🎯 Graduates Seeking Your First Job: Work Smarter, Not Just Harder

🎯 Graduates Seeking Your First Job: Work Smarter, Not Just Harder

Graduates, let's talk about the grind. You've probably heard that success comes from working hard, hustling, and grinding endlessly. While there's some truth to this, here’s a key tip: grind in the right direction.

Many of you apply to hundreds of jobs across broad sectors like energy, construction, or mechanical engineering. But let’s be honest—most of those applications go into the void. Why? You’re targeting too broadly or in areas that don’t align with your profile or industry demand.

Here’s how to shift gears:

1. Test the Waters in Similar Industries

Let’s say you’re passionate about the energy sector as a mechanical, electrical or electronic engineer but aren’t getting traction. Instead of giving up, refine your focus. For example:

• Explore companies involved in pipeline construction or piping design.
• Reach out to those working on hydrostatic testing, pipe spooling, or even FEA analysis for pipe supports.

You might find more responses here compared to applying to operational roles at massive corporations where the competition is fierce, and they’re focused on keeping the ship running.

2. Reflect and Adjust

If you’re not hearing back, don’t double down on a strategy that isn’t working. Reflect:

• Is your target sector oversaturated?
• Are your applications resonating with employers?
• Do you really want to work here or are you doing it for a job? The reason you need to know is simple: out of all the applications they pick the graduates who seem to understand and want to work in a sector.

Sometimes, it’s not about switching industries but tweaking your approach within the same field. A small pivot can open big doors.

3. Stop Wasting Time on Low-Yield Applications

Think about this: If you’ve applied to 100 jobs, how many truly align with your skills, goals, and realistic opportunities? Likely, 75% of those are a waste of time. Instead:

• Identify 10-15 companies that match your interests and network directly with people there.
• Learn about their projects and understand how your skills fit in

4. Don’t Be Stubborn Be Strategic

Being fixated on one sector or role and hoping hard work alone will lead to success can backfire. If employers aren’t responding, it’s a sign to:

• Adjust your focus to where there’s demand.
• Align your skills with roles that provide growth.

For example, a start in piping design or hydrostatic testing could lead to future roles in asset management, service and maintenance on the client side.

5. The Secret to Success? Alignment

Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. Align your skills and efforts with areas that show interest in you. Once you start gaining experience, even if it’s not your dream role initially, you’re building a foundation that can lead to bigger opportunities.

Need help refining your approach? If you’re tired of wasting time on applications that go nowhere, let’s work together to:

• Identify your best-fit sectors.
• Build a focused strategy.
• Stop spinning your wheels and start gaining traction.

Reach out to me—let’s build a career path that works for you. Remember, it’s not about abandoning your goals; it’s about finding the right way to achieve them. 🚀