your mind off of the fact that your Pop-Tart landed in a puddle just minutes earlier.
Can't get outside? Walk around your office, or take three minutes and meditate at your desk before you step back into reality. The benefits may last you all day long.

2. Laugh. Sometimes, on a bad day, you aren't sure whether to laugh or cry. And while it's true that sometimes you may just need a good cry, it's not always easy to open the floodgates while surrounded by co-workers. Something you can –do – without usually getting too many raised eyebrows – is laugh. Laughing is almost always guaranteed to get you out of your current slump, it helps to put things in perspective, and it not only costs you nothing – but also has major stress relief benefits. It even may be contagious: If you find something funny (and work-appropriate) that gets you back on your A-game, why not spread the love and share it with colleagues to give them a boost? Try Louis CK talking about how everything is amazing for a chuckle and some quick perspective on why things aren't always as bad as we think.

3. Do something nice for others. You don't have to be the person sticking Post-It Notes on people's arms on the morning train commute that say "You're looking sharp today!" – but then, you don't not have to be, either. Post-It Notes and invasion of personal space not your thing? You're in luck: There are many other simple but meaningful ways to improve the day of those around you – and it's a proven fact that helping others actually raises your own happiness levels.

Short on time but big on heart? Try the "Five-Minute Favor": Take just a few minutes a day to do something small but with big benefits to the recipient. This could mean buying a co-worker a cup of coffee, making it a point to say hello to people you pass in the hallway, writing an email to thank someone for his or her efforts on a project, or even retweeting someone or replying to a friend or stranger with an encouraging comment. It's a small commitment for you, but may mean a lot to them.

Try extending your altruism outside the office walls, too. Consider volunteering at an organization that means something to you, help others in need, and start getting the feel-good vibes back tenfold.

4. Be kind to yourself. Sometimes you need the work equivalent of comfort food to get past your blue mood (or, you may just really need some mac n' cheese). It's important to be kind to yourself and realize that everyone has a bad day now and then – and we all make clumsy mistakes. Give yourself a break! Consider treating yourself to a latte from that fancy coffee shop down the street – and if you're feeling dangerous, maybe even a piece of chocolate (#noregrets). Schedule a massage so you have something to look forward to that night or later that week, or make a date to marathon-watch "Gilmore Girls" or "Arrested Development" to get you out of your funk. Dive into a good book at lunch (while eating that mac n' cheese), or spend an extra five minutes dissecting the latest episode of "True Detective" or chilling out to the latest Beach House album.
Whatever your happy place, get yourself there, even for a few minutes: It may just be the indulgence you need to get past that morning's horrors and face the rest of the day… and then do it all again tomorrow (hopefully sans Pop-Tart puddle).

4 Things Employers Want From Job Candidates

Ace the interview by putting yourself on the other side of the table.


Top 10 things NOT to do in an interview




10 very small, but very significant acts that could stand between you and your next job.
Showing up late, forgetting a copy of your resume, having a bad hair day…these are all reasons you might not feel as confident as you'd like to when you're in your next job interview, but they're not immediate disqualifiers. According to employers, the top most detrimental blunders candidates make in interviews are often the most common.

Have you made any of these mistakes? Here are the top 10 things NOT to do in your next job interview.

1. Appear disinterested
Fifty-five percent of hiring managers say this is a big deal-breaker in an interview, and we can't blame them for saying this is the No. 1 thing you should not do in an interview. If you're this bored in an interview, how will you act on the job? Employers want somebody who will bring energy and focus to their team, and will engage with the job. Acting disinterested, or failing to show enthusiasm for the opportunity, only signals to employers that you're not interested in this job—and they'll find a candidate instead who is.
2. Dress inappropriately
Wearing clothes that are too tight or too loose, too dressy or too casual, or wearing brands and logos in professional settings is a bad sign, according to 53 percent of hiring managers. But before you accuse your interviewer of playing fashion police instead of interviewing you about your skills, remember why they even care about your appearance: They're evaluating your judgment and how you'd appear to customers. Do you show you can fit in with company culture? Are you there to bring professionalism to the organization? Dress the part.
3. Appear arrogant
This turn-off bothers 53 percent of hiring managers, who would rather hear about your accomplishments in the context of how you helped the organization, compared to a list of bragging rights. Frame your big wins in the company's overall success: your impressive sales numbers attributed to the company's biggest year in earnings, for example.
4. Talk negatively about current or previous employers
Half of hiring managers (50 percent) said this is a red flag when meeting with potential hires. No surprise there. Why would they want to be your new employer when your old employer is taking all the blame for your career's negatives? If there's bad blood between you and an old employer or workplace, simply state a difference in personalities or work culture, and emphasize that this organization and you are a much better fit for both your strengths and weaknesses.
5. Answer a cell phone or text during the interview
About equally as rude as speaking negatively about old employers is checking or using your phone, according to 49 percent of hiring managers surveyed. This is a simple fix. Do NOT use your phone at all during the interview, as it's rude and discourteous to your interviewer's time. Turn it off (or on silent if you must have it on) before you enter the building or get on the phone or webcam for your in-person or digital interview. Either way, you should not be using your phone at all during an interview.
6. Appear uninformed about the company or role
You may think you can fake it till you make it, but 39 percent of hiring managers will disagree with your strategy if you appear uninformed about the company or the role you're interviewing for. Before your interview, research every aspect: who you'll be interviewing with, what the role's responsibilities are, any major news about the organization and a background knowledge of its industry.
7. Avoid providing specific examples
Thirty-three percent of hiring managers say this is a problem, since they want to hear exactly how you demonstrate your qualities of being a "hard-working, energetic, driven team-player." Did you implement a new employee engagement perk or group? Did you earn recognition or awards for your achievements? Get specific when you're explaining your strengths and achievements.
8. Ask generic questions (or none at all)
Similar to being ignorant to what the organization or role does, asking generic questions (or none at all) signals to the interviewer you probably don't understand or aren't interested in the job—which is a problem according to 32 percent of hiring managers. Demonstrate your knowledge by asking specific questions about on-the-job duties, as well as any questions you may have about the organization or style of management.
9. Provide too much personal information
Oversharing is something to avoid, according to 20 percent of hiring managers. You don't need to go into detail about personal hobbies or family anecdotes in an interview. Simply be yourself and let your personality and confidence speak for themselves.
10. Ask the hiring manager personal questions
About as bad as oversharing is over-asking, according to 17 percent of hiring managers. Asking the hiring manager personal questions doesn't establish a connection between you two—it just makes your interviewer uncomfortable and show you don't have a good sense of business manners. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and professionalism.
Avoiding these 10 pitfalls can put you on a much more successful trajectory towards having a successful interview and potential job offer.

Working from Home is More Common Than You Think

Here's who does it, and where.


The Highfive graphic paints a clear picture of what working remotely looks like in the US today. It reveals which industries commonly hire remote workers, where these professionals live, and how much they make, on average.

It also shows how both employees and employers are benefiting from this shift.

About 77% of remote workers reported greater productivity while working from home, and 53% were less stressed. Remote workers also reported better health, and a willingness to work longer hours.

7 Psychological Traps That Can Undermine Your Success

Are you your own worst enemy?


1. Conforming to the majority opinion
In the 1950s, psychologist Solomon Asch conducted a brilliant study that found people tended to agree with the majority, even when it was obvious the majority was wrong.

In the experiment, participants were asked to indicate which of three lines was longest. They were surrounded by confederates who all reported that one of the shorter lines was longer. Sure enough, most participants agreed with the confederates.

The lesson here is to be wary of the very human tendency to conform to the group's opinion. When you're in a meeting at work and it seems like most people have got the wrong answer to a problem, consider voicing your opinion instead of assuming you must be delusional.

2. Believing negative stereotypes
Stereotype threat occurs when people think about negative associations with their gender or race and subsequently perform worse on whatever task they're working on.

In the workplace, research suggests that managers who feel subject to racial stereotypes may be less likely to seek feedback, which can hurt their achievement in the long run. Similarly, women primed to think about negative gender stereotypes performed worse in negotiations than women who weren't primed.

To be fair, this isn't just an illusion — in some cases, employees may very well be the victims of stereotypes. Researchers say one way to combat the harmful effects of stereotype threat is for leaders to teach negatively stereotyped employees to actively think about their most valuable qualities.

3. Needing to produce flawless work
Perfectionism might sound like a positive attribute — but in reality, it can sabotage your chances of success. According to Alice Boyes, Ph.D., perfectionists often use up all their willpower until they're psychologically and emotionally exhausted. Then it's hard for them to continue working on a task.

If you notice perfectionistic tendencies in yourself, Boyes suggests coming up with specific warning signs that you've persisted too long on something and it's time to take a break.

4. Feeling like you're an impostor
Researchers say 70% of people will experience "impostor syndrome" at least once in their lives. Basically, it's when you feel like your achievements are undeserved and you'll one day be revealed as a fraud.

As a result, you may be so afraid of failure that you experience tremendous anxiety when tackling an achievement-related task.

One way to conquer impostor syndrome is to consult your mentors and let them know how you feel. They'll likely assure you that your experience is normal — and completely irrational.

5. Fearing success
Psychologist Abraham Maslow coined the term "Jonah complex" to describe the fear of achieving your full potential. It can happen when you're starting a new career or professional position and it can be just as harmful as the fear of failure.

Maybe you fear the sense of responsibility that will accompany your new role; or maybe you simply can't imagine yourself as someone powerful.

It's important to try to figure out where this fear is coming from — for example, maybe a friend or family member told you that you weren't talented. Then challenge those messages by thinking rationally about all you've achieved so far.

6. Burying your head in the sand
The "ostrich effect" occurs when you avoid seeking information about progress toward your goals, largely out of fear that you'll be disappointed. For example, maybe you've been putting off checking your sales numbers this month because you have a feeling you haven't met expectations.

Unfortunately, the only way to get back on track is to figure out how far off the track you've fallen. If you're truly terrified of checking your progress, consider asking a colleague to give you regular feedback, so you don't have to muster up the willpower to do it yourself.

7. Procrastination
Procrastination isn't just an extreme case of laziness. In fact, it often stems from feelings of hostility or anger.

For instance, The Harvard Business Review cites an example of a computer scientist who was frustrated when he didn't get promoted. Instead of asking for feedback on his performance, he started procrastinating on projects — and was subsequently passed over for a promotion the following year.

The strangest things job seekers have done to get hired




When it comes to getting the attention of potential employers, being a little out there can be a good thing – but a little goes a long way. Here are four do's and don'ts for job seekers hoping to stand out for the right reasons.

There's "crazy good" – and then there's just plain crazy. When it comes to getting the attention of potential employers, being a little out there can be a good thing, but a little goes a long way, as some candidates have found out the hard way. CareerBuilder's new study about unusual job seeker efforts to stand apart, conducted among 1,078 hiring managers, makes it clear that some job seekers don't know where to draw the line between getting noticed – and getting notoriety.

When we asked hiring managers for their accounts of job seekers' most off-the-wall stunts, they didn't hold back. These were the best of the best (err – worst of the worst?). You be the judge):
The candidate…
  1. …found out where the hiring manager was having dinner and picked up the tab.
  2. …lit a corner of their resume on fire to show their "burning desire" for the job.
  3. …had a cake delivered to the hiring manager with the words "Congratulations! [candidate's name] got the job!"
  4. …answered a call during the interview stating that another company was calling to discuss a job offer.
  5. …sat on the floor during the interview and asked the hiring manager to take a picture of him with the company mascot.
  6. …tried to impress the hiring manager with the history of the business, which was incorrect.
  7. …had her resume gift-wrapped.
  8. …showed pictures of their relatives working at the company many years prior.
  9. …acted like a game show host.
  10. …brought a bag of props into the interview and pulled them out as they were relevant in the questions/answers.
  11. …sent the hiring manager a coupon for free meal.
  12. …had his daughter call the hiring manager in advance of the interview to thank the hiring manager "for giving her dad a job."
Clever -- or cloying?
Hiring managers gave a mixed bag of reactions when it came to whether they thought job seekers' off-the-wall tactics were effective.
On one hand, candidates should get props for trying to stand apart among the sometimes hundreds of others vying for the same position. Unfortunately, "props" don't necessarily equate to employment.
As Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer at CareerBuilder, advises – candidates are wise to focus more on making sure their skills and experience are up to par than on whether that "I love ABC Company" tattoo will land them the job:
"While these tactics may succeed in impressing hiring managers, what ultimately determines if they get the job is having the necessary skills and experience hiring managers are looking for."
So how can you as a candidate get smarter about your own methods for standing out – and get real, positive attention for your efforts?

Haefner suggests the following do's and don'ts for job seekers hoping to stand out for all the right reasons:
  1. DON'T confuse pestering with persistence. Most hiring managers don't mind –and even appreciate – a follow up phone call or email, as it indicates enthusiasm and initiative. Bombarding the hiring manager with phone calls or emails, however, can come across as desperate, annoying or even creepy.
  2. DO know your audience. What charms one hiring manager may turn another off. You can't always predict what will work for one company and what won't. Just keep in mind, however, that a company that doesn't appreciate your unique line of thinking might not be the company that's right for you.
  3. DON'T overthink it. Sometimes the simplest approach is the best approach. Many of the hiring managers we surveyed were blown away when a candidate sent a handwritten thank you note.
  4. DO keep your eyes on the prize. Don't let your unusual approach distract from what you're really trying to do: Sell your skills and qualifications. Even when trying an unusual approach, tie it back to your skills and why you are qualified for the job.
So shine on, you (not too) crazy diamond – and best of luck in landing that next job.

6 Proactive Steps to Get Over Job Burnout Without Quitting Your Job

You can break the cycle.


1. Be proactive about solving the problem.
Rather than being a "happy hour complainer," address the things at work that bother you.

"You'll feel less helpless if you assert yourself," Fanning says. Not having authority is no longer an excuse to not make a difference, he says.

2. Make a list of your regular tasks, and compare them to your job description.
"It's often surprising how job descriptions don't reflect the work you're actually doing," Fanning says. He suggests comparing a copy of your job description to a self-made list of what you've actually been doing, and show them to your boss.

If you point out the extra things that you've been doing, you may "gain a little leverage by showing that you've been putting in work over and above the parameters of your job," he says.

3. Define and visualize the perfect situation.
It's easy to complain about the things that aren't going well, but can you give an exact description of your dream job? What work hours, activities, and relationships would be part of your day?

"Only you can answer that," Fanning says. "If you don't take the time to define it yourself, you'll be living someone else's dream, not your own."

4. Propose a solution to your manager.
Don't simply walk into your boss' office and ask to do something new, Fanning says. Make an actual proposal. "It could be a different department entirely, a new territory, or something as simple as a tweak of your current role," he says.

It's important to prove yourself first. One way to do this is to work on a project you're passionate about during your personal time and get results. You should enjoy doing it, and you'll have solid evidence to back your offer, Fanning says.

5. Take some time off.
A vacation is a great way to take a break from office stress, but there are other ways to get that much needed time off. If you're truly suffering from job burnout, anything that can help is worth trying.

Consider using your sick days or asking for a temporary leave of absence, Fanning suggests. Then take that time and completely disconnect from your laptop and cell phone. "Use the time away to recharge your batteries and get a new perspective," he says.

6. Get a coach.
Venting to family and friends can help temporarily relieve stress, but it isn't a long-term solution. Plus, they'll likely grow annoyed if it continues to happen. Talking to a wellness or stress coach may help.

22 College Majors With the Highest Starting Salaries

Which degrees really pay off?


22. Business and Information Technology

1/22

Median starting pay: $56,900
Median mid-career pay: $99,100
% change from starting to mid-career: +74%

21. Architectural Engineering

2/22

Median starting pay: $57,000
Median mid-career pay: $90,400
% change from starting to mid-career: +59%

20. Physics

3/22

Median starting pay: $57,200
Median mid-career pay: $105,100
% change from starting to mid-career: +85%

19. Electrical Engineering Technology

4/22

Median starting pay: $58,900
Median mid-career pay: $88,200
% change from starting to mid-career: +50%