A job search used to be conducted with want ads from the newspaper, but as technology has advanced, so have the digital tools now available to aid in that search. And those tools are not limited to the search itself. They can also enable job seekers to network with others in their industry.

Figure 1: ASME has everything a mechanical engineer needs to find a job and to network with others in that field.

Job search tools

Taking the place of the printed want ads of yesterday are a host of tools that job seekers can use to find jobs or to network with those who can help them find jobs.

Designated job search websites like Indeed, Monster, Simply Hired and CareerBuilder, to name just a few, offer job seekers a host of job listings in all corners of the world and in virtually every discipline imaginable. All it takes to complete a job search are a few keywords and moments later a listing of associated jobs will emerge.

Social media has also become a proven job search tool. Although Facebook offers an array of job-seeking tools, perhaps the most common social media platform for job seekers is LinkedIn. Much like Facebook, users create their own profile page, detailing their work history and work-related accomplishments and connect with others based on those histories and accomplishments. Companies in search of new talent also tend to use LinkedIn when hiring in the hopes of cultivating such talent.

Job seekers can also conduct specialized job searches by visiting industry-specific job boards or by joining organizations and societies specific to their profession.

Mechanical engineering job search tools

Big-name companies like Indeed and Monster can offer job seekers an avenue for applying to thousands of jobs located all over the world and in virtually every industry from the comfort of one site. But professionals in very specific disciplines such as mechanical engineering should concentrate their job search efforts on more focused, niche sites.

Figure 2: Mechanical engineers can visit the ASME career center. Source: ASMEFor instance, mechanical engineers can look for jobs on engineering-specific job sites such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ (ASME’s) Job Board. This job board offers job seekers in the mechanical engineering industry access to job postings specifically for mechanical engineers. Instead of sifting through postings unrelated to the job seeker’s profession, mechanical engineers can go to one source that offers vast amounts of information about jobs specific to their profession and industry.

While engaged in the job search, mechanical engineers should also interact with others on social media platforms specific to engineers as well as pages narrowed down by engineering specialty. For instance, mechanical engineers should visit mechanical engineering-specific Facebook pages. For social media specific to mechanical engineers, join ASME’s Facebook page or ASME’s LinkedIn Group to connect with other mechanical engineers.

Job-seeking engineers are also encouraged to visit engineering-specific job boards like the IEEE jobsite. For those in the mechanical engineering profession, ASME’s job board and career center offer an array of resources specific to mechanical engineers.

Another job search tip for engineers is to become a member of engineering-specific organizations, for instance the National Society of Professional Engineers. For more mechanical engineering-specific guidance, job seeking candidates in that discipline should become members of ASME. Once a member, mechanical engineers will gain access to a host of resources to help in their job search.

Networking tips for mechanical engineers

Once a mechanical engineer in search of a job knows where to search, they will then need to know how to network. Pursuing the following four actions will help build a professional network.

Find value in mentoring

Early in their career, mechanical engineers should seek out mentorships. As a benefit of ASME membership, members have access to ASME’s mentoring program. Mechanical engineers with more work experience may also opt to mentor new mechanical engineers. Mentoring is a surefire way to make new connections that may prove valuable during a job search.

Attend conferences

Budding and veteran mechanical engineers alike should attend conferences and workshops specific to their disciplines. Not only do such encounters keep mechanical engineers up to date on the latest mechanical engineering trends, they also enable mechanical engineers to network with those working within their field. To do this with ease, ASME hosts several workshops and conferences throughout the year, bringing mechanical engineers from all walks of life together.

Engage on social media

Mechanical engineers should also expand their networking circle by seeking out other mechanical engineers on social media and on niche job boards. ASME hosts a job board, Facebook page and LinkedIn Group where members can connect with each other, creating valuable networks.

Join your peers

Joining a professional society like ASME will put job seekers in the mechanical engineering field in touch with other likeminded members. Such networks could prove to be the foundation for a long-lasting mechanical engineering career.

Benefits of ASME membership

There are countless benefits to becoming a member of a professional organization. Becoming an ASME member enables mechanical engineers to stay current with the latest trends in the field using ASME’s sophisticated content such as its monthly ME Magazine and its assortment of frequently published newsletters.

A membership to ASME also means access to resources tailored to enhancing a mechanical engineer’s professional development. This includes offerings such as access to discounted courses, journals, papers, the AccessEngineering online technical reference tool and much more.

Likewise, an ASME membership means unlimited access to ASME’s career center, webinars and articles on career-related topics, and the ASME Job Board.

Becoming an ASME member

Mechanical engineering students and professionals can become ASME members by enrolling in the ASME student membership program for an annual membership fee of up to $25 or by enrolling in ASME’s professional membership program for an annual fee of up to $158. Prices of an ASME membership vary based on academic achievement and professional roles within the industry. Join today.

About ASME

ASME is a professional, not-for-profit association with more than 100,000 members in 140-plus countries that encourages collaboration and enables knowledge sharing, career enrichment and skill development in all engineering disciplines. Members include engineers at every stage of their careers from college students to leaders in the field. For more information about ASME or about an ASME membership, visit their website at www.ASME.org.