Why so difficult to get offer?
I’m almost done with my Masters in Mechanical Engineering I have yet to find a job. I’m currently unemployed and I have sent more than a hundred applications already and several interviews too. Why is it so hard to get an offer??? It is so frustrating
24 answers
Paul E.’s Answer
Hopefully, you have completed an internship, but if you have not, you can find opportunities on your school's job board. Talk to you professors about opportunities. Job fairs are also a good way to find opportunities. You have to show up if you want it. Networking is key.
Let's start with your resume. First, you want to portray your resume in a manner that shows your "career goal". You career goal should be obtaining and excelling in the desired position. Next, be sure to tailor your resume to fit the job posting. Using keywords and phrases that appear in the job posting/description will do 2 things. First, it will help you get passed the algorithms used to identify ideal candidates. Second, it will ensure that you are showing your prospective employer that you have the skills necessary to be successful in the position.
Using a stock resume for all job postings is an outdated tactic. You will need to customize both your resume and cover letter to align your goals/skills/qualities to the job that you are seeking. This will also portray you as a thoughtful candidate who is serious about employment. Take the time to customize each resume and cover letter.
In your interviews, you will want to come across as confident, professional, informed, prepared, and charming. Be sure to do your research on the company ahead of time. Most of the time, you can search for interview questions that are asked. Have your answers prepared but the key is to not seem like you are reading a script. Be sure to relate the line of questioning with real life experiences. Keep good eye contact the entire time. When shaking someone's hand, be firm but don't crush the other person's hand.
Be sure to ask questions during the interview. I can tell you from experience that when I interview a candidate, if they do not have any questions, then I do not view them as a serious candidate. Turn the tables on your interviewer and interview them: "What impact would you expect an ideal candidate to make after 6 months, 1 year, 5 years of employment? I am a person who strives to continue growing and learning. What opportunities for learning does your company offer? " These are just a couple of questions that you can ask during an interview that will help you come across as "interested in long term employment". That is the key. Employers want to hire someone that they view as a long-term member of their company and someone wants to grow and advance.
Hope this helps. Remember don't get discouraged, and keep at it. The right opportunity is out there, now go and take it by the horns. Good luck!
Alex’s Answer
Not only will doing these steps help you gain a better understanding about the firm, but this will give you the ability to tailor you resume and cover letter to become more desirable. This will help you understand what buzzwords you should use, what stories you need to tell in the application and interview and help you to become more confident in explaining how your knowledge and skills can truly make specific impacts.
Research and Network. Then refine and cater to what they are looking for. Pick a few target firms and go all in 100% rather blindly sending out dozens of applications at a generic level.
Alexander’s Answer
Competitive job market: The job market can be highly competitive, especially in certain industries or during economic downturns. It's possible that there are many candidates vying for a limited number of positions, making it more challenging to stand out.
Lack of experience: While you are completing your Masters in Mechanical Engineering, if you have limited professional experience in the field, it can make it more difficult to compete with candidates who have a combination of education and practical experience. Employers often value real-world experience in addition to academic qualifications.
Mismatched skills or qualifications: It's essential to ensure that your skills and qualifications align with the requirements of the positions you are applying for. If there is a significant mismatch, it can make it harder to secure an offer. Consider seeking feedback on your applications and interview performance to identify any areas for improvement.
Networking: Building a professional network within your industry can significantly enhance your job search. Networking allows you to tap into hidden job opportunities and gain insights about companies and roles that may not be publicly advertised. Consider attending industry events, reaching out to alumni, or joining professional organizations to expand your network.
Application strategy: Review your application strategy to ensure that your resume and cover letter effectively highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Tailor your application materials to each specific job, emphasizing the qualifications most relevant to the position. Additionally, consider seeking advice from career counselors or professionals in your field to improve your application materials.
Interview performance: While you have been able to secure interviews, it's important to assess your performance during those interactions. Reflect on your interview preparation, communication skills, and how well you showcased your qualifications. Practice mock interviews or seek feedback from mentors or career professionals to enhance your interview skills.
Persistence and resilience: Job searching can be a lengthy and sometimes discouraging process. It's important to remain persistent, keep refining your job search strategies, and stay resilient in the face of rejection. Each interview and application is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Consider exploring alternative options as well, such as internships, part-time positions, or volunteering opportunities related to your field. These experiences can help you gain valuable practical skills, expand your network, and potentially lead to full-time employment opportunities.
Remember, finding the right job takes time and perseverance. Keep refining your approach, seek feedback, and leverage your network to increase your chances of securing a job offer that aligns with your qualifications and aspirations.
Agustin A.’s Answer
Apart from the fantastic tips shared earlier, my top suggestion is to confidently connect with people and express your desires. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for "connecting," so create a brief introduction and objective, then start sending messages. While some may respond and others may not, you'll likely get referrals and chances to talk more quickly, sometimes even directly with the hiring manager.
Best of luck with your job hunt!
Gina’s Answer
Many companies use systems that scan resumes and cover letters for key words-- that said, have you taken some time to make sure you are creating cover letters that match the needs of individual positions and specifically use words from specifications of the job to relate to your own experience? Same goes for your resume.
It sounds like you have spent a considerable effort sending a volume of applications: instead of quantity, find a handful of roles that really match your knowledge base and tailor your resume and cover letter to each of those.
Shahzad’s Answer
First and foremost, don't lose heart. I can share my own story when I was trying to find my way in; I applied to countless jobs without hearing back. There might be various reasons for this: perhaps the positions you're seeking don't align with specific criteria they need, or it could be due to a struggling economy, among other possibilities. However, always keep in mind that securing an interview is partly a numbers game too. Continue applying without concern for how many jobs you've already pursued. Believe me, it's only a matter of time, my friend.
amie’s Answer
2) find ppl through your network (career center or alum) in those jobs to have a info interview to learn more and at the end ask about opportunities
3) networking > blind interviewing
Luis’s Answer
for starters, congratulations on almost earning your master's degree! - that is a massive accomplishment specially in your Engineering discipline.
starting out can be very difficult - not long ago i was in a similar situation graduating with a masters in Statistics without any offers.
I must have had countless rejection letters before someone gave me an opportunity in another state. I had to leave my hometown and everything in return for the opportunity. So be open to relocating for your first position, be open to work in slightly different but related fields in engineering!
do not give up and just continue your application process for something will appear eventually!
Alexandra’s Answer
Applying for jobs was a very difficult process for me as well. I applied to around 85 jobs as a finance and economics major. I got around 6 companies interview me out of all the jobs I applied to. I would recommend using "Linkedin" as your friend in this case. "Linkedin" was like my instagram during the job application. Try to connect with as many people in your industry and send messages to Alumni that worked at the firm you are applying to. Most of the time they answer and are willing to have that conversation with you about their company, role, and any questions you may have for them. Overall, I did a ton of networking. My best advice is to spend at least 20 minutes a day looking for the alumni and sending those messages.
Also, when you apply to a company try to find the name of the recruiter and message them asking to have a brief conversation. It can give you a little boost and sometimes it doesn't do anything.
CONNECTIONS ARE MOST IMPORTANT NOWADAYS!!
Jenna Kashcheeva’s Answer
The current market is tough for everybody. There are many experienced professionals looking for jobs right now, and for those who are just starting their career it might be even more difficult, so you have to be strategic in your search.
Have you explored the opportunities that your college Intranet offers? Did you speak to your teachers to get pieces of advice?
Did you seek paid internships?
Does your resume present all the transferable skills that you have to offer to the potential employer?
Do you do research about the company before the interview? What stages of interviews you couldn't pass? Have you been preparing for them enough? Do you follow up after the interviews?
Have you tried companies like Robert Half that can find you a placement?
Do you utilize any other resources but LinkedIn?
There are many questions to answer here but you might look into them more carefully to ensure that you utilize all the tools that are available. A piece of advice about networking is also a working tactic but it's not going to get you a job overnight, so you might want to explore all the opportunities available.
Good luck!
Matt’s Answer
Somayeh’s Answer
1. Keep your resume fresh and customized for each position.
- Modify the skills section in your resume to include keywords from the job posting.
- Maintain a clean, easy-to-read resume layout.
- Use clear and concise language in your resume.
2. Leverage and grow your network.
- Reach out to friends and family for information on job openings.
- Participate in job fairs and related events that spark your interest.
- Connect with experienced professionals in your desired industry and engage them with thoughtful questions.
3. Stay in touch with potential employers.
- Introduce yourself personally by following up one to two weeks after submitting your application.
- Express gratitude with a thank you email after every interview.
- Be considerate of the employer's schedule when following up.
Jodeen’s Answer
Getting an offer is definitely very competitive and can be a challenge. I graduated within the past 2 years and was also worried about finding a job when I graduated with 0 offers. However, what worked for me, and I think could work for anyone is building the right connections.
I wanted to get into a competitive field and did not have a lot of resources or connections, but I used the few that were available. A great resource was connecting with the Career Services counselor at my University. They were very helpful in not only helping to connect me to different opportunities but also helping me to work on the skills that I needed to succeed such as resume editing, mock interviews and advice.
I would certainly advise reaching out to your school's career counsellors if available to get the support that will help you standout through your job search process. Additionally, use any resources you may have. If you know someone from your school or program who is currently working in your field, don't be afraid to ask for a referral. Attend events that will give you exposure to connections in your desired field and work on building your skills so you can take full advantage of the opportunities you receive to connect. Finding a job is a full-time job and you are in a great field! I wish you all the best.
Keyur’s Answer
I have been there, being an international student and needing a work visa. I did not get my current job through campus placement. I had to apply offline.
What I would recommend is pursuing different options, some of which you may have tried already. What worked for me was sending connection requests on Linkedin to recruiters or managers of companies where you may be interested in applying (e.g., Schneider, GE, etc.). Also, keep applying on career sites like monster, dice, indeed. What helped me get my current job is reaching out to a manager via LinkedIn and I got a response right away. I had background in Java development that aligned with the cybersecurity position the manager had opened, and I got called for interview.
Another thing recruiters look for is relevant resume and certain keywords - I would recommend updating your resume to highlight specific projects, courses that you took for the position you are applying to. If you haven't pursued any industry certifications, then I would recommend you do that, it does differentiate you from the candidate pool. Also, always send a cover letter for any position and explain the value you will bring to the position and company where you are applying.
Alumni network: Check with your alumni network and school career center, they might be able to help with reviewing and updating your resume.
Keyur recommends the following next steps:
Abeer’s Answer
Best,
Abeer
Krishma’s Answer
Krishma recommends the following next steps:
Justin’s Answer
Landing the final job offer can be tough, as you're up against many others who have different skills and backgrounds. From my experience, even if you have all the necessary abilities, there's no guarantee you'll be selected. This could be due to not fitting in with the company's culture or other factors the interviewer considers important.
It might be helpful to reach out to recruiters from the companies that didn't choose you and ask for feedback on why you weren't picked. While you may not always get a response, there's a chance they'll offer valuable insights that you can use in future interviews or applications. Remember to take their opinions with a grain of salt, as recruiters have their own preferences and biases. However, try to learn something from the experience, even if there isn't always a clear takeaway.
Madeline’s Answer
Hang in there. Trust that you have valuable skills and bring expertise to situations. Tailor your resume to EVERY job. Write meaningful, thoughtful cover letters. It will all come together!
Mikaela’s Answer
Kimberly’s Answer
Eric’s Answer
Have you tried looking for volunteer opportunities. This may be a longer route to a job, but companies love free labor and it's a way to show you have practical experience.
Adrianna’s Answer
Willingness to be flexible and take a job not directly related to engineering but correlated may also help you eventually get to that point.
Additionally, you could always provide consulting services (create your own company related to mechanical engineering)
Jadie’s Answer
Barbara’s Answer
Barbara recommends the following next steps:
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