No matter what you’re told, technical companies and local, state, and federal government offices are always hiring engineers, even in tough economic times. You can find work; you just have to be a little more creative in your thinking. Finding a job in today’s economic environment can be a daunting process fraught with disappointment, but with a plan and persistence you can find success. Just do not give up.

Although it may be hard to understand right now, the recession could be the best thing to happen to your career. Here are 3 reasons why.

  1. Career development – Every employer wants you to do more than just the job description. Take on those job tasks that no one else wants, accept invitations to training courses and trade shows, and participate in professional organizations. You want to be the most valuable employee the company has to pick if they can’t afford to let you go. At the same time, you want to network with as many people as possible in your trade. If the time comes when your company has no choice but to let you go, then through your network it will not take long for you to receive a job offer.
  2. Career change – The recession may offer you the best opportunity to start a new career that may be in a field other than engineering or may not even require your engineering degree. Without a doubt, your educational background and professional experiences will be an important asset in your new career.
  3. race ownership – Before the recession, you could be secure in your current job or in the engineering field and did not need to consider other business opportunities. There may not be many opportunities in your previous technical field, but if you’re willing to expand your horizons, the real opportunities are enormous. The risk takers, the entrepreneurs, will bring back the economy, not the government.

Every engineering project begins with a plan. It’s no different looking for a new job. You need a plan that says where you start, how you will stay on track, and what you hope to accomplish. Each step of the plan should have a set of strategies to be implemented before moving on to the next step. Here are ten key job-finding strategies.

  1. Make use of the Internet – Use online services and products, on job listing websites. Create a career website on various of the online social networking sites. Some of the major online social networking websites are LinkedIn, Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, blogs, etc.
  2. Take advantage of your free time – Establish yourself as an expert by writing articles, giving presentations, teaching a course, etc. Authors, speakers, and instructors are highly respected in any field.
  3. Increasing your knowledge – Use this time to obtain additional education and certification, through classes, seminars, certifications, professional conferences, degrees, etc. in their respective field of practice. Employers acknowledge that this activity is kept technically up to date.
  4. Participation of Professional Associations – A key strategy is to increase your visibility. Don’t hide until the economy improves. One of the best ways to increase your visibility is to increase your attendance at professional associations such as ASCE, NSPE, ASME, APWA and volunteer to serve on various committees.
  5. networks – Networking is nothing more than communicating with your acquaintances and colleagues who are available to hire you. Every day you have to talk on the phone or meet with someone trying to find someone who knows someone who is looking for an engineer.
  6. Job fairs – Job Fairs are a great opportunity for both the employer and the employee. The job fair helps companies see a number of potential employees in a relatively short period of time. The fair also helps the potential employee to see a number of companies that need to hire. Before you attend the job fair, find out which companies will be attending. If neither company is engineering related or hiring engineers, then it’s not worth it unless you’re willing to consider an unrelated engineering position.
  7. Internet job search – Internet is a great resource for job search. If you are ready to move, the Internet job search is for you. A simple engineering search and you can find a number of good websites.
  8. Temporary and Part Time Work – You may not be able to find full-time work, but there may be a possibility of part-time work. Even a few hours a week can keep you motivated and possibly lead to a full-time position with the same company.
  9. consulting work – Many companies have been reduced to the point that they cannot provide all the services they would like. If you can fill this gap when the need for various businesses arises, you may be able to almost completely replace your previous income. Who knows, if you find enough work, you may have the foundation for a new company.
  10. Start your own business – With all your job search efforts, you may find several gaps in the business. Gaps that have been left open from previous companies that have withdrawn or downsized. If you can find a niche with enough demand, why not start your own company?

Perseverance and persistence is the key to any job search plan. Work on your plan as if you were at work every day and keep a positive attitude.