Applying to a locksmith

[commadore]

In the near future i am planning on applying to local locksmiths to see if they will take me on as an apprentice, i understand that this is different than applying for a job at say mcdonalds and what not but i have questions. What papers would i bring, i assume resume and a cover letter, and what specific changes should i make to my resume. also im not really sure how i would word my cover letter and what experience i would put on my resume. I am a novice picker with a good amount of equipment which i will list here. I thought that when i apply i should also have a short conversation with the owner to make a better image, but i really dont know what to say. your help is appreciated.

Equipment i own:
about 21 standerd picks from southord and sparrows
set of padlock shims
door slim jim
and i have just order a car opening kit as well

[MrScruff]

I don't know much about locksmiths specifically but when applying for any job it's always good to explain why you're interested, not just in the job but the field as a whole. The goal is to sell yourself as well as possible and coming across as motivated to learn will help. Just be polite and honest about what you do and don't know, and if you get the dreaded "what is your greatest weakness?" question say what it is and how you overcame it.

[MBI]

Where are you located?

[commadore]

Ontario

[MacGyver101]

In the near future i am planning on applying to local locksmiths to see if they will take me on as an apprentice, i understand that this is different than applying for a job at say mcdonalds and what not but i have questions. What papers would i bring, i assume resume and a cover letter, and what specific changes should i make to my resume. also im not really sure how i would word my cover letter and what experience i would put on my resume. I am a novice picker with a good amount of equipment which i will list here. I thought that when i apply i should also have a short conversation with the owner to make a better image, but i really dont know what to say. your help is appreciated.

Equipment i own:
about 21 standerd picks from southord and sparrows
set of padlock shims
door slim jim
and i have just order a car opening kit as well

Well it is good that you are having good equipments but most important thing is that you need to take a locksmiths training from well reputed school, otherwise all will think before they actually hire you. Good luck.

[cledry]

We generally prefer to hire an apprentice without any schooling. They tend to teach outdated less than useful things that can be picked up quickly on the job.

We look for mechanically handy people, so state any mechanical or electrical/electronics experience. We want honest people with a good driving record, so make sure that is OK. We want people with good customer skills, clean appearance, literate and good clear handwriting. The rest can be taught but bad habits are tough to overcome.

Picking locks is just a tiny part of the business, but a very useful skill. Today a typical day for me consisted of 5 jobs. First masterkey one Sargent cylinder. Next replaced an Alarm Lock 715 electrified panic bar and control unit. Next opened an empty house and rekeyed it. Then we replaced a Kawneer bottom pivot and Husky shotgun concealed closer (2 man job for safety). Last job of the day was impression a key to a flag pole and install a cam lock and elbow catch on a pair of cabinet doors.

[bobhdus]

Everything said before is good advice. Something I might add is to consider how much time your willing to devote as with an appenticeship in this kind of Trade will not pay much and in most cases may have zero benefits until you have been there awhile. Most shops in my area, don't want a new guy that is full time as there may not be enough work to really keep him busy. Some permanent employees don't make it rich being a locksmith either, so I hope you have another source of income and that, that job is flexible with you work another job.
You might also want to take notice of what kinds of locks and equipment are used around the locations you expect to be working. Do a little homework so you are familiar with some of the brands. And last of all, get excited to try new things. There are a lot of things that even seasoned Locksmiths have yet to come across. Locksmithing is not for people that are skittish. I hope you get your opportunity. Good Luck!