Attending a networking event can be useful.
But standing in a room filled with other jobseekers or people who are already comfortably employed does not automatically move you closer to a job.
The more important question is:
Are you speaking with people who actually have work?
That might include:
• Engineering managers
• Maintenance managers
• Project managers
• Operations managers
• Technical directors
• Owners of smaller engineering businesses
• Managers delivering projects in your chosen sector
You need conversations with people who understand the work, control the work or know where upcoming work may be available.
One conversation may not produce an immediate opportunity.
That is why consistency matters.
Research the company.
Understand what it does.
Make contact.
Ask sensible questions.
Follow up professionally.
Stay visible without becoming demanding.
Over time, people begin to recognise that your interest is genuine.
Five online applications may produce nothing.
Five genuine conversations with engineering managers may begin changing your future.
