How to Stand Out as a Job Candidate in Engineering and Tech (even as a fresh grad!)

The engineering and tech industries are some of the most competitive and exciting business fields. Though it can be challenging to constantly be up-to-date with the latest developments in their respective fields, there is so much room for growth and innovation in these industries.  

The products, techniques, and processes created and improved by engineers and tech professionals influence how we live and work. They develop answers to difficult challenges that make it easier for people and organizations to operate effectively, efficiently, and sustainably. No wonder it’s one of the most in-demand industries.

So, where do you start if you want to be part of the fast-paced world of engineers and tech professionals? Is there any secret recipe to stand out? Spoiler alert: there is none, BUT here are a few tips that can help guide you through the application process. 

What does “Stand out in an Interview” mean?

Standing out in an interview means distinguishing yourself from other applicants by leaving a lasting and positive impression on your interviewer(s). It involves establishing yourself as a unique, competent, and motivated applicant who would be a good fit for the position and the culture of the company. A job interview, whether held online or in person, is a vital part of the job application process. You may only get one shot at an interview, which is why you better make it worthwhile. Seeing how competitive it is in both the engineering and tech industries, you have to be able to stand out and differentiate yourself from all the other applicants. 

Here are some tips on how you can stand out and help you land your ideal engineering and tech job:

1. 1. Build a strong personal brand – Your personal brand is how you present yourself to the world, both online and offline. This consists of your social media presence (yes, some employers check your accounts) and your CV and resume. Make sure that your personal brand is consistent and professional across all platforms. Check out this Kalibrr article on how your resume can stand out this 2023.
   2. Highlight relevant experiences – When you want to apply for technical roles, demonstrating your relevant experience and expertise is essential. Highlighting accomplishments or specific projects that show your technical skills will be a big help for employers to see your capabilities. 
   3. Create a portfolio of all your work – Having a work portfolio can be a relevant tool that will help demonstrate your experiences and skills. You can include samples of technical projects, case studies, and other work that will help showcase your abilities.
   4. Research about the company – Before going into that interview, you should first do research on the company you are applying to. Knowing background information on their business and expertise can help you answer questions about the company and what you can offer them.
   5. Demonstrate your problem-solving skills – Technical roles often require individuals who have great problem-solving skills. If it ever comes up in the interview, being able to highlight your experience in identifying and solving complex problems and being able to provide concrete examples of how you were able to apply it in the past. 
   6. Be sure to communicate effectively – Strong communication skills are important in all jobs, but in technical roles such as engineers and tech professions, you definitely would have to collaborate with others and communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Make sure that even during the interview, you will be able to clearly and concisely express your ideas, whether in writing or verbally.
   7. Show willingness to grow and learn – Technology is constantly evolving and employers would want to hire individuals who are committed to learning and are seeking professional development. Being able to highlight any relevant courses, certifications, or training programs you have participated in and completed will give you an edge. Demonstrating that you are willing to learn new technologies and skills can show your employers that you are passionate about being part of these fields. 
   8. Network and build relationships – Building relationships with professionals in your field can be essential when it comes to job searching. Attending conferences, career fairs, and networking with future acquaintances and employers can help you build connections and stay up-to-date with industry trends. 

An additional tip is to of course start the job search by looking for companies to apply for. A great way to know more about companies hiring are through job hiring platforms like Kalibrr! Companies such as WESTCO Electrical and Equipment Corporation and Advanced World Systems Inc. are hiring competitive and driven job seekers to join their companies! 

WESTCO Electrical and Equipment Corporation is a company that provides professional electrical and engineering services, equipment and consultancy. The company is a solutions provider for power system reliability that aims to give effective energy cost management for industries and their consumers. 

Advanced World Systems Inc. (AWS) is an offshore research and development arm that was a joint venture between IBM Japan and Toshiba TEC. Their teams of engineers provide software development solutions and services. They are technical experts and are bi-lingual (English and Japanese). 

Just remember that standing out as a job candidate in engineering and technology isn’t because of just one factor. By highlighting your relevant experiences, building your own personal brand, researching the company, and demonstrating your problem-solving skills, you can help set yourself apart. Increase your chances of landing your ideal job with these tips to help kickstart your career in your dream field.

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Kalibrr is a recruitment technology company that aims to transform how candidates find jobs and how companies hire talent. Placing the candidate experience at the center of everything it does, we continue to attract the best talent from all over, with more than 6 million professionals and counting. Kalibrr ultimately connects these talents to companies in search of their next generation of leaders.

The only end-to-end recruitment solutions provider in Southeast Asia, Kalibrr is headquartered in Makati, Philippines, with offices in San Francisco, California, and Jakarta, Indonesia. Established in 2012, it has served over 18,000 clients and is backed by some of the world’s most powerful start-up incubators and venture capitalists. These include Y Combinator, Omidyar Network, Patamar Capital, Wavemaker Partners, and Kickstart Ventures. 

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