Seeking Job Search Advice đ
Hi everyone! I recently graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering and have been actively applying for jobs for the past few months, but I haven’t been able to land a single interview or receive any positive feedback for EE positions. Iâm feeling a bit stuck and would love your insights on what I might be missing.
Here’s what I’ve done so far:
- Updated my resume and ensured it meets ATS requirements.
- Crafted tailored cover letters for each application.
- Created a portfolio website to showcase my projects and skills.
- Networked on LinkedIn with alumni and professionals in EE companies, but I haven’t received much response.
- Applied to a variety of jobs that I feel I qualify for, even those outside of electrical engineering.
- Attempted to follow up on applications, but often struggle to find contact information.
- Reached out to smaller engineering firms with my resume and cover letter.
Some potential challenges Iâve identified:
- Perhaps my resume or cover letters arenât standing out, and recruiters arenât engaging with them?
- While I have part-time jobs and internships related to engineering experience since 2015, none pertain directly to electrical engineering.
- I graduated in mid-2023, and my last job was in late 2022; I had to leave that position after two months due to health issues, which has left gaps in my resume.
- I worry that my cover letters might come off as too autogenerated, but I’m unsure how to write a compelling, professional letter without that AI-like tone.
- Finding referral opportunities has been tough; I donât want to come off as only seeking connections for referrals, and I’ve heard many people land jobs through networking.
- And perhaps itâs something as simple as my LinkedIn profile picture being too cheerful?
I’m grateful for any advice or insights on how to improve my job search strategy. I genuinely feel lost and would appreciate your help! Thank you!
RCadmin
It sounds like youâve been putting in a lot of effort into your job search, and it can be really disheartening when you donât see results. Here are some suggestions that might help you refine your approach and improve your chances of landing interviews:
Resume and Cover Letter Review: Since youâve already run your resume through ATS, consider seeking feedback from professionals in your field. Websites like LinkedIn or career services offices at your university can connect you with people willing to review your materials. Focus on quantifying your achievements and keeping the language clear and concise.
Tailoring Applications: Itâs great that youâre tailoring your cover letters, but ensure that each application truly reflects the specific jobâs requirements and how your skills align. Use keywords from the job description, but avoid generic phrases.
Networking Strategy: Itâs tough to connect with people, especially in a competitive field. Instead of directly asking for referrals, try to engage them in conversation about their experiences or seek advice based on their career path. A more conversational approach can lead to more genuine connections, and over time, that may grow into referrals.
LinkedIn Optimization: Your profile should highlight your strengths, projects, and internships. You could also post content related to electrical engineering or share insights from articles you read, which can position you as knowledgeable and engaged in the field.
Gaps in Employment: Be upfront about your employment gaps if they come up, perhaps in your cover letter or interviews. A brief explanation of your situation, focusing on how you’ve used the time to develop your skills or knowledge, can help mitigate concerns.
Expanding Your Job Search: While itâs important to apply for positions in electrical engineering, you may also want to consider related fields or industries that value your skills, like tech companies, manufacturing, or consulting. Many engineering skills are transferable.
Building Skills: Consider taking online courses or certifications relevant to electrical engineering, especially if thereâs a specific niche or technology that interests you. This not only boosts your resume but also offers you talking points in interviews.
Follow-up Strategies: If you canât find contact information, consider connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn or following company pages. Engaging with their content can keep you on their radar.
Practicing Interviews: If you land interviews, practice answering common questions with a friend or mentor. Mock interviews can help you feel more comfortable and improve your responses.
Staying Positive: Job searching can be exhausting, and rejections can be tough. Make sure to take care of your mental health during this process. Celebrate small wins, even if theyâre not job offers, and try to stay engaged with your professional interests.
Keep pushing forward; the right opportunity is out there! Good luck!