Consider dedicating four years (or longer) to studying engineering, enduring sleepless nights for exams, and envisioning a career filled with significant projects—only to encounter difficulties in securing a job after graduation. It’s understandably disheartening, isn’t it?
You are not alone in this experience. Numerous engineering graduates find themselves in a similar predicament, submitting job applications without receiving any feedback, facing numerous rejections, or having to accept low-paying positions that are unrelated to their field.
What is causing this situation? More importantly, what steps can you take to improve it?
In this blog, we will explore the underlying factors contributing to the challenges engineers face in the job market and offer practical solutions to help you turn your situation around.
Reason #1: The Job Market Has Evolved, Yet Engineers Have Not Adjusted
If you depend on your degree, you’re up against countless others with the same credentials. To stand out to recruiters, you must find a way to set yourself apart.
How to Fix It:
✅ Stay updated with industry trends—follow top engineers, read blogs, and attend webinars.
✅ Learn in-demand tools/software like AutoCAD, MATLAB, Python, or cloud technologies.
✅ Gain real-world exposure through internships, freelancing, or personal projects.
Reason #2: Weak Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Recruiters are often pressed for time and may not sift through lengthy resumes filled with generic information. A resume that lacks clarity, conciseness, and a focus on achievements is likely to be overlooked.
Additionally, 80% of recruiters utilize LinkedIn to search for potential candidates. If your profile is not well-optimized, you could be overlooking valuable job opportunities.
How to Fix It:
✅ Keep your resume one page (for freshers) with bullet points highlighting your key projects, skills, and internships.
✅ Use strong action verbs (e.g., “Designed,” “Implemented,” “Optimized”) to describe your work.
✅ Your LinkedIn profile should have:
A professional photo
A compelling headline (e.g., “Mechanical Engineer | AutoCAD & SolidWorks | Problem-Solver”)
A well-written About section that showcases your skills and achievements
Reason #3: Lack of Networking
Did you realize that more than 70% of job opportunities are never advertised publicly? These positions are often filled through referrals and personal connections. If you aren’t engaging in networking, you could be overlooking job openings that aren’t listed on platforms like LinkedIn or Naukri.com.
How to Fix It:
✅ Connect with seniors, professors, and professionals in your industry on LinkedIn.
✅ Attend industry meetups, webinars, and career fairs to build relationships.
✅ Reach out to professionals with a personalized message instead of just sending connection requests.
Reason #4: Weak Interview Skills
Recruiters consider more than just technical expertise when making hiring decisions. They evaluate:
- Your effectiveness in conveying your thoughts
- Your approach to solving problems
- Your compatibility with the company’s culture
If you struggle with HR questions such as “Can you tell me about yourself?” or “What makes you a suitable candidate for this position?”, you are likely overlooking a chance to leave a positive impression.
How to Fix It:
✅ Practice answering common interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
✅ Record yourself answering questions to improve confidence and clarity.
✅ Get feedback from mentors, peers, or career coaches before the actual interview
Reason #5: Lack of Strategic Application
Recruiters can easily recognize when applications are generic. Additionally, numerous companies utilize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that screen resumes prior to any human review.
How to Fix It:
✅ Customize your resume and cover letter for each job by including relevant keywords from the job description.
✅ Follow up with recruiters after applying to show genuine interest.
✅ Apply for internships and contract roles if you’re struggling to get a full-time job—it’s easier to transition from there
Here are some pertinent statistics regarding the employment challenges faced by engineering:
Employability Rates: In 2024, approximately 64% of Indian engineering graduates were considered employable, marking an increase from 57% in 2023. Statista
Discrepancies in Employment Data: While some reports indicate that only about 10% of the 1.5 million engineering graduates in India are expected to secure jobs in 2024, highlighting significant employability challenges. India Today
Sector-Specific Employability:
Information Technology (IT): Employability rate stands at 68.44%, reflecting a strong demand for tech graduates.icscareergps.com+1India Today+1
Civil Engineering: Employability rate is at 54.31%, indicating challenges in finding employment, partly due to a slowdown in the construction and infrastructure sectors. India Today
Networking and Job Acquisition: Studies suggest that a significant portion of job placements occur through networking. According to LinkedIn, 70% of professionals hired in 2016 had a connection at their company, and 80% of professionals consider networking vital to their career success. AEE Center
