8 Steps to Help you get an Engineering Job

You have just graduated from your Engineering studies, now is the time to give serious thought to your professional future if you haven’t already landed an internship or job offer yet. It’s still not too late to start your job search.

Here are some important pieces of advice to help you along in your career.

1. Ask yourself what type of job you are looking for.

There are many types of engineering jobs but your need to decide which would be the best for you.

Researching the positions that are currently open, as well as identifying the industries, sectors, and job roles that interest you, is a great way to start your job search.

You can work in a variety of areas as an engineer, including sales, management, project management, marketing, team leader, training and facilities.

2.     Research the company

When you find a job opening in engineering that appeals to you, ensure you do further research about the company. It will be in your best interest to learn as much as you can about the company where you want to find employment.

Once you have this information, it will be easier for you to decide if you would like to go ahead with pursuing an application to the company. Or you may decide that it’s not really for you and save yourself some time.

In your cover letter, you will have the opportunity to show your familiarity with the organization.  If you do get an interview, you will have more confidence, which will come across positively to the interviewer.

3.  Does your resumé match the job description

In your search for engineering jobs, ensure that your resumé and cover letter should always be tailored specifically to the position that you are applying for. There is no standard format that works for everyone.  Find keywords in the job description and match them to your resumé.

Provide clear and concise explanations and examples of your accomplishments that are relevant to the specific job. Use an uncomplicated, consistent format and provide examples that are both clear and brief.

4. Ask questions

It’s critical to demonstrate that you are being careful and selective in your job search, and one of the best ways to do this is by asking questions. Not having a single question to ask will give employers the impression that you don’t care what kind of position you get and could lead to potential rejection. 

Ask thoughtfully crafted questions to show them that you are interested in the position and the company and that it’s something you’re taking seriously.

5.  Identify your strengths and weaknesses 

In an interview, instead of giving answers that you think you would like them to hear, use examples of where you used your skills and strengths. If asked what your weaknesses are, don’t try to defend yourself or blame others but rather give examples of how you managed to overcome them and turn the situation around positively.

To progress in the application process, you will need to demonstrate your ability to leverage your skills and experiences and then demonstrate how you created successful outcomes in specific situations.

Don’t make things up, there is a very good chance that you will be caught out with further questions. It will also not benefit you to add unnecessary details or exaggerations.

6. Provide a clear picture of who you are

Provide an honest picture of who you are, including the things that interest you outside of work, such as your hobbies and activities.

It will be important for you to demonstrate to a potential employer that you are not only skilled in the required areas, but that you also have soft skills that will be beneficial for the position.  For example, being pleasant, approachable, adaptable, and willing to work hard on your own as well as in a team.

You shouldn’t pretend to be someone else because you believe that’s what the interviewer wants to hear. Rather, be honest and open about who you are, the interviewer will be able to discern if you are not being honest.

7. Pursue continuous learning

It’s possible to continue learning regardless of where you are in your career. Continuous learning enables you to gain skills and flexibility, making you more adaptable in your career path. Being willing to learn is a highly valued skill.  This will also show potential employers that you value yourself and are willing to learn and progress with the company as it grows. 

8. Dress for success

Dressing for success goes beyond the clothes you choose to wear. Dressing for success includes the overall way you present yourself, including your attitude and the way you address people at work. Apart from showing yourself respect, it also reflects how you feel about your colleagues and company.  This will also include clients and competitors.

Conclusion

A job search is not easy and can take some time, don’t become despondent.  Once you have a clear direction of where you want to be, the search becomes a lot easier. Stay positive and remember the reward for all your hard work is a wonderful career in Engineering.