November is World Quality Month, which celebrates quality and its impact in the world. In honor of t...

1. Six Degrees of Six Sigma Hiring
November is World Quality Month, which celebrates quality and its impact in the world. In honor of
this occasion, we thought we'd look at 6 different hiring trends for one of the proven quality
management techniques, six sigma (6?). The Six Sigma method is known for reducing costs and
improving manufacturing and business. Have more employers adapted this method and?increased
their six sigma hiring? Here are 6 facts about recent six sigma hiring.
Hiring Demand Hiring demand for six sigma skills experienced its highest volume of job ads during
March 2011 with over 36,000 job ads posted online. Since then, hiring demand decreased 10%.
Despite the decrease, as of October 2012, demand was 22% higher than it was 2 years ago.
Hiring Demand Chart for Six Sigma Skills - 4 Year Hiring Trend
SOURCE: WANTED Analytics
2. Most In-demand Industries for Six Sigma Skills
While manufacturing saw the most job ads for six sigma skills, wholesale trade saw the biggest
increase in demand, rising 18% since the same time last year. Adversely, Professional, Scientific,
and Technical Services six sigma demand decreased 14% year-over-year, yet it still ranks among the
industries with the most demand for this skill set. Although, six sigma originated in manufacturing,
other industries like finance and insurance and waste management remediation are benefiting from
the cost savings and increased profitability resulting from six sigma methods.

2. - Manufacturing - Administrative, Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services -
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services - Wholesale Trade - Finance and Insurance
3. Most In-demand Job Titles for Six Sigma Skills
As might be expected, most of the job titles listed are quality related. Project and process titles are
commonly advertised because these roles are essential to ensuring that quality methods like six
sigma are being successfully implemented.
- Quality Engineer - Manufacturing Engineer - Project Manager - Process Engineer - Quality
Manager - Production Supervisor - Business Analyst - Quality Assurance Manager - Senior Quality
Engineer - Senior Project Manager
4. Most Commonly Advertised Skills in Six Sigma Job Ads
As we already mentioned earlier, project management ranks highly in this list because is essential to
the successful implementation of six sigma methods. Problem solving skills are also a necessary
ability as this practice includes identifying defects or wasteful steps in the process and eliminating
them, which is essentially process improvement. To ensure all processes are streamlined throughout
departments qualified candidates would also need oral and written communication skills.
- Project Management - Problem Solving - Process Improvement - Oral and written communication -
Microsoft Office
5. Most Commonly Advertised Certifications in Six Sigma Job Ads
- Six Sigma Green Belt (SSGB) - Six Sigma - Project Management Professional (PMP) - Six Sigma
Black Belt -American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Six Sigma Black Belts oversee the application and execution of six sigma in specific projects. Six
Sigma Green Belts operate under the direction of Black Belts. Black Belts and Green Belts roles are
part of the Six Sigma ranking terminology that aids to successful implementation. How hard is it to
find candidates that are qualified with these skill sets and certifications?
organizational growth strategies
6. Hiring Difficulty Nationwide, Recruiters are likely to encounter difficulties sourcing this talent. On
average, job ads are posted online for 7 weeks. According to our Hiring Scale heat map
below,?Binghamton, NY currently has the most favorable recruiting conditions, possibly due to lower
hiring demand. In this location, job ads are posted online for a week less than the national average.
In one of the more difficult-to-recruit cities, Burlington, VT, job ads remain posted online for up to
9.5 weeks.
Hiring Scale Heat Map for Six Sigma Skills

3. SOURCE: WANTED Analytics
Sign up for a free trial of WANTED Analytics(TM) for a Talent Sourcing Report of hiring demand and
talent supply for six sigma skills.
Analytics users: log in and enter six sigma skills in the skill filter, add your location, add other
requirements and select "Generate Report".