Monthly Archives: June 2017

3 Ways to Land Your Engineering Dream Job

Landing your dream engineering job takes a lot of hard work and fortitude. There is a reason that they call them “dream jobs.” Most people assume that they don’t have much of a chance of ever seeing that dream come true. But with a plan, patience, and persistence, engineers can improve that chances that they will land the job of their dreams. One: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn has proven itself to be a great networking tool for job seekers. Headhunters, recruiters, and hiring managers all spend a great deal of time on LinkedIn, so it’s worth it for engineers to create and optimize a profile.  Some basic LinkedIn tips:
  • Use a professional-looking headshot
  • Include keywords in your profile headline
  • Fill out your profile completely
  • Be clear about your career goals
  • Follow companies you are interested in
  • Join professional groups
Spend a little time each day perfecting your profile, making new connections, and engaging in discussions on professional groups. People who are diligent on LinkedIn report a great deal of success. Two: Engage in In-Person Networking Networking is one of the most effective ways to create new contacts, improve your interpersonal skills, and eventually find your dream job.  When you cultivate strong relationships with others in your area of engineering expertise, your contacts will be more likely to notify you of upcoming openings, and recommend you to their hiring managers or peers. Many engineers shy away from networking. “Working a room” is an extroverted activity, and the thought can be intimidating. Always start small, and if necessary, bring someone with you. As you become more comfortable, and as you cultivate a strong network, you’ll know more people at each event, and those contacts can introduce you to others. Networking is a long-game strategy, but when used consistently, can produce significant rewards. Three: Volunteer with a Nonprofit Nonprofits are always looking for volunteers to help them with all aspects of running their business. No matter what your engineering specialty, you can likely find a nonprofit near you that can benefit from your expertise. New engineers with little practical experience can use volunteer work as a way to beef up their resume, and experienced engineers can use volunteer work as a way to make new contacts and create a well-rounded candidate profile. Don’t Do It Alone It can help to seek out a partner to help you on your quest to land your engineering dream job. Consider working with a recruiter who specializes in technical fields. These recruiters already have a strong network of contacts in the industry – perhaps even at your dream company – and they can help you get a leg up on your competition.  If you are an engineer looking to land your dream job, contact The Prevalent Group today. Our team of engineering recruiters can help you locate the perfect position that aligns with your skills and your long-term career goals.

Are Young Engineers Taking Over Manufacturing? What Does this Mean for Your Job Search?

The manufacturing sector has been a hotbed of hiring activity for young engineers in 2014. According to TimesJob.com, 12% of the total demand for engineers with less than two years of experience came from the manufacturing sector. The increase in demand for recent engineering graduates is due, in part, to an increase in global manufacturing. US manufacturing has also been on an upswing in recent years.  In fact, the US remains the largest manufacturing economy in the world, producing 21% of all manufactured products. The National Association of Manufacturers reports that US manufacturers annually contribute around $1.7 trillion to the economy. Even with new money flowing into and through the manufacturing sector, companies have to stay on their toes. Competition is steep, especially among companies in Asia and those in emerging markets. Business leaders know that the only way to stay on top is to innovate. Young engineers in the sunrise of their careers are often seen as prime candidates for driving organizational innovation. What Does This Mean for Established Engineers? Engineers who are established in their careers may take this as a sign that they are being edged out by Millennials. This is not necessarily true. While technical skills are of the essence, employers are also looking for:
  • Adaptability
  • Willingness to learn
  • Collaborative experience
  • The ability to work as part of a team
As long as established engineers can show that they have both the technical chops and the soft skills to drive innovation, they can stay relevant in the marketplace. These jobs are not a sure thing for younger workers, either. Though they may be seen as innovators, Millennials often have to fight against stereotypes, and in many cases it can be difficult to compete in the job market without valuable hands-on experience. Gaining an Edge in the Marketplace Whether an engineer is a recent graduate or has been working for many years, competition for jobs in the manufacturing sector is fierce and it can be difficult for engineers at any career stage to shine among a sea of hopeful and qualified candidates. One of the best ways to gain an edge in the engineering marketplace is to partner with a recruiter. A professional recruiter will have a wide network of industry contacts and will know about open positions long before the general public. They can match their candidates to open positions based on skill sets and career goals, so that job seekers aren’t spinning their wheels and wasting time going after jobs that might not be a good match. If you are an engineer in northern Illinois who is seeking new opportunities in the manufacturing sector, contact The Prevalent Group today. Our team of recruiters can help you locate   engineering jobs in northern Illinois that align with your skills, qualifications, and your long-term career goals.