Engineering Experience

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH - Part One
From Career Center Directors across the US, April 2009

I hope you find a tip that helps you in your job search. Good Luck!
Best, Holly M. Justice, Engineering Career Counselor

SELLING YOUR SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

Emphasize content-specific knowledge AND transferable skills – employers are looking for people who can make an immediate contribution; skills such as communication, problem-solving and analysis are always in demand but your knowledge-based skills might distinguish you from other candidates and be interpreted as a way to make an immediate contribution.

It is critical that your resume and interview preparation are stellar and highlight your strengths, results and accomplishments. Use the online tools and in-person services provided by the Career Center.

Focus on building your skills and experience, remembering that your first or second job will more than likely not be in the industry you settle into long-term.

When applying for jobs, be prepared to talk about a school project, internship or volunteer experience in which you put forth tremendous effort and succeeded in accomplishing the task. Grades aren’t everything, but if you have a good GPA, be sure to market it too.

Be prepared to tell stories which focus on specific examples of you performing a skill/personal strength or an accomplishment.

Hone your professional job search skills – dining etiquette, thank you notes for all who have helped you, respect and kindness for people at all levels of an organization and display interest and enthusiasm for opportunities.

Be clear about what you are offering an employer. Not just the skills you have but how those skills can be adapted to fit positions that maybe on the periphery of the area you are searching. Try not to limit yourself to only searching for the ideal job but keep in mind that everyone starts somewhere and builds from there!

It is more important than ever to focus on your strengths, not just what’s available in the job market. Look for opportunities to leverage your skills.