Manufacturing Job Search Sources 1

Technical Recruitment Agencies, Online Sources, Engineering Publications and Newspapers

Manufacturing Job Search Sources: Intro

Right, so you now have a clearer idea of the type of job you are after. At the same time it’s important to stay reasonably open minded as to what is out there. The good news is there are a range of sources of finding technical jobs. In order to maximise the chances of unearthing the position most suited to you, try searching in a number of different places. Good sources are listed and explained below. Try a combination of the following:

Manufacturing Job Search Sources: Online...

Technical Recruitment Agencies

These are a great way to find the job that’s right for you. Most are online and list numerous technical jobs. You can search for positions using a range and combination of criteria. You can narrow and refine your search by looking for different types of engineering job, specific geographical location, by salary bracket range, or whether you want a contract, permanent or temporary position. Alternatively search for key words within job titles or descriptions. Use some of your answers from the ‘search for the right job for you’ section for key words targeted at your ideal position.

Additionally, you can upload your CV and wait to be contacted for suitable positions in the future. Agencies will alert you to matching roles by email, text, phone call or letter. If you are a contractor or have considered contract working (and are not set up as a registered company), recruitment agencies are invaluable for organising your tax and National Insurance arrangements, as well as helping arrange your next contract position, once your current one nears completion. In addition, because of the breath of their client base, agencies can also supply you with more lucrative and interesting employment options.

Online technical recruitment agencies are perhaps the most convenient way of job hunting. You can upload your CV and search on as many of them as you like. Moreover, most good ones will offer you additional help with your CV, as well as suggesting tips on interview skills and career management. Agencies range from those with national reach, to regional and smaller local ones. The larger general recruitment agencies will have engineering and technical-specific job sections. Alternatively, others are more specialised and geared specifically towards technical job searches.

Online recruitment agencies are useful for comparing typical salaries for the same type of job, which should help you in your interview negotiations. Likewise by looking at a range of similar jobs, you can assess what skills and experiences employees are typically looking for.  Once armed with this information, it makes sense to gear your CV, covering letter and interview preparations accordingly.

Finally if you are a small manufacturer aiming to plug a skills gap by recruiting an engineer, you can upload the job specification to a recruitment agency. In response they will attempt to match the CVs on their books to your position and send you a selection of appropriate applicants. Or they will advertise your position on their website for job seekers to apply for.

Manufacturing Job Search Sources: Industry Magazines and E-zines...

Engineering Publications and Technical Journals

The jobs section is traditionally located at the back of most printed engineering publications. Here you’ll find numerous technical job descriptions. Adverts are listed by recruitment agency as well as being placed directly by companies. Some organisations will advertise a range of vacant positions.

Apply using the contact details provided. Typically this is by email or via the company website. Applications may involve online application forms or uploading your CV. Traditional paper applications, letters and CV are still requested by some companies.

Like online recruitment agencies, engineering publications are a useful way of comparing and assessing typical skills, required experience and salaries. Not all companies tend to state upfront how much you can expect to earn. Instead many prefer to use phrases such as ‘competitive salary’. Don’t let this put you off; instead use it to your advantage as it opens the door to negotiation. By researching the market value for a typical role – perhaps with online agencies - you can have a pay range in your mind when negotiating.

Engineering publications and technical journals exist for many sectors and niches of industry. Many are free to subscribe to and will send you copies at no cost. Frequency varies, but fortnightly or monthly is typical. There will probably be other employees where you work who receive publications. Ask around for relevant titles. You can then request they send additional copies to you. Apart from engineering jobs, they provide a great way to stay up to date with technology developments and industry trends.

A sizeable number of engineering publications are also available online. Job searching here is very much like for online recruitment agencies. Professional engineering institutions all have their own publications which also include job sections, typically at the back. These journals often also have online equivalents with searchable job listings.

Manufacturing Job Search Sources: A traditional, but still relevant source...

Newspapers

See local, regional and even national newspapers for their job sections. This traditional method is still valid and effective. Local manufacturing and engineering companies may well use the local press, particularly if there is a cluster of local industrial businesses with corresponding skills in the area. Remember, this also includes online versions of newspapers.

Companies looking to recruit will often advertise in a range of ways – newspapers are often in the mix. Contact details are provided at the end of the advert. Send your CV and covering letter in by email or letter. Use the internet to check out the organisation if they are named, although recruitment agencies probably won’t reveal their client companies.

Is the business to your liking? How well do they match the ‘right job for you’ criteria described at the start of this section? Be sure to take notice of the cut-off date and get your reply in on time, making an allowance for the mail if you reply by letter. In fact it’s best to quickly glance through papers when they come out and get your replies in early. If job hunting, get into a routine and be methodical about this. In a similar way to technical recruitment agencies, online versions of newspapers also have searchable job sections. Investigate these in the same way.

Manufacturing Job Search Sources

Next...   Job Search Sources 2: Networking, Social Networking, Local Employers, How to Stay Positive, Getting into a Routine, Overqualified?

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