This presentation was created specifically for students who are interested in pursuing careers within the engineering industry

1. JOB
HUNTING FOR
ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERS
Presented by:
Carrie Klaphake
Carrie.klaphake@sonoma.edu
664-3732

2. OVERVIEW
Introduction (9/10)
Resume writing (9/10)
Cover Letter writing (9/10)
Job Search (9/24)
Job Interviews (9/24)
Online presence (9/24)

3. SERVICES OFFERED
Peer Advising Staff Advising
 Resume Help & Review
 Cover Letter Help &
Review
 Starting the Job Search
 Seawolf Job Link
Questions
 Advance Resume and
Cover Letter Review
 Career Exploration
 Career Planning
 Job Search Assistance
 Graduate School
Planning
 Interviewing Assistance
 LinkedIn Support

4. QUESTIONS
Who has a resume?
Who’s resume is updated and current?
Who has looked at your resume?
Who has participated in an internship?
Who is involved in student organizations or
clubs?

5. WHAT IS THE
PURPOSE OF A
RESUME?

6. Purpose
• Get an interview
• Give a GOOD first
impression
• Content
• Layout
• Language
• Grammar
• Tone

7. A RESUME IS ALL ABOUT
ME.
True or False?
My job duties,
What I have accomplished,
What I am good at!
Where I am going?

8. FALSE
Not totally false
MORE about how these things make you
qualified for a position
Why should I consider you over someone
else?

9. TARGETING EMPLOYERS
 Use your resume to convince employers that your
academic success is transferable to the workplace.
 Optimizing keywords
 Show employers how you can help them achieve their
objectives
 Have a clear understanding of the company/industry
when creating your resume

10. RESUME APPEARANCE
One page preferred, sometimes 2 is needed
Make sure formatted correctly when sending
digitally (PDF form)
Standard fonts (Arial, Times, Helvetica)
Margins: .5 (narrow)
Smallest 11 point font
Emphasize points with bullets •, UPPERCASE,
bold, italics

11. RESUME FORMATS –REVERSE
CHRONOLOGICAL
Employment history organized: most recent
position first
Highlights accomplishments within each
position
Recruiters and employers often prefer this
format

12. HEADINGS
 Contact information
 Education
 Skills
 Work Experience/Relevant Experience
 Volunteer Experience
 Activities

13. CONTACT INFORMATION
Name (largest font)
Address, City and State (optional)
Phone
Email Address/avoid silly email addresses.
Using your first and last name is the most
professional

14. EDUCATION
Include expected graduation date,
major, minor
If you attended more then one
school list most recent education
first
GPA (if 3.0 or greater)
Academic honors
Study Abroad

16. EXPERIENCE
Include job title, name of company, location,
dates, accomplishments, description of
responsibilities & results produced
Can be paid, volunteer or internship
Be specific – give numbers and details if
possible

17. ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENTS
17
 Formula:
Action verb + Object + Context+ Results Produced
 Action Verb: Planned, initiated, coordinate
 Object: Planned a meeting; Initiated a program..
 Context: interesting detail- who you did for; time frame; number of
people; types of issue/population etc.
 Results: the bottom lime effect of your effort (saved time or money,
exceeded sales goals, reduced errors)
Quantify whenever possible

19. ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS
Skills
Languages -- Specify language and degree
of fluency
Computer -- Name software and hardware
Clubs/Activities (especially leadership)
Relevant Coursework
Professional Affiliations
Honors & Awards
Publications

21. WRITING STYLE - EXPERIENCE
Use present tense for current job
Use past tense for previous jobs
Don’t use pronouns – “I, We, They”
Don’t refer to yourself in 3rd person
Complete sentences and periods are not
necessary

22. ENTRY LEVEL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
GENERAL ATOMICS AND AFFILIATED COMPANIES
**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:**
 + Perform System Level Lifecycle Management Engineering activities on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
 + Focus on systems affected by Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) issues and coordinate
activities to ensure a solution is in place before production or sustainment is impacted.
 + Constructs timelines for end-of-life (EOL) items and design change implementation, evaluates and coordinates bridge/last time
buys options.
 + Interface with Project Engineers and Program Management across multiple platforms on status updates with regards to the
resolution of obsolescence issues.
 + Hold discussions with Engineering on replacement parts and technical matters and Program Management on proposals,
contracts and scheduling requirements.
 + Preparation and support for customer deliverables (CDRLs) and meetings.
 + Organize, schedule, and conduct Lifecycle Management review board meetings to obtain and/or exchange data as necessary
ensure production requirements and schedules are met.
 + Interface with Procurement / Subcontracts on lifecycle status requests from suppliers to ensure availability and predict EOL
obsolescence issues.
 + Gathers, collects, records, tracks, and verifies data and information from multiple sources and maintains records and file
systems electronically on shared drives.
 + Experience/knowledge of DMSMS practices and aircraft systems desired.
 + Experience writing technical documents and computer literate with versatile knowledge of the computer applications and MRP
systems used in the industry (MS Word, Excel, Access, Project, SAP, Windchill, etc.).
 + The successful applicant will be a multi-tasking team player with a hands-on approach and able to work independently.
 + Excellent verbal, presentation and written communications.
 + Must be able to obtain a security clearance.

23. VOLUNTEER/INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
 Paid or unpaid work is experience and valuable
 Make sure to list the hours you committed/weekly,
monthly
 Describe the environment that you worked in and the
responsibilities that were required of you.

24. WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE
Quirky, silly email addresses
Personal info. – religion, marital status, health
Hobbies
References- separate document
Bad formatting
Imagery –your pic
Difficult to read fonts
Embellishing the truth about your
accomplishments
Anything that could work against you

25. FINAL POINTERS
 Put your best foot forward - be proud of your
accomplishments!
 Be honest – would former supervisors agree with
what you’ve included?
 Ask a few people to review your resume: is it
clear, specific, and to-the-point?
 Proofread, proofread, proofread! Assume
employers will catch all mistakes

28. COVER LETTERS
• Purpose of letter of introduction:
 Supplements and clarifies resume
 Should be targeted in response to a specific job opening
 Do not send out general letters
 Should be addressed to hiring manager, by name
 Spell correctly!
28

29. COVER LETTERS
• Paragraph 1
Position you are applying for
How you learned of opening (ad? referral?)
State who you are
Why you are interested in the company
29

30. COVER LETTERS
• Paragraph 2
Describe how your skills and background match
job description
State top 3 skills in the first sentence – topic
sentence
Transition with soft skill
Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed
30

31. ENTRY LEVEL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
GENERAL ATOMICS AND AFFILIATED COMPANIES
**Job Qualifications**
 + Essential Qualifications Typically requires a bachelors degree in engineering
or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
 + Must have a basic understanding of engineering concepts, principles, and
theory.
 + Demonstrates the ability to follow and apply basic engineering knowledge,
adapt standard techniques, and utilize the required diagnostics, tools and
equipment, while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
 + Must be able to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately
throughout an evolving environment. Good communication, computer, and
interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other
professionals, to produce appropriate documentation, and to present results to
a limited internal audience. Must be able to work both independently and on a
team.
 + Able to work extended hours as required.

32. COVER LETTERS
• Paragraph 3
Reiterate interest in position
Let them know when/if you will follow-up
Call them two weeks after application closing
date?
State that you would be glad to provide the
employer with any additional information
needed
Thank the employer for his/her time and
consideration.
32

35. NEXT TIME…
 Job Search
 Job Interviews
 Online presence
 Ponder: What is my image when someone Google’s
my name or looks at my social media (Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)

36. Next Time (Sept. 24)
Skype with Neil Pomerleau

37. LINKEDINWhy is it important and how can I make my profile look the
best?
When: Next Thursday, September 17th at 2pm
Where: HERE!

38. OVERVIEW
Job Search
Job Interviews
Online presence

39. JOB SEARCH
 Where do I want to work?
 Geographically
 Industry
 Where do I find jobs?
 Examples job titles…

40. WHERE DO I WANT TO WORK?
 Apple
 Randstad
 ManTech
 BAE Systems
 Northrop Grumman
 Intel
 Mentor Graphics
 Avago Technologies
 Medtronic
 Bayer
 Black & Veatch
 Broadcom
 Extron Electronics
 Global Technology
Associates
 Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory
 Time Warner Cable
 Solar City
 PG&E
 L-3 Communications
 Jones Lang LaSalle
 Festo Corporation
 Applied Materials
 Eaton Corporation
 Belcan
 TAD PGS, Inc.
 Lockheed Martin
 Fluor
 SunPower
Corporation

41. WHERE DO I FIND JOBS
 Seawolf Job Link
 LinkedIn
 Engineering Career Opportunities (Jobs & Employment)
Group
 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
 O*Net
 Career Cornerstone Center
 Individually looking at companies and organization’s
websites

42. JOB INTERVIEWS
Preparation
 Analyze the position
 Know the Employer
 Review your Qualifications
 Prepare Questions
 Practice, Practice, Practice
Interview Day
After the Interview

43. INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Step One: Analyze the position
 Review the Job Description
 Highlight the duties and qualifications of the position
 Look at Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*Net for
occupational information
 Do not get discouraged if you do not meet all qualifications

44. INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Step Two: Know the Employer
 Learn about the employer’s:
 Mission
 Services
 Products
 Organizational structure
 Future prospects
 Know the employer’s competitors

45. INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Step Three: Review Your Qualifications
 Know your experience:
 Work
 Internships
 Volunteer
 Class projects
 Coursework
 Student Activities
 Interests & Hobbies
 Identify the skills and areas of knowledge developed in these areas and
be prepared to show how this experience prepared you to contribute to
an organization.

46. THE STAR METHOD
Situation/Task
Give some background of situation or task. Answer the questions: What?
When? Where? and for Who? Include obstacles that you had to overcome.
Action
Explain the action you took. This does not mean what the group did, but
what you did. Practice “I” instead of “We” statements; assume ownership
of your accomplishments.
Result
Describe the positive benefits that you achieved. Quantify the results and
relate your skills, actions, and results to employer needs when possible.

47. STAR PRACTICE EXERCISE
Give an example of of class project
you did as part of a team?
1. Outline it using the STAR format.
1. In pairs, practice saying it.
2. Get feedback on your use of the STAR format.

48. INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Step Four: Prepare Questions
 Ask employers questions to demonstrate your interest in
working for the organization.
 Questions about salary and benefits are best left until a job
offer has been extended.
 Be sure your questions are not answered in job description
or company website/literature.

49. INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Step Five: Practice, Practice, Practice
 Practice your responses to interview questions to make you
feel more at ease and confident.
 Visit Career Services to set up a mock interview
 Google interview questions, then ask a friend, family member,
professor, classmate to help you practice and give you feedback
 Practice your answers out loud

50. INTERVIEW DAY!
Arrive early (15 minutes easy is common)
Bring pen, paper, notes & extra copies of your resume and
references (having them all in a portfolio looks good)
Dress appropriately

51. Women Men
Conservative, dark suit (knee length
skirt or pants); avoid low riding pants
or tight clothing
Conservative, dark suit (navy, black, or
gray; pinstripe or solid)
Collared, button-down shirt or modest
scoop neck top; avoid camisoles or
low cut tops
Ironed shirt in a conservative color and
tie with understated patterns
Comfortable shoes – flat or low heel;
wear plain, non patterned hosiery if
wearing a skirt
Matching belt and shoes, dark socks to
mid-calf; conservative lace-up dress
shoes that are clean and polished
Conservative makeup and nails;
minimal jewelry
Hair cut, shaved, well groomed;
remove jewelry
Avoid perfume or scented lotion Avoid aftershave or cologne
Can bring a padfolio and a small purse Can bring a padfolio
ATTIRE – PROFESSIONAL

52. DURING THE INTERVIEW
 Maintain eye contact, positive attitude, energy, composure and
confidence
 Remember to breathe
 Don’t fidget with your hands
 Turn off your cell phone! Consider leaving it in your car or at
home
 Ask for clarification if you’re confused by a question
 Ask for a business card
 Ask about the next step and timeline
 Thank the interviewer for his/her time

53. WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW HOW TO ANSWER
THE QUESTION?
 Pause for a brief reflective moment
 Ask to have the question repeated
 Deliberately restate the question (just don’t repeat EVERY
question)
 Ask for clarification
 Take a sip of water
 OK to look away when thinking

54. AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Review how it went, make notes about what you want to do
differently next time
Write a thank you note
 Email is okay if you need a quick turn-around time or if
recruiter is on the road
 No cutesy stationery
 Say something specific to the interview – so they know the
same note cannot be sent to any interviewer
 Use the note as a way to reinforce a strength or mention
something you forgot

55. REMINDERS & SUGGESTIONS
 Obtain a list of practice questions and jot down short answers
 Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers
 Ask a friend or family member to help you practice and give you
feedback
 Conduct a test run the day before the interview
 Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alert for the
interview
Relax and be yourself!

57. ONLINE PRESENCE

58. Search engines 78% (Google) Social networking sites 63%
Photo and video sharing sites 59% Professional and business
networking sites 57%
Personal Web sites 48% Blogs 46%
News sharing sites (Twitter) 41% Online forums and communities
34%
Web sites that aggregate personal
information 32%
Virtual world sites 32%
Professional background checking
services 27%
Online gaming sites 27%
Classifieds and auction sites 25% Other 2% (Credit Report)
WHERE ARE THEY LOOKING

59.  Create, use and check an email address that is
professional
 Make sure that your outgoing voicemail message is
appropriate
 Set strict privacy settings for your social media accounts
 If you choose to keep a public setting, regularly review
your profile, delete inappropriate posts and photos
 Google yourself! Check all versions of your name,
including nicknames. Don’t forget to check “images” too
 Do this periodically
WHAT TO DO NOW

60.  Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
 Join professional association groups within your field of study or interest
on both Facebook and LinkedIn
 Most major employers have a Facebook page that you can “Like”
 Update your profile with posts related to your job search activities, so
employers and others in your network can see how serious you are about
your career
 Use LinkedIn to include all of the experience on your resume (not limited
to 1 page like hard copy resumes)
 When reaching out to establish connections, be sure to personalize each
message about who you are, why you would like to connect and whether
you have a common affiliation or connection
LEVERAGING SOCIAL MEDIA

62. CAREER SERVICES
Staff Career Advising
 Advanced Resume & Cover Letter Review
 Career Exploration/Career Planning
 Job Search Assistance
 Interviewing Assistance
Salazar Hall 1070
Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30
(707) 664-2730
Carrie:
klaphake@sonoma.edu
664-3732
Ann:
ann.mansfield@sonoma.edu
664-3082