How to make the best Job Search Strategy
Are you someone who works in the field? You may work onsite, offshore, in the air, underground, or on the road. At The Field Engineer we have had a lot of questions about job hunting. Therefore, this article focuses on how to make the best job search strategy.
The Best Job Search Strategy for Field Engineers
So, here is some advice from some of our members which answers this question:
What are your tips for strategising, planning, starting, and maintaining a job hunt?
Starting with the HR and Talent Acquisition perspective and then moving to members of The Field Engineer community.
Esther Vera, Manager, Talent Acquisition, SEE
Esther Vera has extensive experience in global HR and Talent Acquisition. She works for Sealed Air Corporation and is based in Spain.
Esther gives the following advice for a job search strategy for job hunters.
Customise and research
Customise your CV/Resume and cover letter for each job application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the requirements of the role. In addition, research the company and its culture to ensure your application reflects your understanding of their needs and values.
Tips for the interview (virtual or face-to-face)
There are four key tips to focus on as follows.
Find a quiet place to talk. The camera on can help a lot in connecting.
Review the job description and make mental connections with what you currently do.
Have your questions ready.
Finally, be YOU.
Rhiannon Thurmond, Field Service Engineer, SAMSUNG Boston Imaging
Rhiannon has over seventeen years of experience working with multivendor /modality ISOs as a field service engineer and on In-House Biomed programmes. She has started a new role as Field Service Engineer, Ultrasound for Boston Imaging.
Rhiannon gives the following advice for job hunters.
In today’s competitive landscape it is imperative to set yourself up for success so that in the event you ever need to leave a job or get let go from a job you have an arsenal to set yourself up for the perfect role that not only aligns with your values but also allows you to feel fulfilled. My advice to anyone is to know what makes you uniquely valuable and make that value known well before you choose to seek your perfect employer.
Build your personal brand and align with it authentically!
Building your personal brand involves identifying your unique skills, strengths, and values. Therefore, you define your professional identity. Develop a strong online presence, I recommend LinkedIn as it is a professional network, where you can showcase your expertise, accomplishments and thought leadership. Your LinkedIn profile should be as up to date as possible (Virtual Resume/CV). While building your profile, share relevant content pertaining to your industry to establish your credibility. Follow LEADERS, follow Role Models, companies you wish to work for and engage with as many people in your industry as you can. You never know who will pop into your inbox with an opportunity to explore (blog, new job, speaking events) that may bring additional value to your brand. Lastly, remember to be authentic as employers are looking for genuine individuals who align with their company culture.
Keep Track of your Wins and the VALUE you can bring throughout your career
Maintaining a record of your achievements is essential for the job hunt. Create a portfolio or keep an excel document that highlights key accomplishments, projects, and the impact you have made in your previous roles. Quantify your achievements whenever possible, such as including metrics and outcomes. This documentation will not only serve as a reminder of your capabilities but also provide concrete evidence of your value to prospective employers. It will demonstrate your track record of success and make you stand out among other candidates.
Invest in yourself to help your job search strategy!
Investing in yourself is crucial for professional growth and career advancement. Continuous learning and development are essential in today’s job market. Seek out any and all opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills through courses, certifications, workshops, or conferences relevant to your industry. Stay up to date on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices. Additionally, consider networking events, professional associations, and mentorship programmes to broaden your connections and to gain insights from experienced professionals. By investing in yourself, you demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
By building your brand, showcasing your accomplishments, and investing in yourself, you will position yourself as a valuable asset to potential employers. Therefore, you will increase your chances of finding the perfect role.
Al Bates, Field Service Engineer, SIPA
Al Bates has extensive experience with automation equipment. He works for an Italian packaging company, SIPA as a field service engineer and has recently been onsite in Jamaica installing a new bottle production line for Coca Cola.
Al gives the following advice for job hunters.
When it comes to looking for new opportunities today you really need to be on point with your search. You need to know what you are looking for when it comes to a job/career that will satisfy you.
I feel that our younger generation has not been completely and/or properly informed of what to expect when looking for a job/career. It seems that they were simply told to get a good education and you will get a good job. Realistically they are in a large pool of candidates with the same education and many times the same degree.
Job Search Strategy
You need to be able to sell yourself, set yourself apart from the masses. I highly recommend being honestly authentic though. Do not fake it to make it, you will end up getting into a company which you will never truly fit into. Be true to yourself, be you and the right company will pick you up and you can just be you.
Planning
You need to know the companies that you are talking to, so read everything that you can find on them good and bad. Why is the position available, how long has it been available, how long has the current management been in position. Work with a small list of three to five companies, three is highly recommended though. You can start with a top ten list, but you will need to know for yourself who are your top three favourites and cut the lower seven loose. If you work with a top ten list and company number seven or company number eight decide to make you an offer, you will always second guess yourself and wonder why the other companies did not decide to go with you.
Starting
When starting a job search you need to know what you can handle as far as replies and offers.
How many different job sites will you get involved with to land a job? You can get overwhelmed very quickly with many emails and phone calls coming from so many different directions. So, know what you can handle. Recruiters/head-hunters can be very helpful with job searches. A word of advice on these individuals though, investigate their information/LinkedIn profile. How long have they held their current position? I believe in these individuals and stand beside the ones that I have had the pleasure of working with. There are some that will contact you without ever actually reading through your profile though, and I recommend avoiding them.
Rachell Coffey, Wind Turbine Technician, Vestas
Rachell Coffey has transitioned from construction and administration into the wind power industry. She is passionate about the environment. Rachell started working as a Wind Turbine Technician for Vestas in 2023.
Rachell gives the following advice for job seekers to help their job search strategy.
Define Your Goals
Decide what you’re looking for in a job. So, this could be: the industry you want to work in, the place you want to live, how much you’d like to make, or desired benefits. It’s important to know what you’d like out of the job you’re looking for based on what matters most to you. Having clear goals will help you make more informed decisions and be prepared for when a future employer asks you questions during an interview. You have more of a chance of getting the pay and benefits you’d like if you are prepared to ask for them. This will also help clarify what jobs you may not want to pursue if an employer isn’t able to offer the items you’ve created goals for.
Get Prepared
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile or other job search engines you use. This helps to provide the potential employer with the most accurate representation of your current skill set and gives you a better chance at being hired for the desired position. Research the companies that you’re applying for and apply for the positions that align with your goals. Write down a few questions based on your research to ask potential employers during an interview.
Get Organised and Follow Up
Use spreadsheets or keep notes to track your applications, people you’ve spoken with, interviews, and any follow-up calls you may have made. Stay persistent in your efforts, even if you face rejection or setbacks along the way. Call employers to verify that they have received your resume and to introduce yourself. Always follow up after you’ve had an interview.
Kevin Chimezie Akparanta, Coiled Tubing Operator, Halliburton
Kevin Chimezie Akparanta has a background in electrical and electronic engineering. He works for Halliburton as a Coiled Tubing Operator. Kevin is based in Nigeria but spends a lot of his time offshore, and has just returned from a training course in Aberdeen.
Kevin gives the following advice for job hunters who are planning a job search strategy.
Best Tips for strategising, planning, starting, and maintaining a job hunt
For me, the first tip is to know your target industry and players in that industry, key recruiters, managers, and successful people in the industry you intend to work in. Then try to connect with them and stay updated about news and information about the industry.
Secondly have a good resume and always dish out content and why you are a valuable asset to the industry, and follow up on trainings, webinars, programmes, and events relevant to the industry.
Finally, just keep applying. If you are 30% qualified just apply. Do not wait till you are a perfect fit for the role before applying.
Monica Nancy Candny, Engine Cadet, Royal Caribbean International
Monica Nancy Candny grew up in Liberia and has studied in Liberia and Ghana. She works as an Engine Cadet at Royal Caribbean International. Monica has worked on various vessels, such as Independence of the Seas, Cestos Tug of Svitzer in Liberia, and Harmony of the Seas. She is part of the team responsible for maintaining and operating the engine room equipment, as well as ensuring the safety and efficiency of the ship’s operations.
Monica gives the following advice for job hunters.
Strategising
By looking for people who are in your field of study on social platforms like LinkedIn.
Starting
Searching for position that matches your qualifications, talk to people in the same field and position and ask questions. Emailing HRs and manager.
Planning
By putting together a renowned CV/Resume with good references.
Maintaining your job search strategy
By actively emailing managers, recruiters, directors, and HR.
Nicole Ruffin, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Crothall Healthcare
Nicole Ruffin has been a business owner and is now a Biomedical Equipment Technician/Clinical Engineer (Biomed). She is currently working at Crothall Healthcare.
Nicole gives the following advice for job hunters.
The tips I use to job hunt are as follows.
CV/Resume
Update your CV/Resume and bring it to be completely current. If you keep learning, there are so many new skills you can add!
Trusted network
Utilise a trusted network, in your field, for me it is the HTM field, to gain access to job openings. Reach out to comrades one on one to share your desire to transition into a new role.
Never give up
Stay encouraged! When one door closes, another will open. Don’t ever give up!
I hope this helps everyone who is job hunting.
Bruno Nogueira, Service and Operations Coordinator, Brazil
Bruno Nogueira has an MBA in Strategic Service Management and Business Administration. Until December 2022 he planned and coordinated field services for different divisions of Alfa Laval including marine, oil and gas, chemicals, food, and beverage production. Bruno is based in Sao Paulo in Brazil.
Bruno gives the following advice for job hunters.
Establish routines and goals for your job search strategy
To make the search for a replacement job a productive period, you need to see the task as work. In other words, establish routines, procedures, and goals.
Organise your schedule for your job search
Looking for a job requires persistence and perseverance. Nowadays, vacancies are spread across company and job websites, and on social media. You need to spend a lot of time searching, screening, filling out questionnaires, writing cover letters, sending emails, and making calls. Therefore, organise your time, make an agenda and, above all, create follow-up mechanisms.
Work on your digital presence
Improving your digital presence and online visibility can definitely be a differentiator in a selection process.
Remember that your digital presence should be a specific extension of who you are as a professional. Don’t overdo it or try to look like someone you’re not. Consistency and traditions are fundamental to building a positive and attractive online presence during a selection process.
Establish a networking network
In the corporate environment, networking is the sharing of professional information or services between people, companies, or groups. It allows you to establish pleasant relationships, forming a network of contacts to connect with other professionals. Therefore, networking fosters relationships with interesting people for career planning
Further reading to help with your job search strategy
How to get your dream job
How to find a new job by highlighting your aptitude
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