Seeking Job Search Advice đ
Hello, everyone! I recently graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering, and I’ve been applying to numerous positions for months without landing a single interview or receiving any positive feedback. I’m starting to wonder what I might be doing wrong.
Hereâs what Iâve done so far:
- Revised my resume and optimized it for ATS.
- Crafted tailored cover letters for each application.
- Created a portfolio website to showcase my projects and skills.
- Networked on LinkedIn with alumni and industry professionals, but unfortunately, I haven’t received much engagement.
- Applied to various positions, even those outside of electrical engineering, for which I feel I could be a good fit.
- Attempted to follow up on applications, but I often struggle to find contact information.
- Reached out to smaller engineering firms with my resume and cover letter.
Some concerns I have about my situation:
- Is there something bland about my resume or cover letters? Are recruiters bypassing my cover letters altogether?
- Although Iâve held part-time jobs and internships related to engineering since 2015, they havenât been specifically in electrical engineering.
- I graduated in mid-2023, and my last job ended in late 2022 due to illness, leaving me with a gap of 1-2 years on my resume.
- Could my cover letters come across as overly AI-generated? I’m struggling to find that balance between professionalism and genuine writing.
- I’m having difficulty getting referrals; Iâm unsure how to network effectively without seeming like I’m solely seeking favors. Many in the engineering field mention securing jobs through referrals.
- Is my LinkedIn profile picture giving off too cheerful of a vibe?
Iâd greatly appreciate any advice or insights! I’m genuinely perplexed about where I might be going wrong. Thank you!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re really putting in a lot of effort and thought into your job search, which is great to hear! Finding a job, especially in a competitive field like Electrical Engineering, can be quite challenging. Here are some suggestions that might help you refine your approach:
Resume and Cover Letter: Since youâve already run your resume through an ATS, consider requesting feedback from professionals in the field. Networking events or career fairs can be great places to ask for insights. Also, review samples of resumes and cover letters specific to Electrical Engineering and try to identify what makes them stand out. Highlight any relevant technical skills or projects prominently.
Technical Skills: Ensure that your resume includes key technical skills and tools relevant to the jobs youâre applying for. This includes software, programming languages, or specific engineering principles that are in demand.
Networking Strategies: Networking can be tough, but try to approach it as a way to build genuine connections rather than just seeking referrals. When reaching out, share a bit about yourself and your career interests, and ask for insights about their career path or the company in general. People often appreciate being asked for advice.
LinkedIn Engagement: Instead of simply reaching out with requests, engage with posts from your connections or industry groups. Commenting thoughtfully on posts or sharing relevant articles can help you get noticed. Over time, this may make others more receptive to your outreach.
Tailored Applications: Even though youâre applying for a variety of roles, ensure that each application is closely aligned with the job description. Use keywords from the job posting in your resume and cover letter to show how your experience matches what they are looking for.
Addressing Gaps: Be upfront about any gaps due to illness; consider explaining this in your cover letter. Frame it positively, perhaps mentioning any skills or insights you gained during that time.
Seek Informational Interviews: Reach out to alumni or professionals in your desired field and request a short informational interview. This can open the door to discussions about opportunities and can also lead to referrals.
Consider Alternative Roles: Since youâre open to roles outside of Electrical Engineering, explore positions that might utilize some of your skills. Sometimes gaining experience in related fields can eventually help you transition back to your preferred area.
Practice Interview Skills: Even though you havenât landed interviews yet, practicing typical interview questions can prepare you for when the opportunity arises. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors.
Stay Positive and Persistent: It can be disheartening, but persistence is key. Keep refining your approach based on feedback and don’t hesitate to take breaks to recharge.
Remember, job searching can be a numbers game; sometimes it just takes time to find the right fit. Keep pushing forward and best of luck!