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Engineer Job Search Guide 2006

This document provides tips for landing a first job as an engineer, including searching for opportunities, creating an effective resume and cover letter, and interview skills. It outlines six steps to an effective job search: knowing your skills, setting goals, researching employers, networking, applying to jobs, and persistence. Key recommendations include highlighting accomplishments, using action verbs and numbers in the resume, tailoring the cover letter to the specific job, and preparing for behavioral interviews by practicing examples of relevant past experiences. With diligent preparation of resumes, cover letters, and interviews, along with a positive attitude and persistence, recent graduates can succeed in their job search.

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53 views24 pages

Engineer Job Search Guide 2006

This document provides tips for landing a first job as an engineer, including searching for opportunities, creating an effective resume and cover letter, and interview skills. It outlines six steps to an effective job search: knowing your skills, setting goals, researching employers, networking, applying to jobs, and persistence. Key recommendations include highlighting accomplishments, using action verbs and numbers in the resume, tailoring the cover letter to the specific job, and preparing for behavioral interviews by practicing examples of relevant past experiences. With diligent preparation of resumes, cover letters, and interviews, along with a positive attitude and persistence, recent graduates can succeed in their job search.

Uploaded by

pratik87799
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Landing Your First Job

as an Engineer

Sherrie Myers
UBC Engineering Co-
op
February 23, 2006
Overview
 Searching for Job
Opportunities
 Writing an effective Resume
 Creating targeted Cover
Letters
 Tips for successful Job
Interviews
Job Search
Job Search
Step 1: Know yourself to sell yourself
 Know your:
Skills, abilities, & achievements
Values & interests

Step 2: Plan
 Set goals & milestones
 Invest time in creating a strong
resume
Job Search
Step 3: Know the Industry
 Identify employers that match your
skills, abilities, interests & values
 Use many resources

Step 4: Network
 Let everyone know you are job
hunting!
 Get involved in industry associations
Job Search
Step 5: Apply for jobs
 Respond to postings
 Contact potential employers (“warm &
cold”)
Step 6: Keep Going
 Keep records
 Send “thank you”
 Think positive!
Resume Writing
Resume Writing
Purposes of your resume:

To demonstrate that you have the


qualities that an employer is seeking

To highlight your skills and experience


in a way that makes a prospective
employer want to interview you
Resume Writing

Developing Resume Content


 For each Work Experience or Project:
What did you do? Use numbers and be
specific!
What did the organization do?
What type of environment did you work in?
Did you receive any special training?
Who did you interact with on the job?
Resume Writing
Using Accomplishment Statements
 “Planned fundraising events for
fraternity”
…becomes…
 “Utilized strong project management
skills to plan and execute fundraising
events for fraternity which raised
more than $10,000 over a two year
period”
Resume Writing
Tips for Resumes:
• Use “Action” verbs
• Do not use words “I” or “me”
• Use numbers and technical terms
• Write in past tense except for
current jobs
• Check for spelling & grammatical
errors!
• Provide a good level of detail
Resume Writing
Tips for Resume format:
2. 2 pages maximum
3. 10 – 12 pt standard fonts
4. 1 inch margins
5. Avoid fancy fonts, and graphics
Cover Letter Writing
Cover Letter Writing

 Review and dissect the Job


Description
 Match your skills to the job
requirements
 Develop examples that demonstrate
your skills
Cover Letter Writing
Tips for Creating letters with impact:
2. Write an interesting and original
opening – Why interested in job?
3. Make reference to employer’s
industry, product or service
4. Provide examples of your technical &
transferable skills - tie these to job
requirements
5. Be reader centered, not writer
centered
Cover Letter Writing
Tips for formatting:
2. Check that company name, contact
name & date are correct
3. Check grammar & spelling!
4. Keep it to one page, 10-12 pt font
5. Leave space between paragraphs
6. Use varied sentence lengths and
structures
Cover Letter Writing

Cover Letter DON’Ts:


2. Do not write form letters!
3. Do not use words such as “love” and
“dream”
4. Do not use arrogant expressions (“I have
such vast experience that I am the only
candidate for you”)
5. Do not include information that doesn’t
relate directly to the position
Interview Skills
Interview Skills
Behavioural-based Interviewing:

Your actions in the past are the


best indicator of future behaviour
Interview Skills
A good answer:
 Describes a specific past
event which relates to the
skill being asked about
 Has enough detail to
demonstrate that the event
actually occurred.
 Puts you in a positive light.
Interview Skills
Tips for a Great Interview:
2. Be punctual
3. Make a good first impression
4. Dress appropriately
5. Speak clearly
6. Be friendly and enthusiastic
7. Convey positive body language
8. Avoid nervous habits such as playing
with pen
Interview Skills

Predict
Prepare
Practice
Summary
 Begin your job search now and
network!
 Spend time on your resume
 Write personalized cover letters
 Prepare extensively for interviews

 Mostimportantly - Stay positive


and persistent, it will pay off!
GOOD LUCK!

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