You’re an engineer, and you’re stepping onto the job market for the first time in a long time (maybe the first time ever). You’ll need to grab the attention of potential employers by polishing your resume and cover letter, of course. But you’ll also need to elevate the passive aspects of your search, including the information you post on your website, blog, and social media accounts where employers and recruiters can find and review it at their own pace. Here are a few tips that help you manage one of these information outlets: Your Linkedin page.
1. First, make sure you have one.
Linkedin may not be quite as hot as it was a few years ago when it first launched, but this site is still a valuable resource for recruiters and employers. So when they conduct their targeted searches, make sure your profile shows up in the results. Register for an account if you haven’t already, and place enough information in your profile to attract attention and get you into the running.
2. Update your information periodically.
You certainly don’t have to visit the site every hour on the hour, but check in periodically so your account stays fresh and active.
3. Include your geographic area.
Again, there’s no need to go overboard, and you don’t have to share your exact address or contact information on a publically accessible site, but state your general location as accurately as you can. Recruiters often use search terms like “Seattle area”, “Center city Philadelphia”, “Northern Virginia”, or “Northeastern US”. Give them something to work with.
4. State your industry.
Many candidates overlook this step, since this isn’t a detail that appears in most resumes. But since recruiters will filter their searches using industry descriptors, include at least one of these in your profile. For example: “Manufacturing”, “early education”, “consumer electronics marketing”, or “warehouse management”. In your case, try: “Structural engineering and design” or “Civil engineering and city planning”.
5. Use the keywords that help you stand out.
Mangers and recruiters in the engineering field often like to see signs of leadership or an interest in project management. If you have a PE or any level of teaching, project leadership, public speaking, make this clear. Think like a manager, and use the kinds of keywords that might play a role in a search conducted by your ideal employer.
For more on how to set yourself apart from the crowd and land the junior or senior engineering position you’re looking for, contact the staffing experts at Techneeds.