Questions Engineering Managers Want You to Ask in an Interview
By: Leslie Stevens-Huffman At some point during an interview, the engineering manager is bound to ask: “Do you have any questions for me?” This is your opportunity to showcase your motivation and cultural fit, and to prove that you’re ready to contribute from day one. Wouldn’t it be helpful to know what engineering managers really… Read more »
Becoming a Client of Choice for Contract Engineers
By: Leslie Stevens-Huffman If your engineering firm relies on contractors to meet its goals and objectives, making a concerted effort to become a “client of choice” could turn your organization into a talent magnet. LinkedIn’s Winning Talent report found that organizations that earned a reputation for being a great place to work enjoyed reduced turnover,… Read more »
6 Surprising In-Demand Skill Sets for Engineers
By: Leslie Stevens-Huffman Did you know that 3D printing has become a must-have skill for engineers? Of course, math, detail orientation and problem-solving abilities are perennial requirements. However, the skills that can give you a leg up on the competition continue to evolve. If you haven’t looked for a new job in a while, what employers are… Read more »
4 Workplace Trends You Can’t Ignore
By: Leslie Stevens-Huffman Many of the trends that will impact engineering firms in 2016 have been underway for some time, but they will become more influential and significant this year. The shifting tides could alter the way you work, the benefits you offer, and even who you hire. Here’s a look at the trends that… Read more »
Peer Power: Job Hunting Tips from Fellow Contract Engineers
By: Leslie Stevens-Huffman Companies are increasingly hiring contract engineers to supplement the capabilities of in-house teams and assist with heavy workloads. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor found that 65 percent of employers plan to increase their use of flexible staffing to meet their future talent needs. But even if you work with several… Read more »
Peer Power: Job Hunting Tips from Fellow Contract Engineers
By: Leslie Stevens-Huffman Companies are increasingly hiring contract engineers to supplement the capabilities of in-house teams and assist with heavy workloads. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor found that 65 percent of employers plan to increase their use of flexible staffing to meet their future talent needs. But even if you work with several… Read more »
Secrets to Competing with Google & Facebook for Top Technical Talent
By: Leslie Stevens-Huffman When it comes to recruiting software engineers and developers, competing against the likes of Google, Facebook and Apple isn’t easy. These talent magnets have built robust brands and have become experts at enticing a new generation of contract and full-time workers. Before you raise the white flag, consider that several engineering managers… Read more »
5 Ways Contracting Advances Your Engineering Career
By: Leslie Stevens-Huffman Technical competence alone won’t advance your career. You need experience with a variety of projects, a take-charge attitude, and a network of influential contacts to become a recognized expert, manager or owner-partner at an engineering firm. But it can take years to amass experience in these areas as a regular employee. Becoming… Read more »
Compensation Planning 2016: 4 Forecasts and Trends in Engineering
By: Leslie Stevens-Huffman According to a recent survey by Electronic Design, nearly 51 percent of engineers reported that their companies were having a hard time finding qualified candidates. Couple that with the fact that only 64 percent of engineering professionals feel they are adequately compensated, and it’s easy to see why compensation planning needs to… Read more »
5 Ways to Sell Yourself in an Interview
By: Leslie Stevens-Huffman Your education, skills and project experience may get you an interview, but it’s your performance during the interview that will get you a contract engineering assignment. To impress the engineering manager and earn his trust, you’ll need to convince him beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’re the best person for… Read more »