If your engineering job search seems to have hit a plateau, you may be questioning yourself. Sometimes you might not be qualified for a position or you just weren’t a good fit for the organization, but if you aren’t getting anywhere in your search, the problem may lie within yourself. Job seekers often sabotage themselves without even realizing it. Here are some common ways engineers derail their job search and tips on how to get out of your own way.
You’re Disqualifying Yourself
Employers list their desired skills and qualifications in job postings for good reason, but many engineers take themselves out of the running simply because they lack one or two of those qualities. You never know a hiring manager’s true priorities, and every employer knows they are unlikely to find a candidate that checks off every box on their wish list. Don’t disqualify yourself before you’ve even had a chance to make it through the screening process. If you’re interested in the position and you’ve got most of the skills and requirements listed, throw your hat into the ring with confidence and be prepared to address your plan for overcoming your gaps during the interview phase.
You’re Relying on Your Resume Alone
Welcome to the 21st century, where your online presence is just as important – if not more – than your actual resume. Hiring managers Google people before they decide who they will interview, and you want them to be impressed with the results they find. Take time to develop an impressive LinkedIn profile complete with a project portfolio; create a simple, professional website using your name as the domain; and create professional profiles on social media where you share industry-specific content and insights.
You’re Not Selling Your Soft Skills
In engineering, your technical skills matter. However, no engineer works in a bubble. You have to communicate well, work well with others, project positivity, achieve results under pressure, and you must be able to empathize with your co-workers and clients. Make sure you touch on your soft skills throughout the hiring process so employers can get a feel for who you are outside of your technical prowess.
You’re Searching by Yourself
Job searches can be long and drawn out experiences. They require a lot of research and legwork, and it can often feel like a second job. There is a way to lessen your load and maintain a confidential search while widening your net and increasing the chances you’ll find a position that aligns with your goals and priorities. Instead of searching alone, work with a niche recruiter focused on the engineering field. Recruiters have a broad network and they are always looking to fill positions that haven’t been advertised to the public. They will work to make a strong match between you and potential employers, and they even “pre-sell” you to hiring managers and will negotiate salary for you. This can take a lot of stress out of the process while increasing your odds of success.
If you are an engineer in the Southeast region seeking new opportunities, contact the recruiting experts at Selectek today. We can match you with an opportunity that will help you take the next step in your career and ensure you aren’t sabotaging your own success.
