So I am applying for a job at a locksmith shop...

[VashTSPD]

Summer is here, and I've started looking for a job. Given my hobby and general interest in locks, a logical choice for me was to work at a locksmith shop. So today I went in and asked if they needed any extra hands, the lady said they were closing their shop and downsizing to one store front (which was only a mile more for me). She also said that they didn't have any applications on hand (already moved them to the other shop) but that she'd have one if I wanted to stop by tomorrow. The only other thing she asked was if I had any experience. The only answer I could get out was 'not officially' (ughh...) My question is this: is their anything that I should ask them when I go tomorrow to get a feel for the work environment or let them know that I'm knowledgeable on the subject?


PS: Hi again everyone

[freakparade3]

You need to feel them out. Alot of lockies are not thrilled about websites such as this. They will be asking about your experience and how you learned. My best advice is do not focus on picking when you are talking to them.

[VashTSPD]

freakparade3, good idea! I wasn't planning on mentioning my picking skills if I wasn't asked.

[freakparade3]

Seeing your location is Minnesota if I were you I'd apply for a summer internship making picks with Raimundo. That would be like learning to play chess from Bobby Fisher.

[unjust]

oooh where in MN you from? there's a few of us here from the cities.

I don't *think* i know any trading lockies, but i do know a number of handymen and contractors who may be able to point you at someone.

[2octops]

Just be yourself and don't bring to much attention to your hobby.

The first thing I normally ask an applicant is if they have any experience. I usually will look for someone with mechanical aptitude instead of lockpicking experience.

If someone is good with their hands, they are an asset and can make us both a lot of money. If someone has no mechanical aptitude but can pick locks, they won't be much help.

Contrary to popular belief, locksmiths do not pick locks on a daily basis. It's a very small part of the job in most cases unless you are just working as the lockout guy and even then they still have to know a lot about bypassing, rekeying and originating keys.

I can probably count the number of locks that I actually picked in the past 2 months on one hand.

[Trip Doctor]

Eyy kool, more people from MN, lol. You live around Minneapolis by chance? (Sorry to be off topic) :P

[CompFX]

In my opinion: know your local locks. Extensive knowledge on Mul-t Locks is useless if you live in an area that only has Kwiksets!!

In my area, most all locks that need to be picked are picked with EPG anyways.


CompFX

[raimundo]

there are few multilocks in minneapolis, thats because few locksmiths have bought into them, but there is one on the door of a dunn bros coffeshop on university and SE sixth st. the only common high security locks are medecos here. 28tops is right, picking is not a key skill for locksmiths, there is one other thing, some sketchy types can know how to pick a lock without ever understanding the mechanism. so picking does not even imply knowlege of the basic mechanics. Locksmiths use the drill a lot and then install a new lock, its quick, certain, and makes them more money.
who does use lockpicking on a regular basis, repo men, some do, but good pickers are rare there too. there are some police types and private investigators who know lockpicking well, but they are few. the police break doors down for the quick and certain along with the impression it makes on tenants and landlords. I would guess there are other trades where picking could be important, possibly electricians where there is a need to take a lockout off (of course you have to make sure the other guy is not still hands into the wires) the people at mini storage places use huge bolt cutters, auto mechanics sometimes need nde skills. Maintainence people sometimes need to do nde if possible, just about anyone who would otherwise call a locksmith and ask for nde.

[unjust]

i'm in mpls in uptown specifically.

[linty]

i also agree with 2octops.

We've let people go when they showed too much interest in the various forms of NDE.

Consider the employers point of view, they don't know you and they don't trust you. If you show too much interest or too much knowledge in the side of their business that could be useful to criminals they might worry. It could be devastating to a shop to be accused of training somebody who used their knowledge for illegal purposes.

Many shops will teach you everything else first, and make sure you are both clever and trustworthy before they are willing to risk teaching you anything relating to NDE.

Feel free to tell them that you have read up on locks on the internet though. Understanding the mechanical principal behind a lock is a large step towards being able to service them.

[raimundo]

the new guy in the lock shop will likely be on counter help for a while as he learns his way around and the boss checks him out with how he deals with customers, he will do a lot of key duplication and key blank recognition is important, you have to know the company the particular keyway, and the length of the blank, you will talk to customers about there issues, and know the stock you have to sell that will be specific to that issue, some customers can make this very obscure, you will be sent out on jobs as the second guy where they need help, such as digging rixon hinges out of concrete, or hanging heavy herculite doors and such. any job where the more experienced guy will need a helper. Since counter help is so important, salesmanship is probably a big part of it, also, when you do get sent out on jobs alone, the customers will sometimes become problems, and how you deal with this is important, some of the customers may come with a straightforward issue and then ask you to do something sketchy when you get there, don't do it. and tell the boss about it when you see him. this could be a scammer, or it could be a friend of the boss checking you out, or it could be the local msnbc trying to find sketchy trades people. You never have any stake in someone elses criminal idea, they will try to use you, and there is no reason ever to go along with it.

[VashTSPD]

Thanks everyone, I've been reading all of it so far and with take the advice into consideration. The first place didn't seem too interested, so I'll try a few other places before looking into a more conventional summer job. By the way, I live in Inver Grove Heights, about 10 miles from St. Paul and 20 from Minneapolis.

[VashTSPD]

Thanks everyone, I've been reading all of it so far and with take the advice into consideration. The first place didn't seem too interested, so I'll try a few other places before looking into a more conventional summer job. By the way, I live in Inver Grove Heights, about 10 miles from St. Paul and 20 from Minneapolis.

[VashTSPD]

Thanks everyone, I've been reading all of it so far and with take the advice into consideration. The first place didn't seem too interested, so I'll try a few other places before looking into a more conventional summer job. By the way, I live in Inver Grove Heights, about 10 miles from St. Paul and 20 from Minneapolis.