The Kansas City Metro has a lot to offer when it comes to job opportunities. Jobs continue to grow in industries like education and health care, but one of the most thriving industries in Kansas City is engineering. With such a robust industry, the job market can be competitive, so it is important to stand out among the other qualified candidates. At Austin Nichols, we are familiar with everything job seekers will need to know when looking for engineering jobs in the Kansas City area.
1. Research the Market
Like with any other region, you will need to research the engineering job market in Kansas City as well as the surrounding areas. Engineering firms can be found in Overland Park, KS, Lee’s Summit, MO, and a number of other suburbs, so it is important to expand your research to the entire region.
During the exploratory phase of job seeking, you should research popular engineering, tech, and construction companies. Kansas City is a tight-knit community, so it is important to be familiar with the big organizations as well as the small consulting firms. Having a well-rounded understanding of the market will set you up for success as you apply to jobs.
In addition to researching the companies and firms, you should look up specific jobs and salaries that align with your experience. Knowing the range of industry salaries will ensure you have accurate expectations when you meet for an interview. Asking for too little or too much for a specific position will likely signify to the interviewer that you do not know much about the engineering field and its jobs in the Kansas City area. Websites like Glassdoor can provide good insights into the salaries for the jobs and companies that pique your interest.
2. Tailor Your Resume to the Specific Job
Once you research engineering firms and companies in Kansas City, it will come time to apply to jobs. If you are an experienced engineer, you will likely qualify for a variety of positions. Like most other job markets, engineering is not a one-size-fits-all industry. For this reason, it can be a good idea to tailor your resume to specific jobs and have several resumes that each highlight different skillsets and experience. For example, if you are applying for a position at an engineering consulting firm, you will focus on different skills than if you were applying for a project management role at a tech company. Research the skills and qualifications for each job and alter your resume based on the ones that are most relevant to the job at hand.
3. Prepare for Interviews
You probably know by now that it is important to prepare before an interview. However, it is apparent to interviewers which applicants took the extra steps to ensure they know as much as possible about the company, position, and industry. Don’t just tell them you will be good for the job but rather, explain why. Tell stories of situations that share your skills and experience. Often, interviewers are meeting with candidates all day long, so try to stick out for a position by providing unique anecdotes about yourself and your qualifications.
4. Network with Other Kansas City Engineers
Although many people associate networking with business and politics, it always good for individuals in the engineering field to make connections, too. In Kansas City, especially, meeting other professionals in the industry can help you get considered for your dream job. Previous clients or former colleagues will likely be happy to refer you to the hiring manager at a company you are interested in joining. Other networking opportunities include alumni associations, professional organizations, LinkedIn, and job fairs. The more you get out and meet more professionals in Kansas City, the easier it will be to get your dream engineering job.
5. Work with People Who Know the Industry
One of the best ways to find a job and company that fit perfectly with what you are looking for is to work with engineering recruiters in the Kansas City area. These individuals will know a lot about the area’s job market and will be able to connect you with potential employers to discuss career opportunities. Often, recruiters will help you with every step of the hiring process down to negotiating your salary. At Austin Nichols, our recruiters are experts at matching candidates with the best jobs in Kansas City that align with their experience and skillset.
