How to approach finding engineering work after ten years of only being hired for low-skill jobs?
Received master's degree in engineering ten years ago with excellent grades but I have never had a chance to work in the field. I've had to accept zero-education or associate's degree level work just to have any income at all, and I've worked two associates-level jobs for the past six years. I have been applying to engineering jobs frequently since my graduation, but I haven't even had any interviews since 2014. I've done some of Cornell's free online engineering certification courses, that hasn't helped. The career office at the college where I got my associates says my work history of associates-level work has poisoned my prospects and I have no chance of ever getting into engineering.
I estimate my application: interview rate is 0.1%. I have checked to ensure my resumes are compliant with the most common applicant tracking software. Beyond that, is there anything I can realistically do to get any attention at all?
4 answers
Sirlei’s Answer
I agree with Georgina.
Your resume is your book cover and employers are going to judge you by it.
When applying for a job, more often than not, you can't use the same resume over and over. Look at the job posting for all your dream jobs and dig into all those key words that apply to you but at not in your resume. Imbed them into your "book cover" as much as possible.
If you get asked to interview, be it via phone, video call or in person, make sure you prepare by really understanding the role. You must be able to fully and clearly explain how you are the perfect person to fulfill the requirements based not only on your education, but also on your experience.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
Dhanabal’s Answer
Many organization do provide opportunities to the people with different skill set to get in to information technology field.
Option 1 - fast track
There is some program called “Tech elevator” where they charge you money and train 2-4 months with all basic needs to get in to IT job and they have partnered with some companies to place you. It is very regress training and you should allocate 3-4 months your complete time.
Option 2 - on your own
You can keep learn you self and add skills to you resume and try and get chance to work on that skills and get experienced and move forward with next companies with added skill set . Slow but organically you should achieve what you want.
Based on your situation and need you can choose the option!
Georgina’s Answer
I am truly sorry to hear that as of now you are not working in your desired engineering position. Here are some factors that could have prevented you from getting higher level positions:
1- a resume that is not selling the prospective employer
2- unfortunately not presenting yourself effectively enough in interviews
3- perhaps your current location is not offering enough engineering job opportunities
Also, I believe with a masters degree in engineering you might be able to teach in a local college, community college, or vocational school. This might require a teaching certificate depending on your state’s requirements. But it is an option to think about.
So, you can get help with a professional resume writer, practice effective interview skills, consider relocating to where more engineering jobs are, or think about teaching.
I hope this helps and good luck in reaching your career goals
Dexter’s Answer
I was in a similar bucket when I started my career 17 years ago. I had a bachelor's degree but due to my poor GPA, had no job prospects or any leads.
I started my career by working at a IT helpdesk, a job that required no college degree by utilizing my college, part-time job experience. It paid about half of what a job with my degree would pay, but I didn't have a choice in the matter given that I had no savings and college loans to pay off. I worked hard, and I made am impression on my managers. Through those connections, I was given opportunities (some that I had to fight for) to move up to a desktop technician role, and later, to a web developer role. Since then I've moved up in my career ladder and am very happy with the work I'm doing.
In your field of expertise, is there a way you can do something similar? Get in a job role that you are over qualified for at a large company, then use internal mobility opportunities to land the job that you really want?
I hope this helps!
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Dexter
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