Can anyone offer me any suggestions in addition to what I’m already doing to help me land my first job within my chosen industry?
I’m a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate applying for an entry level position with Worthington Industries in Tennessee. It’s been over 3 months since I graduated and started applying for jobs and I have had 0.00 callbacks for interviews despite applying for over 35 positions in and out of state. I’ve talked to recruiters about suitable positions, attended numerous job searching workshops and information sessions, but only receive rejection letters for my efforts. I may have an opportunity for an internship but my concern is that the intern salary offer will not be enough to make a living off of with student loans, rent , and other bills. I’m wondering if anyone on this community has gone through this experience starting out and what helped you the most to land your first job within your chosen industry?
I can give you some good resources if needed? www.bls.gov/ooh/ that can get u started with what your degree/ career is looking for and state. Onetonline.org can help as well. Only hope you find the best outcome and don't forget to help someone when you find your dream job and remember the feeling of having to look for answers. Good luck.
Doreen offers some good advice for recent grads Tom, https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/adec0561-03bb-5c15-afdf-bfca8779a445?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity%253Fpage%253D2%2526_%253D1460572788763
meetups.com (org?) a great way to meet like minded people in MANY areas...gotta get face to face....landing a job via resume is akin to winning PowerBall...
I agree with Bennet's previous comment. Landing that first job out of college in the industry is tough without the proper references. That internship might help you make the right contacts for a better job opportunity.
Thomas -
Landing your first job is hard. I went through a similar situation when I graduated college as a Mechanical Engineer. I applied to numerous entry level positions and attended job fairs and information sessions at various companies and was ignored 99% of the time.
When I got my first job, I originally applied through Monster. I knew that my resume was going to get lost in the pile. I decided to not only do my research on the company, but to do my research on the employees in the HR department. In addition to applying to their job postings online, I found out who the hiring manager was and sent them an email with a version of my cover letter and my resume attached. I also followed up with a phone call asking for a specific person (not just the HR department).
The key is confidence. Most engineering companies hire entry level engineers based on their personality and motivation. As long as you portray yourself as an individual who is willing to learn, you will eventually break through this barrier.
Good Luck!
Have you considered the Military? All branches have excellent opportunities for engineers Apply for OCS. Pay is decent, benefits are excellent and you use to be able to get all or part of your student loans paid off by the government. .You will gain valuable experience and training that if you decide to not stay in for your whole career you can parlay into a good civilian job.