Like riding a bike

Brian CivilEng

It's been one and a half years since I was made redundant from my job as a civil engineer and now what I feared has begun to happen. Recruiters are beginning to question whether or not I'd be an effective engineer after so long on the sidelines. What is the best retort? I argue that I proved I could be a good engineer before and can be again after a short refamiliarising process, that I have been a regular attendee at presentations in Engineers Ireland and have been reading advice notes regularly. Can you loose your skills be being out of work for so long?

Turbulent Bill

You don't lose core skills (problem solving, numerical analysis etc.) by being out of work, but you're obviously not as exposed to new techniques, products, standards etc. You should be able to demonstrate that you know the developments in your area since you became unemployed and can apply/assess them (building standards, environmental issues etc.).

The second issue is that the work environment has changed massively since you worked last, both in the scope and type of work needed. You'll need to be really flexible - advertising yourself as a "structural engineer specialising in bridge design" (just as an example) will limit how people view your skills. A tailored CV for each job application is essential to demonstrate how you can do the job.

Brian CivilEng

I recognise how difficult it will be to get back working as an engineer after such a lengthy time on the sidelines, sometimes I wonder if I will ever get back. At this point I've decided that the best way of allaying employers fears that I will not be up to the job and to have a bit of direction in my life life despite the constant barrage of rejection letters I receive is to work on attaining chartered status as soon as possible. I don't believe that I have all the required competencies just yet, but I hope that by initiating the process that at least I will get some direction on where I need further experience.

Cecil Mor

Depending upon the type of engineer you are you should look at some some relevent training courses that you could do.
Many training companies are running fetac accredited courses free of charge for job seekers.

For example.... www.firstpolymer.com

Some of these courses may have job experience going with them. If not then seek it out, do so regardless of doing a course or not.
Look at an area in which you feel you may be lacking experience in and seek it out.

It shows determination & motivation. Could lead to another decent reference as well as the chance to build up further contacts and perhaps even a job may come out of it.

Good Luck!