Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
(OP)
I am truly frustrated with my job hunt. I have both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Materials Engineering and have been laid off since February. I only have about 3 years experience but I never imagined I would still be unemployed for so long. I thought 2 months max and I would find a job in my field but still nothing. I have done networking, getting my resumes proof read,applying to jobs all over the country (I'm in Canada) and even jobs in the US but can't seem to get anyone to hire me.
I am now starting to look at jobs way below me and remove my Master's from my resume but even by doing so, I'm still considered overqualified and so landing a "simple" job is a challenge in itself. I am on Unemployment and even have some savings, and so the financial aspect isn't too bad. I just want to put my skills to use and feel that I'm contributing to society.
I feel useless at times and feel that people who aren't in my shoes and can't see the effort that I'm putting in my job hunt just can't understand my situation and think I'm nopt trying enough. I don't exactly need to go back to school because I already have a Master's as well. Any advice?
I am now starting to look at jobs way below me and remove my Master's from my resume but even by doing so, I'm still considered overqualified and so landing a "simple" job is a challenge in itself. I am on Unemployment and even have some savings, and so the financial aspect isn't too bad. I just want to put my skills to use and feel that I'm contributing to society.
I feel useless at times and feel that people who aren't in my shoes and can't see the effort that I'm putting in my job hunt just can't understand my situation and think I'm nopt trying enough. I don't exactly need to go back to school because I already have a Master's as well. Any advice?





RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Good Luck
David
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
I think back in the UK materials would normally have been a specialization of mechanical or aerospace so you'd arguable have still been qualified for those jobs to some extent. Though that said the only dedicated materials guy I ever worked with was actually a geologist with a masters in materials, so maybe I'm full of it.
While not something I'd normally recomend/stress if you do have basic qualifcations to be mechanical eng are there any steps you could take to make your self more attractive in that field? Maybe some drafting or GD&T classes at a local school? Learning anyone software system (be it CAD, FEA etc.) doesn't necessarily help that much as there are several to choose from but if you're desparate you could consider it.
My dad was out several years in the early 90's recession, so I can sympathize to some extent with your plight.
Good luck.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Teaching classes at the local community college.
Worked a few short term contract jobs.
Started a company and freelanced, a lot. Even in a deep recession, there is always a need for problem solvers. I got creative about how to apply my problem solving skills to companies' needs.
Doing a lot of volunteer work and expanding my network to non-engineering areas. I took a hint from my buddy's experience. A smart EE with lots of computer skills, he volunteered for United Way doing computer work. He met lots of those agressive ladder-climbing hotshot corporate types that were "doing their stint" and the connections served him well.
Worked in my garden, and took care of my family.
Taking charity from my church when they offered, even though I didn't need it.
Cutting expenses to the bone...and deeper, and ruthlessly (I live very frugally now, and am much happier).
Studying, learning new things, expanding my outlook.
Staying involved with local engineer societies, friends, etc, to pick up the occasional lead. Not as useful as one may think.
Constantly, constantly looking for a job or some way to turn my skills into money.
Some tips:
Headhunters are useless.
Online job marts are almost as useless, except to discern who may be hiring. Those jobs that are posted have lots of hidden truths behind them, proceed with caution.
Inviting someone out to lunch was usually the best $7 investment I've ever made.
Apply directly to companies, and don't quit until you know it's dead. I applied online once, and never heard back. It turned out the online web form scrambled my resume and they couldn't find out how to get in touch with me.
Sincerely demonstrating that you are trying pays great dividends: people generally want to see other people suceed.
With this economy you may not be able to find a salaried position, but you might find a few 30- or 90-day hourly positions somewhere.
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Also, I may not be a materials engineer, but I work in the semiconductor sector and see a lot of materials PhD's. In this particular industry, they seem to value a PhD a lot more than a bachelor's sometimes even a masters. And with PV's becoming more popular, I see even more potential for a materials PhD.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
I have considered the going back to school thing but if I do, I'd rather pursue an entire different career all together, one that would be recession proof.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
A lof of the so called "recession proof" careers aren't any more. Teachers, Social workers, public safety folks other govt workers etc. are facing cutbacks at least in some states.
Even medicine appears to have been impacted a bit, with people losing insurance or wanting to hold onto their savings etc. people are putting off treatment and the like. While I'm not sure it's linked to the recession some of our local facilities have shut recently.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
I am a P.Eng with 20 years experience. During the last years I would get jobs in a week, with 10% jumps in salary (I am in Calgary), in December my project came to a screeching halt and then - just nothing. In the end I switched back from design to field work and now I am quite happy with my position.
About the time I got the job I was looking for temp work at Costco and prepared to change careers (to driving instructor).
Keep looking, taylor your resume to match the job description and hope for the best!
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Not one interview with any resumes I sent out.
The job that I finally landed (contract) was from my current boss asking a local VAR for someone that knew SolidWorks.
Talk to people and get the word out to friends and family. Eventually someone will call you.
Good luck to you MaterialsDude.
Chris
SolidWorks 09, CATIA V5
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
1. There is no job security for any field. I certainly believe this now.
2. My Mom was "Depression Era" and she taught me a lesson: always have an in-demand marketable skill (or two, or three) that you can use to put food on the table. For her, it was "typing" during the depression & WWII. For me, it is PLC programming and mechanical CAD design. I have always been able to find a $30/hr job when I needed one doing PLC or CAD work.
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Thanks,
Scott
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
In terms of the number of resumes I sent out, I've sent out like 330 resumes, but that also includes some non enginering jobs as I've lately been applying to anyting. I'd say maybr 285 engineering resumes were sent out.
Thanks for the advice and replies folks and keep them coming!
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
I had about 4 interviews while laid off. One rather early in the process. I was over qualified and would have been underpaid so I declined the second interview. I wouldn't let that happen again. By the time I got my job back I was about to have to move in with my family. Field work in your profession is valuable experience. If you can find some try it out.
Two other interviews for different positions went well but I think I intimidated my interviewers. I'm not going to act dumb but maybe you have to reassure your bosses ego/job security.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Out of curiousity, what part of Canada are you in? What did you specialize in?
I too am a materials engineer, although with the work I've done, I now consider myself to be mechanical eng. I've done very little materials work.
I've been looking for work for over a year now (so I can leave my current one) and I'd guess that I've applied to over 500 jobs. It sure is frustrating. I can definitely relate to your situation.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
An option while you're looking for a job is to advertise yourself as a freelance expert or do volunteer work. Try to make a self assesment of your skills and figure out what kind of services you can offer to the public based off your skill sets. It doesn't need to be a paid gig so as not to jeopardize your unemployment benefits. You'll meet new people that might result in leads towards the job your searching. And it beats having to show on your resume that you've been unemployed for X months or so.
It is really tough right now but it's not hopeless. Don't get discourage and hang in there. Good luck!
http://www.dfoxonline.com
.....executing your vision.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
To the other people, I am appreciative and comforted by your words of encouragement and your advice. I have thought a lot about some of the recommendations on here but for some reason can't get away from constantly looking for work. It's driving me nuts and will probably effect my health eventhough I'm fit and hit the gym everyday (it does help with the stress). I also am heading to Vegas for a couple of days this coming week because I need a vacation from all this stress and its the cheapest vacation I can afford right now. Mind you I won't get unemployment for those days but its worth it right now because I'm saving my sanity and probably my health in the long run.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
However, you might possibly find another discipline that doesn't experience recessions at the same severity as your first discipline.
Also, you might consider that while you are unemployed, along with 10% of the US work force, the other 90% are employed, and possibly some of the 90% are in the same discipline. What things could you do to make yourself more valuable within the discipline that you chose? I can tell you that in my department, the ones that were let go were considered to be the least versatile.
TTFN
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RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
www.infotechpr.net
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Anyways I don't gamble and so I won't waste any of my money and will stretch each dollar by going to cheaper shows, restaurants etc.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Moral of my story, network, network, network! Sending in a resume blind does not do much good and only limits your chances of telling your story. Before sending out any resumes, call companies and ask for an informational interview. This is not to ask for a job, but to talk with them about the industry, their company, etc. You need to do research for your job search and this is the best way to do it. Ask them if they know of anyone else you can contact and do the same thing. When a position opens up, they will most likely remember you if they like you, and might make you an offer without advertising the position. It is estimated that about 80% of all positions are not advertised, they are filled by networking.
I would also avoid any recruiter that was not specifically retained by the company to fill a particular position. Ask this before sending in your resume to them. If a recruiter sends in your resume to a company before you do, the company is obligated to pay the recruiter their fee if they hire you for anything for up to a year in some cases. This means you will not be considered by that company unless they cannot find a suitable candidate. Companies want to save money and the easiest way to do that in this market is to avoid recruiters.
Finding the right job is hard work, it will not fall in your lap. You need to actively market yourself to may you stand out from the crowd. A good resume is not enough any longer. You should also sign up for Linkedin if you haven't already. I've been hearing more and more stories of people getting contacted for jobs through there based on their profile.
Keep a positive attitude and take time to enjoy the time off as well, it will help a lot when you do get the interivew.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
I network there pretty heavily, and while I am not "technically" in the job market at this time I have been getting some responses to inquiries I place about job postings. The nice thing about LI is that, as ishgl99 points out, you can talk up recruiters and hiring managers before submitting to the advertised position. This way you aren't blanket mailing your resume to a bunch of data mining softwares or ignorant recruiters. You will find that a lot of the times what a person is really looking for isn't exactly what they are advertising for. Maybe they just don't know what they want, or they aren't able to write a good job description, who knows.
Point is, networking is something that should always be done, employed or not. LI is a great place to network, get seen, and learn about other industries, jobs, and companies.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
This way you are totally up front and honest with them. You went down for a break, and most of the trip was a break. But, you saw an opportunity while there, and took it. The worst that could happen is they say that is nice, and don't give you anything (which is what you are getting now).
Now, if what you really need is a complete and total break from the job hunt, then by all means. It would just be a shame to pass up on a potential opportunity just because you are on vacation.
Anyway, good luck with the job search, and have fun in Vegas.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Yagonyonok, that's a good idea and I might do it eventhough the purpose of my Vegas trip is to escpae job hunting and thinking about jobs for a few days. But yes it would be nice to be able to get unemployment while I'm gone. Afterall it works out to $80/day that I'm not getting, that I have to factor in as trip costs. I believe Vegas does have quite a few materials engineering positons.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
www.infotechpr.net
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Thanks,
Scott
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
You should be monitoring Roadtechs.com daily.
Indeed.com is another one to monitor.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Go to www.usajobs.gov. Type in "materials engineer" and see what pops up.
The federal government has a great deal of trouble in filling positions due to bureaucratic stuff Congress has insisted on (you all may agree or disagree with these), ie veteran, spouse of a military member, advertising positions within an agency, then if no takers, within a department, then if no takers, within the federal government, etc. They go through several "lists" and waiting periods before they can make a selection. It takes months.
Once in the Federal Government, it is easier to get promoted IF you are willing to move.
By the way, materials engineer did show up,
Good luck!
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Have you tried applying to Bodycote Testing Canada Inc. It's based in Pointe-Claire, Quebec.
ht
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Most jobs are field by reference not by applying for them. They come from personal reference. Hence networking is the key.
If near you find a five star hotel. go there everyday and get to know the barman. Tipping is a good way for him to rememebr who you are. Then ask to be introduced to any executive who happens to be there on business. Get talking, sell yourself.
Go hire In Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith as the star.
Perhaps your future is not in the career path you have chosen. Your personal circumstances may prevent you working overseas but have they really? I have just finished working 2000km from home for 10 months. Achoice I made but yes it did i=mpact on my family and my health. I now have a deep vein thrombosis to deal with.
It is all about choices. Stop whimping around feeling sorry for yourself.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Purdue, right now I'm averaging 5-6 resumes a day. Unfortunetly now my focus is on any job as I have almost given up finding work in my field. I may just do anything I can get and then go back to school next fall and do a pharmacy technician program or something. Today I get a phone call thinking I may have an interview for a good job, only to find that it's for a brand new local grocery shop opening. It pays peanuts, even less than what unemployment pays me, so I will likely turn it down if offered it, or do it for only enough hours without it impacting my unemployment income. So sad that it's coming to me even considering jobs way below me.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
"considering jobs way below me"
Comes across as a bit arrogant. In the current climate maybe it's not below you anymore, at least at present.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
You might want to evaluate whether your lack of success is because the companies aren't hiring, or whether they're just not into you. If the latter, then a revamping may be in order.
TTFN
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RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
www.infotechpr.net
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
"The society that values a bad philosopher above a good plumber is doomed to failure. Neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water."
Since my High School days I have at times had to take a job when I was qualified for a better job that just was not available. I took the job and enjoyed it for what it was. It provided a benefit to society for which I was compensated. It may happen again, but I hope not. Good luck with the job search.
-Kirby
Kirby Wilkerson
Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
I recommend bio-med-eng because it is health oriented and universal. Everybody sooner or later needs health care. DO's frequently speak using engineering terms. This is a higher calling than airplanes and weapons. Many years ago a friend was concerned about going into aero-space/weapons, and I suggested bio-med-eng, and he went to that field and never looked back.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Bottom line is I wish these calls coming in were for for full time engineering positions. The repeat sending of your resume thing sounds like a really good idea. I have done it with some companies but that was earlier on when the economy was a little worse than it is now.
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
I spent almost 7 months on the hunt (I'm sort of Albertan too) and funny enough I ended up with a full time job... in Mexico with a Mexican company. I had to leave family behind and visit them a few days a month only. (Can't say I am all too comfortable designing to the specs I am used to just to have it all scratched because they consider it to be too much money)
My resume is still out there in hopes something comes along in the Great White North. But so far nothing.
So look outside, gas is going to take a while to pick up, from what I hear. Mexico is a freaking oil boom! Albeit cheap engineering is expected.
<<A good friend will bail you out of jail, but a true friend
will be sitting beside you saying " Damn that was fun!" - Unknown>>
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Materials and Process Engineers position in Montreal on new aircraft program- first flight scheduled for 2012/2013. May involve travel to China working with supplier. Perm and contract positions available- interested or know someone?
I don't know this recruiter or his company so I can't vouch for anything about him, the company, or the position; I'm just passing info along in case someone can benefit.
Can anyone tell me: does posting contact info for a recruiter violate the forum policies?
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Kenat, thanks for the direction to the notes below the posting window; I was looking in the forum policies.
I'm still not clear if this would be considered recruiting or helping a fellow engineer so I submitted the question to the forum management asking for clarification. Hopefully they will say this is helping a fellow engineer :)
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
You should seriously consider getting certified with the Canadian Welding Bureau, and become a welding engineer. You have the materials background, and I think this expertise transfers to many manufacturing industries.
You could offer your services to many clients, as a consultant.
tg
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
With that much work on the go there may well be some engineering positions open also.
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
I think, in some respects, being our own boss is worse, since any nasty customers have to be dealt with directly by the boss. As a flunky, you have BD and PM guys to deal with them. You only have to deal with internal stuff, and if you have some luck, you can go years without really having to suck up to anyone.
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Can't find a job-unemployed for over 7 months
Don't pursue a business unless it's something you're passionate about, otherwise you're very likely to fail.