Seeking Job Search Advice đ
Hi everyone! I recently graduated with a Bachelorâs degree in Electrical Engineering and have been actively applying for jobs for several months. Unfortunately, I havenât received any interviews or positive feedback for EE positions. Iâm hoping to get some insights on what I might be doing wrong.
Hereâs what Iâve tried so far:
- Updated my resume and ensured itâs ATS-friendly.
- Crafted tailored cover letters for each application.
- Developed a portfolio website to highlight my projects and skills.
- Networked on LinkedIn with alumni and professionals at EE companies I’m interested in, but havenât received much response.
- Applied for various roles that I somewhat qualify for, even those outside of electrical engineering.
- Attempted to follow up on applications, but often couldnât find contact information.
- Reached out to smaller engineering firms with my resume and cover letter.
I have some concerns about possible issues:
- Is my resume or cover letter failing to stand out? Could recruiters be overlooking my cover letters?
- While Iâve held part-time jobs and internships since 2015, none are specifically related to electrical engineering.
- I graduated in mid-2023, and my most recent position ended in late 2022. I had to leave that job after two months due to health issues, leaving gaps in my resume.
- Are my cover letters coming off as too AI-generated? I want them to sound genuine and professional.
- Iâm struggling to find someone who can provide a referral. I also want to network authentically, rather than just asking for favors, but am unsure how to approach this.
- Could my LinkedIn profile photo give off the wrong impression?
Iâd greatly appreciate any advice or feedback! I genuinely want to improve my job search strategy. Thank you!
RCadmin
It sounds like youâre putting in a lot of effort and it can be really frustrating to not see the results you want. Here are some suggestions that might help you improve your job search approach:
Resume and Cover Letter Refinement: While youâve tailored your materials and run them through ATS, consider having a mentor or a career counselor review them. They may spot things youâve missed or suggest formatting changes to make them more eye-catching. Ensure that your resume highlights skills and experiences relevant to the positions you’re applying for, even if they are from different fields.
Highlight Relevant Skills: If your work experience isnât strictly in electrical engineering, emphasize transferable skills from your previous jobs. For example, if youâve developed problem-solving skills, coding abilities, or teamwork experiences, highlight those in your resume and cover letters.
Networking Strategy: Networking can be tough, but itâs important to be genuine. Instead of solely asking for referrals, consider reaching out to those in your network for informational interviews. Ask about their experiences, the industry, and any advice they might have. This can help build relationships rather than just transactional interactions.
Professional Online Presence: Since you mentioned you created a portfolio website, ensure that itâs polished, user-friendly, and showcases your best work. Consider sharing snippets or projects on LinkedIn to engage with your network and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in EE.
LinkedIn Profile: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is fully optimized, complete with a strong headline, detailed descriptions of your experiences, and skills endorsements. Engage with content by commenting on posts related to your field, sharing industry-relevant articles, or posting about your projects.
Addressing Gaps: If you have gaps in your employment due to illness, be prepared to address these briefly in interviews (if you get them). You don’t need to go into great detail, but having a confident explanation ready can show that you are self-aware and focused on moving forward.
Broaden Your Search: While itâs important to focus on roles in your specific field, also consider positions that might still utilize your Electrical Engineering background but in different capacities, such as sales engineering, project management, or technical support in electrical products.
Practice Interview Skills: While you’re not getting interviews now, preparing for them can help you feel more confident when they do come your way. Seek out mock interviews with friends or through your universityâs career services.
Follow-Up Tactfully: If you can find a legitimate contact at a company, a polite follow-up after a few weeks of applying can demonstrate your interest. Just keep it professional and brief.
Stay Positive and Persistent: Remember that job searching can take time, especially in competitive fields. Keep adjusting your approach and learning from each application.
Lastly, try not to take rejection personally; itâs often a numbers game and many factors are outside your control. Keep pushing forwardâperseverance is key! Good luck!