VMock vs. Jobscan for Universities

VMock vs. Jobscan for Universities VMock vs. Jobscan for Universities When it comes to automated resume analysis in a university setting, two of the most popular web applications out there are VMock and Jobscan. Both ordnungsprinzips analyze your resume then offer a score out of 100 with tips to help you improve.Of course were biased, but as researchers who strive to provide the best tools for job seekers, we want to see how we stack up.We like how we stack up.VMock is great for the basicsVMocks resume suggestions are centered around basic presentation and best practices. This includes checks forPage Margin Width (0.5 1 inch)Number of Pages (1 page is ideal)Resume Sections (contact info, experience, education)SpellingVMock also does a good job of verifying that your resume includes measurable results and features strong language by suggesting action-oriented verbs and pointing out passive language, particularly with their premium bullet-level suggestions feature.These checks are a g reat starting point for job seekers writing a resume for the first time. Unfortunately, simply following resume standards isnt enough to land a job interview anymore.VMock doesnt account for ATSMost hiring companies, including over 98 percent of Fortune 500, utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS) to rank, filter, and search job applicants.Applicants who dont optimize their resume for ATS risk having their resume rejected outright or slip through the cracks without ever being seen by a recruiter.VMock does not provide guidance on how to craft an ATS-friendly resume. Jobscan, on the other hand, was originally built by a frustrated job seeker who learned that these portals use algorithms and search queries to determine the fate of every resume and application. Jobscan continually conducts first-hand ATS research and testing to learn exactly how they work.The job description is the key to unlocking these systems. Some ATS automatically analyze the resume against the job description to generate a score and ranking against other applicants. More commonly, recruiters search for key skills and job titles within their ATS instead of reading each resume.Jobscan analyzes the job description against its highly curated database of skills and job titles to highlight the search terms a recruiter is likely to use when filling a particular job.Learn more about ATS8 Things You Need to Know about Applicant Tracking SystemsTaleo 4 Ways the Most Popular ATS Ranks Your Job ApplicationVideo Jobscans ATS Tip featureVMock doesnt tailor your resume to the jobAs part of their premium package, VMock shows soft skills and core competencies related to your industry, such asAnalytical Skills (competitive analysis, strategic thinking)Communication Skills (negotiation, client management)Leadership Skills (deal management, strategy execution)Teamwork Skills (team collaboration, staff supervision)Initiative Skills (growth planning, segmentation)These soft skills and competencies will streng then any resume. Jobscan also checks for high-level industry compatibility by leveraging its database of resumes and smart skill classification to identify skills that prove youre a well-rounded candidate.A portion of the Recruiter Highlights section in the Jobscan Resume Match Report.More importantly, Jobscan is focused on helping tailor your resume to the exact job specifications.Get over the generalists point of view, a veteran Silicon Valley recruiter told Jobscan. This is a time where specifics matter. Theres specific talent being requested. Pay attention and respond to that.Jobscan helps you pay attention and respond to that while also optimizing for ATS.When you upload a resume to Jobscan, you also paste in the job description. Jobscan is then able to highlight critical skills from the job description that are missing from your resume.The Hard Skills section of the Jobscan Resume Match Report.Premium Feature ComparisonVMock offers just 10 resume uploads as part of their premi um package, suggesting that there is a finite amount that can be learned from their service. In their first month using Jobscan Premium, users analyze an average of 42 resumes, learning additional recruiter insights and customized keyword optimization techniques from one job application to the next.Jobscan also believes in a holistic job search approach, with premium features that include cover letter analysis and LinkedIn Optimization.With LinkedIn Optimization, job seekers learn how to attract recruiters to their LinkedIn profile in order to uncover hidden job opportunities and, in some cases, sidestep the resume application process entirely.The LinkedIn Optimization process is simpleConnect your LinkedIn Profile to JobscanAdd 3 or more jobs youre interested in (or types of jobs youre interested in)Receive tailored tips and skills for optimizing your entire profile for recruiter searchConclusion VMock vs. JobscanVMock is very helpful when it comes to resume writing basics. It visu alizes the importance of basic formatting standards and the way a students experience is presented. For tailoring an application to a specific job in todays competitive job market, Jobscan delivers more while diving deeper into what it takes to create an impactful application that will drive real results.Bring Jobscan to your schoolInterested in Jobscan for your university career center? Check out our Higher Education solutions page.

3 Job Search Mistakes To Not Learn The Hard Way

3 Job Search Mistakes To Not Learn The Hard Way3 Job Search Mistakes To Not Learn The Hard WayA lot of emotions go into job search and usually, theyre the negative emotions. You can start to feel desperate after submitting dozens or hundreds of resumes, only to be rejected. And its confounding that no one can seem to see that youre perfect for a role, especially when you meet all the qualifications listed in the ad.To minimize the negative emotions, lets avoid 3 key job search mistakes so you can turn your job search journey into a series of wins, up to and including an offer for the job you ideally want.Mistake 1 Keeping Your Options OpenThis week a candidate told me, So far Ive been applying for about 8 or 10 different job titles, a variety of things, because I figure I can adapt to pretty much anything.Me And how long have you been in active job search mode?Her About 7 months now.Its time for a better strategy. I realize it seems counter-intuitive, but casting a wide net and keep ing your options open will only get you exactly where you are right now nowhere.Consider the prospective employers point of view they have a position to fill. It has a job title. It has a specific set of duties. Youre being hired to do, literally, ONE job. With the jack-of-all-trades approach, the only thing youre telling the employer is that you can do some of the job he wants done, and by the way you can touch on all these other things he didnt even ask you to do. Thats not an attractive package from the employers perspective.Heres what to do instead identify what you do excellently, and pursue that. That means other opportunities will pass you by. Get okay with that. Not every opportunity is for you. But the one that is for you is where youll excel.Mistake 2 Replacing Tried & True Methods With The wwwThe Internet seems like a blessing so many opportunities at your fingertips, so easy to apply, and as LinkedIn continues to evolve, so many ways to reach out and touch the real huma n being you need. But there can be a bit of a curse when the Internet comes into play as well it can make you lazy, real quick.The Internet doesnt replace tried and true methods. It just augments them. You are unlikely to land your next 6-figure position 100% from the comfort of your bedroom, with your laptop open. Its just like dating. You can have all the online profiles on all the sites that you want, but at some point, you literally need to get up and get out there.Regard online searching as a fast track. You can network with an exponentially higher number of people online. But nothing rings truer than a nice phone call. Informational interviews still work. Showing your face means showing the real you, and differentiating yourself from the sea of competitors (who stay hiding behind their computers).Mistake 3 Networking In A Way Thats Not WorkingOn a date, if all the other person does is say, Me Me Me Then YOUprobably wont be too terribly interested in seeing them again. When it comes to job search, you cant approach a networking situation with your hand out immediately asking for something. Flip the script. In fact, discard your script. Networking works best when you actively listen, add value, then have that move reciprocated.When the opportunity naturally arises for you to speak, make sure that what you say is specific. Stating, So, if you know of any contacts doesnt inspire anyone to do anything. People know a lot of contacts. But they can be mora helpful to you and they want to be helpful to you you just have to zero in on specifically what you need.An effective statement in a networking scenario is, Ive been in project management for 12 years, and right now I have my eye on US Foods, Kraft, and Tyson. If you or a contact of yours knows the Project Management Office Directors or VPs of Operations at any of those places, that would actually be most helpful to me.Specifics get results. A specific request when youre networking tickles peoples memories and they will come up with names more often than not. Aiming for a specific role, as opposed to taking shots in the dark at 8-10 different titles, can land you in that role significantly faster.Theres another specific approach to keep in mind. Its mapped out in our Ultimate Recruiter Response Cheat Sheet. Find out the exact language you need in order to instantly connect with a real human being who can move you through the interview process. This is the one strategy you need to pull your resume out of the online black hole, make sure it gets in front of someones eyeballs, and increase the likelihood that youll get a 70% response rate. Download The Ultimate Recruiter Response Cheat Sheet today.

A Boat that Walks on Water

A Boat that Walks on Water A Boat that Walks on Water Flying through the water, barely skimming the surface, loud and seemingly proud of it- even sometimes pushing past alligators - this is the world of the airboat. But it is evolving from a small recreational craft for a few to becoming a vessel with vital search-and-rescue capabilities for many. Billy Miller, owner of Airboat West, Embudo, NM, discovered the latter capability while helping out during Hurricane Katrina and feeling unnecessary trips were being taken back and forth. Most airboats are for a shallow haul and top heavy but can be terrible in the open sea, he says. I wanted to make one where the entire boat can be reassigned for a low center of gravity, take a lot of people, and have a whole apparatus with a roll bar designed for survival rollovers. Most airboats are sitting up high and tall to see down and get gators, but in New Orleans you had low-hanging power lines that could clip people.Wave kinderkarre is a rescue airboat designed to carry passengers or 2,250 pounds cargo. Image Airboatwest.comThe Wave Buggy Designed with SolidWorks 3D design software, Millers Wave Buggy, which can hold 15 passengers, even incorporated the input of engineers who had worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory. I wanted great minds helping me, he says. And it was important that it was efficient in deep water and white water.The Wave Buggy can be used for rescue or recreation, but regardless of function, when designing an airboat, you need to decide what kind of horsepower is most suitable, with 500 hp fast becoming the minimal rating, Miller says. Also, you need to know what kind of speed to aim for. In general, airboats go a lot faster than other boats because theyre elend using the water for power or propulsion and, when theyre really moving, only inches make contact with the water for less contact friction, he adds. Managing WindsTheres also the rudder. Mine is designed like little win gs and directs air to where you want it to go, Miller says. It sits on top of propellers and in the very center. The wind comes off of it like a tornado. Miller designed his boat with a 79-in propeller and 49-in rudders so they catch the center of the propeller and direct it. With high-performance motors, the amount of power required to turn a propeller and for the required low-end torque means youll want to produce 4000-5000 rpm, he says.For Millers hull, he designed it with tubes made of Hypalon, PVC, and polyurethane, allowing the boat to sit up higher. And his airboat, like others, is without brakes, using the reverse motor to stop. Some even do a 180-degree spin-on-a-dime to slow down, he says.One of the most important rules has nothing to do with mechanics, however, as he says to always remember to bring a set of air plugs. How loud it will be depends on the propeller and what exhaust system. Mine is better because its routed with flow-through motors and a good e xhaust but its never going to sound soft, he laughs.But at least, Miller says, the ride is smooth. Its incredible how effortlessly it moves. Four inches off the water. How can you not have fun when youre flying Eric Butterman is an independent writer. For Further DiscussionMost airboats are sitting up high and tall to see down and get gators, but in New Orleans, you had low-hanging power lines that could clip people.Billy Miller, president, Airboat West

The Best Way to Add Keywords to Your Resume

The Best Way to Add Keywords to Your ResumeThe Best Way to Add Keywords to Your Resume For every job application you send, theres a resume that needs to be polished. Whether youre crafting your first resume ever, revising one thats out of date, or updating one with your new experiences crafting a resume takes time, skill, and a keen eye for detail. Its not something to type or quickly or blindly platzdeckchen off without a double take, or a second set of eyes to look at.One of the most important aspects of the resume is how quickly it can catch the eye of a recruiter or hiring manager. To do so, you need to have keywordsbut not too many. Keywords need to be strategically sprinkled throughout your resume to avoid keyword stuffing and ultimately adding too much fluff. Instead, you want to be smart about what keywords you use, and where you place them.Heres where resume experts are the best eyes you can getand if you want to know how to craft a winning resume, these professionals have some of the best insight to share. Glassdoor spoke with Wendi Weiner , attorney and career branding expert, and Amanda Augustine, Career Advice Expert for TopResume to provide you with the best advice for adding keywords into your resume.Its all about placement and Augustine says that the third-top of the page should provide a snapshot of your professional experience and why youre the best candidate . Since recruiters typically review a resume starting at the top of the document and working their way down, this snapshot area is prime real estate for relevant keywords, says Augustine.If youre wondering what keywords you should be using in your resume, take a moment to read through the job description and write down all the words that stand out to you. The keywords used in the job description are the same keywords you want to work into your resumeand are the first words a hiring manager will notice on your resume.For example, if you are applying for a senior schlussverkauf manager role, the hiring manager is going to be looking for the years of experience that the position is requiring, the targeted skills you have that match the job description, and other industry specific words such as business development, team management or cross-functional leadership, high-impact sales revenue, etc., explains Weiner while noting that the job description holds targeted and industry specific keywords that you should use.Additionally, Augustine points out that keywords can be tricky because you have to choose words that are relevant to your goals and the position youre applying to. Moreover, different keywords will appeal to different hiring managers.Augustine advises to determine what particular skills the job description is stressing the candidate absolutely must haveand to make sure you list those as your skills. The job description really is you best friend when choosing keywords.Use the job description to identify the right keywords that spea k to the hiring managers needs, and incorporate that information into the relevant parts of your resume., explains Augustine. For instance, your professional summary should summarize your experience and qualifications, emphasizing the value youve created for previous employers. The keywords that accurately describe your skill set should be listed in the key skills section and peppered into your work history.One big mistake candidates make on their resume is using superfluous adjectives that dont necessarily make sense. People tend to use keywords like results-driven or dynamic without really providing a factual basis for those things, says Weiner. Focus on results that you effectuated at the organizations and the key contributions you made.For example, when writing bullet points under your job descriptions, you should avoid starting the sentence with responsible for, or responsibilities included. Instead, Weiner advises that you use a powerful action verb (such as, streamlined, or chestrated, boosted, etc.,) in order to really sell your potential and craft a winning resume. Action verbs help you describe what youve accomplished and how youve contributed to a company, says Augustine. Use verbs that clearly explain what you achieved for the company, not just what tasks you performed for them. Did your responsibilities lead you to generate revenue, decrease costs, improve customer satisfaction, or increase brand awareness? Start your bullets with words that describe the result you achieved and youll be sure to impress the hiring manager.Dont just use your Thesaurus to change words into keywords with a little extra time spent looking over the job description, and some tweaking in your sentences, youll polish off a winning resume in no time. Goodluck

Definitions of Resume Tutorial

Definitions of Resume Tutorial How to Get Started with Resume Tutorial? Click the Try it Yourself button to observe the way that it works. Your new Xamarin app is all set. Please have a look at the site and see whether it might be helpful for you. The tutorial demo is a 1 page site template that youre absolutely free to utilize for your online resume. The Advantages of Resume Tutorial If you wish to receive a job, you will need to get prepared, so start by writing a superb outline. For lots of people, the procedure for writing a resume is daunting. One of the absolute most important and intimidating measures in the work search procedure is writing a solid resume that gets the attention you need and need. However great your resume may be, unless it can help you get interviews with the man doing the hiring, it isnt profitable. Resume Tutorial the Ultimate Convenience Aside from the list of links on top, the text should currently be purple against a greenish yellow backgrou nd. The background of the human body element will also be the background of the entire document. Employing the exact same previous strategy, you may produce a custom made layout via Slide Master to add all of the information that you need to utilize in your resume cover or you may do it without Slide Master as lots of the elements used here wont be utilised in other slide (it is all up to you). You are going to learn how to make paragraph styles, how to specify a baseline grid and the way to import and place images. Developing a great resume is a small amount of a balancing act. Following that, you should start adding the resume content by means of your work experience and education background. A great editing job will take a small longerand some particular tactics intended to catch resume errors. If youre a weak DBA before embarking on the procedure for learning RAC, you arent likely to have an enjoyable time. The tutorial also has instructions on the best way to use Auth orship Markup Style sheets in CSS are composed of rules. Examples have been supplied in the table below they dont count for your overall 10. Paragraph Styles are an excellent way to conserve time. Rumors, Deception and Resume Tutorial Alas, many job seekers become overwhelmed before they even begin. On the flip side, CVs must be carried by candidates with relevant experience. Dont forget that recruiters may see the name of the file that you send them and also dont forget they get a lot of resumes each day. A professional resume is crucial, but in the current job market, its often not enough alone. With a Indeed Resume you are able to make your abilities and experience visible to employers and provide them an effortless method to get in touch with you about relevant jobs. When you understand what you have to give and the kind of jobs youre interested in, you will have the ability to compose your very best career objective. If you find yourself with a new job, wish to add ne w abilities or wish to customize your resume for individual industries, you ought to have the ability to edit your resume easily. The Secret to Resume Tutorial Your CV isnt where to dick around. From that point, its simple to edit your PDF as much as you desire. You can also have details about a degree program you are enrolled in. Frequently, the application instructions for a specific location will state if its the CV or resume is requested. Resume Tutorial Fundamentals Explained Use the ability of grid based designs to create a structured and expert page layout in InDesign, which may then be populated with an assortment of information to make a polished CV or Resume. Scroll through the list of functions, or when you prefer, open the drop-down list and choose a particular type. TRADITIONAL templates are perfect for an array of professions, where content as opposed to form is crucial. CONTEMPORARY templates are perfect for an array of professions where you need to earn a v isual effect. Ruthless Resume Tutorial Strategies Exploited When you attempt to stick out among other candidates, you have to be aware of where to draw the line. In the event the title of the award doesnt communicate the reason behind the reward, highlight precisely what the award recognized. Make certain you update yours every single time you update your portfolio, and help it become accessible from your portfolio. The resume template may also be used in case you have a presentation on career related themes. The text depends of course on the info youre providing. Always make certain youre conscious of the rules, and break them cautiously. The challenging portion of the very first message I send through internet dating sites is determining what things to say. Our page is currently prepared to place elements accurately in regard to the structured gridlines.

What You Need to Know About Writing a Resume?trackid=Sp-006

What You Need to Know About Writing a Resume?trackid=Sp-006 You titelseite letter should tackle the particular company in which youre applying for and in addition, it needs to tackle their hiring needs. A cover letter needs to be addressed to an actual individual. While it does show a generalized idea of how to write a cover letter it does not show you have to make one look unique and fresh to your prospective employer. Free cover letters also dont show you the way to make your cover letter appear distinctive and fresh to prospective employers. The Fundamentals of Writing a Resume?trackid = Sp-006 Revealed An assortment of formats obtainable A great advantage of every one of our CV layouts is the fact theyre supported by the majority of well-known formats. In some instances what you are going to need isnt a resume template in any way. A It will supply the insight on what should be the perfect formatting of the resume that may entice the appearance of the reader. If youre just making your very first studienplan vitae ever or if youre thinking of revamping your resume format, you will want some help on your endeavors. Attempt to remember, after you have finished personalizing your resume, youre not ready to complete an application yet. The few which have the expert formatting can receive the second appearance. When youre excited about a career change, giving an expert makeover to your resume is going to be a good idea to think about. Only the fact that youre ready to prepare a professional resume for job gets you across the majority of your primary obstacles. The very first thing you ought to know is it is very important to take time to compose your resume. An excellent template can help save you a good deal of time and produce the procedure for building a resume more straightforward. A resume ought to be unique and well structured so as to stick out from the rest of the resumes and clearly advertise your abilities. If you wish to compose a resume and searching for the tips then here were likely to speak about tips to write marketing resume. It is possible to refer above given tips to compose an impressive and beneficial marketing resume. When youre looking for work, you are aware that you must prepare a curriculum vitae which is what you will pass on to prospective employers that you wish to work for. Highlight your achievements you have gained previously in similar type of job. Of course if you truly understand what type of job that you could want, it is going to be simpler to build your resume. The absolute most acceptable job for you is closer than you may imagine.

How Employers Are Screening Applicants

How Employers Are Screening Applicants How Employers Are Screening Applicants A survey of 300 people involved in the hiring process at their company shows how your social media presence increasingly affects the decision making process before you even get to an interview.Explore more visuals like this one on the webs largest information design community Visually.

7 Signs Your Interview Went Well

7 Signs Your Interview Went Well7 Signs Your Interview Went Well7 Signs You Aced Your First InterviewLooking for signs that your einstellungsgesprch went well?Candidates usually report one of two opposite reactions after walking out of their first job bewerbungsinterview. They either feel they did extremely well or, unfortunately, that they failed completely. Then, they spend a few hours (or days) mulling over every small detail of the interview in their minds, reading into what happened. This can turn into something that an old mentor of mine referred to as RR Review and Regret notlagelagelage a constructive use of anyones time.If your mind is spinning after an interview, take a deep breath. According to a survey by Management Recruiters International, it takes the majority of candidates three interviews or more to get the job offer. However, the first interview is a big step in the right direction.It is easy to feel confused as you think through what happened in the job interview. Human communications are inherently messy. Add some interview jitters and you get a recipe for misreading the situation. Did the hiring manager frown because she did not like your answers or because she was not feeling well? You have not heard from your recruiter in over 24 hours is that a bad sign?Can you ever get an accurate read of how well you did in that critical first interview?Interviewing is not a perfect science. It can be difficult to predict the outcome with 100 percent accuracy. However, there are some common trends among the successful job interviews the ones that ultimately lead to an offer. Read on to see if you can spot one or more that apply to your situation.Your interview ran longRecruiters and hiring managers do not like to waste time. If they feel that you are not the right fit for the position, they may cut the interview short.Keep in mind that sometimes there is more than one possible explanation for a situation. If your interview ended sooner than you expe cted, perhaps an urgent issue demanded the hiring managers attention immediately. Despite best efforts, work emergencies do happen, whether it is a glitch in the payroll system, an urgent update to a board presentation, or a system conversion gone wrong. An interview running long is a great sign that it went well, but if it doesnt happen for you, it doesnt automatically mean youre out of the running.The recruiting manager seemed to enjoy the conversationPay attention to the hiring managers body language and overall demeanor. If they look relaxed, immersed in the flow of the conversation, and focused on you, you have some good signs that the interview is going well.Try not to read too deeply into the reverse of that experience. If the hiring manager seems distracted, it is possible that they have already made up their mind and are simply going through the motions to check the box. It is also possible that job stress, deadlines, or illness is a factor. Stay professional and do your be st to focus on the conversation.You got some tough or unexpected questionsIn past interviews, hiring managers have asked me to solve puzzles, describe myself in three words, do a budget-to-actual analysis across 20+ subsidiaries, and write a mock-up report to an imaginary client. If the hiring manager asks you some technically difficult (or even oddball) questions, remember that they are not trying to trick you. The intent is usually to gauge how you approach an unexpected situation. Your response to a tough question can give the interviewer insight into your creativity and ability to deal with pressure something that your resume, no matter how polished, cannot do as effectively.If you dislike oddball questions, you are not alone. Handling an unexpected question with poise can be difficult. This little trick may help Remember that the interviewer probably does not care whether you get the right answer to how many gas stations there are in the United States. They are looking for ins ight into your logic and problem-solving patterns.Here are some strategy points on answering logical or oddball questions in a job interviewThrowing up your hands is the single worst thing to do. Remember that you get points for effort and creativity.Being quiet for 45 seconds and then blurting out 75 1000000 is probably not your best strategy either.Make sure you understand the question (this also buys you time to think). Then, take the problem from the top and talk it the entire way through. It is OK to make assumptions, even if they are off. Define your assumptions clearly, and focus on demonstrating your thinking and communication skills not on getting to the holy grail of the right answer.For the record, my track record of getting the perfect answer to oddball questions is 50 percent or less. I got the job offers anyway.You got the office tour or met other professionals who work thereA routine tour of the office by an internal recruiter carries less meaning than an impromptu o ne done by a hiring manager as they walk you back to the reception area. If the interviewer took the time to walk you around the office and make a few introductions, chances are they can see you joining the team. Use this opportunity to make a good impression and get a feel for the company culture and your would-be co-workers.Related5 Ways to Evaluate Company Culture During a Job InterviewThe interviewer tried to sell you on the company and the positionWhen the manager goes into detail about the companys benefits, pay, perks, and its great culture, they are trying to sell you on the position. This is a great reminder that while the hiring manager is interviewing you, you are interviewing them as well.The interviewer asked specific questions about your transitionThe hiring process does not end with the job interviews. Depending on your situation, there may be background or medical checks, training, non-compete agreements to consider, and references to check. If the recruiter or the h iring manager wanted to know the details of those, or your available start date, you have some good signs that they are seriously considering your candidacy.The interviewer or recruiter discussed specific next steps with timingThe best sign that your interview went well is if you have the next interview scheduled before you leave the first one The next best thing is if the manager was specific about expectations.Did you ace the interview?As you consider these observations, keep in mind that it serves you best to take the interview process at face value. Regardless of how confident (or not) you feel, your guess is only a guess until you have an offer in your hand. Continue to prepare, show up, and do your best in every interview.Finally, remember to observe what you can about the company and the hiring manager, and pay attention to any red flags that may be there. If the hiring manager spoke badly about the person you will be replacing, could not explain the job clearly, or kept che cking their phone during the interview, consider what it would be like to work with them. Do not get so caught up in analyzing your performance and whether you had a successful job interview that you lose sight of everything else.Click on the following link for more interview advice.Make sure your first interview goes well with professional interview coaching. Check out our sister site, TopInterview.Recommended ReadingOfficeHours How to Ace Your Next Job Interview13 of the Smartest Questions to Ask a Hiring ManagerHow to Be a Great Candidate Even If Youre Underqualified for the JobRelated Articles

Tips to Succeed as an Engineering Consultant

Tips to Succeed as an Engineering Consultant Tips to Succeed as an Engineering Consultant Tips to Succeed as an Engineering ConsultantStuart B. Brown, founder and managing principal of consulting firm Veryst Engineering, Needham, MA, likes to say that to be a successful engineering consultant, you have to be bipolar.But as might be expected, his definition of bipolar is elend the traditional one. You have to be an expert, he says. And then you have to be able to do everything else.Hes learned over the years that clients hire a consultant for his or her expertise but after assessing the situation, consultants often recognize that the clients problems require a totally different skill set. Consultants must develop the ability to understand clients problems, empathize with their pain, and find solutions, he advises.The right response is Heres the solution, and I can do it in this amount of time. You might notlage necessarily be using your specialty, he says. But if you find a way to sol ve a problem, clients will be happy.For example, his firm was hired by an athletic shoe company to investigate why some fluid-filled, shock-absorbing shoe components were failing, he notes. The decision was based on its expertise and familiarity with the failure modes of polymers and how they handle stress under impact conditions. After meeting with the client, a major project became helping to develop a childrens activity shoe that included sensors, circuitry, and LEDs to measure how fast a child was running and then display that speed on a set of LEDs on top of the shoe. After completing the project, the client applied and received a patent on the invention with Brown and some of his colleagues as co-inventors.Although this expertise was part of our skill set, it was not the reason for our original retention, Brown says.Best PracticesPeople come to consultants for several reasons they dont have the time to come up with a solution, they dont have the people, or they dont have the e xpertise. If they perceive you as being the best and a problem-solver, you have the beginnings of building a client base, Brown says.Brown, who holds literary and geschftliches miteinander degrees as well as a B.S. in mechanical engineering (ME) from Washington University, an M.S. in ME from Stanford University, and a Ph.D. in ME from MIT, believes there are steps and practices engineering consultants need to take and adopt to have a successful career.Be better than anyone else in somethingWhen you are young, you must have as an expectation and objective that sooner or later you are going to know something better than anyone else in the world, he says. Maybe you wont pull that off. Maybe youre the best in the state or the country, but if you have that agenda and you think intelligently about what people will need or want in the future, you have the opportunity to get people coming to you because you have that expertise.Develop as many tools as possible while young because thats when learning is easiest. Increase the size of your technical toolbox as much as you can.Offer a strong point of view people hire consultants for their idea and opinions.You need to have an ego because no one wants to hear from someone who doesnt have a strong point of view, he advises. A client doesnt want to hear things like, Maybe youd like to try this, or, It seems like a good idea to me. Clients hire a consultant to provide an answer, and most clients are smart enough to recognize that you arent operating with perfect information because they arent either and thats why they hired a consultant to begin with, Brown explains. You have to form an opinion, defend it, and deliver it competently so that people will act on it and come back to you. Why would you want to hire someone who says, I dont know. Maybe this is something you should do?Dont be afraid of marketing. Someone said the best marketing is done by people who may not be the best but who are persistent. Dont let someone saying , Were not interested, make you disheartened. It is a learning experience, he advises. With consulting, you can explore different types of work to find what you want to do and find the types of clients with whom you want to work. You can only do that by trying. So being out there and marketing a lot matters enormously, he says.As a final word of advice that may sound like a cliche, Brown says the best marketing is a happy client. Thats why its important to work very hard to make sure current clients are happy because they will come back to you.Nancy Giges is an independent writer.You need to have an ego because no one wants to hear from someone who doesnt have a strong point of view.Stuart B. Brown, founder and managing principal, Veryst Engineering