Finding the right engineering firm to join can be a daunting task. But by keeping a few things in mind, you can make the process much easier.
The engineering firms you choose to work for will have a huge impact on your career. It will shape the kinds of projects you work on and the connections that you make. It could also influence the training that is available to you, which could impact your career trajectory.
And finally, the company you choose will also have an impact on your earning potential. Some companies and sectors are more generous in their remuneration packages. So, while you might be better off with some companies, there is also the chance that you will need to sacrifice in order to achieve higher pay rates.
If you're looking for your next opportunity, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Ready to start looking for your next opportunity? Follow these simple steps.
First, it’s important to think about what you want in a job. What are your priorities? Salary? Location? The type of work you’ll be doing? Once you know what’s important to you, you can start narrowing down your options. Some things will be non-negotiable, but others will offer more flexibility.
Another thing to consider is the company culture. Do you want a laid-back environment or one that’s more formal? Do you prefer smaller or larger companies? Again, knowing what’s important to you will help make this decision easier.
Having a five-year career development plan can help you to feel more in control of your destiny. If you don't plan ahead, you'll be at the mercy of the job market. By having a plan, you can tailor your job search to find firms that will help you meet your goals
Of course, you don’t have to have your whole life figured out. But it is important to think about where you want to be in five years and what kind of company will help you get there. If you know you want to undergo additional training in a particular area, then you can look for a company with a budget for employee development and training. And if you know you'd like to work in a particular sector, you can find a company that specialises in that sector.
Take the time to do your research. Check out the company website and read reviews online. Talk to friends and colleagues who have worked at the company or with people who have worked there. This will give you a good idea of what it’s like to work for that firm and whether it would be a good fit for you. You should also look at which companies are currently hiring as this will help you to focus your attention on the areas where you are most likely to be successful.
While researching the different companies that are currently hiring, you can start to create a shortlist of potential employers you would like to work for. Once you have a list of companies, you can start to look at specific job postings.
One of the best ways to find fulfilment in your work is to find a company whose values align with your own. When you share the same values as the company you work for, it can make going to work each day much more enjoyable. It can also make it easier to stay motivated and engaged with your work.
If you’re looking for a company that shares your values, here are a few things to look for:
These are just a few of the values that you might want to look for in an employer.
When looking at job postings, it’s important to read the whole posting carefully. Be sure to note the required qualifications and skills as well as the preferred qualifications and skills.
This will give you a good idea of whether this role is right for your current position. Ideally, you would want to be around 75% qualified for the role, as this will give you somewhere to go in the role. If you're completely qualified for the role, you might find that you get very bored quickly.
Once you’ve done your research and narrowed down your options, it’s time to apply. Check the company website for any vacancies that match your skills and experience. If there are none, you can always send in a speculative application.
A speculative application might be more welcome, as it means that you are actively interested in working for the company, rather than just applying for any job.
When applying for a job, be sure to tailor your application to the role you’re applying for. This means customising your CV and cover letter to fit the specific role. If you don’t do this, your application is likely to be ignored. Employers want to know that you are specifically interested in their company, not just any company.
If you’re invited to an interview, congratulations! This means that the company is interested in you and wants to find out more about you. The best way to prepare for an interview is to research the company and the role you’re applying for. This will give you a good idea of the questions they might ask and will help you to feel more prepared.
Another important thing to remember is that an interview is a two-way process. It’s not just about the company finding out if you’re a good fit for the role, it’s also about you finding out if the company is a good fit for you. Be sure to ask questions about the company and the role so you are taking an active role in the recruitment process.
