9 answers
Denis
Student
Edmonds, Washington
1
Question
Updated
1214 views
Job search tips for recent Mechanical Engineering graduate with limited experience.
#job-search #engineering
I've graduated in Mechanical Engineering from University of Washington with great academic standing last summer and passed FE exam last fall. Unfortunately I wasn't able to secure an internship after my junior year and due to this I have very little experience which I can put on my resume, besides my capstone project as well as some undergraduate research work.
At this point I probably sent hundreds of applications across various job boards, had a few interviews, but no offers. The events of the last few months haven't helped my efforts either. So I'm wondering if I could be missing a bigger picture for my strategy and whether there are any tools/skills that I could be learning to boost my chances to get noticed by recruiters.
Thanks in advance,
Denis
UPD: I very much appreciate all of your answers! I've seen some solid points which I'll try to follow in my search.
UPD 2: Landed a contract job this December! Thanks again for all the feedback!
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9 answers
Courtney Petersen
Talent Acquisition Consultant
2
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
I am not an engineer and will never be but I am a recruiter so job searches are my specialty. Remember, most of the time, the person first looking at your resume is not an engineer. It will be someone like myself, an HR or talent acquisition professional. My best advice is as follows: Read the job description, pick out the key skills and most frequently used terms, tailor your resume so it includes those terms. Do not lie on your resume but reword your experience so it includes those key terms. Often, we look for resumes using keyword searches based on the job descriptions given to us by the hiring manager. If your resume has those key terms, you will pop up in our searches and are more likely to be contacted. I think the other comments before me offer good advice; in the meantime, take a different job that may be of interest to you. You are at least building up your resume with work experience and may be able to use the skills that you build in that position for an engineering career. Things that seem as miniscule as time management and Microsoft Office proficiencies are necessary in any job and great to work on and add to your resume.
Hong Yeung
Business Analytics
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Hong’s Answer
Having internship experience of course will make your resume looks better but it is not required. I have been working with many students that do not have any working experiences and get a job after they graduated. There are couple things that might help you.
1. Rewriting your resume: If you have not done that, consider the experiences while you were at school that will highlight your skills, such as group projects, leadership experiences, voluntary experiences, etc. Then, asking professionals to give suggestions on your resume.
2. Reach out to corporate recruiters through LinkedIn for the jobs that you are interested.
3. Go to any career fairs in your community or on campus and talk to recruiter face to face.
4. Join networking event to connect with other professional in your field.
5. Apply jobs that may not directly related to your major but you are interested to try.
1. Rewriting your resume: If you have not done that, consider the experiences while you were at school that will highlight your skills, such as group projects, leadership experiences, voluntary experiences, etc. Then, asking professionals to give suggestions on your resume.
2. Reach out to corporate recruiters through LinkedIn for the jobs that you are interested.
3. Go to any career fairs in your community or on campus and talk to recruiter face to face.
4. Join networking event to connect with other professional in your field.
5. Apply jobs that may not directly related to your major but you are interested to try.
Nick D
New York, USA
67
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Look for entry level jobs in manufacturing businesses. There are many jobs in a factory where a mechanical engineering degree is very useful if not directly required. Once you start and get ground floor experience, you may find better opportunities. Factories are socio/economic ladders with many levels and directions according to your ability and ambition. This was my experience with my successful career ending as an Engineering Manager for many years. Work hard, use your ideas, have fun. Good luck.
Kristine Rasmussen
Resume Writer, Recruiter, HR
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Kristine’s Answer
Hi - I think you have received some really good feedback! I just wanted to add to the conversation, so I will avoid repeating :)
As a recruiter, I have talked with many experienced engineers (ME's, IE's, EE's, ChemE's, etc) over my career. Not all internships are created equal! I've talked to candidates who admitted their internships were bad - where they were basically sat down in front of a laptop entering data into an Excel spreadsheet all day, or doing other work, not at all related to engineering. In your case, you haven't completed an internship. Don't let that get you down.
I've talked with experienced ME's who did not complete an internship during college and they managed to build great careers. Many start entry-level in manufacturing and work their way up (as mentioned in previous responses to your question). Some even started as machine operators for big companies. Doing this they were able to learn the machines, processes, and network with the right people. Almost as important, they built strong relationships with the operators, who can either "make" or "break" you. Operators really value engineers who are not afraid to get their hands dirty, take the time to learn their machines, and listen. Even if you don't stay with that company, you will have that experience you can take to your next job. There are many engineers out there who hide in their offices all day because they are afraid/unwilling to walk the floor - they don't last long.
Suggestions:
*LinkedIn
Covid has hurt many industries. Consider focusing on companies classified as "Essential Businesses," as they are likely hiring right now. Network directly with people from these companies via LinkedIn. LinkedIn is basically your professional "landing" page. Make sure your profile contains an updated photo, banner, and work/school history. LinkedIn is a social media platform, so in your "About" section, try to let some of your personality come through by telling your story your own words (like 5-8 sentences) so recruiters can get to know you. Obviously, do this in a business casual way, this isn't FB. Make sure your LinkedIn URL is on your resume.
*Register at temporary staffing firms.
I started my career recruiting for a staffing firm that focused on "industrial" positions. Keeping an open mind is helpful because you never know where a short term assignment will lead you. I've seen people get hired permanently from assembly line jobs into more robust positions. Even taking assignments in "office" jobs connected to manufacturing is helpful - we had customer service jobs come in where they needed people to be the intermediary between the customer and the plant - customers who'd call were typically engineers or someone from supply-chain making changes to their orders and requesting updates. The temp would communicate with key people in the plant, including engineering, logistics, distribution, and even the plant manager.
As a recruiter, I have talked with many experienced engineers (ME's, IE's, EE's, ChemE's, etc) over my career. Not all internships are created equal! I've talked to candidates who admitted their internships were bad - where they were basically sat down in front of a laptop entering data into an Excel spreadsheet all day, or doing other work, not at all related to engineering. In your case, you haven't completed an internship. Don't let that get you down.
I've talked with experienced ME's who did not complete an internship during college and they managed to build great careers. Many start entry-level in manufacturing and work their way up (as mentioned in previous responses to your question). Some even started as machine operators for big companies. Doing this they were able to learn the machines, processes, and network with the right people. Almost as important, they built strong relationships with the operators, who can either "make" or "break" you. Operators really value engineers who are not afraid to get their hands dirty, take the time to learn their machines, and listen. Even if you don't stay with that company, you will have that experience you can take to your next job. There are many engineers out there who hide in their offices all day because they are afraid/unwilling to walk the floor - they don't last long.
Suggestions:
Covid has hurt many industries. Consider focusing on companies classified as "Essential Businesses," as they are likely hiring right now. Network directly with people from these companies via LinkedIn. LinkedIn is basically your professional "landing" page. Make sure your profile contains an updated photo, banner, and work/school history. LinkedIn is a social media platform, so in your "About" section, try to let some of your personality come through by telling your story your own words (like 5-8 sentences) so recruiters can get to know you. Obviously, do this in a business casual way, this isn't FB. Make sure your LinkedIn URL is on your resume.
*Register at temporary staffing firms.
I started my career recruiting for a staffing firm that focused on "industrial" positions. Keeping an open mind is helpful because you never know where a short term assignment will lead you. I've seen people get hired permanently from assembly line jobs into more robust positions. Even taking assignments in "office" jobs connected to manufacturing is helpful - we had customer service jobs come in where they needed people to be the intermediary between the customer and the plant - customers who'd call were typically engineers or someone from supply-chain making changes to their orders and requesting updates. The temp would communicate with key people in the plant, including engineering, logistics, distribution, and even the plant manager.
Thanks a lot Kristine!
Denis
Brendon G
Engineer
7
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Brendon’s Answer
"I've graduated in Mechanical Engineering from University of Washington with great academic standing last summer and passed FE exam last fall."
Good. Make sure you keep that GPA on your resume then so that it shows you did well. I also passed the FE exam after school and honestly, you most likely are not going to need it. Don't even think about it as 'value-add' to your resume because, for the most part, its irrelevant for ME-type jobs. No employer is going to place emphasis on this UNLESS the job is specifically looking for EITs who want to eventually become PEs. Good on you for striving to achieve more, but just be aware of this.
"Unfortunately I wasn't able to secure an internship after my junior year and due to this I have very little experience which I can put on my resume, besides my capstone project as well as some undergraduate research work."
That's okay. Can you identify any areas of engineering that you are interested in? Is there something you can do that would be similar and may count as an independent project, volunteer work, or just personal hobby stuff? For example, if someone had a serious passion for CAD then they could build a portfolio and bring some of their designs into the interview to show that "hey, I can do this." They would just have to include this on their resume somehow. Apart from this, you should try to get in touch with recruiting firms because the hiring process is typically MUCH easier for contracted jobs (which may help you get your 'foot in the door').
"At this point I probably sent hundreds of applications across various job boards, had a few interviews, but no offers."
STOP. RIGHT NOW. JUST STOP. This is called 'Spray and Pray' and it is the WORST way to apply for jobs. The problem with this is that your resume will be so generic that any filtration process will just filter it out. You won't match any of the key words, your resume will be unfitted for the job, and the recruiters/hiring personnel will know it. You are MUCH better off tailoring each resume to the specific job and only sending out 20 good resumes as opposed to sending out 200 generic ones. You should also look at using a resume service. I personally used "Zety" and they have a very nice, modern, simple resume format that will help catch a recruiter's eye AND keep the information simple. Remember, recruiters see HUNDREDS of resumes all the time and they don't have the time or desire to read the whole thing. They want you to make it as clear and simple for them as possible and basically point out "here's why I'm a good candidate for the job." The rest of it will be about you explaining the details to them so they don't have to sit there and 'figure it out.' As a bonus, using a format like this (instead of the regular plain white sheet) will make your resume appear fuller so you don't have to put as much information.
"So I'm wondering if I could be missing a bigger picture for my strategy and whether there are any tools/skills that I could be learning to boost my chances to get noticed by recruiters."
Yes. Here are a few things:
1) Don't fall for the idea that the 'EIT' designation is going to propel you ahead of the other candidates. I made this mistake when I was first out of school and eventually came to realize that nobody really cared (unless the job actually wants it).
2) Tailor your resume to each job opening. Use a resume service that makes your resume clean, modern, and simple to read. Avoid using overly-technical terms or having long, exhausting sentences. Recruiters won't be impressed by how many big fancy words you can string together. They'll be impressed at your ability to clearly and concisely communicate how it is relevant to the job.
3) Contact recruiting/staffing firms. It's typically a lot easier and faster to get hired (and easier to leave) as a contractor and the firms only get paid if you get hired so they have good reason to help get you in the door. If you get an offer with them, you should consider taking it even if the job doesn't seem interesting. You need experience and you will either get to figure out what you don't like in engineering or what you do like. Either way, you will benefit from it.
Best of luck!
Good. Make sure you keep that GPA on your resume then so that it shows you did well. I also passed the FE exam after school and honestly, you most likely are not going to need it. Don't even think about it as 'value-add' to your resume because, for the most part, its irrelevant for ME-type jobs. No employer is going to place emphasis on this UNLESS the job is specifically looking for EITs who want to eventually become PEs. Good on you for striving to achieve more, but just be aware of this.
"Unfortunately I wasn't able to secure an internship after my junior year and due to this I have very little experience which I can put on my resume, besides my capstone project as well as some undergraduate research work."
That's okay. Can you identify any areas of engineering that you are interested in? Is there something you can do that would be similar and may count as an independent project, volunteer work, or just personal hobby stuff? For example, if someone had a serious passion for CAD then they could build a portfolio and bring some of their designs into the interview to show that "hey, I can do this." They would just have to include this on their resume somehow. Apart from this, you should try to get in touch with recruiting firms because the hiring process is typically MUCH easier for contracted jobs (which may help you get your 'foot in the door').
"At this point I probably sent hundreds of applications across various job boards, had a few interviews, but no offers."
STOP. RIGHT NOW. JUST STOP. This is called 'Spray and Pray' and it is the WORST way to apply for jobs. The problem with this is that your resume will be so generic that any filtration process will just filter it out. You won't match any of the key words, your resume will be unfitted for the job, and the recruiters/hiring personnel will know it. You are MUCH better off tailoring each resume to the specific job and only sending out 20 good resumes as opposed to sending out 200 generic ones. You should also look at using a resume service. I personally used "Zety" and they have a very nice, modern, simple resume format that will help catch a recruiter's eye AND keep the information simple. Remember, recruiters see HUNDREDS of resumes all the time and they don't have the time or desire to read the whole thing. They want you to make it as clear and simple for them as possible and basically point out "here's why I'm a good candidate for the job." The rest of it will be about you explaining the details to them so they don't have to sit there and 'figure it out.' As a bonus, using a format like this (instead of the regular plain white sheet) will make your resume appear fuller so you don't have to put as much information.
"So I'm wondering if I could be missing a bigger picture for my strategy and whether there are any tools/skills that I could be learning to boost my chances to get noticed by recruiters."
Yes. Here are a few things:
1) Don't fall for the idea that the 'EIT' designation is going to propel you ahead of the other candidates. I made this mistake when I was first out of school and eventually came to realize that nobody really cared (unless the job actually wants it).
2) Tailor your resume to each job opening. Use a resume service that makes your resume clean, modern, and simple to read. Avoid using overly-technical terms or having long, exhausting sentences. Recruiters won't be impressed by how many big fancy words you can string together. They'll be impressed at your ability to clearly and concisely communicate how it is relevant to the job.
3) Contact recruiting/staffing firms. It's typically a lot easier and faster to get hired (and easier to leave) as a contractor and the firms only get paid if you get hired so they have good reason to help get you in the door. If you get an offer with them, you should consider taking it even if the job doesn't seem interesting. You need experience and you will either get to figure out what you don't like in engineering or what you do like. Either way, you will benefit from it.
Best of luck!
Hey Brandon,
I am absolutely blown away by your response! You really did go all the way to dissect every part of my situation. I'll definitely be sure to check out the resume building service that you've recommended, it looks very promising. Contacting recruiting firms directly also seems like a great idea.
Respectfully,
Denis
Denis
Victor Pinto
Tech Recruiter
22
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Victor’s Answer
Hello,
An internship definitely makes your resume look good and increases the chances of obtaining a job, but it doesnt guarantee you a job. I will share a few tips that could help you find a job:
1. Work on your resume: Make sure that your resume is well done and you have the information needed for example, your information, your
education and the appropriate key words that tells the recruiting software and the recruiters that you meet the qualifications of the job.
2. Experience: Even if you didnt do any internships, make sure to add some information as experience, think about the projects that you did while in school, maybe you utilized your career knowledge to help a friend or a neighbor, maybe you were in a university club or did some volunteering. Make sure that you add something that tells the recruiter that you had the chance to practice what you were learning.
3. Entry Level jobs: One option that you might consider in order to get a job is to apply for entry level positions in your field, dont try to go for a junior or sr position just yet. This could help you get a job, practice what you have learned in your degree, and obtain experience. You can then use that experience after 2 years to find a more advanced position.
4. Small and medium size companies: One more tip that could help you maximize your chances of getting a job is to apply for jobs in small and medium size companies. Many times when you apply at large corporations, the competition is high because a lot of people want to work there, so your chances of being selected decrease. But if you apply at a small company, they might receive fewer applications, so you have more chances of being selected. You can use this opportunity to build your resume, acquire experience and a few years later apply for a job at a large company.
An internship definitely makes your resume look good and increases the chances of obtaining a job, but it doesnt guarantee you a job. I will share a few tips that could help you find a job:
1. Work on your resume: Make sure that your resume is well done and you have the information needed for example, your information, your
education and the appropriate key words that tells the recruiting software and the recruiters that you meet the qualifications of the job.
2. Experience: Even if you didnt do any internships, make sure to add some information as experience, think about the projects that you did while in school, maybe you utilized your career knowledge to help a friend or a neighbor, maybe you were in a university club or did some volunteering. Make sure that you add something that tells the recruiter that you had the chance to practice what you were learning.
3. Entry Level jobs: One option that you might consider in order to get a job is to apply for entry level positions in your field, dont try to go for a junior or sr position just yet. This could help you get a job, practice what you have learned in your degree, and obtain experience. You can then use that experience after 2 years to find a more advanced position.
4. Small and medium size companies: One more tip that could help you maximize your chances of getting a job is to apply for jobs in small and medium size companies. Many times when you apply at large corporations, the competition is high because a lot of people want to work there, so your chances of being selected decrease. But if you apply at a small company, they might receive fewer applications, so you have more chances of being selected. You can use this opportunity to build your resume, acquire experience and a few years later apply for a job at a large company.
Thank you for your input, Victor!
Denis
John Wei
CTO
12
Answers
Troy, Michigan
Updated
John’s Answer
The good thing about being entry level is, while you don’t have much experience, you are also not as locked in the classic mechanical engineering field per se. Engineering major are generally trained in process thinking, data analysis, computing, and CAD. You can broaden your search for data analyst, design thinking facilitator, entry level programmer, tester. Being young, you are also more mobile. This is a big country, if you set out to do your part, like aim to find and apply for 300 places, fine tune your resume along the way, prepare your interviews, in short doing your part, something will come along your way for sure. The truth, while it is hard to find a job, employers are also struggling with finding employees, hard working, organized and well prepared. If a student has prepared career search as well as aiming to get A in a college course, he/she would probably have succeeded.
Estelle Archer
Gynecologist
1321
Answers
United States
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
My spouse is a mechanical engineer. He says your situation is not a problem. Use your career center at your university to research job opportunities. Keep in touch with engineering professors, and go straight to company websites for job openings. (Career websites can be misleading.) Follow up applications with calls to the HR dept to show interest. Make sure your resume is sharp and error free.
Ronald Covington
Solutions Specialist
6
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Ronald’s Answer
Great career choice!
I see that you landed a contract, so congratulation on that. I will still answer your question for other people to review and hopefully help them in their search.
The first thing I'm going to say in review is that your education and current resume got you a few interviews, but no calls for a second interview. This means that you need to practice your interview skills. Businesses get so many applicants and interview between 2-7% of those at most. You have to find out what sets them apart and what you can do to make yourself stand out even more in a way that gets you hired. The first person that looks at the incoming resumes most likely won't be someone even in the same department that the position is for. If you make a generic resume without tailoring it for the company and position they are hiring for, it won't even get a chance to be looked at by someone who does the interviews. Get as information as you can about the company before you do the interview so you can explain why you would be the right person for the position.
I see that you landed a contract, so congratulation on that. I will still answer your question for other people to review and hopefully help them in their search.
The first thing I'm going to say in review is that your education and current resume got you a few interviews, but no calls for a second interview. This means that you need to practice your interview skills. Businesses get so many applicants and interview between 2-7% of those at most. You have to find out what sets them apart and what you can do to make yourself stand out even more in a way that gets you hired. The first person that looks at the incoming resumes most likely won't be someone even in the same department that the position is for. If you make a generic resume without tailoring it for the company and position they are hiring for, it won't even get a chance to be looked at by someone who does the interviews. Get as information as you can about the company before you do the interview so you can explain why you would be the right person for the position.