What to include on entry level el resume.

[Shortflyer]

I just got hired at a small locksmith shop that has been around for over 20 years. I can't wait to start my new career. I am so excited.

[femurat]

It took you some time but in the end you made it!

Congratulations

[GWiens2001]

I just got hired at a small locksmith shop that has been around for over 20 years. I can't wait to start my new career. I am so excited.

Happy for you! Enjoy it, and learn from those other guys with experience.

Gordon

[billdeserthills]

I just got hired at a small locksmith shop that has been around for over 20 years. I can't wait to start my new career. I am so excited.

Try to enjoy the time you spend stocking the keyboard--
It's very important that you learn the millings of all the keys.
Otherwise when a customer hands you a key to duplicate, you're gonna look
like you don't know what you are doing, while you walk around, looking at thousands of
different keyblanks, or even a keybook

[Ralph_Goodman]

I just got hired at a small locksmith shop that has been around for over 20 years. I can't wait to start my new career. I am so excited.

Great job!

For the sake of helping anyone who stumbles onto this thread hoping to learn exactly what you were curious about, it would be great to talk about your experience in the current job market with this particular profession.

What did your resume end up looking like? Did it matter all that much, or was there some other determining factor?

Did you talk to the owner directly? How did you sell yourself?

How long did the process take? How many places did you apply to?

I think a lot of the younger people, and those making a career change would appreciate if shared some of the details of your experience.

[Shortflyer]

So I didn't have any professional experience but I did some lock servicing and installation at my office job. I decided to include that on my resume.
It sounds like a cliche but I think what helped me the most was networking. I went to a locksmith shop near my office and asked questions about skills needed and what makes a good employee. He said he looks for mechanical ability and knowledge of basic tools. I asked if he had any junk locks he could give me to play around with. He said he would set a bucket to the side for me. He ended up giving me medecos, Corbin and ruswin, and sargent locks along with some other locks. I applied to the locksmith chain he works for but never heard back from them. He recommended that I apply to the last place he worked for(25 years). And that's where I ended up getting hired.

Also, I took the dcjs course to get my certification. I do think that helps by showing commitment and taking the initiative.


I will continue...

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Great to hear man. Pay it forward; help the next guy you run into that's in the same position.