3 ways to get employers’ attention

In a world where engineers are everywhere, how do you stand out in the eyes of employers in order to get a job?

With more than 63,000 members in the Order of Engineers of Québec, we can say that the province is not in shortage of engineering professionals. It’s no wonder, then, that many jobs in the industry are bombarded with applications.

So if you want to land one of these coveted engineering jobs, how do you stand out from the crowd? The Muse offers three tips for getting recruiters’ attention.

1. Make a portfolio of your career

If you’re by nature and struggle to sell yourself, creating a career portfolio is a great idea to grab the attention of potential employers. A portfolio kills two birds with one stone: it makes you showcase your qualities, and allows an employer to get to know you before the job interview.

A portfolio usually includes:

• A biographical page summarizing your qualities, the education you have received, and your accomplishments.
• Your CV
• Information on your career, your internships, your possible volunteering, your language skills, your hobbies, and other things that differentiate you from others.
• Testimonials and recommendations from people with whom you have worked, former bosses, teachers, or clients.
• Proof of your technical skills. It could be examples of projects you’ve worked on, a link to your GitHub profile, or even graphics showing how your skills complement each other to make you the perfect candidate. Don’t be afraid to be creative!
• Evidence of your non-technical skills. For example, when describing your internships, don’t just put links or photos, but explain how your work has benefited the company. You can cite your non-professional accomplishments if they show you a particular quality.

Your portfolio should be available online so that you can include it in your CV, on your LinkedIn profile, or on other materials with which you apply. But it’s also a good idea to bring a hard copy to every interview for the recruiter to review.

2. Know the company

The best way to get noticed by a recruiter naturally is to show them that you have the skills the company is looking for. To demonstrate this, find out about the company you are applying for in order to know its philosophy. When you are interviewed, show the recruiter how your skills fit this philosophy.

3. Get involved

Engineering is a profession based on progress and technology. Engineers must therefore constantly learn, evolve, and develop new skills.

Several methods exist to keep you up to date. You can join a network of professionals and participate in their conferences, or even take part in online forums. You can also participate in various and varied projects, to gain experience in several areas.

In general, through these associations or projects, you can create a good network of contacts. These are also good opportunities to improve your CV.