|
CAREER PRESENTATION
VERMEER® MANUFACTURING COMPANY
By Marty Baker, Editor
Gary Vermeer once
said, “Find a need. Fill that need with a product built to
last. And simply build the best!” Vermeer is committed to
its vision of “Taking Care of Customers Worldwide with Better
Solutions.”
To
meet this founding goal, Vermeer needs welders
to manufacture equipment for
their four major market segments: Forage Management (balers,
rakes, mowers), Specialty Excavation (terrain levelers),
Environmental (stump cutters, grinders, brush chippers), and
Underground Installation (underground drills, trenchers, skid
steers, compact excavators). This need brought Cornie Van
Walbeek, Recruiting Manager, and Karissa Hastings, Recruiting
Specialist, to Hobart Institute of Welding Technology to inform
nearly 50 students of the employment opportunities awaiting them
in Pella, Iowa, upon their graduation from either the
Structural Welding Program or from the
Structural and
Pipe Welding Program.
Vermeer employs 300 welders and
offers additional opportunities for advancement in welding such
as welding technicians, group leaders, welding department
managers, engineering technicians, welding engineering
technicians, and welding engineers. In a series of seven
plants, corporate office space, and the Vermeer Global Pavilion
training center and museum, the “Vermeer Mile” encompasses over
350 acres, with nearly 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing
space. Personnel in each of the seven plants build various
equipment lines. Vermeer is currently in the process of
purchasing 300 new pieces of welding equipment from Miller
Electric Manufacturing Company, to be used throughout the
facility. The primary welding processes used by Vermeer include
pulsed gas metal arc welding (GMAW-P) and metal core arc welding
of various steels.
Since its inception in 1948,
when founder Gary Vermeer modified a farm wagon with a
mechanical hoist, Vermeer has grown from a one-person operation,
to an international organization with 2,000 employees in Pella,
Iowa, and over 150 industrial and 400 ag dealer locations
worldwide. Today, Gary’s daughter, Mary, and his son, Bob, are
at the helm, steering the impressive and successful family-owned
company.
The Vermeer
philosophy strongly reflects the Company's character, which
encompasses the solid foundation built from decisions made in
the past and planning for the organization's present and future.
The 4P philosophy is at the forefront of Vermeer. It's the
organization's core principles that steer the hub of Vermeer…
Principles, People, Products and Profit.
When it
comes to securing a job with Vermeer, Cornie Van Walbeek
explains, “Following application, selected candidates go through
two sets of interviews. The first is a screening interview by
the human resources department. In the second, the candidate
will meet with the hiring manager and with the human resource
manager. Then, appropriate testing is conducted.”
Company representatives
also offer the following advice:
- BE APPROPRIATELY
PREPARED. The most important part of your strategy takes
place even before you enter the offices for an interview. Being
appropriately prepared for your interview is vital in leaving a
desirable impression with the managers.
- PROVIDE A RESUME
that simply and directly highlights your work experience as an
essential first step. Identify milestones or accomplishments
that pertain to the position for which you are interviewing.
Notable awards, promotions, or recognitions may also be of
interest.
- LEARN ABOUT THE COMPANY. You can learn about Vermeer's rich and
innovative history by talking to knowledgeable friends and colleagues, or by
researching the websites (www.vermeer.com
and
www.vermeerjobs.com). Understanding
Vermeer culture and philosophies will be invaluable in appreciating why Vermeer
is a premier employer not only in Pella, Iowa, but globally as well.
- DRESS APPROPRIATELY AND ARRIVE ON TIME. On the day of your interview,
dress appropriately and arrive on time or even a few minutes early. Once the
interview begins, be prepared to discuss your career history as well as what you
are anticipating in a career with Vermeer. Sharing your demonstrated strengths,
perceived areas of needed development, and career goals are likely to be points
covered in the interview. Don't be shy! Asking questions during the interview is
encouraged. When you ask candid, thoughtful questions, it reflects your interest
in Vermeer.
- PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES. Professional references will most
likely be requested. Letting your references know Vermeer may contact them is
not only a professional courtesy, but may also avoid an awkward situation. Upon
receiving a job offer from Vermeer, be sure to factor in both the tangible and
intangible elements of the offer. Remember, there are more rewards to a job than
just base pay. Carefully evaluate health care benefits, profit sharing and
company match programs, bonus opportunities, paid time off, etc. The benefits
can add further value to a great career opportunity!
- RELAX. Most importantly . . . RELAX and BE YOURSELF!
Situated approximately 45 miles southeast of Des Moines, Vermeer encourages you
to experience the environment that Vermeer people have helped to grow over the
past 58 years by taking part in a
virtual tour
or meeting Vermeer people through a gallery of photos available. The employee
testimonials will give you a very clear picture of why Vermeer continues to be a
premier Iowa employer and how we are building global markets through the Vermeer
International facility (located in Goes, Holland) as well as expatriate
opportunities.
Saying that Vermeer people are the greatest asset is more than a passing comment
at Vermeer. Averaging 11 years of service per employee, Vermeer reinforces this
fundamental belief by providing creative, competitive, and growth-oriented
benefit options
- including an
on-site health care
facility and an
on-site pharmacy.
At Vermeer, they know your success is essential to their success. Vermeer is
proud of their employees’ achievements and takes a deliberate role in supporting
the
career development of their people. By providing programs such as tuition
assistance, on-site training via Vermeer University, and career progression
planning, Vermeer offers opportunities to any employee who wishes to grow with
the company.
Nearby Red Rock Lake offers recreational activities such as fishing, boating,
nature trails, and campgrounds. Excellent hunting opportunities also abound in
Iowa, as well as remarkable educational systems, cultural opportunities, and
more. Additional information about Pella, Knoxville, Oskaloosa and surrounding
communities can be found through local Chambers of Commerce and supporting
organizations (http://www.vermeermfg.com/vcom/Jobs/AboutVermeer/OurCommunity.jsp)
These communities and others in the surrounding area offer great experiences in
Iowa living.
It is the policy of Vermeer Manufacturing Company to employ, advance in
employment, and otherwise treat all employees and applicants for employment
without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national
origin, physical or mental handicap, or veteran status. We reinforce this
philosophy through the Affirmative Action Statement (http://www.vermeermfg.com/vcom/Jobs/AboutVermeer/Aff_Action.jsp)
which can be observed on any one of the internal Vermeer communication links up
and down the Vermeer mile.
Contact:
http://www.vermeerjobs.com or
career@vermeermfg.com
Vermeer Manufacturing Company,
Human
Resources; 1210 Vermeer Road East; Pella, Iowa 50219,
Phone: 641.628.3141 or Fax: 641.621.7722
|
