This individual recently contacted me to ask some advice on a strategy he wanted to use during the interview process. The job that he had applied for was in the energy field, a field in which he has no work experience at all. The job description recommended that applicants be familiar with certain codes and types of projects.
Having no experience, this engineer wanted to try a different approach, since he was really interested in the job. He took the time to read the codes and perform sample design calculations for a product in this field. He intended to prepare the design as if he were already working for this company. He asked my opinion, and I thought it was a brilliant idea.
Think about it. A company sets out to find someone that can do XYZ. They find an applicant who hasn’t necessarily done XYZ yet, but he does have the knowledge to do it, and oh by the way, he has proven this by supplying them a sample design in the interview. Not only does this tell the company that he is capable of doing the work, but it also shows a tremendous desire to succeed. This individual took the time to read the codes and prepare sample calculations for a job that he didn’t even have yet.
I recently spoke to this individual, and he indicated that the interview had gone very well and the company had been happy to see the calculations he had prepared. It’s only been a few days, so he has not heard back yet, but I will update this article when he does.
The point here is simple; gone are the days when engineers can just submit a resume and wait for a congratulatory letter and a start date. Due to the current economic conditions, there is a lot of competition out there. If you want to land an engineering job, you have to stand out. You have to do something to make a prospective employer say, “Wow, we want this person on our team.”
How are you going to be creative in your job application approach?
This is a guest post by Anthony Fasano, PE, author of Engineer Your Own Success. Anthony found success as an engineer at a very early age and now writes and podcasts to help other engineers do the same. Visit Anthony’s website atEngineeringCareerCoach.com and subscribe to the top 3 resources Anthony has used to become a partner in a firm at the age of 27.