Home Forums Introduction Welcome to Elevator Trader What am I getting wrong?

so I have been trying to get an apprenticeship, I have been to two locals, Columbus; and Nashville. Both times I passed the aptitude test and was scheduled an interview. I did poorly at my first interview (Columbus), I just was not prepared for the types of questions that were asked. So I learned from that and practiced interviewing a lot before going to Nashville to interview. When I got through with my interview in Nashville I felt like I rocked it. I made the comment "I hope I did well, I hope to hear from you soon" my interviewer responded saying I did well and I scored a 20 on my tool test, he even made the comment that they needed a lot of apprentices and I would probably hear back soon, and he told me once I got started to make sure I kept up with all of my coursework. I did hear back soon less than 24 hours later I recieved an email saying I had failed the interview, in case it wasn't clear I recieved the same email from Columbus. I was shocked. A little background on me, I did excellent in highschool after that I began working as a electronics technician with my father, I enjoyed it and did well. Because of personal problems with my father I had to quit. I began working in restuarants, and attending college. After a few years my grant money ran out and I had to consider my options and when I found out about the elevator trade and knew it was for me. i am incredibly driven and hardworking, I have the means, and I'm going to keep going to different locals until I get an apprenticeship. I am just looking for some advice to accelerate the process. I think the problem may be that I lack work experience in related fields, but it is obvious that I know about tools. I troubleshoot and fix a lot of stuff from numourous vehicles to my well pump and pressure tank. Anything else you want to know just ask. Thanks.

Did you mention and highlight your troubleshooting experience by chance, both verbally and with supporting documents? I'm not in the trade yet and don't know exactly what they're looking for but I'd assume that those two things would greatly help any candidate.

Not really, it's been a while since I worked in electronics I am gunna try to come up with something for my next interview.

Good luck. There is a list on neiep's career section with recruitment info in case you didn't know.

Go right to the elevator company , walk through the door with resumes and ask if they need help

Terrible idea Jimbo. Go through the Union and do it the right way. If it is a Union company then all hiring goes through the Union. Trying to bypass the Union for hiring might get you black flagged. Find out who interviewed you and ask them how you can improve on your interview because you're not going to give up.

Titans has it SPOT ON. The union really does want to help. Ask them what you scored well on, and what you scored poorly on. Chances are they will not only tell you, but explain what exact points were sketchy.

I am Union , been laid off. Went to a shop with resumes. I mean, if you wanna sit on a bench with ppl who can't find work and waiting for somebody to call em. Go ahead

Jimbo I do feel for you, but that is not what being Union is all about. Don't mean to Hijack this thread, but it's about the group, not the individual. The individuals do make the union, and I wish we ALL had work ALL of the time, but that's just not practical everywhere. If possible, why not contact the hall about transient work in other locals?

It's not about the "sitting around with others who can't find work", it is about staying with your brothers and sisters instead of promoting only yourself. There is a list of out of work members and the signatory companies are required to go off of that list. Hope everything works out for ya.

Get Certified in Welding 7018 Stick. Mention you love working on cars! They Like Iron Workers and former Electricians. Do your homework! Work in another trade until they open up again. Or work for a non union shop for 6 months and then approach the Hall and tell them you want to get organized.