As an engineer or technical professional, you know that competition for jobs is fierce. Given the competitive nature of the job market, it is important to give yourself every advantage when searching for a job. If you are looking for new engineering or technical job opportunities, here are eight tips for landing a job you will love.
Apply For Jobs That Sounds Like A Fit
Don’t just apply randomly to every job you come across. Really study job postings to determine whether an opportunity sounds like it’s right for you before taking the time to apply.
Tailor Your Resume And Cover Letter
No one really enjoys writing a resume or cover letter, which is why so many job seekers send the exact same documents to every employer. However, if you want to improve your chances of landing an interview and getting hired, you should tailor your resume and cover letter to each job, highlighting the precise skills and experience the employer is looking for.
Research Before Your Interview
If you want to appear to be a serious candidate, you need to research as much about the company as you can beforehand. What do they do? What are they known for? What is the culture like? Use local news and business journals to dig deep.
Practice, Practice, Practice
You want to come off as confident in your interview, and the best way to boost your confidence is to practice answering common interview questions. Do not prepare a script, which can make you seem stiff and rehearsed. Rather, work on choosing practical anecdotes that show that you are the best person for the job.
Ask Great Questions During Your interview
When it’s time for you to take the floor during an interview, don’t ask the same questions everyone else asks about a “typical day at the office.” Come armed with thoughtful questions that demonstrate you have thought hard about the position and what it would be like to work for the company. Always remember to end with asking about the next step.
Follow Up Like a Professional
Always send a handwritten thank–you note as soon as you get home from your interview. Send each interviewer a personal note thanking them for their time and reiterating your continued interest in the role.
If you haven’t heard anything back from the company several days after you were told you’d hear about the next step, it is appropriate to reach out. However, do not be a pest. Reach out once and if you don’t hear anything, move on in your search.
Be Open to Unique Opportunities
Being too closed-minded in your job search can cost you some great opportunities. Don’t pigeonhole yourself by limiting the types of jobs you’d say “yes” to. Be open-minded about company size, what they do, where they operate, and even consider contract work, which can often be a foot in the door to a great company.
Work With A Recruiter
If you are an engineer seeking new opportunities to grow your career, the engineering recruiting experts at Selectek can help. Not only can we match you with opportunities that align with your skills and goals, but we can also help you prepare for interviews so you always put your best foot forward. Contact us today to learn more.
