Requirements for getting a job as a locksmith

by **specialist** » 19 Aug 2005 16:59

I have an interviewed lined up tomorrow with our local locksmith, and was wondering if you guys think I might actually have a chance at getting the job. So far, I have opened probably a couple dozen locks, anywhere between padlocks to deadbolts (Pin tumber, wafer, and warded). I've gotten better with security pins, they might just take me a few minutes. One type of lock I've never tried to open is automotive (I know their usually just wafers, but I didn't want to break them.). Should I even mention that I can manipulate locks? And how hard are automotive lockouts to deal with?

If this issue has already been addressed, sorry, I searched but didn't find it.

Specialist

by **HeadHunterCEO** » 19 Aug 2005 17:09

have you ever installed a deadbolt?
can you mount panic devices?
can you adjust door hinges?
can you open cars?
can you pin up locks?

by **yippeegollies** » 19 Aug 2005 18:11

Just let him know you are ready, willing and eager to learn. I would not hire someone just because of their lockpicking skills.

MOST important quality is ATTITUDE.

Yip

by **specialist** » 19 Aug 2005 19:50

The owner also asked me if I had installed hardware, which I have. I haven't installed panic devices, and I can't open cars (haven't really tried though, too afraid to break something). Hinges, and uplocks I can do. In response to yippeegollies post, I was hoping the locksmith would take the same view, so I didn't mention anything about picking locks. I'm just hoping I don't make an ass of myself...

Thanks for the info,
Specialist

by **Mad Mick** » 19 Aug 2005 19:53

For the interview, don't go dressed like you just fell off the set of the latest rap video, but don't go dressed like you fell out of Ralph Lauren's window. Make the effort to wear smart casual clothing, since you are not applying for the head seat in the boardroom, but you are also not applying to be the oily-rag at the local junkyard. A clean, pressed shirt, tie maybe...if no tie, leave the top button un-done...pressed trousers and shiny shoes. Greet the interviewer with your name and a firm handshake. Wait to be seated. Listen to the introductory speech without interrupting...save your questions for later. Don't immediately bring up the question of wages...save that for last.

If asked about your experience, don't BS, be honest, even if you have to down-play a little. Be prepared to answer why you are interested in the profession. Above all, don't try to show off your entire repertoire...a prospective employer sometimes likes to see a little un-finished potential...

by **specialist** » 24 Aug 2005 19:17

I got the job, mostly just been cutting keys, but you have to start somewhere. Thanks for your posts. I wonder when I get my secret decoder ring :lol:

Specialist

by **helix** » 25 Aug 2005 1:04

Congratulations, Specialist.

Although your thread is done and answered, I'll give my opinion
as well, for those who search also, this topic.

Here are some questions that you'll most probably be asked in the interview:

* Why have you applied for this job?
* Why do you want to work here?
* What do you know about the job/company/industry?
* Have you ever done this type of work before?
* What types of machinery/computers can you operate?
* What experience have you in this area of work?
* What skills can you bring to this job?
* Tell me about yourself.
* What five words would describe you best?
* Can you work under pressure?
* Why did you leave your last job?
* What was your last employers opinion of you?
* How long do you expect to stay in the job?
* What are your plans for the future?
* When are you available to start work?

These are just a few questions that you might want to have an answer
for, without going, ...ummmm.....errr....ahh....ummm.. too much.

By no means, is this an exhausted list of employer questions, nor
are they industry specific.

I would hire a person that when I say, "Do you have any questions?"
says, "Yes" and goes on to ask questions that show an interest in long term
employment, such as:

"Will I get Long Service Leave?" (ten years)
"Are there going to be any managerial positions open in the next two
years, and if so, what skills will I need, to apply for the position?"

Another word that a lot of employers (myself included) love to hear
is "goals".

"....Well I have a goal set to buy a house within three years"

All employers know that to achieve this, you usually need a steady
fulltime job for a minimum of three years (implies long term employment).

By no means lie at all, just be prepared to answer.

My favourite way of getting people on-side, is:

UNDER-PROMISE AND OVER-DELIVER.

Feel free to add to this, guys.
I think that if a topic can be added to at any time, why not?
Ok, Specialist doesn't need the info anymore, but tomorrow,
someone will, and we can be confident in saying "search", instead
of having a bunch of threads that die when the OP has what THEY need.

by **sublime progie** » 25 Aug 2005 1:15

I know I didn't ask the question helix, but thank you for that quality post. I actually saved it for when I apply to my next job. It is good to see some nice strong posts once in a while.

by **helix** » 25 Aug 2005 1:16

Yeah, turning over a new leaf, hehe.

by **n2oah** » 25 Aug 2005 2:33

I think I might want to apply down at the local Lock shop...
I don't think I have the skills required thou... :cry:

by **n2oah** » 25 Aug 2005 2:53

* Why have you applied for this job?
I have a special interest in locks. I would also like to get an early start in the industry. The inner workings of a lock fascinate me.
* Why do you want to work here?
See question 1.
* What do you know about the job/company/industry?
I know much about the inner working of wafer, pin, and disc tumbler locks. I have basic knowledge of re-keying locks, picking locks, and installing locksets.
* Have you ever done this type of work before?
Yes, but only as a hobby.
* What types of machinery/computers can you operate?
I can operate Windows 95+ systems.
* What experience have you in this area of work?
I have re-keyed locks, picked locks, installed locks, and
* What skills can you bring to this job?
What do you mean?
* Tell me about yourself.
I am 15 years old and from the FdL area. (other personal info)
*Can you work under stress?
Yes, I have worked in various high-stress scenarios.
* Why did you leave your last job?
This is my first job.
* What was your last employers opinion of you?
Not applicable. See last question.
* How long do you expect to stay in the job?
4-30 years.
* What are your plans for the future?
I plan on becoming either a professional locksmith or going to college to get a degree in Welding.
* When are you available to start work?
Right now!

I would only be applying for an apprenticeship, but some of those questions still apply.

by **Varjeal** » 25 Aug 2005 9:36

Good call...under promise and over deliver is definitely the way to go. There isn't anything quite as satisfying to an employer as hiring someone who turns out be better than anticipated.

Whenever job hunting in the past, I've always understated my skills a bit and emphasized the requirement I had for training. Employers have always then been suprised at times when they've said something like "Here, let me show you how to do that." and I say, "It's o.k. I've done this at least a hundred times before."

by **fixer** » 25 Aug 2005 15:36

One of the best requirements for a career as a locksmith is an aptitude for mechanical things and the ability to adapt tools.

So many times I have been out in the field and find something that is not in the book or covered in the instructions. Then I have to identify the problem and solve it with the tools and materials I have at hand.

by **HeadHunterCEO** » 25 Aug 2005 17:22

outstanding specialist

welcome

by **Mad Mick** » 25 Aug 2005 18:30

Well done specialist, congratulations.

Great post Helix, good advice there.

Requirements for getting a job as a locksmith

Requirements for getting a job as a locksmith

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