Affected by our Current Economy & Looking for Work?

By Brian Quinn (Brian.Quinn@FindYourEngineer.com)

Our current economic situation is very challenging and a number of companies are reducing their workforce due to a variety of conditions, including many projects that have gone “on hold.” If you are impacted by the economy, what are some things you can do to improve your chances of getting another good opportunity and also improve your skill sets? The goal of this newsletter is to offer a variety of suggestions to help you during this difficult time. In addition, please refer to our Webinars website for presentations on these topics. Following are some items we’ve found to help.

Maintain a positive attitude: Even though this is a difficult time, companies look to hire positive people. If they see you are still maintaining a positive outlook, they will notice. Take the “glass is half full” outlook!

Assess your skills / talents: This is a good opportunity to “take inventory” and give some very serious thought to what you like to do and what you’ve learned from previous employment. Write down specific items you would like to see improved at your next job. Also, what do you feel your best skills are and what do you want to improve upon? Take steps to putting these things “in writing” and begin to work on them TODAY.

Get letters of recommendations (especially from your most recent employer)

Create a Project List to go with your resume (please e-mail us if you would like a sample one we’ve found that employers like)

The “Little” things make a difference. Given the extremely challenging market current, companies will be getting resumes from many more qualified people than they have previously. Therefore, they can be more selective. You want to give yourself the greatest opportunity and separate yourself from the rest, so it’s vitally important to do all you can to improve your chances.

Research Trends and Learn New Skills
Utilize Bentley FREE Training on Structural Software – see below
Learn BIM Tools like Revit Structure
Continued AISC Membership Benefits
Read to Keep Current

Invest in Furthering your Education
Get a Master’s Degree
Study for the PE / SE
Get LEED Certified

A Quick note about item 6a & 6c.

Bentley’s “Be Employable” allows people access to FREE training on structural engineering software such as the RAM and Staad product line. This is a great opportunity to further your knowledge of software technology that can help you in your next position. For more information, see http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Community/Academic/Be+Employable/be+employable.htm.

Also, regarding 6c, if your former firm was an AISC member and you have been laid off, AISC will allow you to have continued access to member benefits.

For more detailed information on each item above, please e-mail us and we will send you a document which goes into more detail. Feel free to call us also to discuss your particular situation. We hope you find this helpful.