Question:
For about one year I'm writing applications to find an employer. I'm a 32
year old German engineer (Energy analyst, with special focus on data
analysis analysis and computational methods), have degree (Dipl.-Ing. (TU)
= MSc) from a Top5 university regarding a degree in engineering and
technology. I have 8 years experience in consulting and research on diverse
fields (residential and commercial customers; energy generation and use).
I wrote about 300 applications, I got some "nice" responses - anyway I've
never been scheduled to an interview.
I use different job portals on the Internet (general and industry related),
seek classifieds from newspapers in regions with importance of that branch.
What do I do wrong, what else could I do?
Answer:
I can give you a couple of hints:
- try to establish personal contacts. This is easier now than in the
past, thanks to the Internet. In fact, I found the job that ultimately
got me to the US through a person I had met on a CompuServe board
(does that date me or what?) in a non-job-related discussion.
- I actually found a good job lead on the Hannover Fair.
- conferences and conventions are good places to network and establish
contacts.
- be ready to be available for an in-person interview, and if you have
an even moderately promising lead, plan your vacations around a
possible interview. Quickly.
- see if a German employer may be interested in sending you to the US.
That is often much easier than being hired by a US employer.
- don't waste your time with newspapers. When it comes to engineering,
the only jobs you'll see advertised there are those where Department
of Labor requires employers to advertise them - usually because
somebody else already has the job and wants a Green Card.
