An opportunity...

[mmaness]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this website for the most part, but I'd like to start out with a question in regards to an opportunity I have at a Locksmith shop. I am being offered a job working as an inventory/stock for parts for a well respected locksmith and was wondering what I should expect in this job. From my understanding I will be organizing and maintaining the inventory and retrieving parts for customers and employees. But I was wondering if any locksmith would give some more insight as to what the job entails. Nothing too specific as all locksmith shops are different in some ways I'm sure.

Thanks

[Raccoon]

It sounds like you'll be a stocker. Maybe even shipping and receiving. It all depends on the size of the company you're going to work for, as there is no standard business model in the industry. For all we know, you'll never see a key machine or touch a customer's [in use] lock.

Get the job and report back to us on your findings.

[Romstar]

Take it!!!!!

Don't even ask questions unless you have other mouths to feed.

Sweep floors, dust shelves, re-arrange inventory, check stock availablity. Be up to date on the products he carries, and be alert for new products that can assist the business.

If a pin kit gets spilled on the floor and he asks you to put it all back together keep your groaning to yourself, get out the micrometer and go to work.

In the beginning its crap work, its often dirty, dusty even back breaking but if you stay happy and maintain your enthusiasm you will most likely be offered other types of work in the business.

This is how you learn, how you get accepted. Once they see you want to be there, and that you are interested in ALL the aspects of the job you will start making progress. This is the catch, and its also the test.

Yep, you are being tested. They want to see just what you are interested in. If all you care about is picking locks, you may not be what they are looking for, but if you are interested in all aspects of the business, in making the company profitable then you could be just what they are looking for.

Take the time to learn your local building codes, fire safety and life safety codes as well as the ADA codes. Take the time to know what you are doing, and to suggest alternatives, but never argue with your employer unless you absolutely feel that life or property is at risk and it bothers you. Simply needing to be right isn't an excuse. I hate to say it, but in this business there is a lot of "we've always done it that way" and you just have to go along with it until its your business you are worrying about. The only time to argue is when you absolutely believe that life or property are at risk or you believe that they could open themselves to legal issues because they aren't aware of something.

Never be confrontational. This is a sure fire way to get let go. Nobody likes a know it all, especially when you are the new guy. So even if you are lucky enough to actually know it all, always ask questions, never state something.

At all times be enthusiastic, try to be happy and easy to get along with, and treat every single customer with respect and friendliness. If your employer sees you getting on with customers and treating them well it reflects positively on their business, and you become an asset.

Always try to be neat and clean. Even if that means having a duffle in the trunk of your car with a change of clothes. You are a reflection of your employers company, and everything you do reflects on them. Make it the best impression you can, and you are an asset.

Sometimes its a few months, sometimes its a year, but if you stay with it, you will soon be learning things you can't get from books or on the internet.

Its a great opportunity, and you should grab it with both hands if you are really interested.

Good luck,
Romstar

[mmaness]

I have really have already decided to take the position and the formal hiring process is the only thing that needs to be taken care of. I have taken classes in locksmithing already from courses offered by PCDI, which isn't too in depth but adequate to learn some of the terminology. They weren't too specific but I should know more by the end of tomorrow. Thanks for the insight!

[Romstar]

I have really have already decided to take the position and the formal hiring process is the only thing that needs to be taken care of. I have taken classes in locksmithing already from courses offered by PCDI, which isn't too in depth but adequate to learn some of the terminology. They weren't too specific but I should know more by the end of tomorrow. Thanks for the insight!

You are more than welcome. I hope you do really well with the job.

Good luck,
Romstar

[Schuyler]

From what I've been reading lately NC is just about the best place in the country for locksmiths. I hope this turns out well for you.

[mmaness]

Yes, I've noticed that too. I consider this to be a heck of an opportunity to get into this field and learn a whole lot (especially off the clock). I plan to learn as much as possible and become a Certified Master Locksmith. I know the NCLA (North Carolina Locksmith Association) has loads of classes and certifications I could take advantage of, and once I get hired I can probably get these classes at a membership discount. Its going to be loads of fun.

[Raccoon]

The classes are actually free to members. There are a few that have a "lab fee" of like $35, but the rest are all free to you when you get hired.

[mmaness]

Awesome, because my new employer pays for the membership, as long as I go to the required meetings every three months. I'm going to be busy racking my brain on some of this stuff. Excellent opportunity, oh, and thanks for everyone's feedback!

[Raccoon]

I'm really intersted in these NC classes myself. If you're up for it, please take some class notes and write up an outline of the classes you take, and review them on the site for us. This would be a valued resource, nay, a commodity.

[mmaness]

I'll see what I can do. It might be a while before I actually attend my first set of classes, but I'd be glad to post some sort of outline for everyone's convenience.