One advice is to make a list of companies and types of jobs you are interested in, then review the level of requirements and 'preferences' which are called for in current job postings. I say types of jobs, because quality engineering is a broad field. The people who measure parts must understand basics of metrology and calibration. The people who write procedures or perform quality audits need to know ISO 9001 and other international standards. The people who generate quality metric reports, must be proficient with spreadsheets and other programs. The people who solve manufacturing problems and focus on continuous improvement, study statistics and employ programs like lean six sigma or kaizan. The people who validate or improve designs, use design of experiments or tools like design for manufacturability. The people who validate software have their own specialized knowledge. Read the Certified Quality Engineer Body of Knowledge on the
American Society of Quality website (you don't have to be a member to view the BoK) for the full gamut of what CQEs do and know. Maybe you are interested to focus on one particular aspect to get started.
A few years ago, when I found myself suddenly in job search mode, I made an appointment for a 15-minute face-to-face conversation with the job recruiter at a local search firm, like Kelly Technical Services or Adecco. I brought my resume and got some valuable advice on the current job market, what hiring managers were looking for, and how to best present myself. In my locale, there was also a job assistance office run by the state Dept of Labor which provides free career consulting, resume workshops, and interview practice sessions. I find people in job search are generous with their time and advice, as long as you don't monopolize anyone's time. You could also ask for an audience with a engineering professor at the local college for career advice. If your community has an ASQ or other professional society chapter, that would be another source of free, relevant advice. I find there are many people who simply want to help a member of the community in need. (That is why people come here to Elsmar.)
