Need advice for job searching!

[metal gear solid]

hello there!
not sure if this is the correct place to post this but here goes...

I have decided to look for a new job in welding. However, I have never had a welding interview and am worried i'll turn up to one and be laughed out of the building due to lack of skill/knowledge, this is because i consider myself self taught and thus am not sure how good i am.

I completed an apprenticeship, it was self funded and I work mostly by myself. Also despite having done gas, stick and tig at college, I have only been welding mig at work, and that's been strictly with steel.

i mostly make frames, test rigs and handling equipment for heavy objects.

Here is a little info about me:
27 years old
completed apprenticeship, an nvq2 in welding/performing engineering operations, this also includes composite laminating
about 3 years experience in mig/mag
experience in operating a 3 axis cnc router
i have also used a lathe but i'm in no way a machinist.

to sum things up: looking to branch out but has little to no experience in anything other than mig with steel.
looking for advice on a welding interview.

i have photos of jobs i have done but not sure how to post them.
all advice would be appreciated greatly!

 

[jackjosh]

Look at what they are asking, then ask yourself if you could do it as most will want a test piece, if so apply. Be honest with them and good luck.

 

[cumbriasteve]

You need to apply for a position that matches your present skills and not for one that you like because that's where you want to be in the future, constant rejection will get you down.

It is not an easy task obtaining a position where further training and development is freely on offer, this usually becomes available after you have proven yourself and the company is developing into higher skilled work.

A company that has made the same product for the last 20 years will probably be doing the same for the next 20 years so will require someone with a certain skill level but offer little advancement opportunities.

A 'young' company which shows signs of developing is the best bet.

For the interview, a good hand shake, a friendly smile, tidy appearance and don't be afraid to ask questions, if you don't know then say so...don't try to muddle through, a lack of knowledge can be turned round by a keen interest to learn.

Finally, all evidence you have of work/ projects/ skills should be provided, a portfolio of photo's can help too.

 

[Robotstar5]

and put your welding PPE in the car in case they want you to do a "trade test", nothing annoyed our welder interviewer more than someone turning up without even a mask!

 

[metal gear solid]

and put your welding PPE in the car in case they want you to do a "trade test", nothing annoyed our welder interviewer more than someone turning up without even a mask!

Thanks for all the advice guys.
Man! I don't even own my own mask I've always used the company provided one.

Can you tell me what to expect in a trade test?
I'm imagining they give you some off cuts or scrap to weld various joints?
I'm a bit worried about using a rig I'm not used to to weld joints together.

Again, thanks guys I'm just putting a portfolio together and checking the area for vacancies, hopefully I find something that will help me grow.

On a side note I was wondering about coded welding. I've heard it's expensive but opens doors for you?

 

[Robotstar5]

Can you tell me what to expect in a trade test?
I'm imagining they give you some off cuts or scrap to weld various joints?
I'm a bit worried about using a rig I'm not used to to weld joints together.

On a side note I was wondering about coded welding. I've heard it's expensive but opens doors for you?

In our case it was MAG welding, you were given a weldset with everything set to zero and a few off-cuts to set up on, the test was to weld a curved bracket to a piece of tube, this was them macro'd.

Don't worry about coding, if you need it, an employer will put you through it as each coding is unique to one process/material.