Engineering Trends

The Essential Keys to Getting a Job in Today's Market

by Todd Yuzuriha

There's no doubt the job market is getting tougher. Recent news reports noted that we have been in a recession since March 2000, and it seems that news of additional layoffs is now appearing daily.

The engineering profession has not been immune to this slowdown.

As a veteran of the industry and as someone working for a company that is, in fact, still hiring for engineering positions, I felt it timely to list what I feel are the keys to getting a job in today's market.

Tell a Strong Story

In order to grab the attention of a prospective employer, you must be able to convey what you can do for the company articulately. To do this effectively, do your homework. Conduct company and industry research and discover the challenges being faced by this employer. Then, analyze your background and identify the skills and experience that match their needs.

Connections between what you have to offer and what an employer needs form a solid basis for your story. Identify expertise in particular areas of technology, describe applicable skill sets that involve product development, design, improvements in manufacturing, or tell how you saved your employer money by making engineering improvements. Just as importantly, be sure to communicate a good balance between what you have been able to accomplish and how you can work in a team environment. Perhaps above all, be enthusiastic in your message.

Be Persistent

In order to tell your story personally, your first objective must be to get your foot in the door with an interview. Be as flexible and accommodating as possible as you seek ways to talk with the hiring manager. Remember, interviews are not automatic, especially now that employers are receiving many resumes for every job opening. You will need to think of creative ways to contact and follow up with the employer without being obnoxious.

Consider sending occasional but regular e-mails or making polite phone calls that reinforce your interest in the position. Also, if you have contacts within the company, maximize this asset; get in touch with them and stay in touch with them regularly to check on the position status.

Never Stop Learning

During your job search, never stop learning about your target industry. This is especially important if you've been laid off. Looking for a job takes a tremendous amount of time and energy, but in spite of this, be sure to set aside time to keep abreast of technical developments, especially in your area of expertise.

Attend local chapter meetings and conferences of professional engineering organizations; they are great places for keeping up to date, not to mention excellent networking opportunities. Also, read industry journals and magazines; maybe even consider taking a class to hone your skills, develop new ones, or change the course of your career all together.

You may consider a layoff to be a career setback. Ultimately, however, layoffs can lead to a positive job change. The things that you do to get that new position can help you evaluate where you've been and what you want to accomplish next in your career.

Todd Yuzuriha is the author of How to Succeed as an Engineer: A Practical Guide to Enhance Your Career. For more information, go to www.engineeringsuccess.com.