A microelectronic device, possibly a packaged microelectronic device, contains a magnetic sensor component and magnetizable structural features. Magnetic moments of the magnetizable structural features are aligned parallel to each other. The microelectronic device is formed by applying a magnetic field so as to align magnetic moments of the magnetizable structural features with the applied magnetic field. Application of the magnetic field is subsequently discontinued. The magnetic moments of the magnetizable structural features remain aligned parallel to each other after the applied magnetic field is discontinued.