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Finding a job that you are truly interested in is not an easy task. However, jobs in the space industry are inherently interesting and ignite a passion within many people. Not to mention, the space industry is an up-and-coming and rapidly growing sector of the economy. Space companies are beginning to scale up, which is exciting news for job seekers. And the best news is that these companies are offering new, groundbreaking job opportunities.
Because of the aforementioned industry strengths, an increasing number of job seekers are looking for opportunities in the private space sector. If you have a technical or engineering background, you may be a particularly great candidate for the space industry. But even if you don’t have a technical background, the space industry needs to fill positions of all types. In order to make the most of these new opportunities though, you need to properly prepare for your job search in the space industry. This guide will help you get ready.
In recent years, the privatization of the industry has led to an increase in jobs and opportunities for those with the skills and experience to succeed. However, the industry is still relatively new, and as a result, many people are unsure of where to start when looking for a job. The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities available for those with the right skills and experience.
The first step is to familiarize yourself with the industry. There are a variety of online resources that can provide you with an overview of the space industry, including its history, current state, and future prospects. Once you have a better understanding of the industry, you can begin to look for job openings that match your skills and experience. With a little research and effort, you can find an exciting and rewarding career in the space industry.
To best prepare for a job search in the space industry, you’ll want to gain a keen sense of the industry and how it works. Here are some ways to do that.
If you are interested in landing a job in the space industry, you need to grasp the industry as a whole. In order to understand how the space industry works, you can visit blogs, news sites, read reports, and more. These resources can help you learn what your career path could look like.
The following resources are good places to start your research:
Once you have a basic lay of the land, you can begin to look for job opportunities. There are a number of methods you can use to find the right job for you.
When you are looking for a job, it is always a good idea to build out your network. This is especially true if you do not have experience in the space industry. Networking with industry professionals can be a great way to find out more about where your strengths are needed and what opportunities are available.
There are a number of places where you can go to network with space industry professionals. Here are a few:
Searching for a job can be a full-time job in itself. If you are already working another full-time job, it can be difficult to find the time to search for a new position. This is where recruiters can be a valuable resource. Recruiters specialize in finding positions that are a good fit for their candidates.
They have the expertise and connections to let you know what companies you would be a good fit for. Specialist recruiters for the space industry, such as EVONA, can be a great source of information when you are searching for a job in the space industry. Utilizing the services of a recruiter can save you time and help you find the right position for you.
Instead of wasting time looking for a job, a recruiter can inform you when a position that fits your interests becomes available. If you have certain skills and experience, you may even find recruiters knocking on your door to join various space companies. Additionally, recruiters can help you prepare for your interview and negotiate the salary.
In addition to utilizing recruiters, another avenue you can explore when seeking out job opportunities in the space industry is to conduct your own search online. Job boards are fantastic resources that can provide you with a plethora of options and also give you an insight into the types of skills and experience that space companies are looking for. For example, Space Talent has a job board dedicated to connecting space professionals with employers in the field. You can see our job listings and apply for open positions easily.
You can also research the career areas on company websites, such as SpaceX, to get a better understanding of what they are looking for and if their company matches your interests.
Furthermore, reading job descriptions for open positions is an excellent way to learn more about detailed requirements for certain positions and can assist you in developing targeted resumes and cover letters specifically catered to the space industry which will greatly improve your chances of being successful during the application process.
Consequently, it is evident that exploring job opportunities online is a highly beneficial strategy when seeking employment in the space sector. Once you have found a job that you are interested in, you have to make sure to have a prepared resume and cover letter.
Once you have the lay of the land, it’s time to prepare your resume and cover letters for your search.
Your resume is one of the most important documents you will ever create. It is your one chance to make a good first impression on a potential employer, so it is important to take the time to create a well-crafted document. A good resume will highlight your skills and relevant experience while remaining concise and easy to read.
Hiring managers typically only have a few minutes to review each resume, so you need to make sure that your qualifications are easily identifiable. By taking the time to create a well-organized and informative resume, you will be sure to stand out from the competition.
Many companies now use applicant tracking systems that automatically filter out resumes based on certain criteria. Therefore, if you’re looking for a job in the space industry, you should tailor your resume accordingly including using keywords that are specific to the role you are applying for. Some job applicants even go the extra mile and customize their resumes specifically to the company that they are applying to, as opposed to the industry as a whole.
There are countless examples of resumes online that you can look at. You can even find resumes that are tailored to certain space industry positions, such as ‘mission analysis engineer.’ These resume examples can help you tailor your resume for the specific job you are applying for.
A cover letter is a document that serves as a personal introduction to the hiring manager while selling yourself to a prospective employer. In a cover letter, you should showcase your passion for the space industry and explain why you would be a good fit for the role—even if you do not have all of the skills and experience they are looking for. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, you can address the cover letter directly to the hiring manager for some potential brownie points.
Make sure that you research the company and include specific information on why you are interested in working for them. Your cover letter can discuss your unique story and how you acquired the skills and experience you have over the course of your career.
You can also utilize the network that you have built over time to solicit feedback on your cover letter. And finally, keeping your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and regularly posting about the space industry can showcase your passion for the space industry and act as a cover letter.
You may have to apply for tens—if not hundreds—of jobs in order to secure a single interview. Once you do land a job interview, the real work begins. You have to be ready to nail it and showcase why you are the best candidate for the position.
Preparing for the interview can be a daunting task, especially if you are applying for your first position in the space industry. First and foremost, you need to research the company and person you are interviewing with. Read interviews with company executives, read the company blog, find employee LinkedIn profiles, and do whatever else you can to research the company. Learning about the company you are interviewing with will show the interviewer that you are seriously interested in the position.
Not to mention, when you do your research, you will be better prepared to answer questions about any projects the company is currently working on. This research can help you understand whether your own values align with their culture and whether or not you’d truly be happy at the organization.
On a more personal note, finding career-related information about the interviewer’s career can help you make a personal connection with the hiring manager or employee with whom you’re interviewing. Bring up the information in a casual manner to showcase that you put in the time and effort to prepare for the interview.
Make sure that during the interview you highlight why you are suitable for the position. Whatever you do, don’t spend time focusing on the criteria that you don’t meet. There are likely only two or three skills that are absolutely necessary for the position, so keep your focus on the skills and experience you do have.
If you put yourself in the shoes of the company that you are interviewing with, you can get creative and show how you would personally solve various problems in the space industry. You can even develop solutions to problems that the company is currently facing. This creativity will showcase that you are invested in helping the company reach its goals and that you can easily adapt to the space industry.
When it is time for the interview, remember that you are a great fit for the position and that you have the skills and experience needed to succeed.
If you are trying to break into the space industry for the first time, remember to stay positive. We understand the emotional preparation for a job search, but remember that rejection is a normal part of any job search process and the space industry is extremely competitive. You very well may receive rejections from multiple jobs before you land a position. Nevertheless, we know that it can be off-putting to experience rejection and feel like you don’t have the right skills and experience to get your dream role.
If you are rejected by a company, you should continue to interact with them and connect with their network. You never know: there may be a time when a position opens up that you are the perfect fit for. There are plenty of success stories where a candidate is rejected from a company and eventually joins the company and is a star contributor.
The normal job interviewing process is not the only way to find a job in the space industry. By simply getting involved in the space industry, you can find hidden opportunities. According to some estimates, a large percentage of jobs—potentially up to 80% of job postings—are never made public. This fact can make finding a space industry job difficult, especially if you do not have any connections.
To overcome this obstacle, you should get and stay involved in the space industry if you are serious about landing a position. You can attend webinars, career events, industry seminars, and more to expand your knowledge about space. These events can help you prepare for what’s to come when you join the space sector.
The connections you make at events can help you throughout your career in the space industry. You may even find yourself networking with founders of companies who could want to bring you on to their exciting new company. Moreover, you can reference your membership and knowledge of these events to highlight your passion for the space industry. Here are a few examples of communities and societies you can join:
Even before you begin your job search in the space industry, there are a number of resources available. And if you want to showcase your interest and expand your skills before applying to positions, there are courses you can take. For example, LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of courses where you can improve your abilities. Some other places you can use to pick up new skills are Skillshare, Coursera, Udemy, and more.
There are also career websites that you can utilize to build your resume and cover letter. For example, VelvetJobs has space resume examples you can use to create a better resume. Remember: you can also utilize recruitment services, such as EVONA, to aid you in your job search.
Getting a position in the space sector is not an easy task, especially if you are coming from outside of the industry. Like most things in life, preparation is everything. If you properly prepare for your job search, you will increase your chances of landing a space industry position.
For more information or help to prepare for your job search in the space industry, visit Space Talent today!
