Prepare+to+be+employed

Times are changing. If there ever was a time when engineers were all nerdy guys in white shirts with pocket protectors and glasses working alone, that is a thing of the past. Today hiring managers are looking for more.

"Do you like sales?" Yup. Turns out that "sales is a very strong indicator of someone’s social intelligence. Anybody can be well-liked and get along with others when nothing is at stake, but sales require one to explain the value, virtues, and benefits of a product, service, or project when someone may not be on your side." [|more...]

Engineering job interviews frequently require the candidate to be interviewed by 5-6 people in a day, then give a 30-40 minute presentation to their potential working group.


 * portfolio - show and tell about you, what you have accomplished, your interests. Involvement in FIRST Robotics competitions with pictures and highlights of specific problem solving. Maker and DIY projects. Participation in organizing events. Interesting summer and part-time jobs that show responsibility.


 * core values, culture - Today, employers, especially in small companies try to ensure that new-hires will fit in. They know that the corporate culture is the company's secret sauce. New employees whose core values align with the company's culture can become a contributor, otherwise, they can have a toxic influence on the team. If there isn't a fit, better to find out in the interviews and hiring process. That save the company time and expense of having to find someone else down the road. It saves you from being miserable in an organization there the core values aren't aligned with yours.


 * presentation - Be prepared if this is requested. Talk about your background and knowledge in the topic.


 * preparation - Learn about the company, their products, their people and the industry. Who are the competitors?