Rocky economy means job seekers need to use savvy search methods

Marilyn Borysek
ASME Member Services

The number of U.S. job opportunities edged up slightly in December following significant declines that began in March 2001, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

A survey of 16,000 firms from staffing provider Manpower shows that only 16 percent of employers plan to hire in the first quarter of 2002, a dramatic drop from the 27 percent of employers who said they planned to hire during the same period last year. Especially stunned are many technology professionals who have enjoyed a robust employment environment for the last five years but now are facing layoffs or have already lost their jobs.

So, what can job seekers in the mechanical engineering field expect?

Despite the bleak outlook, some bright spots exist for engineers. According to The Wall Street Journal, employment experts see opportunities in the healthcare, biotechnology and technology sectors for certain engineering positions. Specialized technology workers such as software application engineers or systems analysts are most likely to see demand.

But, even the best-qualified senior mechanical engineers and seasoned executives will stumble if they land in a tough job market with poor job-hunting skills. With layoffs spreading through almost every industry, mechanical engineers will have to work smarter and a little harder to land their next jobs.

Variety is most likely to lead to success. So, here are several strategies to help you get started:

Network, Network, Network: Face-to-face meetings are still the best way to learn about new job opportunities. In these economic times, don't be put off when you hear, "We're not hiring."

Ask for an information interview instead of a job and build your contacts. Remember, the aim of networking is to obtain more information about industries and employers that interest you, and help you decide where best to concentrate job-hunting efforts.

Networking is still invaluable because a majority of job openings are never posted. Now it's not just who you know, but where you go online to let people know about you and your skills — and how you communicate those skills most effectively.

Immerse Yourself in Industry Speak: As intimidating as it may seem, industry networking is essential. Visit www.asme.org/jobs to learn about events, workshops and short courses that will introduce you to networking opportunities.

Consider courses or seminars on industry hot topics. Benefit not only from intensive, convenient training by experts, but also from publications, videotapes and other materials distributed through ASME's highly regarded Continuing Education Institute. More than 200 short courses are offered each year to keep engineers up to speed and help fill in any gaps in your technical background.

Click Your Mouse: Take full advantage of the latest Internet trends and technology. Check and respond to new postings daily. Recruiters search for the most recently posted resumes, so don't let yours fall to the bottom of the stack. Edit your resume often, so it is always fresh and current.

Surf Niche Sites: Increasingly, mechanical engineering companies are conducting the business of recruitment over the Internet. The big employment sites like Monster.com are worth exploring for openings in your field, but the key to a speedy search is looking on specialty or niche employment sites.

The hallmark of a good niche site is that it focuses on only one type of job or only one industry. For that reason, sites like ASME's Job Database, www.asme.org/jobs, tend to have fewer jobs overall, but the jobs are typically a better fit for you.

Attend Job Fairs: Explore career opportunities and interview for careers with today's leaders. Look for job fairs sponsored by ASME and local events advertised in your local newspaper.

Be Persistent: Some degree of pushiness is essential with all of your contacts. A good resume and solid skills aren't enough. Timing has a lot to do with it, so create your own luck by staying on the mind of your potential employers. Check in regularly, and send thank you notes.

Consider Alternative Employment: Offering your engineering services as an outside contractor, temp or volunteer can get you out there to show off your talent — and be on hand when a full-time opportunity becomes available.

If ASME's Jobs Database helps you find a job, or if you have sucessful job hunting tips you want to share, contact Marilyn Borysek at borysekm@asme.org.

related story: ASME.ORG serves as quick link to jobs

 

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