on Career Survival - IEEE-USA

What are Engineering Employers Looking for?
By Elizabeth Lions
Ever wonder why you didn’t land a job, even though you possessed all of the required technical skills?
Unfortunately, even the best engineers experience rejection. Remember: companies need your talent
to create and build their products. Without your brainpower, companies wouldn’t exist. So, how do you
convey that to the hiring manager during the interview?
In today’s job market, employers want engineers with the right skills set, who can communicate
effectively, and who possess good interpersonal skills. Most company cultures demand that engineers
display these traits, and will pick the top candidates who display good social skills during the job
interview. Engineering is no longer seen as a solo career, but instead one built upon teamwork and
ingenuity.
During a job interview, the employer is thinking:
• Is this candidate technically competent?
• Is this candidate trainable?
• Will this candidate fit into the current engineering team and not be destructive?
• Will they share their ideas and help other team mates, if necessary?
• Do they value our company and the purpose of the job?
• Can I trust them with my product? Do they show integrity and credibility?
• Do they have a “get it done” attitude?
• Do they have enthusiasm and energy?
• Will they solve my problem?
• Are they affordable?
Generally, most people will only buy something if it will solve their problem, or if it makes them feel
good. Employers consider your salary an investment into the company. As crass as it sounds, your
talent is purchased. To land the job interview, you should be both technically competent and likeable.
This small shift will make the difference between being the top candidate and getting the job.
Follow these simple suggestions during the hiring process to stand out from other candidates:
Do your homework. What does the company do? Who are its competitors? What market is it trying
to reach? Search the company’s Web site and ask a few related questions during the interview. Don’t
barrage the interviewer, but make sure your questions are answered so that you understand the task
at hand. Try to get a sense of the company culture and whether it is a good fit for you.
Are you the right engineer for the job? Often in a meeting, I will ask a senior-level manager, “What
keeps you up at night?” That one, simple question can elicit many different responses — and often
provides insight into what an employer really needs to hire you. Asking provocative questions engages
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