Engineering job searches can be time-consuming and often a bit frustrating. It would be nice if you found your ideal job the moment you started searching and after taking one look at your resume, the hiring manager wrote you a lucrative offer. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work that way and it can take weeks or even months to find something great. If you’ve been on the hunt for a while, use these strategies for a more effective job search.
Take Opportunities to Expand Your Skills
While you’re on the search for a new opportunity, don’t miss out on chances to grow your skill set or expand your resume. Take a class, attend a seminar, ask your boss if you can cross-train on the job. Focusing on building a new skill will keep your mind off the frustration you may feel on the job hunt and make you a more well-rounded candidate.
Keep Your Resume Updated
As you learn new skills and complete new projects, make sure you are adding those things to your resume and your LinkedIn profile. Don’t wait to update these things until you’re ready to apply for a job. You want to make sure if an opportunity arises, you can respond quickly, and you also want to make sure that hiring managers and recruiters who are searching LinkedIn find your most updated information.
Target Your Search
If you are haphazardly applying to every engineering job posting you come across in your field, you’re on the fast track to disappointment. Blanketing the internet with applications is one of the least effective means of finding a great job. Instead, target your search to only those roles that align with your skill set at companies with a mission, culture and values you can get behind. Make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each position so the hiring manager can see you are a match. This may mean you go weeks between applying for jobs, but it increases the chances you’ll find something that is right for you.
Communicate Regularly With Your Recruiter
Enlisting the help of a professional engineering recruiter is an effective way to search for a new opportunity. However, you can’t expect the recruiter to read your mind. Working with a recruiter is just that – work. You must communicate regularly so the recruiter knows what you’re looking for, and is alerted when your preferences or needs change. Remember that communication is a two-way street. If it’s been a while since you’ve talked, pick up the phone or drop them an email just to touch base.
If you are an engineer seeking new opportunities to grow your career and you want an expert in your corner, contact the Atlanta engineering recruiters at Selectek today.
