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SME Things to take note of when applying to SMEs

Why

Many smaller engineering firms tend to specialise in a certain niche in order to compete with their larger counterparts. As a result, these smaller companies need deeper industrial knowledge to suit their highly-specific employment needs and requirements, rather than the more general sort engineering giants like Arup onboard.

Instead

Because of their specific needs, finding a job in a smaller engineering firm isn’t as simple as flipping to the right page on the newspaper and sending a resume to the relevant address, or even logging into a job search portal and submitting your documents.

Rather, smaller firms, such as Works Applications Singapore, prefer to recruit graduate engineers through collaborations with university careers services centres, as it allows them to pre-screen suitable graduates.

Take note

It should be worth noting that being “small” doesn’t necessarily mean doesn’t mean they’re any less prestigious! There are plenty of highly-specialised, renowned engineering employers that operate in Singapore as SMEs, either because of the niched nature of their work, or for the tax incentives they can get from being classified as a smaller business. An example of a hidden gem you may find is fire safety specialist IGnesis Consultants!

Tip

This method of applying to positions in smaller engineering firms is relevant to both internships and graduate employment opportunities!

Why

No matter the industry, applying for a role in an SME calls for a more proactive nature, as they favour more experienced candidates who can immediately contribute to the company. Because of this, you may have to go the extra mile by gaining relevant parttime work or internship experiences (and adding them to your resume) to prove you can hit the ground running!

What you can do

Don’t just focus on selling yourself – job hunts are all about matching what you have to offer with what a company needs, no matter the size of the firm. So, be sure to show that your existing knowledge and skill sets can contribute to improving the company’s performance.

You can also consider finding out as much specific information about the company as possible, from their mission and vision on their website, to their corporate aims and objectives. During career fairs, take the initiative to approach company representatives and ask about the type of projects they take on, or if they engage in any corporate social responsibilities (CSR).

If you decide to send in an application, be sure to indicate your enthusiasm in working with them after, by following up with a phone call or email – just don’t spam their email inboxes and phones.

Take note

Recruitment processes for smaller firms generally tend to be less restrictive and structured as compared to larger organisations, like Obayashi Corporation. So, expect a more interesting and personal process!

Tip

Start early – and multitask! Engineering

SMEs lean towards graduates who have demonstrated their ability to successfully manage several projects or responsibilities at the same time. Don’t forget to highlight instances where you juggled several responsibilities (hopefully with positive results) in your resume, as well as during your interview(s)!

Things to take note of when applying to graduate apprenticeships

Why

Some smaller engineering firms, much like CW Aero Services, offer graduate apprenticeship schemes to initiate new hires into their roles. These tend to serve as their own scaled-down equivalent of the formal graduate programmes larger firms, much like engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald, offer.

Advantages

As apprenticeships usually include on-thejob training, they consist of an introduction to the basic – yet highly-specialised –engineering principles needed for the job, as well as how to apply them to your day-to-day responsibilities. Moreover, they usually allow you to make use of the industrial year you spend working with your employer to earn credits towards your degree.

Take note

Although apprenticeships with larger firms, such as Singtel, may be bond-free, take note that this isn’t always the case with smaller employers! After earning your certificate and qualifications, you may have to continue working for your company for an agreed period of time.

Tip Apprenticeships in smaller firms are usually enhanced with a variety of other benefits that the company offers, such as training sessions, seminars, or after-work activities. To learn more, take the opportunity to interact with representatives at career fairs!

Conclusion

Just because SMEs are smaller than their international counterparts don’t mean that there are fewer opportunities – the chances to learn and grow your expertise simply come in a different package!