If you’re a recent Chemical Engineering grad who hasn’t landed an internship or job offer, you’re definitely giving serious thought to your professional future. It’s never too early for graduates or seniors to start thinking about potential careers.
Listed below are the most important pieces of advice we can give you while you search for employment.
1. Be clear about the type of placement you want
There is a vast array of chemical engineering jobs available, but it may not always be easy to discern where you would best fit in this landscape.
Assessing the industries, sectors, and job roles that appeal to you the most, as well as making an initial evaluation of the positions that are currently open, is a good way to get started in the job search process.
A chemical engineering job can be applied to a wide variety of fields, including but not limited to the following: the production of food and beverages, the water industry, the pharmaceutical business, the processing of oil and gas, consumer items, and power generation.
2. Research the companies at which you apply
After you have found an appealing chemical engineering job opening, you will need to do additional research on the company. It is in your best advantage to learn as much as you can about the firm that you are considering working for.
If you have access to information such as this, the potential work opportunity may seem more appealing to you. You could come to the conclusion that it’s not really for you, which would allow you to save some of your valuable time.
Make sure to stress your familiarity with the organization in the cover letter that you send with your application; if you receive an interview, you will have the opportunity to expand on this.
3. Ensure that your CV matches the placement
When it comes to filling out applications for jobs, there is no standard format that works for everyone. Always make sure that your curriculum vitae and cover letter are tailored specifically to the position that you are looking for.
To address the requirements for the specific work, use a format that is uncomplicated and consistent and provide explanations that are both clear and brief. You should make it a goal to provide instances of your accomplishments that are relevant.
4. Own your strengths and weaknesses
Do not give potential employers the answer you think they want to hear. Find compelling examples that illustrate your skill strengths – just a handful of each will do – to include in your application and to bring up in conversation during the interviews you’ll be attending.
You will be expected to demonstrate the influence you’ve had in specific situations, as well as how you leveraged your talents and experience to create successful outcomes. This will be a requirement for you to move on in the application process.
Avoid adding details that aren’t there or making things up completely. There is a good chance that you will be exposed through the use of an inquisitive follow-up question.
5. Give employers a clear idea of who you are
Try to paint a complete picture of who you are. Discuss the things that interest you outside of work, such as your hobbies and other activities.
You will need to demonstrate to a potential employer that you are not just skilled in the necessary areas for the position, but that you are also pleasant, approachable, adaptable, and prepared to work hard, both on your own and in collaboration with others.
Make use of instances to illustrate who you really are. Again, you shouldn’t put on an act just because you believe that’s what the interviewer wants to hear from you. Instead, be honest and open about who you are.