Avoid Sabotaging your Career Advancement

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Avoid Sabotaging Your Career Advancement

 

Career advancement is an on-going goal for most professionals. Unfortunately, some people don’t realize they are making critical mistakes, thereby sabotaging their progress. Understanding these potential slip-ups can help you stay on the fast-track path to career success. Here are a few things to avoid:

 

 Micromanagement Required

Your boss won’t likely promote you if they feel like you have to be micromanaged every step of the way. Take initiative with your projects and don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure the job is done correctly. At the same time, don’t rely on others to tell you how to handle every detail of every project. Be confident in your abilities and strengthen the areas that need attention.

 

Placing your Ego before the Team

Don’t let your ego get in the way of developing stronger work relationships and building an effective team. If you are always stepping on other people’s toes because you want to do it your way, then you could be sabotaging career opportunities. Respect the skills and experience of those around you; create a team dynamic that everyone wants to be part of.

 

Complaining

Don’t be the office whiner; the complainer who brings everyone down. If you need to make a complaint about a workflow, for example, state the issue and then offer a solution for making improvements. Open-ended complaints bring down morale and sabotage your career advancement.

 

Poor Communication Skills

You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to be heard. Articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly. Be confident in the value you bring to the conversation and always listen as much – if not more than, you speak. In doing so, you will be recognized as a confident, respectful team player.

 

Brown-nosing

It’s going to backfire. Trying to impress people too much with flattery often has a negative impact. Be genuine and avoid crossing the line just to get approval from your boss.

 

Be aware of your habits and actions throughout the day, and make sure that you are avoiding behaviors that will sabotage opportunities for career advancement.

Career Success — Staying on the Fast Track

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Career Success - Staying on the Fast Track

 

Now more than ever, employers look beyond a skill set when hiring someone. It only takes a weekend on social media or an insensitive comment to sabotage your own progress. Here are 5 common slip-ups to avoid, so you can stay on the fast-track path to career success.

 

Crossing the line with TMI

One of the most self-sabotaging ways to impact your career success is to offer too much information. This may be a negative remark about yourself or others, in which case shows a lack of emotional intelligence. As a result, it changes the opinion that people have of you, causing your career to suffer.

 

Mismanaging Social Media

Before hiring someone, employers want to get to know who they’re hiring. Social media is a great way to do so, but it might be detrimental to your career success. Even if you already have a job secured, posting pictures from a wild weekend can end up in the wrong hands. Although social media is a great place to share about your life, be mindful of what you post out there. Avoid ranting about your work, or any personal issues that should be kept private.

 

Settling with your skill-set

If you want to ensure career success, it’s important to keep your skills up-to-date. Don’t conform with where you are, and what you’ve achieved. Expanding your education will set you apart from others, and will speak highly of you.

 

Depending on Your Mentor 24/7

Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced, relationship with your mentor or boss is extremely important. Avoid taking it to an extreme, or your career will pay the price. To avoid over-alignment, diversify your workplace relationships and avoid becoming attached at the hip with those who mentor you.

 

Declaring Office War

Office conflict is inevitable. The way you handle it, will either hurt your career or help you grow as a person. Regardless of the situation, try to always take the high-road and treat everyone with respect. People will take notice, and it’ll also help you build strong and valuable relationships with your co-workers.

Take Your Career to the Next Level

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Take Your Career to the Next Level

 

In order for you to take your career to the next level, you have to become a better employee. Follow these suggestions that are sure to get you on the right track:

 

Focus on Specific Tasks

Fill the time you spend at your job with efficient and beneficial tasks for the company. Make a to-do list that will keep you organized, and help you achieve your goals by making measurable progress on your current projects. It’s not about just “being busy” all the time. Instead, think about how you are utilizing your time at the office. Is it truly the most productive? Don’t let your career suffer the consequences.

 

Have a Routine

Start your day off with energy and productivity! Don’t be that person that always walks in late nor the one who is falling asleep at their desks. Get yourself in a routine that works for you, and that’ll help you feel ready to conquer the day. Starting with a reasonable bedtime, give your body enough rest to make waking up a little easier. Create healthy morning habits as well. Focus on activities that will boost you mentally and emotionally, such as exercising and having a good breakfast.

 

Procrastinate Procrastination

Procrastination is so easy to do, especially when it’s a task you’re dreading. However, in order to remain productive and increase your value within your company, you must avoid it at all times. Back to your to-do lists, prioritize and tackle one task after another. If possible, finish the task you are dreading the most, first thing in the morning. Trust me, you will thank yourself for the rest of the day. It’s inevitable that a productive employee will continuously take their career to the next level.

 

Give Yourself a Break

Although your co-workers may be counting your breaks, your boss is surely not. They care that you finish your tasks well, and on-time. Taking more short breaks increases productivity and can help you come back to your desk more focused and refreshed. Take some time to stretch your legs, socialize, get some water, etc. to get your creative juices flowing. Not giving yourself a break may cause you to feel tired, and less motivated throughout the day.

 

Implement these suggestions, and become the best employee you can be. By increasing your productivity in the workplace, you will experience better levels of success in your career. You may potentially get the promotion you’ve been wanting!

Quitting Your Job? 5 Things to Consider

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Quitting Your Job? 5 Things to Consider

 

Quitting your job is a big move that, if done right, may be beneficial to your career. However, make sure it is the right time and for the right reasons. With such a big change, it’s crucial that you are strategic when quitting your job, to position yourself to move forward in your career rather than being stuck in unemployment. Although frustration creeps up in all of us, you don’t want to find yourself in a place where you’re struggling to get your career back on track. Here are five things to consider before quitting your job:

 

1. Check Your Finances

For most, if not all, money is the greatest motivator that will keep you in a job or push you to a new one. Quitting your job may seem impossible if you’re not financially stable. However, this shouldn’t be the reason you stay at a job you hate. Plan ahead with your finances, and save some money to use as a safety net. This will give you the liberty to take some time in finding your perfect job without feeling pressured to go back.

 

2. Start Your Job Search

Sometimes those who are already employed, make the best candidates. Don’t close yourself off to new opportunities. Begin the job application process before quitting your job, to make the transition from one job to another easier, and less stressful.

 

3. Keep It To Yourself

Although it’s okay to talk to other companies while you are employed, keep it to yourself. You certainly do not want this information to reach management, resulting in burnt bridges. When the time comes, be discreet when you quitting your job.

 

4. Stick With Your Main Reason

When you quit, you will need to provide your boss a reason as to why you’re leaving. Remain professional, respectful and don’t hurt your reputation. Your next employer is likely to call for a reference, and you don’t want to leave them with a bad impression.

 

5. Be Your Best Until The End

Once the end is in sight, it is so easy to slack off– Don’t! Stay focused and continue to work hard to accomplish all the tasks needed. This will leave your employers with a great impression, maintaining relationships that may pay off in the future. Make the transition for your coworkers and boss as smooth as possible.

Career Development: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

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Career Development: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

 

While we all want to advance in our careers, don’t sabotage your own progress through these critical mistakes. As an engineer, be sure to expand your opportunities by paying attention to your everyday actions. Identify, understand and avoid these slip-ups so that you can stay on the right track to a successful career development. Here are 5 habits to avoid:

 

Asking to be Micromanaged

In the world of engineering, and any other industry for that matter, the person to get promoted is the one who takes initiative. In such a complex industry, it’s important to be sure of yourself to complete a project on your own. While it’s okay and encouraged to ask questions (especially on a first-time basis), don’t rely on others to help you through every detail. Trust me, your boss doesn’t want to have to be looking over your shoulder all-day long, and you don’t either.

 

Me, Myself, and I

For career development, one of the greatest skills necessary is to work well with others. While engineers are known to be independent workers or introverts, don’t let your ego or stubbornness crush you! If you are constantly stepping on other people’s toes or bossing them around, you are sabotaging many career opportunities. Instead, learn how to build a strong team and develop professional relationships that will be beneficial in the future.

 

Being a Complainer

No one wants to hear or even be around a complainer. Be conscious of what you express in front of others because it says a lot about yourself and your work ethic. Be the one that everyone wants to work with, and eager to take on any new project. Not only will this increase your expertise, but this is likely to get you ahead of the game and get you closer to the promotion you want. On the other hand, if you encounter an issue, offer a complaint along with solutions to improve the company. Even if your solution may not be the best, your boss will appreciate that you took the time to think about it, instead of just whining.

 

Poor Communication

Whether you’re talking to customers, co-workers, or employees, communication is key to maintaining good relationships. Positive communication will show that you are confident, comfortable, and a team player. This is sure to leave a good, long-lasting impression, and get you noticed in and outside of the workplace.

 

“Yes-Man” of the office

Truth is: we all love compliments. Offering one too many, though, will make you come off badly in front of your peers. By constantly wanting the boss’ approval or being too clingy, you are giving a bad impression to those around you. Of course, be courteous and do offer compliments when they are genuine from time to time, but no need to over do it.

 

Be aware of your habits and actions, and make sure to avoid those who will negatively impact your career development. In doing so, you are bound to keep your career moving forward with your next pay raise or promotion!

5 Questions to Ask in an Interview

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5 Questions to Ask in an Interview

 

“Do you have any questions for me” has become a staple interview question. This is your opportunity to end the interview with a bang! While it is tempting to say “no” and be done, asking questions shows that you were listening to the interviewer as he or she spoke, and that you are genuinely interested in the company.

 

Here are the top 5 essential questions to ask in an interview:

 

What is the best part about working here?

This question illustrates positive thinking. It shows you are one to boost morale, while enjoying what you do. Further, this question may lead the interviewer to share information about extra perks and deeper insight about their culture.

 

May I meet some of the people I would be working with, or have a short tour?

While this question may catch them off-guard or may feel uncomfortable asking, it signals to the interviewer that you are truly interested in the position and are not wasting time. If they agree, you will have the opportunity to see the office firsthand, and observe what a day at work looks like in the office.

 

I recently read that…

This is the perfect opportunity to ask about current events relevant to the company. Prior to your interview, research the company and ask questions that are not obvious on their site. Dig a little deeper and show off your research skills! Again, this shows the company that you are interested in the company, and that you’ve invested extra time to learn more about them.

 

questions to ask in an interview

How would you define success for the person in this position?
This is a great question to ask in an interview for your own benefit. It will give you a more detailed guide on what the job will entail and overall expectations of the company. Depending on how the interviewer answers, you may gain insight into the daily routine, hours expected to work, and most importantly, how leadership views success.

 

 

Do you see any reason why I might not be a good fit for the job?

This question may be the hardest to ask, but perfect to clarify any misconceptions. Regardless of what answer they give, make sure to elaborate and explain why x reasons will not affect your job performance. It is always about how you say it, rather than what you are saying. So take this opportunity to shine a positive light on all of your skills. Leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you, and with a clear reason as to why you would be a right fit for the job.

 

Extra Tip:

Prepare your list of questions to ask in an interview in advance. Don’t show up empty-handed because not only does it look bad, but you are most likely going to forget some questions. Lastly, remember that less is more. Only pick a handful of questions that you think will be most beneficial depending on the interview and the company.

 

 

Engineering Career Advice from Top Recruiters

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Engineering Career Advice from Top Recruiters

 

Whether you’re ready to take your engineering career to the next level, or you’re thinking about where you want to be in 5 years, you should always be prepared. At Brightwing, we work with dozens of fantastic organizations, and speak to hundreds of engineering professionals every week. We asked our recruiters to give their top engineering career advice – here’s what they had to say.

 

“If you’re looking to advance your engineering career, be prepared! Make sure your resume is up-to-date and proofread, and be ready to answer questions that recruiters may ask you – like ‘What type of job opportunity are you looking for?’ It seems straight-forward, but it could come down to a specific part of a vehicle you want to work on – be specific.”
—Maren Morris

 

“Don’t be afraid to show your passion if it relates to your job, as well as your personal life. There is a lot of people that want to be in the industry, and you will need to stand out.”
—Mike Gourley

 

 

“Let your friends and trusted networks know if you’re looking for a new engineering job. They could come across someone that has potential opportunities. It happens all the time.”
—Julia Powell

 

 

Have a question for one of our recruiters? Looking for for a new engineering job? Contact us any time at [email protected].

Engineering Job Seekers: 3 Quick Ways to Stand Out

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Engineering Job Seekers: 3 Ways to Stand Out

 

For engineers, the challenge isn’t finding job opportunities—it’s being able to differentiate themselves from others with similar skillsets. Now, more than ever, engineers need to go beyond expertise and professional background to secure their ideal job. Here are 3 ways stand out as an engineering job seeker:

 

Speak to your Soft Skills

There are stereotypes out there that label engineers as individuals with no soft skills. In this market – there is an abundance of engineering opportunities, but in order to propel yourself to the next level, it is important to separate yourself from the pack. Employers know you have the right technical skills, but more and more are now looking for the right culture fit – engineers with solid communication skills. If you have soft skills to back up your professional experience, don’t be afraid to put it on your resume!

 

Demonstrate Social Awareness through Social Media

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but engineers who develop their social media presence can quickly differentiate themselves from other candidates. According to CareerBuilder’s 2016 social media recruitment survey, 60 percent of employers revealed they use social networking sites to research job candidates. That being said, showcasing your interests, communication skills, and expertise on social media is one sure way to get noticed. LinkedIn is a must for job seekers looking to advance their careers, but there are other engineering platforms that fly under the radar. Here are seven social media outlets that engineering professionals are utilizing to advance their careers.

 

Talk to Specialist Recruiters

If you’re looking for a good resource to discover career advice or new job opportunities, be sure to reach out to recruiting organizations that specialize in taking your career to the next level. Tell them that you’re interested in an opportunity listed on their job board, or that you’re looking to take the next step in your career. The extra effort of reaching out can go a long way.

 

How Can Brightwing Help?

Brightwing has over 40 years of experience helping engineering professionals advance their careers – We build lasting relationships with a diverse group of companies and leverage our client relationships to connect you to the right engineering opportunity.

Become More Marketable for Any Job

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Become More Marketing for Any Job

 

Managers are often struggling to find the right talent for their companies. In a competitive job market, follow these tips to become a more marketable and sought-after candidate!

 

Bring out your inner Steve Jobs

As an engineer, you should already have a set of advanced technology skills. But what makes you stand out from the rest? The reality, is that the world has gone digital, and strengthening your tech skills will only make you that much more valuable. There are always many courses, tutorials, and training programs available– many of them are free! Trust us, boosting your inner tech savvy, will make you more marketable and desirable to recruiters.

 

Dress for the job you want

It’s all about the way you present yourself. Whether it’s at a job interview, casual networking event, or simply a regular day at work, make sure you’re always putting your best foot forward. Make sure you’re clean, well-groomed and well-dressed at any occasion. Not only does it show respect to the company and the people around you, but it shows that you’re serious about your job.

 

Try to avoid gaps

Especially when it comes to engineers, the best candidates are usually the ones that are currently employed. This shows that you’re already marketable! Yet, if for some reason you are unemployed, don’t worry! Take it upon yourself to get involved in organizations related to your field and become an active job-seeker.

 

Passive is good

Although you may be content with your current position, companies are willing to invest a lot of time and money to make you a better offer. With such a valuable and unique skill set, keep an open mind to the many other opportunities around you.

 

Are you in the right location?

In general, employers prefer local candidates. It takes a lot from a company to orchestrate in-person interviews when you live far away. For example, if you’re interested in working for the automotive industry, living in the Detroit area may grant you more offers than any other state. If you want to become more marketable for a specific company, try moving to their location for a couple of weeks. Line up interviews during that time, and make the best of the time you have there.

 

Loyalty

Whether you’ve been with one company for 5 years, or 5 companies in 5 years, find a way to present your loyalty. Some companies might find you more marketable if they see you’ve been loyal to your past companies. Others, may prefer a go-getter who has achieved their goals hopping from one position to another. As always, it’s not about what you say, but how you say it.

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Career Advice: Stay Organized at Work!

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Career Advice--Stay Organized at Work

 

Staying organized is essential to survive in the workplace. Not only does it reduce stress, but it helps you be more efficient– It’s a win, win! Try out these 4 easy tips for staying organized at work.

 

1. Prioritize

Get rid of the clutter and focus on what’s important! Whatever it is you wish to accomplish in a day, week, or month, you need to make these goals a priority or they’ll be left behind. By doing so, you will see progress and you’ll be able to tackle each goal more efficiently – with greater success!

 

2. Clean Your Desk

Tired of wasting time looking for stuff? You’d be surprised what a clean desk can do for your productivity! After all, staying organized at work can help increase your professional image — a messy desk could prevent you from landing a managerial position! Start by dedicating 30 minutes a week to throwing out unnecessary papers and organizing documents. Find a system that works for you and stick with it. In time, you’ll have a stronger sense of control over your work space and tasks.

 

3. Don’t Forget about Your Digital Work Space

Depending on your industry, most of your work and materials may be digital, not physical. So even if your work area is super neat, you may still have a lot of organizing to do with your virtual desktop. Think back to the last time a manager requested a document from you, and you scrambled to find it on your computer desktop or shared drive. Chances are, poor folder organization was the time-sucking culprit. Get a handle on the issue once and for all by carving out some time (perhaps a Friday afternoon) to reorganize and rename folders, and delete or archive any inactive documents – just make sure to communicate your process to anyone who may be impacted to mitigate confusion.

 

4. Make Time For Your Calendar

Organize your calendar! One way to keep your work life organized is by thoughtfully scheduling your tasks each day and week. Be mindful of your energy and creative levels: if you’re someone who is sharp and alert in the morning, plan your toughest tasks in the AM. Think about the natural rhythm of work in your department: if Wednesdays are always crazy, schedule a buffer to help you handle the pandemonium (e.g. a 30 minute block of time in the AM and PM). And always have a list of back-up tasks (in order of priority) on the off-chance that the day is quieter than expected. At all costs, avoid multi-tasking like the plague. Focusing on one task at a time will help you get things done faster, will increase your sense of accomplishment, and will demonstrate to others that you indeed have the laser-like focus and determination that are so characteristic of successful people.

Career Fair Preparation and Tips

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Career Fair Preparation and Tips

 

As the school year begins, career fair season is upon us. Regardless of what academic year you’re in, the first and most important tip is to take advantage of these fairs. In today’s market, employers are eager to find their next candidates and attending a career fair is a great way to get your foot in the door. Follow these guidelines to prepare and get the most out of any career fair you attend to this year!

 

 

Career Fair Preparation

Do your homework- Before attending a career fair, look through the list of companies in attendance and highlight those that you’re interested in the most. Be sure to do some background research on these companies to prepare relevant questions ahead of time. Do NOT ask questions that could easily be answered with a quick google search. The great thing about career fairs, is that you get to have a one-on-one conversation with that company, so make the best out of it!

 

Update your resume– Always, always, always have an updated resume ready. If possible, have others review it and make necessary changes as well. Print enough copies to give to your list of employers and a couple of extras just in case.

 

Elevator Pitch– Although a career fair is more conversational, be sure to know what key points you’d like to talk about. Have a strong introduction and share what skills or expertise makes you different.

 

LinkedIn- If all goes well, an employer may be interested to know a little bit more about you. In this case, they’re likely to look you up on LinkedIn or other social media for that matter. Make sure your profile is updated with the most relevant information similar to your resume.

 

Dress well– If you don’t already have a professional wardrobe, it’s time to go shopping. Although first impressions aren’t everything, they are very powerful and it’s important for you to show the best version of yourself.

 

 

Career Fair Tips

Arrive early- It shows that you are serious and professional– simple as that! Not to mention you’ll get to skip the long lines on the most popular employers.

 

Be open minded- While it’s recommended that you plan ahead to what companies you’re interested in, this is also a perfect time to get to know other companies too. Be flexible and willing to talk to anyone!

 

Listen/Take notes- Although it’s tempting to tell them everything about yourself and why they should hire you, listening is sometimes the best thing to do. You’ll gain much more valuable information, and it’ll surely set you apart from others. Also, don’t be afraid to take notes as they speak. It shows you’re interested in what they have to say, and it’ll help you remember any important details after the career fair.

 

Be concise and clear- Again, sometimes less is more. According to what company it is, build on skills that are relevant to them. Quality is much better than quantity and they’re likely to remember more of your conversation.

 

Be courteous- Simple morals go a long way! Show respect not only to employers but everyone around you.

 

Be confident-Even if you’re nervous, act confident and enthusiastic. Shake off any bad conversation, and remain positive.

 

Keep in touch– One of the most important aspects of attending a career fair, is following up. Ask for their business cards or a way of contact to keep the conversation going. After the career fair, take some time to submit your resume on their websites, send out thank you emails, or follow them on social media. The key to having a successful career fair, is to stay in touch.

 

3 Ways to Make Your Job as an Engineer Indispensable

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3 Ways to Make Your Job as an Engineer Indispensable

 

To get to the top, you can’t fake it. Here’s how to take your job as an engineer to a fulfilling career:

Engineers are among the most valued professionals in the world today, but what does it take to become an indispensable engineer? What does it take to get to the top of your field? EngineerJobs.com’s Monthly Magazine of the same namesake covers 3 main ways to be irreplaceable in the article, Becoming the Indispensable Engineer by JF Stackhouse. Stackhouse suggests that, “Being the heart of your team – the truly indispensable engineer is an ongoing commitment to professional development, integrity, and excellence.”

 

1. Don’t let grass grow under your feet

You may have a great education and technical experience, but if you aren’t continually looking to further your education you will always be behind. Steve Nimmons, a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and Certified European Engineer comments, “Continuing professional education should be a vocation, not a mere obligation. Ensure you keep your knowledge of relevant legislation, standards and best practices up to date.”

So often the very technically minded engineer has trouble discussing their work with others in the company, or even customers.  Continual improvement in your technical skills is important, but don’t overlook the vital business knowledge and communication skills that can set you apart.  Nimmons continues to comment about the most successful engineers, “Invest time in understanding the commercials of any project including the business case, budgets and commercial imperatives or pressures.”

 

2. Desire to do your best work, always

The best engineers complete every single project with passion, precision AND….here’s the curveball, flexibility. Sure, you may be among the most sought after professionals today, but if you lack the integrity and drive to continually perfect your skills and grow as a professional, you will fall flat. “Your professionalism and impeccable values should be uncompromising… Coupled with deep domain and technical skills, you will be equipped for the role of ‘trusted adviser,” said Gina Smith, President and CEO of Systems Engineering Global.

On top of uncompromising values and professionalism, flexibility is incredibly important to job success as an engineer. Outside factors are fluid and ever changing, so you should react accordingly.

 

3. Don’t take yourself so seriously

Not necessarily exclusive to engineering jobs, is the act of making yourself “important” out of fear. A tactic that some use to seemingly protect themselves from losing their job is to integrate and specialize their position so much that if they were gone for one day, the whole system would fall apart. While this can seem like a great way to save your engineering career, it has the potential to set you up for failure.

The largest flaw with this thinking is that there are plenty of resources on demand that can further the education of any skill set, and as Sid Savara, technical manager for financial systems at the University of Hawaii, puts it, “Any competent engineer has resources where they can self-teach and catch up. The person who ‘hoarded’ the knowledge is no longer the only person able to learn it.”

 

Smith comments that the harmful traits that she has seen engineers take on are:

  • Refusal to discuss the details of their work
  • Hoarding documents and company resources
  • Not documenting changes or development
  • Constant self-aggrandizement

 

Playing games to make yourself important can actually end up killing your engineering career. Focusing on continuing education, considering the end user and an unwavering drive to do the best that you can, will really make your engineering job, a great engineering career.

Texas Is the Place to Be for IT Professionals

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Texas is the Place to Be for IT Professionals

 

As technology grows, IT professionals are in high-demand all around the globe. However, various companies have taken a special interest in Texas. After all, a growing state is perfect for a growing industry. According to Forbes, Austin, TX holds the “strongest expansion in tech sector employment of any of the nation’s 52 largest metropolitan areas” (Kotkin). Best part? Not only are various opportunities arising, but these opportunities come with bigger paychecks.

 

TechRepublic, a site which educates and empowers IT professionals to grow in the business, presents an interesting report “What cities are most profitable for these common tech jobs?” highlighting various positions where IT professionals get the most value. While Silicon Valley is known for being home to the largest technology companies, employees may not be better off there. In fact, more than half of these positions ranked number one in Austin, Texas. These include:

 

  • Software Architect
  • Database Administrator
  • Devops Engineer
  • Data Scientists
  • Java Developer
  • Front End Developer
  • Mobile Developer
  • Web Developer

 

Various companies are making the big move to Texas, and the growth is expected to continue. As the next tech hub, IT professionals in the area are in great position to grow within the industry. Check out some of Brightwing’s open IT positions located throughout Texas.

How to Negotiate a Job Offer

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How to Negotiate a Job Offer

 

Negotiating a job offer begins the moment you start your job search. The key is to be prepared by researching similar positions in the industry. Doing your homework will help you make smarter, more reasonable decisions and establish a negotiation strategy. The most important factor in negotiating a job offer is confidence – confidence in your skills, talents, experience, and education. The way you hold yourself and present your capabilities will help convince the hiring manager that you will be a valuable asset to the organization. Learn the dos and don’ts on how to successfully negotiate a job offer with these three articles:

 

How to Negotiate A Job Offer

Learn great tips and strategies from Forbes on “How To Negotiate A Job Offer“. This article will guide you on every step of the process from the beginning stages of your job search, to the final negotiating stages. Not sure what to actually say during the negotiation? This article also provides a word-for-word example on what to say and what responses to expect from the hiring manager.

 

 

Don’t Make These 8 Mistakes When Negotiating Salary

Preparation is key to negotiate a job offer. Avoid these “8 Mistakes When Negotiating Salary“, as discussed in U.S. News. From lying about your last salary, to playing games, find out what may be causing you to loose the job offer completely. Don’t let these mistakes become experiences you are forced to learn from! They may cost you a great job offer and a great position.

 

 

How To Negotiate Salary: 37 Tips You Need To Know

According to The Muse, most people avoid negotiating their salary out of fear. Overcome this fear, and become a better negotiator with their article “How To Negotiate Salary: 37 Tips You Need To Know“. The article gives tips on every stage of the process including:

 

  • Getting Prepared
  • Starting The Conversation
  • Making the Ask
  • Getting An Answer (and Dealing With the Aftermath)

Are You Too Loyal to Your Employer?

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Are You Too Loyal to Your Employer

 

Employee Loyalty: Value vs. Obligation

What? Is there such a thing as being too loyal to your employer? Yes, there is: when it interferes with your professional development. In general, employee loyalty is a valuable quality; there’s nothing wrong with owning your role and enjoying your job. However, when employee loyalty evolves from a mutual value-add for employer and employee into a feeling of obligation, opportunities are missed and careers become stagnant.

 

Keep Employee Loyalty in Check

Regardless of your degree, chances are there are various opportunities available that you haven’t considered. Of course we all love a stable job where we know the people, the company, and what to expect from day-to-day. However, being too loyal or too comfortable may prevent you from pursuing new opportunities.

 

Forbes published a great article, Five Ways Your Loyalty To Your Job Can Hurt Your Career, that offers advice for keeping your employee loyalty in perspective. For example, the article recommends taking time once or twice a year to ask yourself:

 

  • What do I want from my career?
  • Is this job taking me in the right direction?
  • Have I learned anything important and marketable over the past 12 months?
  • Am I paid what I am worth here? Do I know what my skills are worth?
  • What is the next career step for me? Can I take that step in this company, or do I have to move on?

 

Balance Employee Loyalty and Your Career Path

It’s a fact– A manager’s priority is to maximize profit; Hence, to grow their own business. Likewise, while it’s good to be loyal, your priority should be to grow your career. Even the best of employers cannot offer you endless opportunities to help you reach your highest potential. Even if they wanted to, it’s not realistic. Employee loyalty is overrated and you can’t let it determine your career path. Define where you want to go, what you want to do, and take the steps necessary to get there. After all, your career is your responsibility and you have to be loyal to this first.

5 Interpersonal Skills Every Engineer Should Have

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This may be the understatement of the year: right now there is an incredible need for engineers. All skill sets and experience levels are in high demand from start ups to giant corporations, but that doesn’t mean that every engineer will be employed or successful.

 

interpersonal skillsIn the thriving STEM fields, interpersonal skills are becoming increasingly important in career advancement. They are just as important as the technical skills, as they help create personal branding and a well-rounded network of professionals, opening opportunities and creating relationships with peers. Following are the five key interpersonal skills that engineers and other STEM professionals should develop for career success:

 

1. Communication

Engineers and other STEM professions place higher value on technical skills than communication. However, effective communication is equally as important. In order to succeed and be innovative in their position, they must be able to communicate their ideas.

 

2. Creativity

The technical skills to find and fix system issues is just as valuable as the creativity to find new ways to solve problems. People who continually push the envelope to find and develop new products, processes etc, get the recognition from peers and management.

 

3. Adaptability

Like creativity, the ability to continually push and change is invaluable. Challenges arise daily and as an employee and job seeker, you must be able to adapt, be creative, and communicate the issues to work towards a solution.

 

4. Collaboration

Product creation, service execution, and system innovation do not happen by one person. Steve Jobs may have been an incredible driving force behind Apple’s success, but there were countless engineers, developers, and other professionals working to create, market and sell their products. Collaborating in a team setting is not only necessary for a job seeker and employee, but is absolutely essential.

 

5. Leadership

We all know what a leader is, however becoming one takes thought. If you aspire to make a difference in your company/ city/ the world in any profession, leadership skills have to come into play. Developing these skills over time as you build relationships will help you achieve success beyond your career.

Professional Networking Tips

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Professional NetworkingWe’ve said it before and we’ll say it again– Professional Networking is essential for your career. From the grocery store to a professional networking event, you should always be prepared. With the right guide, you can strengthen your networking skills and improve on your weaknesses. Follow these tips to make a greater impression while networking:

 

1. Be Prepared

Preparation is key when attending a networking event. Research the companies or specific people you want to speak with and prepare questions ahead of time. This is a great way to ensure a smooth conversation and excellent use of time.

 

2. Elevator Pitch

Have a pitch prepared and rehearsed! An elevator pitch is a 30-second speech that can be used to summarize your personal bio, job history, goals, etc. Preparing– and rehearsing, an elevator pitch is a great way to be ready for every situation and networking opportunity.

 

3. Business Cards

Always be prepared with business cards! Having all your information ready and available is the best way to stay in-touch. Especially if you happen to meet someone outside of a professional networking event, business cards are easy and effective.

 

4. Resume

Follow resume writing best practices and carry hard copies to professional networking events. Be prepared with an electronic version of the resume to share via email.

 

5. Listen

Listening is a powerful tool in networking. After all, networking is about connecting with others– it’s not all about you! Pay attention to what others have to say and the details they mention so you can respond accordingly. Developing good listening skills will help in networking and throughout your career.

 

6. Be confident

If you don’t believe in yourself, you can’t expect others to believe in you. Carry yourself with confidence by emphasizing your strengths while working on your weaknesses. This confidence will translate into a great first impression and help you earn trust and respect throughout your career.

 

7. Follow Up

Follow up a great conversation with a phone call, e-mail, or LinkedIn. The key here: less is more. Don’t call until they answer, just reach out to show you enjoyed the conversation and would like to continue the relationship. After that, the ball is on their court.

 

8. Dress for success

Make your first impression count by dressing professionally! Don’t let your clothing or grooming be the reason why you didn’t get a call back.

 

9. The Firm Handshake

In every situation, a firm  handshake demonstrates confidence and professionalism. A firm handshake makes a great first impression!

 

10. Do not be afraid to network

Take advantage of every networking opportunity! Professional Networking is extremely powerful and beneficial for your career. Don’t let fear stand in your way! Practice, learn from your mistakes, and take advantage of every networking opportunity!

 

Professional Networking: Expanding Connections

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Networking is one of the most beneficial career advancement techniques. Developing and implementing a professional networking strategy is a great way to promote your personal brand, build new business relationships, and discover new opportunities throughout your career.

 

Although it may seem difficult at times, networking can be very simple and enjoyable. Best part? There is always an opportunity to network. Learn a variety of easy ways to integrate networking into your daily activities:

 

networking through volunteering

1. Volunteer at your favorite organization!

Not only are you contributing to a good cause, but you will meet people with similar interests. This is a great time to connect to those in your community as well. Since volunteering usually involves a variety of companies, this is a great place to meet others from various professional fields. Worst comes to worst, you are not able to network. No problem! Volunteering also adds value to your resume.

 

2. Attend a variety of events

Networking is a huge part of every event hosted by any company, school or organization. Luckily, there is always a variety of events! Although it may seem intimidating, it’s essential to put yourself out there. This is the time to freely talk about who you are as a professional, and where you want to go with your career. Be confident and do your research prior to attending these events to make it easier for you to network. You can find these events through University websites, or sites such as Eventbrite and Meetup. Do a quick search in the fields you’re interested in, and you will find many opportunities available around your community. If you know of a specific company you’d like to interact with, visit their website regularly to check for their upcoming events as well.

 

3. Networking with those around you

networking with those around youNetworking can be as easy or as complicated as you make it. Sometimes the people you interact with on a day-to-day basis, are the best to network with. Whether it’s at school or at your current job, make an effort to get to know your peers. Great opportunities and friendships may come from it. Especially as a student, networking is very simple and beneficial during classes. This is the perfect place to get to know a variety of future professionals.

 

4. Get involved

Get involved in clubs or organizations that interest you! Tap into your community resources and see what associations or groups are present. This allows you to make great connections while enjoying a certain activity. Since these memberships are usually long-term, it relieves the pressure from trying to make a connection in a five minute conversation. Instead, it’s about getting to know others who may be able to help you in your career down the road.

 

5. Social Media

Finally, a great way to stay connected to those you met volunteering, at your old job, or at a recent event, is by connecting through social media. Depending on the person, you can find the appropriate network to connect with them. For example, if it’s a professional you’ve only met once, LinkedIn may be your best option. Facebook on the other hand, can allow you to stay connected with your past co-workers or classmates. With the help of social media, you can keep and grow your connections without having to interact with them on a day-to-day basis. Use it to your advantage to expand your network by also strengthening your personal brand.

How to Find Your Dream Job

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“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”

 

Dream Job

Many have heard this quote once or twice before; It’s refreshing, inspirational and it sounds easy enough. Yet, to do what you love seems to be a little more complicated than expected. Why is it that millions of people continue to go to a job they hate year after year? Why don’t we go after what we’re truly passionate about? Regardless of what point in  your career you’re at, life is too short to not go after your dream job (as cheesy as it might sound).

 

You may be satisfied with a job that pays well to build your resume or gain experience. Although it may give you just that, it is also taking you away from going after opportunities that may be more fitting. Unless it’s a stepping stone to where you want to go, avoid it, or it may cost you several months or even years of dreadfulness. Identify your goals, set standards and find a job that you’ll love to go to on Monday morning.

 

Step 1: Re-Evaluate! Finding your dream job means finding yourself

As much as I would love to tell you exactly what your dream job would be and how to get there, nobody knows you better than you know yourself. Once you know what you’re looking for, it’ll be much easier to find it. If you already know what that is, great! You are one of the few, but it means you are half way there. Stick to it, work hard for it and build your career around it. If you are unsure (like most), ask yourself the following questions to get you thinking on what is truly important to you and how to connect your career to your passions.

         What are the things that make you excited to get up in the morning?

         What do you value most?

         What experiences have you enjoyed the most?

         Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

         Who inspires you?

         Why are you in the career that you’re in?

         What do I want to be known for?

         What are your strengths?

         If you could be anything in the world what would it be?

 

After you’ve answered these questions (and more if you need to), take some time to create a vision statement. This will serve as a guide to steer you towards the right path. I have to admit, this may be the hardest and most time-consuming step. Don’t make it a stressful one. Simply ponder on these questions and on what you want to accomplish through your career. It’s not about defining a set career plan. It’s about identifying what factors form your dream job.

 

Step 2: Follow Your Vision

Now that you have a direction, search what other people in those positions have done to get there. It doesn’t mean you have to do exactly as they did, but you can learn from their examples. Stay proactive in your search and constantly evaluate your progress. This is not to discourage you, but to remind you of what your goals are and what areas you can improve on. With a clear vision in mind, you can start to build your career around it:

         Look for jobs that will give you the experience necessary.

         Get involved with companies that hold the same core values as you do.

         Network with people who have similar goals or a similar mindset.

         Ask for help or advice from mentors in the field.

         Acquire additional skills you may need to succeed in the job.

         Think outside the box to reach for beyond your limits.

         Avoid jobs that do not steer you in the right direction.

         Stay positive and be persistent.

 

Step 3: Stay Passionate

By following these steps, you will define and find your dream job. However, the most important thing in your career is to stay passionate. If you can’t find a job that meets your expectations, keep looking. If people tell you to go another (easier) direction, don’t listen. If the process is slower than expected, keep going. Stick to your vision and don’t let situations around you force you into the wrong job. I’m not saying stay at home and watch TV because you haven’t found the right job. I mean that you should filter your job search according to your career goals. Otherwise, you will constantly find yourself in a dead-end job. If you are not happy where you currently are, make a change for yourself! Step out of your comfort zone and reach for the many other opportunities available. When you do find yourself in a good job, continue to work hard to excel in it. Find new ways to learn and overcome any difficulties. Be persistent and don’t lose sight of your career goals until you find your dream job. You can achieve great things when you bet on yourself.

 

Hear how one of our very own bet on herself, and changed her career path to one she loves and excels in everyday.

Resume Writing Best Practices

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Improve your resume writing skills with the advice from our recruiters. With over 45 years of combined experience, they have seen it all! Here are some of their key tips to building a strong resume:

 

Powerful word for winning a resume1. Analyze job descriptions and industry keywords to attract recruiters who are looking for someone with your experience. Don’t overdo it by highlighting or bolding the keywords. (^^see how annoying that is?)

 

2. Make sure that your resume looks clean. Use bullet points, sections, and be concise. Make it easier for the recruiter to read, and fully understand your expertise.

 

3. Although there is no set rule on how long it should be, quality is better than quantity. Make sure that you provide enough detail and examples without going on for 5 pages. It also varies on what point of your career you are at. If you are a recent grad, one page may be enough.

 

4. With employers receiving hundreds of resumes, make sure that your resume hooks an employer’s attention within a 5-second glance. A great way to do this is to use job titles and skill headings that relate to and match the jobs you want.

 

5. Skip the objectives. These tend to be repetitive and quite obvious as we all have the same objective: to get a job in our field. Objective statements are unnecessary and may even limit your opportunities.

 

6. Keep your resume up to date and always have it ready to send in case an opportunity presents itself.

 

7. If there are any gaps in your resume, be prepared to talk about them if necessary. Don’t explain them on your resume unless they are relevant to the job. Were you volunteering? Were you taking a class?

 

8. Remember, resumes are intended to show off the highlights of your career and training, not to be an autobiography. When detailing projects, positions or experience avoid using words like I, my and we.

 

9. When listing your current and past employers, don’t explain what the company specializes in. Simply detail your experience and accomplishments. If the interviewer is interested, they will ask, which can then lead to interesting conversation.

 

10. Under the education section, you can detail your major, courses, and projects if they are relevant to the position or industry. Be sure to write out the name of the course, don’t just say “ACC 200”. This information is vague and useless to the recruiter if they don’t know which course it is.

 

11. Talk numbers! Many times people have great accomplishments, but fail to communicate just how great they were. Instead of saying “Managed budget successfully”, say “Managed a $1 million budget, and reduced costs by 10%”.

 

12. It’s acceptable and encouraged to have several versions of your resume. Resumes are bendable, flexible instruments that you can use to your professional advantage. Make it fit and relate to the job you are applying for.

 

Check out a variety of resume samples according to your industry to guide you in the process. These will help you get started, but don’t forget to make it your own for it to stand out from the rest.

Engineering Career Outlook

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Engineering is a growing field with ample opportunities. As one of the most in-demand jobs of 2016, it’s a great time to start your engineering career. Embark in your profession following the advice of professionals in the field, and learning more on various career paths, opportunities, and the employment outlook for the upcoming years.

 

 

Early Career Advice for Engineers

“What does it take to forge a successful engineering career?” I wish I had a mathematical model for success. But I don’t. I can, however, share some insights, which my colleagues, including chief technologists and senior engineers at the three major aero-engineering companies, GE, Rolls Royce and Pratt and Whitney, have validated. The consensus: It all comes down to 12 basic principles: Continue Reading…

 

 

2016 Best Engineering Jobs

The occupations on our 2016 Best Engineering Jobs list are diverse and offer good salaries, but the BLS predicts that job growth in this sector will be 3 percent by 2024, which is slower than the average for all jobs. This still equates to more than 67,000 new engineering jobs though, which is good news for those looking to enter the engineering field. Continue Reading…

 

 

The Most In-Demand (And Aging) Engineering Jobs

We can debate how many students will stick with engineering when they get their first homework assignments in college. But let’s assume most of them don’t move to less rigorous majors. Which engineering field should they choose? What are the most in-demand engineering jobs in the U.S. based on job growth, hires, and job posting activity? And which ones have the oldest workforce that will need to be replaced sometime in the next five to 10 years? Continue Reading…

 

 

 

 

 

Brightwing works with engineers to position them in the right jobs. Check out our job board to look at our available positions today!

 

Multi-Generational Workforce Event Automation Alley

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automation alleyBrightwing is proudly sponsoring Automation Alley’s Multi-Generational Workforce event on Tuesday, June 7th – This presentation explains why talent is dwindling and paints a detailed picture of those that comprise the contemporary workforce. George Opitz, Brightwing President, will be giving the opening remarks.

Time:

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location:

Automation Alley | 2675 Bellingham, Troy, MI

learn more and register

 

Related Blog Post: Experiencing Push Back from the Net Generation?

Job Interview Tips and Preparation

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Being prepared for a job interview is essential. Along with expertise, the way you present yourself is key to determine where your career can take you. Although there is no exact formula on how to guarantee a job offer, every engineer (and other professionals for that matter) should follow these job interview tips to nail that next interview.

 

4  Essential Job Interview Tips

 

Job Interview Tips for Success

1. Educate yourself

~Research the Company- A quick search can go a long way. Along with understanding what a company does, you should look into interesting news or awards that you could inquire about that will help you stand out.

 

~Practice Questions- Search common questions within the industry and practice your answers to these. This will get your thought process in the right place, preparing you for any other interview questions that may come along.

 

~Understand the position- Relate your answers to the job you have applied for. Explain why you would be the right person for the job, and how you will excel at it. Make sure your answers are original and give examples of previous experiences as much as possible.

 

2. Plan! Plan! Plan!

~Your Outfit- First impressions matter. As small a detail as it may seem, this is your opportunity to present the best version of yourself. Dress professionally and keep it neat.

 

~What to bring– Bring a notepad, something to write with, copies of your resume, your portfolio if it makes sense, and questions for the interviewer. This shows that you are prepared, and you have an interest in the company and the job.

 

~Arrival– Be on time! Plan your route in advance, and allow yourself more than enough time to get there.

 

3. Be Yourself

~Originality is key- The interviewer wants to get to know you! The best job interview tip is to simply be yourself. After all, you want your personality to match their company culture. Not only will you enjoy going to work every day, but it will nurture your career positively.

 

4. Follow up

~Write a thank you letter– Not only is it cordial, but it will remind them of your interview and keep your name in mind. Furthermore, it shows initiative and determination to get the job. No harm can come from good manners.

2016 Technologies .NET Developers Should Know About

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sdtimes.comIt’s an exciting time to be a .NET Developer. As Microsoft continues to innovate across desktop, mobile and web, findings indicate that many opportunities lay ahead for the .NET developers ecosystem.

 

 

 

 

3 Trending topics in the .NET Developer community:

 

Microsoft brings new opportunities to .NET developers

Microsoft’s embrace of the open-source community and focus on cross-platform development is making it an exciting time for .NET developers, according to a recently released report. The report revealed developers prefer Xamarin for their mobile development efforts, with Apache Cordova being the top choice for hybrid mobile development. Read more…

 

Advancing Down the SharePoint Path to Greater Productivity

SharePoint’€™s popularity has ebbed and flowed over time, but now it is most certainly on an upward trend. Microsoft also continues to make large investments into the development tools surrounding SharePoint, which makes partners very happy. One just needs to search for SharePoint add-ons and will be absolutely astounded by the results. Read more…

 

Introducing Neo4j 3.0: Most powerful & easy-to-use graph database | Availability: Java/JavaScript/Python/.NET Developers

Neo Technology, creator of Neo4j, the world’s leading graph database, just announced the immediate general availability of Neo4j 3.0 — a landmark release propelling graph databases into the mainstream thanks to its massive scalability, new language drivers and a raft of other developer-friendly properties. Read more…

 

 

.net developers referral brightwingBrightwing is Currently Paying $1,250 for .NET/Java Referrals – To learn more, Click here!