Case history: the professional job search

The media scream about layoffs and unemployment, and most of it is accurate. However, they do not trumpet the many companies that are hiring in order to grow or maintain their engineering capability. As a result of this, one can quickly develop a sort of “trench” mentality. That is, one might begin to think, “There is no job out there, so why should I try! Why should I stick my head up and get it shot off.” The answer to these questions is that the jobs are out there for qualified people and those who work hard at finding employment. The author discusses the following aspects to job searching: answering the question “who are you?”; the resume; attitude/mental state; network with other professionals; writing letters; record keeping of contacts; costs of getting a job; interviews; and telephone manner