Graduate engineer looking for job :(

InfraRed on 09/09/2014 - 22:39

Hey guys,

Just graduated and have applied for pretty much every engineering grad position I could find on seek, GradConnection and my unis careers site with no biters.

I thought I was at least decent (Distinction average, some past volunteer work, some past extra curricular, some unrelated work experience) but no one wants me. Worse still the other positions outside of grad positions require 2-3 years relevant experience.

Am I stuffed? I mean how can I get a job now that I've missed the boat on grad positions? One idea I have is to look up every firm in the CBD and hand them my transcript CV and a cover letter, is this a good idea? Any other ideas? I promised myself I wouldn't purchase anything extravagant until I get a proper job and I want a white PS4 so badly…

Education & Work

Comments

  • rambutann on 10/09/2014 - 00:26

    I just got an internship in the logistics field by emailing a company I knew had offered such a position in the past. I was just lucky to find that someone was leaving just as I was entering..

    My advice to you is get people to read your cover letter.. If that's solid and you mention attention to detail, teamwork and some sort of leadership skills I don't see how you shouldn't at least get an interview..

  • mskeggs on 10/09/2014 - 11:58
    +1

    Are you on LinkedIn? They have a newish feature of members blogs called Pulse, and lots are about getting graduate jobs etc. I would look for people in your field who have been posting articles and message them for advice. It opens the door to you and is an easy start for some networking.
    Take a look at the getting your first job posts on there in other industries too, for ideas. Some of the advice is poor, but it is very up to date, although often American focussed.
    I wouldn't bother with the CBD spam unless you take the time to investigate each organisation and write a customised letter addressed to a named person (the CEO?) outlining why you would be a valuable employee for them.

    • InfraRed on 11/09/2014 - 09:56

      Thanks for the advice I'll give linkedin a try

    • justinp12 on 13/12/2014 - 20:15

      I would jump onto LinkedIn and look for a recruiter in the industry.

      I am 18 months out of Uni and in the finance industry. Managed to get a grad offer, but I had recruiters hit me up on Linkedin offering positions. Even now that I am employed, they still send me regular messages with current offers and want to catch up to discuss opportunities.

      Would be worth having a chat and see what they can do for you. If you're in Perth, PM me and I can pass on their contact details, they might be able to help.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/09/2014 - 08:53

    Is your name from an English background? Racism exists.

    • rambutann on 11/09/2014 - 09:50

      Yes this is true also, but its not necessarily racism, its usually the fact that different cultures don't fit into the currently cultures within an organisation..

    • InfraRed on 11/09/2014 - 09:54

      No, my name isn't…. But I was born and raised here in Oz… this sucks :(

  • Unknown1 on 27/09/2014 - 09:52

    Have you tried networking at engineering conferences?

    • Unknown1 on 27/09/2014 - 09:58

      Also ask your professors for contacts.

  • timmy_tam on 15/10/2014 - 14:00
    +1

    when i came out of uni i was a C average student and i hadn't done my work experience yet (a little thing called the GFC hindered me)

    i applied for jobs for about 11 months. everyday, i would search and find 2-3 engineering jobs, and then tailor my cover letter to suit and send them off.

    in that 11 months, i had 4 rejection emails and 2 only 2 face to face interviews.
    one of these interviews lead to my current position as a graduate engineer.

    so moral is don't dis pare, you'll get your break if you keep at it, and the prize of a white ps4 awaits!

  • adn on 23/11/2014 - 23:26

    which engineering field?

    are you even making it to the interview rounds?

    If not there is a problem with your resume, cover letter and your answers to the extra question on the application forms.

    Credit average is enough for you to not be rejected. Distinction does not mean much unless you going for top tier jobs that need to quickly filter out their applicants and they bump the benchmark.

    can your unrelated work and extra activities demonstrate your qualities to be a good engineer/employee?

  • [Deactivated] on 23/11/2014 - 23:27

    have you considered hospo?

  • ChronoSphinx on 09/12/2014 - 15:04

    If you have friends in a similar field, it might be worth asking for an introduction to their seniors/mentors etc as they are more likely to have a larger network and might hear of opportunities. Good luck.

  • sinalot on 18/12/2014 - 22:41

    InfraRed as adn asked, what is your engineering field? Which state are you looking for a job in?

    I've interviewed more graduates than I could count in the last 12 months. 2 got hired this year.

    If you've majored in software or mechatronics and you looking for a job in Sydney, flick me your details.

  • Consumer Sheep on 23/12/2014 - 12:12

    RAAF, Navy or Army would be interested I'd think.

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