How to Land Your First Engineering Job: Industry Insider Tips On Standing Out to Employers

The Need to Stand Out in the Engineering Job Market

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% increase in engineering jobs from 2023 to 2033, more than double the average for all occupations^[1]. At the same time, another study^[2] reports that 98% of engineering employers struggle to find suitable candidates for these positions. Proof that while the engineering job sector continues to grow, early career engineers and professionals struggle to get noticed.

Every year, a wave of new graduates enters the job market armed with strong technical skills and impressive academic records. This raises a critical question for employers and hiring managers: what makes one candidate stand out from dozens of equally qualified applicants?

This reality underscores the need for students and early-career engineers to differentiate themselves beyond textbook knowledge. As companies accelerate their digital transformation and embrace technologies like artificial intelligence, employers are seeking candidates who combine technical expertise with digital fluency and adaptability—qualities that enable them to deliver impact from day one.

The challenge lies in the disconnect between what students believe makes them stand out and what actually captures an employer’s attention. Strong fundamentals are essential, but in today’s competitive market, success also depends on how you showcase your unique strengths. Differentiation strategies and effective presentation skills are at the heart of the Siemens AMA session.

In the on-demand session, you will learn how to: 

• Write a resume that highlights your value 

• Impress employers with sharp interview answers 

• Use projects and online profiles to get noticed 

• Get honest answers to your questions about the engineering job market 

Walk away with practical tips you can use today to land your dream engineering job.  

Access the AMA here

How Siemens On-Demand Webinar Helps You Stand Out

In this on-demand AMA, Global Head of University Relations (UR) & Talent Programs Jess Naab and Product and Engineering Manager Julian Jaeger share their real-life experiences of their first-ever interviews after college, including what they wish they had done better, and how they learned from their mistakes.  

Julian, who secured his Siemens engineering role straight out of college, recalls his interview for his first job and the importance of taking advantage of resources like the Siemens AMA.  

Jess and Julian explain how to design a resume to stand out, using a real-world engineering resume as an example. "As an engineer…, when you're in a technical job field, technical skills are really important, … and making them easy to find from a recruiter's perspective is really important," says Jess.

“Your resume should not say, ‘I was part of this team,’” Julian explains. “Your resume should say, ‘I was part of the team and we achieved 10% cost savings.’ Show me the results — not just that you were part of the team.” 

Jess and Julian also provide experienced back answers to real questions from real students and job-seeking engineers. Other topics covered include optimizing your LinkedIn profile for career success and preparing for successful job interviews. 

Whether you’re currently applying for engineering jobs, preparing for an interview, or unsure about the best resume design that'll showcase essential skills and experiences, the Siemens on-demand AMA is packed with actionable insights you can apply to stand out in the engineering job market. 

Access the free on-demand AMA now.

Get to know the AMA speakers

Jess Naab is the Global Head of University Relations (UR) & Talent Programs at Siemens Digital Industries Software. Jess has been with Siemens for over 7 years. She began as a campus recruiter for the Siemens internship program and is proud to have played a role in the growth of the internship and entry-level space at Siemens Digital Industries Software. Jess loves the UR space, both for the impact the team drives in shaping the future workforce of the Siemens business and for the opportunity to help so many students through the transition from campus to corporate life.

Jess received her undergraduate business degree from the Ohio State University and her MBA from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Jess lives in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and their cats. She loves traveling to new countries or national parks, any hobbies that are outdoors and active, spending time with friends and family, and reading.

Complementing Jess' recruitment experience is Julian Jaeger. Julian holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech and began his career at Siemens (his first job after college) in January 2008 as a systems engineer in the mining segment. Since then, he has held a variety of roles across the organization, including development engineering, project management, and product/portfolio management. 

He currently serves as the engineering manager for rolling stock components at Siemens Mobility. Based in Alpharetta, Georgia, Julian leads a team that supports new product introduction, provides both manufacturing and field support, and serves as the product expert for Siemens’ portfolio serving the North American rail market.

Final Thoughts

Jump into the AMA with curiosity and get real, actionable insights to help you kick-start your engineering career. Whether you need quick résumé tips, strategies to showcase your projects, or fresh inspiration for your first job hunt, this is your chance to learn directly from professionals who’ve been in your shoes and to engage with questions from fellow engineering students and early-career peers. Show up, ask, and take away advice you can put into practice right away.

Gain valuable career insights here.

References

[1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electrical and Electronics Engineers [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm\

[2] Resource Provider. Top 10 engineering jobs in the UK for 2025: roles in high Demand and rising salaries [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://resourceprovider.co.uk/top-10-engineering-jobs-in-the-uk-for-2025-roles-in-high-demand-and-rising-salaries/