What a summer internship at Octagon taught me

Before I started at Octagon Group, I thought I knew roughly what an internship would look like. I expected small, self-contained tasks on the edge of the real work, almost useful enough to keep me busy, but nothing the business would miss if I got it wrong. I assumed I would spend a few months … Read more

What a summer internship at Octagon taught me

Before I started at Octagon Group, I thought I knew roughly what an internship would look like. I expected small, self-contained tasks on the edge of the real work, almost useful enough to keep me busy, but nothing the business would miss if I got it wrong. I assumed I would spend a few months … Read more

The fire & security skills shortage: challenge or opportunity?

The fire and security industry has never been more important. As organisations invest in smarter buildings, stronger security infrastructure, and increasingly sophisticated life safety systems, demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. From fire alarm systems and CCTV networks to access control, intruder detection, and integrated security platforms, businesses are relying on specialist engineers and … Read more

Interview prep tips: how to prepare for an engineering interview

Getting invited to interview means your resume has already done its job. Now the focus shifts to something different: how you communicate, how you think, and whether hiring managers can picture you working on their team. For engineers and manufacturing professionals, this stage often feels less structured than technical interviews — and that’s exactly why … Read more

How to present leadership experience on your resume (for engineers and technical professionals)

Moving into leadership, or already leading teams, changes what hiring managers look for on your resume. It’s no longer just about what you built. It’s about how you led people, shaped outcomes, and delivered results through others. Whether you’re stepping into your first lead role or applying for senior engineering management positions, this guide explains … Read more

How to create a strong LinkedIn profile for engineers and manufacturing specialists

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first thing recruiters and hiring managers see, sometimes before your resume. For engineering and manufacturing professionals, LinkedIn isn’t about personal branding or posting daily content. It’s about making your technical experience clear, searchable, and credible so the right opportunities come to you. This guide covers: how to optimize your … Read more

How to tailor your resume to specific roles and which mistakes to avoid

One resume rarely fits every job. Here’s how you can tailor your resume to a particular role to improve your chances of getting noticed: Step 1: Read the job description properly Highlight: required technologies ownership expectations product type seniority signals Step 2: Reorder skills Move the most relevant skills to the top. If it’s an … Read more

Long-term engineering careers: depth, stability, and impact

Engineering careers aren’t built in quick jumps. They’re built in layers. Yet much of the conversation around engineering careers today focuses on speed, such as faster progression, faster salary growth, and faster moves. Titles change quickly, resumes grow longer, and tenures get shorter. What often gets lost is the value of depth, stability, and long-term … Read more