All signs point toward a booming year for engineering careers in 2025. If you were considering searching for engineering jobs, this would be the time to make your move. However, even those who have landed engineering positions in the past might need some engineering job search tips. This blog will provide a few here to get you started.
#1 Participate in industry networking events
Whether you’re a veteran to the engineering industry, or trying to break into the field at entry-level positions, networking will be your first and most vital step. For engineers specifically, networking isn’t just about trying to land jobs. Success in engineering is all about constant learning and self-education.
Networking provides a way to connect with potential employers but also provides the opportunity to expand your skill set. You can possibly find out what training and certification other engineers are using to expand their resumes.
Of course, job connections are also critical. Many engineering projects only operate for a limited time. Being forewarned of upcoming projects is critical to finding continuing success in the engineering field. You can have the best resume and cover letter out there, but they’re useless if you don’t know where to submit them.
#2 Get varied references
A resume with a portfolio of completed projects is certainly a bonus when looking for engineering jobs. However, references are going to be just as important when it comes to landing new positions.
On any professional engineering project, even the slightest lapse in skill, talent or experience can spell disaster. Project leads looking to hire engineers want proof of competency from people they can contact.
This doesn’t mean your references must be from colleagues and employers. Mentor figures, educators, and alumni associations are also great places to look for references for engineering positions.
#3 Keep your portfolio up-to-date with specialized skills
As mentioned, constant skill refinement is essential for finding continuing success with engineering jobs. Engineering talent acquisition is all about finding the broadest range of skills to deal with the widest range of problems. This is why continuing to train and fill up your portfolio with more specialized skills is essential.
Engineering is a wide field, which leaves ample room for specialization. Learning new skills and talents makes you a more attractive candidate, and allows you to adapt to a greater range of new engineering roles. A civil engineer who understands the fundamentals of being a mechanical engineer or an electrical engineer will thrive on a variety of projects.
#4 Tap LinkedIn
Those new to using LinkedIn might assume that it’s simply a job board. However, there’s a lot more you can get out of social networking sites like LinkedIn. The best way to approach this is to be proactive. Rather than wait for job openings, follow your preferred firms, and the people working at them.
Look for news of relevant openings and apply to them. You can also use LinkedIn to find the websites of the firms you’re interested in. Their own sites might have information on job postings that can’t be found anywhere else.
#5 Invest in a professional career consultant
Sometimes the issue with a successful job search isn’t the rejection. The issue is you can’t find the job that best fits your skills, or don’t know where to start working. If you’re having trouble getting started, a professional career consultant can help make the path ahead clearer for you.
You’re an expert in engineering, but not necessarily an expert in job-searching and that’s alright. An engineer knows it’s best to leave a task to the professionals, so why not get assistance?
#6 Showcase your skills
Engineering is a profession that’s all about achieving tangible results. Very often, a resume isn’t able to convey your skills and accomplishments on its own. This is why it’s essential you pay as much attention, if not more, to your portfolio.
If you’re specialized in computer-assisted design, for example, always have examples of your best work on hand to show to prospective employers. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Video footage of a project you’ve worked on, for example, can leave a big impression.
#7 Use technical staffing agencies
If you’re struggling to make that final connection with top firms, it can be worth your time to look into firms that specialize in providing engineering talent acquisition to AEC companies. Technical staffing agencies mean that engineering companies end up looking for you, rather than the other way around. They’re one of the best ways to gain access to job opportunities that aren’t listed on most job sites.
Find companies recruiting engineering talent with Certis
Sometimes, despite all the engineer job search tips, your career still isn’t heading in the direction you’d prefer. You need to reach beyond job listings, and get your resume directly in front of hiring managers.
Working with a technical staffing agency like Certis can ensure your skills are brought to the attention of the best companies in the AEC field in California. By contacting us today, you can start to move your engineering career in the direction of your choice. Make your job search work for you, with Certis Solutions.
