[ziggyx]

So I'm somewhat a recent graduate from UBC in mining engineering. I know that the mining industry isn't doing too well and it's kind of tough right now. I'm not expecting to get a job easily but it's pretty frustrating and depressing not getting at least one interview after 70 or so applications.

I started off assuming it was my resume and cover letters that sucked, so I had several friends take a look for comments and help. Nothing still... Then I went out to gain more experience. Started getting a job in a completely unrelated field and starting volunteering with APEGBC. Still nothing... I then went out to obtain a few certificates that I thought would help make my resume look better such as a WorkSafeBC OFA level 3, fire safety and WHMIS certificates. I also contemplated taking H2S alive and Confined space but thought if I'm still not going to get anything I really don't want to waste the money... Keep in mind I'm applying for all sorts of positions from technician jobs, entry level engineering positions and even ones that ask for 3-5 years exp, etc.

Now I'm coming back around to the idea that maybe my resume and cover letters aren't good enough again.

I am wondering if anyone has used any resume/cover letter professionals to help them with their stuff. I've looked some up but they seem quite pricey and it makes me wonder if it's worth the money.

Also if anyone has any other advice I would greatly appreciate it.

[FishTaco]

Let's have a lil looksy at the ol' resume shall we?

[6793026]

pm me your email address and i can look over your resume.

I talked to a CFO on a mining company and she said anyone with spanish DEFINITELY jumped on top of the queue because of their ability to communicate to people down in south america for mining. just fyi. keep in mind these mining companies in van are extremely small with big offices in s. america

[ziggyx]

Yeah Spanish is a big plus. I wish I had taken Spanish years ago instead of some other language.

[Gucci Mane]

Yeah Spanish is a big plus. I wish I had taken Spanish years ago instead of some other language.

Rosetta Stone.

you're welcome.

[bcrdukes]

Post your full name, mailing address, and social insurance number here. :troll:

[Armind]

+1 need help :okay:

[!Yaminashi]

Wow so it isnt just me that's having trouble breaking into the workforce after school.
Trust me I'm there and have been there for the past couple of months.

I've re-written my cover letter and resume plus had them reviewed several times and nothing helped. It's just a matter of timing I guess.

[tiger_handheld]

have you tried going through a recruiter? do such services exist for the mining industry?

how about some networking opps to see whats out there? Do you have anything like that available?

how about picking your favourite company, linked in search the HR manager, email/call them out for a 20min coffee meeting. Outline your desires on the email and what you hope to get (should be insights first, then maybe if they are hiring a job). You got nothing to lose.

For me, the best feedback I got was from the HR manager that didn't hire me.

[Energy]

Your cover letter and resume are extremely important. Make sure that they are perfect and tailored for the position you want. Have other people look over them.

Aside from those two documents, reach out and network with people in the industry you are interested in. Ask those people out for coffee as mentioned. Just keep at it and you will eventually get an interview.

[DaFonz]

My advice to you is to:
a) Stop sending resumes to internet black holes
b) Figure out ways to bypass the gatekeepers (HR)
c) Stop wasting money for certifications.

By applying through careers@company.com or the relevant careers portal, you are throwing in your resume among hundreds if not thousands of other applicants. You have needle in a haystack odds.

Here's what you should do:

Make a list of possible industries you can work in. Off the top of my head, as a mining engineer, you can work for the mining companies (e.g. barrick, rio tinto, teck), engineering companies (e.g. amec, stantec, tetratech) and oil and gas companies (this may or may not be a stretch).
Figure out what the possible career paths are. At a senior level in an engineering company for example, you might be the p.eng signing off on mining plans for 43-101s.
Make a list of good questions that you want to ask people about working in the industry. Demonstrate that you did some research and are going into the finer points of it.

For example
- I know a typical mining engineer looks at xyz. Is your role pretty comparable or how does it differ?
- How did you get into this industry (people love talking about themselves)
- What advice do you have for someone looking to get in?

etc. The point is you want to have a written list of questions that you can refer to.
Write a script for e-mail and telephone conversations. Generically,

E-mail
I'm a recent grad and I want to learn more about the industry. Can I buy you coffee to pick your brain? You can attach your resume if you want or send it later.

Phone
This is a cold call! Please dont hang up! Hi, I'm so and so, I found your info through [source] and I am very interested in your industry. Is now a good time to talk?

Get a linkedin premium account and make a proper linkedin profile.
Build a list of people in roles 5-10 years more senior than the one you are targeting. You want a list of about 50.
Dump those into an excel spreadsheet and start reaching out to them for informational interviews. Your goals during informational interviews are to:

- Make people like you
- Make people feel good about talking to you
- Learn as much as you can
- Get contacts
- Hopefully get leads on jobs

If the meeting goes very well, then say something like "hey thanks so much for all your great advice. I'd really love to meet more people in the industry and was wondering if you might know other people that I should talk to"

Be polite. Be courteous and don't dress like a bum. Pretend like it's a real interview because sometimes they are.

Following up every meeting, send a thank you e-mail or card and ask if it's ok to follow-up with them to keep them abreast of how things are going. Put follow-up dates into your spreadsheet.
Track everything in excel. Set daily goals for yourself and try to hit them:

- New contacts
- Meetings
- Introductions
- Etc
Repeat all of this until someone says "As it so happens, we're looking for someone just like you. Send me your resume (if you haven't already) or (more likely) I'd like you to meet with the rest of the team and do an interview."


While you are doing this, you should also cast a wide net with networking events. Go to young professionals events and just have fun and meet people.

Your resume and cover letter, assuming no grammatical or formatting errors are likely fine. You're just losing out to other people who are networking hard.

tl;dr: Figure out how to bypass HR and talk to the real people doing the hiring.

[maksimizer]

SFU

[Mr.HappySilp]

Let's just put it this way HR don't really read your whole resume. They spend maybe 5 seconds on each resume, if it is good they will take a closer look, if not they just delete it.

Now I am not sure about your job field but in mine HR are taught to look for certain things (IE Cert in the fields, what programming language they learn etc etc.....). So the best way is to know someone who works in your industries and ask them what skills or what should you specifically put on your resume to get pass HR. Also, it is better to send your resume from a better E-mail. Sometimes we laugh at the E-mail address (IE halonerd@gmail.com or ipwninCod@hotmail.com) won't get you a job or even have the HR read your resume even if you are the most qualify person. Get a regular E-mail address IE yourname@gmail.com will do.

Also make your resume max 2 pages long. Usually 1.5 pages is enough. Don't put too much info on it. Never ever put in "Reference Upon request" Either include them or omit it.

One last thing is ok to have a follow up E-mail but Never EVER call every single day. We had people who call in like several times a week asking if we got their resume when are we going to schedule them in and wants to talk to HR or the dept manager directly. Not only does that make us feel annoying but also once we learn who you are, even if you might get an interview your chance just got thrown out of the window.

[ziggyx]

have you tried going through a recruiter? do such services exist for the mining industry?

how about some networking opps to see whats out there? Do you have anything like that available?

how about picking your favourite company, linked in search the HR manager, email/call them out for a 20min coffee meeting. Outline your desires on the email and what you hope to get (should be insights first, then maybe if they are hiring a job). You got nothing to lose.

For me, the best feedback I got was from the HR manager that didn't hire me.


Yeah, there are several recruiting agencies that deal in the engineering side of things. I've gone through some and even visited Aerotek during their career fair.

I recently started trying to network. Maybe a bit over a month ago. One of the reasons why I started volunteering with APEGBC was to network with other engineers. There's also a monthly luncheon that the canadian institute of mining has downtown, but it's pretty pricey at $60 bucks just for lunch. I will probably try to go to the next one and see if I can still get the student discount.

I will try contacting people personally though since I haven't been doing that.

[TekDragon]

Might be a long shot, but have you considered looking out of province? Figure the oil sands would want people in that field.

[6793026]

1) unless you're a 10-20+ yr veteran, no recruiter will hunt a job for you. your 30k job is going get him 3k in commission; he'll spend his time landing someone that's 100k instead.
2) 90% of the time, your resume just suck. focus on resume 1st
3) ur interview skills suck. period. focus on 2 and 3 and maybe we'll talk about other options.

[!Yaminashi]

The only reason his resume "just suck" is because he probably doesnt have much experience. His interview skills probably do suck though as he mentioned he is having trouble landing interviews.

OP honestly it is probably just because there is a bit of a downturn in your field of work. My field is experiencing the exact same thing. The large majority of the small group that got hired from my graduating class already had several years (if not more) experience and can easily transition from school to work. If there isn't much work, companies wont hire fresh graduates/dont want to take a chance on graduates due to needing to invest time and money on training.

[ziggyx]

Might be a long shot, but have you considered looking out of province? Figure the oil sands would want people in that field.

I favor working in Canada, so I have applied in Alberta where the oil sands are. I also applied up north and out east as well. I'm also open to working in other countries such as the US, Mexico, South America, Australia, etc. The only places I haven't really looked into are Africa and Asia.

The only reason his resume "just suck" is because he probably doesnt have much experience. His interview skills probably do suck though as he mentioned he is having trouble landing interviews.

OP honestly it is probably just because there is a bit of a downturn in your field of work. My field is experiencing the exact same thing. The large majority of the small group that got hired from my graduating class already had several years (if not more) experience and can easily transition from school to work. If there isn't much work, companies wont hire fresh graduates/dont want to take a chance on graduates due to needing to invest time and money on training.

Yeah, I totally understand that. It just sucks when you're in that hole where you can't get any experience because no one wants to give you the experience. Do you mind if I ask what field you're in?

[ziggyx]

My advice to you is to:
a) Stop sending resumes to internet black holes
b) Figure out ways to bypass the gatekeepers (HR)
c) Stop wasting money for certifications.

By applying through careers@company.com or the relevant careers portal, you are throwing in your resume among hundreds if not thousands of other applicants. You have needle in a haystack odds.

Here's what you should do:

Make a list of possible industries you can work in. Off the top of my head, as a mining engineer, you can work for the mining companies (e.g. barrick, rio tinto, teck), engineering companies (e.g. amec, stantec, tetratech) and oil and gas companies (this may or may not be a stretch).
Figure out what the possible career paths are. At a senior level in an engineering company for example, you might be the p.eng signing off on mining plans for 43-101s.
Make a list of good questions that you want to ask people about working in the industry. Demonstrate that you did some research and are going into the finer points of it.

For example
- I know a typical mining engineer looks at xyz. Is your role pretty comparable or how does it differ?
- How did you get into this industry (people love talking about themselves)
- What advice do you have for someone looking to get in?

etc. The point is you want to have a written list of questions that you can refer to.
Write a script for e-mail and telephone conversations. Generically,

E-mail
I'm a recent grad and I want to learn more about the industry. Can I buy you coffee to pick your brain? You can attach your resume if you want or send it later.

Phone
This is a cold call! Please dont hang up! Hi, I'm so and so, I found your info through [source] and I am very interested in your industry. Is now a good time to talk?

Get a linkedin premium account and make a proper linkedin profile.
Build a list of people in roles 5-10 years more senior than the one you are targeting. You want a list of about 50.
Dump those into an excel spreadsheet and start reaching out to them for informational interviews. Your goals during informational interviews are to:

- Make people like you
- Make people feel good about talking to you
- Learn as much as you can
- Get contacts
- Hopefully get leads on jobs

If the meeting goes very well, then say something like "hey thanks so much for all your great advice. I'd really love to meet more people in the industry and was wondering if you might know other people that I should talk to"

Be polite. Be courteous and don't dress like a bum. Pretend like it's a real interview because sometimes they are.

Following up every meeting, send a thank you e-mail or card and ask if it's ok to follow-up with them to keep them abreast of how things are going. Put follow-up dates into your spreadsheet.
Track everything in excel. Set daily goals for yourself and try to hit them:

- New contacts
- Meetings
- Introductions
- Etc
Repeat all of this until someone says "As it so happens, we're looking for someone just like you. Send me your resume (if you haven't already) or (more likely) I'd like you to meet with the rest of the team and do an interview."


While you are doing this, you should also cast a wide net with networking events. Go to young professionals events and just have fun and meet people.

Your resume and cover letter, assuming no grammatical or formatting errors are likely fine. You're just losing out to other people who are networking hard.

tl;dr: Figure out how to bypass HR and talk to the real people doing the hiring.

I'd give you a big thanks if I could. I think this will be very helpful to me and any one else who is in the same boat as me. I probably need to be a bit more pro active in my job hunt, rather than doing it from just behind the computer.

6793026 was also very helpful and encouraging.

[ar_ger]

DaFonz gave some very good tips. I am currently working as a HR intern at a global company. A lot of times I see people applying the the position with a made up title. For example I am hiring for a Office admin, some people will put executive assistant on the email title. The computer program can not match the title and guess what... forget about how nice your resume is, your resume will not be in the system.

Another thing is do research on the company. Tell me how passionate you are in the cover letter. If you can't tell me why you want to work here, there are people out there who are dying to work for my company. That's just some of the things I see working as a HR intern. Hope this would help.




I'd give you a big thanks if I could. I think this will be very helpful to me and any one else who is in the same boat as me. I probably need to be a bit more pro active in my job hunt, rather than doing it from just behind the computer.

6793026 was also very helpful and encouraging.

[4444]

i'll get hated for this, but...

move away from vancouver.

Vancouver is a dead end place for jobs, especially in mining right now. would you have better luck in alberta? if not, then Australia?

you are one of many graduates coming out at a terrible time in vancouver.

as has been said before, online applications go nowhere, either use a recruiter (who are the scum of the earth, by the way, and probably won't look at you if you have no experience), get to meet with ppl somehow, etc. but i'd say your best chance is to open urself up to moving elsewhere.

[BrRsn]

format your resume so its in comic sans, should help

[6793026]

i'll get hated for this, but...

move away from vancouver.

Vancouver is a dead end place for jobs, especially in mining right now. would you have better luck in alberta? if not, then Australia?

you are one of many graduates coming out at a terrible time in vancouver.

as has been said before, online applications go nowhere, either use a recruiter (who are the scum of the earth, by the way, and probably won't look at you if you have no experience), get to meet with ppl somehow, etc. but i'd say your best chance is to open urself up to moving elsewhere.

Look at it from recruiter's point of view.WHY would they help you find a job when you're a fresh grad, you simply won't pay their bills. Even if they DO help you, HOW do you expect them to SELL you when you aren't qualify.

An employer once asked: "I'll give you 3 minutes, tell me about yourself, inspire me enough and I'll hire you." I challenge ANYONE on this thread who can do this effective on the spot during an interview.

You'll soon realize you have NOTHING to show in those 3 minutes. Tinder, mods on your car, online dating, 2048 etc are totally useless.

So yes, ask me again why you're not being considered in your job again...

[tiger_handheld]

Look at it from recruiter's point of view.WHY would they help you find a job when you're a fresh grad, you simply won't pay their bills. Even if they DO help you, HOW do you expect them to SELL you when you aren't qualify.

An employer once asked: "I'll give you 3 minutes, tell me about yourself, inspire me enough and I'll hire you." I challenge ANYONE on this thread who can do this effective on the spot during an interview.

You'll soon realize you have NOTHING to show in those 3 minutes. Tinder, mods on your car, online dating, 2048 etc are totally useless.

So yes, ask me again why you're not being considered in your job again...

The more you network the more you can practice your "elevator pitch".

mods on your car show you have a hobby, creativity, and passion for starters.

knowing how to use mods on your car as a metaphor and show it as how it benefits the guy you are talking to is the key.

[nabs]

Vancouver/LML job market sucks ass, like seriously bad. It took me over 7 months and finally after moving to Edmonton after getting countless offers there, I got a call from a company in Vancouver for a job. (I moved back here).

It's hard, its defeating, just keep on trucking on. Expand your job search to other provinces, Sask and Manitoba are big business right now, as is Edmonton, but i'm talking about rapidly expanding markets. You're in a good field and it's great that you're open to all levels of work within your field.

PM me a link to your resume or your email address and I can help you out, I've been sort of helping out friends of mine this stuff as well, hopefully I can be some assistance.

Trust me, I've been there, im sure countless of Vancouverites have been there, the market is just flooded.

[nabs]

i'll get hated for this, but...

move away from vancouver.

Vancouver is a dead end place for jobs, especially in mining right now. would you have better luck in alberta? if not, then Australia?

you are one of many graduates coming out at a terrible time in vancouver.

as has been said before, online applications go nowhere, either use a recruiter (who are the scum of the earth, by the way, and probably won't look at you if you have no experience), get to meet with ppl somehow, etc. but i'd say your best chance is to open urself up to moving elsewhere.

I absolutely agree, online applications for small companies are good. I've only gotten a couple call backs from a large companies through online applications.

I have always been head hunted though as well. I fucken hate recruiters, BUT there are those select few out there that are really helpful. Let me know if you need to get in touch with one of them.

I also agree on the getting out of Vancouver thing.

[melloman]

You're looking for a specialty position man. I can tell you BC & South America are the main places right now for mining, yet it's hard to get in.

As people have mentioned prior, it's all about timing. All companies accept resumes and throw them into a big pile, but you have to know when they are hiring. Look for positions online and make sure you always do follow-ups. Make sure they know you're around, and progressively hunting for a job.

Sitting online and sending out resumes does abit, but realistically it does fuck all. Even phone calls aren't that great but can suffice if you can't make a personal appearance at their office.

I'm a draftsman, when I got out of school in 2010, I was legit fucked and hunted for about 5-6 months for a job. I sent out cold emails to every company that was based in the GVRD and did anything for interior design/engineering/architecture/construction. I also walked around Kitslano where there are a lot of architectural offices and did cold calls. Yet when I got 1 interview, I got 3 in the same week. You just got to keep hunting and pushing and keep your head up.

Just remember that this is your career, and nobody is going to find you a job.

[ziggyx]

I've been trying to follow up with some applications. Most of the time it's a no reply and I even got one rude reply imo.. lol.

But yeah i've been hearing a lot about how it might help to move out of the city. I will probably do that in a few months when I save up a bit more and still have no luck with the job hunt.

[nabs]

I would say start looking now, just so you know whats out there. You don't have to accept any offers but it's good to have that comfort knowing that you have options. You may also be pleasantly surprised.

[tiger_handheld]

Just remember that this is your career, and nobody is going to find you a job.


:woot2:

[DaFonz]

I've been trying to follow up with some applications. Most of the time it's a no reply and I even got one rude reply imo.. lol.

But yeah i've been hearing a lot about how it might help to move out of the city. I will probably do that in a few months when I save up a bit more and still have no luck with the job hunt.

Have you done anything from what I said? If not, why?

[ziggyx]

Yeah, I actually started off with contacting my supervisor from 3 years ago that I did a coop with. I asked him if we could meet up and things went quite well. The company is actually starting up a mine but it won't start production till 2016. He said he will see if they need a junior engineer.

Other than that I have walked into a smaller consulting company to drop off my resume. I was told from a recruiter that walk-ins to smaller companies might be more beneficial compared to large companies. I didn't really get any contacts though...

I've contacted a professor from UBC as well.

To be honest I really really suck and hate networking... but I am trying.

[underscore]

Have you got a student membership with APEGBC?

[ziggyx]

I'm a registered EIT with APEGBC and a volunteer at the Richmond and Vancouver branches.

[DaFonz]

Yeah, I actually started off with contacting my supervisor from 3 years ago that I did a coop with. I asked him if we could meet up and things went quite well. The company is actually starting up a mine but it won't start production till 2016. He said he will see if they need a junior engineer.

Other than that I have walked into a smaller consulting company to drop off my resume. I was told from a recruiter that walk-ins to smaller companies might be more beneficial compared to large companies. I didn't really get any contacts though...

I've contacted a professor from UBC as well.

To be honest I really really suck and hate networking... but I am trying.

Awesome job for getting started.

Now, watch this video:

Why 'To Sell Is Human' - YouTube

Next, understand that your career progression depends on your ability to network and make people like you. Everyone starts somewhere so you might as learn now.

You can choose to adapt or flounder. I've worked with a lot of engineering companies and the people at the top aren't necessarily there because of their technical abilities.

[meme405]

Nothing to add except that the industry here in BC is still slow.

I talked to a couple people on here and mentioned this:

A bad summer means an even worse winter, but come spring we will all be laughing. This industry has a bad habit of hot and cold spells.

Mining and industrial more so than general construction.

Crusty Cunt and her goon squad of merry idiots, are simply dragging their heels on a bunch of big projects, look for a big uptick and a great payday for us all when they realize they can't stop the world from spinning.

[jnesss]

Look at it from recruiter's point of view.WHY would they help you find a job when you're a fresh grad, you simply won't pay their bills. Even if they DO help you, HOW do you expect them to SELL you when you aren't qualify.

An employer once asked: "I'll give you 3 minutes, tell me about yourself, inspire me enough and I'll hire you." I challenge ANYONE on this thread who can do this effective on the spot during an interview.

You'll soon realize you have NOTHING to show in those 3 minutes. Tinder, mods on your car, online dating, 2048 etc are totally useless.

So yes, ask me again why you're not being considered in your job again...

i went through a recruiter years ago, as it was difficult to even get an interview. why would the recruiter help you get a job? because it's likely how they're paid. they want to sell you BADLY, believe me. i also know how much my company paid for me and no, it's not 3g's for a 30k job.

[nabs]

To be honest I really really suck and hate networking... but I am trying.

Spoken like a true engineer, lol. I know that feel.

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you yet, I'm really busy with deadlines at work, will look at it this weekend.

[Nlkko]

I despise HR and recruiters. Might as well talk to the whales and dolphins (metaphor used loosely). Make you wonder if those assholes Facebook and Hangout all day while running their HR queries that automatically send your resume and cover letter to recycle bin.

Networking will help you bypassed those idiots, but it's usually easier said than done because not everyone is good at networking and cold-calling. You need a lot patient, especially for a junior position. Great thing about small companies is you're more likely to be speaking directly to the hiring manager.

Job hunting is depressing for fresh grads. Little experience (other than couple internships) while everyone insist on you pulling 2-5 years experience out of your ass for a junior position that a monkey could do it. Also sometimes people post jobs but won't review applications right away. Don't be surprised if you got hired finally and the whales and dolphins... I meant HR... call and invite you to interview a month later.

DaFonz's guide is pretty good. My only tip is be careful not to waste your time applying to positions that recruiters re-posted from the job boards. Waste of time. Also getting interviews don't mean shits. After you feel you have a great interview, send thank you note and go apply for 5 other jobs.

[ziggyx]

Awesome job for getting started.

Now, watch this video:

Next, understand that your career progression depends on your ability to network and make people like you. Everyone starts somewhere so you might as learn now.

You can choose to adapt or flounder. I've worked with a lot of engineering companies and the people at the top aren't necessarily there because of their technical abilities.

thanks. I think it will take time and definitely quite a bit of practice for me to get better with this networking stuff. I have been told that networking can get you pretty far, it's just that I never thought I would have to use it to get my first job... How very wrong and naive I am

Spoken like a true engineer, lol. I know that feel.

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you yet, I'm really busy with deadlines at work, will look at it this weekend.


No need to apologize. I understand you're busy with your own work. I'm just greatful for help. I can't be forceful on someone thats offering help, especially when it's out of their own time.


Job hunting is depressing for fresh grads. Little experience (other than couple internships) while everyone insist on you pulling 2-5 years experience out of your ass for a junior position that a monkey could do it. Also sometimes people post jobs but won't review applications right away.



That's exactly how I feel right now. I won't stop hunting and applying for jobs until I get a confirmation of getting a job. I know what you mean when you say getting interviews wont guarantee a job but I'm having quite the trouble getting an interview period lol

[spades]

+1

Recently graduated from BCIT in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technologist and have had no luck landing interviews re did resume couple times and still no luck

[DaFonz]

+1

Recently graduated from BCIT in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technologist and have had no luck landing interviews re did resume couple times and still no luck

Do this:
http://www.revscene.net/forums/696235-trouble-getting-interviews-any-advice.html#post8492749

[GGnoRE]

For those having trouble networking, I recommend this book
http://www.webdesigncompany.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/1419359827.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

http://www.amazon.ca/Never-Eat-Alone-Secrets-Relationship/dp/0385512058

[Neoxphuse]

One thing I can tell you.. in the job posting if it says for example

- able to create autocad drawings, in your resume it SHOULD read

- ability to effectively and efficient design engineering plans in autocad 2008 or whatever it is...

the key is whatever technical skills they ask for, it better be in your resume. also as someone says, whatever the title of the job is put it in the subject line w/ challenge/employment ID. i think that's pretty basic if you took any resume writing course.

[shenmecar]

I'm a recent Electrical Engineering grad and I actually just found a job right out of school. I hope I can give you a little encouragement. You are on the right path! Prior to graduation, I attended as many networking events as I could. In 5 months, I attended about 8 events from being a volunteer, attendee, and poster presenter with IEEE, PES and APEGBC. I didn't get my job from ANY of these events but I think it was still a valuable experience to just talk to people and develop more people-skills. I think that is kinda more important than technical skills because I learned quickly on the job that there is a lot more to learn. I felt school doesn't prepare you for how the industry really works. But these people-skills helped me convince my interviewers that I am the right candidate.

APEGBC also has a mentorship program that you can check out. They pair you up with a mentor and you guys can grab coffee and chat. Who knows where that can lead you! I know you mentioned you hate networking, so hopefully this will help - at one of the events I attended, the guest speaker recommended this book:

http://www.amazon.ca/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406527139&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+win+friends+and+influence+people

She said it is a renowned book for helping people develop more people-skills. I personally haven't read it yet so I can't comment on its usefulness.

Networking will be helpful in the end, one way or another. Engineering is cyclical so maybe Mining is a little slow right now. I know Electrical is slow right now at some companies. Just as a comparison, I have a friend that graduated Electrical Eng last year and he still hasn't found a job. So what you are going through isn't uncommon. Overall, I think you are on the right path, just keep at it.

[Armind]

Any clue what a Director of Business Development will be asking? Trying to prep for upcoming 2nd interview.

[6793026]

150 base + OTE 200k

[ziggyx]

I'm a recent Electrical Engineering grad and I actually just found a job right out of school. I hope I can give you a little encouragement. You are on the right path! Prior to graduation, I attended as many networking events as I could. In 5 months, I attended about 8 events from being a volunteer, attendee, and poster presenter with IEEE, PES and APEGBC. I didn't get my job from ANY of these events but I think it was still a valuable experience to just talk to people and develop more people-skills. I think that is kinda more important than technical skills because I learned quickly on the job that there is a lot more to learn. I felt school doesn't prepare you for how the industry really works. But these people-skills helped me convince my interviewers that I am the right candidate.

APEGBC also has a mentorship program that you can check out. They pair you up with a mentor and you guys can grab coffee and chat. Who knows where that can lead you! I know you mentioned you hate networking, so hopefully this will help - at one of the events I attended, the guest speaker recommended this book:

http://www.amazon.ca/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406527139&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+win+friends+and+influence+people

She said it is a renowned book for helping people develop more people-skills. I personally haven't read it yet so I can't comment on its usefulness.

Networking will be helpful in the end, one way or another. Engineering is cyclical so maybe Mining is a little slow right now. I know Electrical is slow right now at some companies. Just as a comparison, I have a friend that graduated Electrical Eng last year and he still hasn't found a job. So what you are going through isn't uncommon. Overall, I think you are on the right path, just keep at it.

I think I saw my sister reading that book. Not sure if she actually read the entire book though but i'll ask. Has anyone else read it and can comment on it ?

[!Yaminashi]

I'm going to have to say networking will work wonders for you.
I stopped sending resumes into black holes, stepped out of my comfort zone and went to some networking events.

Needless to say I made lots of contacts, and through those contacts made even more contacts which has allowed me to get my name out there, get put in touch with the right people, and gotten tons of advice and invites to just pick people's brains.

I haven't landed a position yet, as the industry just isn't booming right now and entry-intermediate level positions are scarce. (I have been told this by several high ups in large companies as well as recruiters).
However, hopefully due to getting up off my ass and getting out there, they will think of me when it comes time to hire people.

TL;DR

Get out there. When you talk with people for a bit and express you sincere interest in working in their industry, they WILL go out of their way to help you out. (As long as you aren't a dick)

[TOS'd]

Recent BCIT grad as well, was sending out applications to a lot of places and never got a bite or they would be unanswered a month only to be rejected. As Yaminashi said, the industry (ours) just isn't booming right now as said by others. But it also really depends on the firm you apply to since each firm has its own set of clients. And as long as the clients have work to be done, the firm will as well. I was fortunate to get a job about a week after graduating because of a recommendation from my teacher. And after talking to a bunch of people including new hires and long time employees, it seems that you really need to know someone to get a job now a days. As others have said, networking is what you should be doing now instead of applying aimlessly.

And on that note, any recent grad/anyone with an electrical background that can do CAD/workstations? I MIGHT know of a company (engineer firm in vancouver) desperately looking for some people because they are swamped with work. Will have to check if they are still looking.