Job searching techniques

There are many resources available to help you actively search for the job you want. These include:

• Job fairs and recruitment exhibitions;
• Recruitment agencies;
• Websites such as Engineering & Technology Jobs;
• Newspapers and trade publications;
• Job centres;
• Networking;
• Direct approach to companies.

Job fairs and recruitment exhibitions

Job fairs and recruitment exhibitions offer opportunities to meet a variety of employers face-to-face and learn more about them. Job fairs also offer opportunities to make contacts, gain interview experience and advice on your CV.

Recruitment agencies

Recruitment agencies are independent companies that specialise in matching the right candidate to the right job. The main categories of agencies are:

• High street recruitment agencies - these may be local or national organisations and can be found on most high streets;
• Specialist recruitment agencies - these tend to focus on particular market sectors or salary bandings;
• Executive search recruitment - these normally operate at the top end of the market and many of them in specialised areas.

An effective way to find an agency is to look in newspapers and trade publications to see which roles they are advertising.

Job websites

There are two types of job website: recruitment sites allow you to apply directly to the company and online recruitment agencies allow you to register your CV and talk about the type of work you are looking for, so they can help you find a suitable job.

Recruitment websites are usually free to use and you can browse vacancies by sector, location and salary banding etc. You can sign up to receive alerts that will inform you of current job vacancies specific to your requirements. However, if you use job websites, you should remember that you may potentially have no control over who has access to your CV.

The IET offers a specialist job board entitled Engineering & Technology Jobs, where leading engineering and technology employers post available positions.

Newspapers and trade publications

Job sections in newspapers and trade publications are a great source of information. They can give you a strong feel for what the market is like and offer the chance to compare what different companies have to offer. Newspapers also provide good research material to get up-to-date with what is happening in the economy or industry sector you are interested in.

Job centres

Many companies use job centres as their first port of call before going to agencies or advertising. In addition to advertising jobs, centres also provide a lot of useful information to those who are currently unemployed.

Networking

More jobs are filled through networking than any other route. Tell everyone you know that you are on the job market, forward them a copy of your CV and ask them to distribute it if an opportunity arises. If you let them have an electronic copy, this is often easier to do. Ask them to let you know if they hear of anything or pass your details on to someone who might.

Also make the most of social media such as Twitter, LinkedIn or the IET's Engineering Communities to promote yourself and also meet fellow local engineers and network in person through IET Local Networks.

Direct approach to companies

If you want to apply direct to a company, try the business section in your local library or simply check online. You can often get the names and addresses of companies in the areas that interest you.