TECHNICAL JOB PLACEMENT FAQ

Through the following technical job placement FAQ, Whitaker Technical’s engineering recruiters provide answers to frequently asked questions. Professionals seeking positions ranging from direct hire chemical process engineering jobs to contract electrical engineering jobs to petrochemical plant management find exceptional opportunities through Whitaker Technical.

Job Seekers

What increase in salary should I expect when making a job change?

This is a frequently asked but difficult question to answer because it depends greatly on your current salary and how fairly you are being compensated for your years of experience. In today’s market conditions, a typical candidate should expect an average of 10 – 12% over their current base salary. Variables include level of position, bonus potential, applicable experience and ability to hit the ground running in the new position.

How long will it take me to locate another position?

Candidates are in high demand and in short supply in today’s market. Consequently, a typical job search will span 2 – 4 months.  In cases where no relocation is required, it may frequently be a shorter timeframe.

What is the right number of technical search firms to use when making a job change?

Our experience tells us that when a candidate uses too many search firms, it can do more harm than good. If the candidate is working with a search firm that has strong expertise in the marketplace, it is probable that they may not require more than that one search firm. Some of the benefits of using one firm with industry expertise are:

• Maintaining control of your job search and eliminating multiple presentations to the same client
• Avoiding communication of the same information repeatedly with several recruiters
• Eliminating too many distracting or risky calls during work hours
• Mutual loyalty between candidate and one search firm increases the recruiter’s dedication to that candidate’s job search

What are the advantages of working with a Certified Recruiter?

Certified Recruiters have taken the extra step to provide their candidates and clients with "leading edge" expertise, making their services even more valuable in an ever-changing market. The CPC (Certified Personnel Consultant) and CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) designation that follows an individuals name is the industry's badge of professionalism and seal of excellence. It is recognized as the staffing industry's highest standard, and it is the public's assurance of quality service. Certification assures the following:

• Knowledge of current employment laws and procedures, as well as business operations and ethics
• Experience of at least two years in the staffing or employment profession
• Service of the highest quality to meet the needs of both candidate and company
• Ethics, by adhering, to NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services) Standards of Ethical Practices
• Commitment, credibility and dedication to the staffing industry

Should I be using online job boards?

While it is true that many companies are expanding their websites to drive people to their online job posting service, a candidate’s response via job board may fall into “the big black hole”.  Contact through a recruiter that has a relationship with that client is frequently more effective as the presentation of your resume and experience is typically made to the hiring manager that has a vested interest in the outcome of the search.  That said however, candidates should be encouraged to research information about companies and potential opportunities via the internet and then feedback that information to their recruiter for presentation to the company. 

Where are your client’s positions located?

The majority of our positions are located in the United States, although we do have some opportunities overseas.

Who are your clients?

We serve a diverse range of clients, from smaller companies to multi-nationals involved in manufacturing, marketing, supply and distribution for the refining and chemical process industries nationwide.  For a complete list of our valued clients, please click here.

To speak with one of our engineering job recruiters or inquire about technical job placement, contact Whitaker Technical today.