Joe Rooney is the CEO and co-founder of EPG, a company focused on helping electric and autonomous vehicle clients hire the best people through their industry and product-specific staffing expertise. He can be reached at Joe@EPGAmerica.com.
A guide to getting back on your feet after being laid off.
Congratulations, you are now jobless. Whether it be “poor performance” or like many others, a result of the widespread corporate panic that is taking place in the form of layoffs. Either way, being jobless sucks. Being in the staffing industry I’ve had many talented people reaching out to us at EPG recently trying to help them get new jobs. I’ve also seen good friends affected and so I wanted to put together a guide to help people get back on their feet. Many of these suggestions might seem obvious but they are tried and true and you would be amazed at how many Ph.D. wiz kids I see that ignore the obvious. Here it goes:
Chill Out
Chill out, relax, decompress… what have you. If you are fortunate enough, take some time off. Decompress. Sleep in. Do that thing you’ve always wanted to do at 10:00 am on a Tuesday. For me, that’d be enjoying a trafficless I-70 and no lines on the ski slopes but to each their own. Depending on bank account sizes and anxiety levels this can last one day to a few months.
Reevaluate
This could be a blessing in disguise. Are you in the right field? Are you maximizing your talent? Were you happy before? These are all important questions to ask yourself at this time. Use this as an opportunity to find the career that makes you happy. As a wise man once told me “find a job that you love and you’ll never work a day in your life”.
Start Working
On the flip side of chilling out is to start working. Treat unemployment like a full-time job. Set your alarm, go through your morning routine, and hit the job search trail Monday to Friday 8 to 5 as if your life depends on it. I had a friend that did this when he was laid off a few years ago and he ended up with multiple job offers and is still happily employed at the company he chose.
Resume
Refresh your resume with the new skills and experiences that you’ve gotten. Create a master copy then for each individual company and position widdle it down to the most relevant information. Update it with your skills and experience and focus on keywords and if possible, data-driven validation i.e. increased sales 60% YOY. Add in keywords and experiences based on the job description, company mission, and company services/product. People are busy so keep it clear and concise. Brevity is your friend.
Passion
Find a company and/or product that you are passionate about. It’ll show in interviews. Companies want to hire people that are bought into what they are doing or trying to do. You can only fake excitement for so long, your true passion will show.
LinkedIn
Use LinkedIn, duh. First, update it using the information from your resume and have past colleagues or bosses write recommendations. Recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates every day so make sure your profile is set to “Open to Work” and has keywords sprinkled throughout. To be proactive, find the people in the positions/companies that you want to be in and connect with them. Ask them for a call to learn about their journey. This will get you a foot in the door and help you learn what made them successful in the application and interview process.
Recruiter
“Easy for you to say!” Yeah I know I own and operate a recruiting firm but I promise you we are here to help. Most people have had a bad experience with a recruiter but don’t let that deter you. A good recruiter will help you update your resume, prep you for interviews, and be a sounding board from day 1 through offer acceptance, start date, and beyond. They’ll provide you with feedback from the interviewers and help you reach your maximum potential. Find a recruiter or firm in your industry and reach out to them, at the very least they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop
If you are excited about a particular position then be relentless in following up. Keep bugging HR and hiring managers until they give you an interview. This goes back to passion, following up shows you are serious. I’ve hired people both internally and via placement with our clients simply as a result of them following up with me.
Prepare
Search the 100 most asked interview questions and take the time to write out the best answer you can think of for your situation. Create examples of your skills and experience as it relates to the job description, company mission, and company services/product. Research, research, research. Read through the company website, review the interviewer’s LinkedIn profiles, watch relevant Youtube videos, etc. Use this info to come up with intelligent questions and to create a sales pitch for yourself. When I hire people internally at EPG the first question I ask them is “what do you know about EPG and what we do?” If they didn’t take the 3 minutes to read our website then I know they aren’t going to be a good fit for what we are building.
Thank You
Write a few sentences after each interview and share them with the interviewer thanking them for their time. Tell them thanks for your time, ask them follow-up questions, or whatever feels right for you. If you’re neck and neck with another candidate in the interview process this could be the detail that tips the scale in your favor.
Adapt. React. Readapt. Apt.
In the wise words of Michael Scott “Adapt. React. Readapt. Apt.”. I think what the world-renowned businessman was trying to say to fire guy, I mean Ryan, was to never be content and to always keep improving. Or at least that’s how I interpret it. When you complete an interview, evaluate what you did right and what you did wrong then adapt and react based on this. If you’re working with a recruiter see what type of feedback they can get for you from the interviewer. Continue to craft your sales pitch and hone in on what makes you the best candidate. Self-reflection is important.
Perseverance
As with many things in life, simply persevering will get you far. Job hunting is going to be a roller coaster, you aren’t going to get every job that you want, and there will be bad days. Keep that chin up and ask yourself “what do I need to do today to get where I want to be?”.
This article was written by EPG, a company that focuses on helping electric and autonomous vehicle clients hire the best people through our industry and product-specific staffing expertise. Contributors include Joe Rooney, CEO and co-founder, and Evie Sherrer, a talented recruiter.
At EPG, we match our clients in the electric and autonomous vehicle industry with people that are looking for their dream careers. Our recruiters often get asked questions like “How can I get into the EV industry?” or “How can I stand out from my peers when pursuing a job in emobility?”. When it comes to electric vehicle recruitment and hiring the right engineers, there are several factors that companies and hiring managers look at. Using our EV staffing expertise, we put together a guide to assist people and students that are looking to join this ever-growing industry.
A Guide to Becoming an Electric Vehicle Engineer
Part 1
Know the Basic Lingo
First, it’s important to know the basic terminology within the EV industry to help you learn more about the vehicles and how they work. This will give you a good launching point for choosing a major, picking college courses, speaking in interviews, and more. Here are a few to get you started
ICE (Internal Combustion Engine): A vehicle that is powered by a conventional internal combustion engine.
ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle): A vehicle that produces zero exhaust emissions under all possible operational modes & conditions.
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): A type of electric vehicle that is exclusively powered by rechargeable battery packs with no secondary source of propulsion
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle): A type of EV that combines a conventional ICE with an electric propulsion system (hybrid vehicle drivetrain) and can be plugged in to recharge the battery.
HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle): Similar to a PHEV but it only charges through regenerative braking and/or a motor.
SOC (State of Charge): The percentage of battery charge remaining.
SOH (State of Health): The percentage of health left in your battery related to battery degradation.
Regenerative Braking or “Regen”: A mechanism that allows an EV motor to act as a generator to recharge the battery while braking.
Level 1 Charging: Chargers that plug directly into a standard 120 volts of alternating current (VAC) outlet and supply an average power output of 1.3 kW to 2.4 kW. This power output is equivalent to 3-5 miles of EV range per hour
Level 2 Charging: Chargers that operate at 208 to 240VAC and output anywhere from 3 kW to 19 kW of AC power. Can typically charge an EV in 8 hours or less.
Level 3 Charging: The fastest way to charge an EV, ranges from 200 to 600 volts of direct current (VDC) and beyond and can typically recharge an EV in around 30 minutes.
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment): The equipment involved in supplying energy to charge a vehicle, also called a charging station.
kWh (kilowatt hours): The unit of energy typically used to measure how big an EV battery pack is.
Stay Up to Date
Our clients love to recruit and hire people that are passionate and knowledgeable about electric vehicles and the industry that surrounds them. Best practices to keep up to date include staying current with the news through articles and watching videos, attending car shows, test driving vehicles at your local dealership, and following newsletters. EPG puts out a weekly electric and autonomous vehicle newsletter, through our subsidiary Mobility EVo, that will keep you updated on the latest and most interesting topics in the mobility industry. You can sign up here.
Part 2 – College
Find The Right Focus
Just like the conventional automotive industry, there are many types of companies that you can work for within the electric vehicle industry. Find what area interests you the most and specialize in it, i.e., pursue education in those areas and connect with companies that produce these components. Below are some examples of types of companies within the industry but there are many other niches out there. It’s worth the time and effort to research and find what interests you the most.
Going to a university is an important time to find out what piques your interest the most in the world of engineering and vehicles. Early in college, it’s important to try different courses and then focus on what you enjoy the most. Outside of finding the right major and classes, it’s also important to take part in extracurriculars to continue to build your resume.
Examples of Relevant Majors:
Automotive Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronics Engineer
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Robotics Engineering
Systems Engineering
Software Engineering
Internships:
Internships are one of the most important aspects of building your resume to enter the EV industry post-college. They not only help you understand your likes and dislikes but are essential in building a strong resume and networking. You can check out some examples here.
Extracurriculars:
Join your school’s Baja SAE team and if possible, take a leadership role.
Attend local auto shows to learn more about vehicles and to network
Part 3 – Career
Know the Different Career Options
It’s important to know you have options. If one role or specialty does not seem like a match for you, there are several other avenues that you can explore within the industry. Key positions include:
Battery Engineer
Controls Engineer
Design Engineer
Durability Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineer
EV Charger Engineer
Functional Safety Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Powertrain Engineer
Test Engineer
Systems Engineer
Network
Build your network online and in person. There are many ways to do this. Start by adding connections that are already in the positions and at the companies that you are interested in. Engage them and learn about how they ended up where they are.
You can also join organizations or groups on LinkedIn to gather more information about the EV industry and potential career opportunities. Sharing posts from these groups can help draw attention to your profile.
Connecting with recruiters that work at specialized electric vehicle recruiting agencies, like EPG, is also a good way to learn about what types of positions are available and how you can get involved.
Speaking with engineers, joining organizations, and connecting with recruiters are also helpful in finding mentors. A good mentor is invaluable and can be paramount in making tough decisions and choosing the right path.
By following this guide, you should have a good idea of how to plan a course of action to become an engineer in the electric vehicle industry. You can check out EPG’s current job openings on our Careers Page. You can also contact us at Info@EPGAmerica.com or check out our website www.EPGAmerica.com for our services.
This article was written by EPG, a company that focuses on helping electric and autonomous vehicle clients hire the best people through our industry and product-specific staffing expertise. Contributors include Joe Rooney, CEO and co-founder, and Evie Sherrer, a talented recruiter.
A Guide to Becoming an Electric Vehicle Engineer – Part 3
At EPG, we match our clients in the electric and autonomous vehicle industry with people that are looking for their dream careers. Our recruiters often get asked questions like “How can I get into the EV industry?” or “How can I stand out from my peers when pursuing a job in emobility?”. When it comes to electric vehicle recruitment and hiring the right engineers, there are several factors that companies and hiring managers look at. Using our EV staffing expertise, we put together a guide to assist people and students that are looking to join this ever-growing industry.
Part 3 – Career
Know the Different Career Options
It’s important to know you have options. If one role or specialty does not seem like a match for you, there are several other avenues that you can explore within the industry. Key positions include:
Battery Engineer
Controls Engineer
Design Engineer
Durability Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineer
EV Charger Engineer
Functional Safety Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Powertrain Engineer
Test Engineer
Systems Engineer
Network
Build your network online and in person. There are many ways to do this. Start by adding connections that are already in the positions and at the companies that you are interested in. Engage them and learn about how they ended up where they are.
You can also join organizations or groups on LinkedIn to gather more information about the EV industry and potential career opportunities. Sharing posts from these groups can help draw attention to your profile.
Connecting with recruiters that work at specialized electric vehicle recruiting agencies, like EPG, is also a good way to learn about what types of positions are available and how you can get involved.
Speaking with engineers, joining organizations, and connecting with recruiters are also helpful in finding mentors. A good mentor is invaluable and can be paramount in making tough decisions and choosing the right path.
By following this guide, you should have a good idea of how to plan a course of action to become an engineer in the electric vehicle industry. You can check out EPG’s current job openings on our Careers Page. You can also contact us at Info@EPGAmerica.com or check out our website www.EPGAmerica.com for our services.
This article was written by EPG, a company that focuses on helping electric and autonomous vehicle clients hire the best people through our industry and product-specific staffing expertise. Contributors include Joe Rooney, CEO and co-founder, and Evie Sherrer, a talented recruiter.
A Guide to Becoming an Electric Vehicle Engineer – Part 2
At EPG, we match our clients in the electric and autonomous vehicle industry with people that are looking for their dream careers. Our recruiters often get asked questions like “How can I get into the EV industry?” or “How can I stand out from my peers when pursuing a job in emobility?”. When it comes to electric vehicle recruitment and hiring the right engineers, there are several factors that companies and hiring managers look at. Using our EV staffing expertise, we put together a guide to assist people and students that are looking to join this ever-growing industry.
Part 2 – College
Find The Right Focus
Just like the conventional automotive industry, there are many types of companies that you can work for within the electric vehicle industry. Find what area interests you the most and specialize in it, i.e., pursue education in those areas and connect with companies that produce these components. Below are some examples of types of companies within the industry but there are many other niches out there. It’s worth the time and effort to research and find what interests you the most.
Going to a university is an important time to find out what piques your interest the most in the world of engineering and vehicles. Early in college, it’s important to try different courses and then focus on what you enjoy the most. Outside of finding the right major and classes, it’s also important to take part in extracurriculars to continue to build your resume.
Examples of Relevant Majors:
Automotive Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronics Engineer
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Robotics Engineering
Systems Engineering
Software Engineering
Internships:
Internships are one of the most important aspects of building your resume to enter the EV industry post-college. They not only help you understand your likes and dislikes but are essential in building a strong resume and networking. You can check out some examples here.
Extracurriculars:
Join your school’s Baja SAE team and if possible, take a leadership role.
Attend local auto shows to learn more about vehicles and to network
Next week we’ll cover picking a career path and networking. Don’t miss it.
By following this guide, you should have a good idea of how to plan a course of action to become an engineer in the electric vehicle industry. You can check out EPG’s current job openings on our Careers Page. You can also contact us at Info@EPGAmerica.com or check out our website www.EPGAmerica.com for our services.
This article was written by EPG, a company that focuses on helping electric and autonomous vehicle clients hire the best people through our industry and product-specific staffing expertise. Contributors include Joe Rooney, CEO and co-founder, and Evie Sherrer, a talented recruiter.
At EPG, we match our clients in the electric and autonomous vehicle industry with people that are looking for their dream careers. Our recruiters often get asked questions like “How can I get into the EV industry?” or “How can I stand out from my peers when pursuing a job in emobility?”. When it comes to electric vehicle recruitment and hiring the right engineers, there are several factors that companies and hiring managers look at. Using our EV staffing expertise, we put together a guide to assist people and students that are looking to join this ever-growing industry.
A Guide to Becoming an Electric Vehicle Engineer – Part 1
Know the Basic Lingo
First, it’s important to know the basic terminology within the EV industry to help you learn more about the vehicles and how they work. This will give you a good launching point for choosing a major, picking college courses, speaking in interviews, and more. Here are a few to get you started
ICE (Internal Combustion Engine): A vehicle that is powered by a conventional internal combustion engine.
ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle): A vehicle that produces zero exhaust emissions under all possible operational modes & conditions.
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): A type of electric vehicle that is exclusively powered by rechargeable battery packs with no secondary source of propulsion
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle): A type of EV that combines a conventional ICE with an electric propulsion system (hybrid vehicle drivetrain) and can be plugged in to recharge the battery.
HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle): Similar to a PHEV but it only charges through regenerative braking and/or a motor.
SOC (State of Charge): The percentage of battery charge remaining.
SOH (State of Health): The percentage of health left in your battery related to battery degradation.
Regenerative Braking or “Regen”: A mechanism that allows an EV motor to act as a generator to recharge the battery while braking.
Level 1 Charging: Chargers that plug directly into a standard 120 volts of alternating current (VAC) outlet and supply an average power output of 1.3 kW to 2.4 kW. This power output is equivalent to 3-5 miles of EV range per hour
Level 2 Charging: Chargers that operate at 208 to 240VAC and output anywhere from 3 kW to 19 kW of AC power. Can typically charge an EV in 8 hours or less.
Level 3 Charging: The fastest way to charge an EV, ranges from 200 to 600 volts of direct current (VDC) and beyond and can typically recharge an EV in around 30 minutes.
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment): The equipment involved in supplying energy to charge a vehicle, also called a charging station.
kWh (kilowatts per hour): The unit of energy typically used to measure how big an EV battery pack is.
Stay Up to Date
Our clients love to recruit and hire people that are passionate and knowledgeable about electric vehicles and the industry that surrounds them. Best practices to keep up to date include staying current with the news through articles and watching videos, attending car shows, test driving vehicles at your local dealership, and following newsletters. EPG puts out a weekly electric and autonomous vehicle newsletter, through our subsidiary Mobility EVo, that will keep you updated on the latest and most interesting topics in the mobility industry. You can sign up here.
Next week we’ll provide advice on choosing a college major, picking the right courses, and more. Tune in!
By following this guide, you should have a good idea of how to plan a course of action to become an engineer in the electric vehicle industry. You can check out EPG’s current job openings on our Careers Page. You can also contact us at Info@EPGAmerica.com or check out our website www.EPGAmerica.com for our services.
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