Finding a job in the highly competitive engineering, environmental, and construction industries can be a difficult and tiring process. It is easy to become frustrated with your job search, especially if you are not getting the results you want.

If you are having difficulty finding the right job, it might be time to take a step back and reevaluate your approach. To further your career and land your dream job, follow these simple steps.

Take a Short Break From Searching

This does not mean you should give up completely and get a job flipping burgers. Sometimes, however, it is best to take a short break from what you are doing, especially if you are having a hard time with it. Take a deep breath and do something to take your mind off the issue at hand.

Frustration from job searching can lead to burning bridges you need to keep. Try to keep a positive attitude throughout the process. This way, you can avoid doing something you will later regret.

Address Your Obstacles

Think about what is preventing you from finding a job. Roadblocks do happen. However, it is your job to find a way around obstacles instead of being stuck behind them.

Obstacles often involve job requirements. Evaluate yourself as a whole to see if you are a good fit for the job at hand. You can do this by making a list of the qualifications and skills that you have and the ones that you need. Compare the lists and see where you can improve. This can help make you the best candidate for the job and improve your career path forward.

Make a Plan

Once you determine what is tripping you up, you can make a plan for overcoming it. A setback is not the time to give up but rather the time to regroup and get organized. Determine your overall career goals and, more specifically, your job search goals. Your goal could be to improve a trade skill or computer knowledge, or something as simple as applying to two new jobs. Include goals for networking (for more information, keep reading), developing your skills, and updating your resume and cover letter. Then, set deadlines for when you want to accomplish your goals. Each week you will move closer and closer to finding your dream job.

Be sure to stay committed to your plan. Consider hanging it up in a central location or always leaving it open on your computer. This will ensure that your career development is always on the forefront of your mind. Doing this will also make it easier to track your progress and keep you motivated while you are achieving your goals.

Use Your Network

Never underestimate the power of a strong professional network. According to a recent survey, up to 85% of all jobs are filled by networking. This is truly a powerful tool that is often overlooked by job seekers. If you are growing tired of submitting application after application to online ad listings, it might be time to switch up your approach.

Call upon your existing network and try to make a few new contacts too. Reach out to old bosses and coworkers to see if they know about any job opportunities. Join a professional organization like the American Institute of Constructors or the National Society of Professional Engineer and make new business contacts. You can also take advantage of online networking opportunities like LinkedIn.

Redo Your Resume

If you’re having a hard time getting a job, it may not be your networking skills or qualifications at all. It may simply just be your resume. It is important to tailor your resume to the position you are looking for. Write down a list of relevant keywords to include in your resume. For example, if you are looking for a position as a project manager, use keywords like “leadership,” “experienced,” and “safety compliant.” Scan the job listing for the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. This way, you can determine what skills and traits they value the most.

Work With a Recruiter

If you are feeling totally discouraged from your job search, it might be time to contact a qualified recruiter. A professional can provide a fresh perspective and use their network of contacts to get you moving in the right direction. Try to find a recruiter who specializes in the construction, engineering or environmental industries.

Working during the summer can be very valuable experience for those looking to enter an area of the job market that is competitive. Beyond the normal college education, students will find the experience of a summer job to be a valuable quality when it comes to preparing a resume. Let’s take a look at a few of the main benefits of taking on a summer job:

Discover new skills

A summer job is a great way to keep learning with new skills and the ability to increase your confidence. Every part of the job can be used to gain new experience. Even the interview stage can have its practical benefits. If you are able to successfully complete a few job interviews, you will be less nervous when it comes to the real thing later in life. Also, it will take you outside your normal comfort zone and encourage you try new activities.

Work ethic

Taking on a summer job can be very useful for those looking to build a work ethic. This can have a very big impact on your character and likely to stay with you for life.

Meet people

When you are able to leave behind your natural environment and social groups, you will start to meet new people and gain friends. Additionally, this can be a great time to improve on your people skills and start to network with employers, managers and co-workers. It is a lot easier to network when able to impress people with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a great work ethic. A summer job can easily become a long-term position if the employer is suitably impressed.

Communication skills

The time spent working can be used to polish and develop your in-person, electronic and written communication skills. Also, this can be a useful time to see how well you get on and interact with others.

Part-time roles

A summer job doesn’t need to take up all of your time. There are plenty of options to take on a part-time role that will still leave time to be with friends and travel. Even if you do work part-time, there should still be enough time to make a great impression and learn new skills.

Boost Your Resume

The ability to show past experience in a real-life work environment on your resume will show you are motivated, determined and responsible. The past experience from a summer job will be particularly helpful if it relates to the same industry you intend to work. Anything on your resume that shows past experience in a chosen field is likely to increase the likelihood of getting hired after finishing college.