I have found personally that I had to call jobs to check in on resume status otherwise I would never hear back. It's how I got my last two jobs. It's a way to show you interested in the job and am eager for a response.

I'm a mechanical/automation engineer so it's a similar crowd.

My job (med device) has put up the req's for next year. Budgets approved so they would be actively looking around now for q1 start in 2017.

It could have to do with the time of year being the holiday season. Could also be slow in any particular industry, or being pre/post election and companies waiting to see what happens next.

You should consider applying through a tech services job placement contractor agency. Chances are they'll have a finger on the pulse of the job market. Usually companies will hire contractors for a certain period, like 3-12 months, then if it works out they make an offer to hire direct.

Good luck in the search

Many companies (unfortunately) do not send out rejection letters anymore. So a lot of applicants are often left wondering if their Resume was even received. Also, HR departments, not the department managers or supervisors, will often do the initial Resume screenings. Never assume that the HR folks know what the job entails, ensure that your cover letter and Resume have all of the same buzzwords or prerequisites that were specified when the job was posted, otherwise it won't get past the HR screening. I hope this helps!

I'm literally in the same boat.

I've been chalking it up to the holidays as well. I've been reading that this time of year is usually the worst time to look for jobs, as most people are in holiday mode, and too busy at christmas parties and drinking spiked eggnog.

It's all in who you know. Since you are in a different field, are there any Chem. Engineers where you work or with your customer base that you could ask for help with? Otherwise, instructors at Universities can usually help good students get their foot in the door somewhere....

I was just going to post this exact thing. This is why an internship can help immeasurably - you already know who you might be able to work for. Networking is key, even in engineering jobs - I assume Chemical-E is the same. Is he friendly with any of his counselors? he should ask them for help.

I just happened to see this Steve Jobs interview the other day, and he outlined how he got started, and he literally just started picking up the phone and calling and asking questions. If you're around a lot, whether from an internship or a community networking event, or a friend of a friend...

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/458646800

Pretty straightforward with confirmation emails once submitted.

As an EE... on both sides of the hiring process...
All I say is it's not standard to hear a thing unless you are invited in for an interview.
If that happens; then generally they will at least send an email to reject. Prior to that; you won't get any feedback.

Just one word.

Plastics.

Let him figure it out...or make room in your basement. He is an adult now.

If I were to guess a good part of the issue may be that most companies don't hire 5+ months in advance, it's just too far in the future for most corporate planning... he should see a lot more traction as he gets closer to graduating.