How to Get a Job as a Maintenance & Repair Worker
"A lot of skilled trades people show up for a handyman interview wearing clothes that you wouldn't want your plumber to wear. I actually had an applicant show up eating a sandwich," Tenenbaum says. Instead, dress like you're seeking employment as a banker. And show a little personality. Tenenbaum says the repair men and women with the most longevity are the ones that are the most pleasant to have around. "They display a sense of humor and a love for their work. We even have a handyman who whistles while he works," he notes.
Interview Questions Submitted by Real Maintenance & Repair Workers
"How long do you plan on staying with this company?" - Public Works Commission Maintenance Worker Candidate (Fayetteville, NC)
"How do you get along with others?" - Pearland ISD Maintenance Worker Candidate (Pearland, TX)
"Please describe a difficult situation in which you had to discipline a former employee" - Chrysler Maintenance Supervisor (Chicago, IL)
What is the Job Like?
No two days are the same in this line of work. On Tuesday you could stretch your legs outside in the pleasant sunshine while painting shingles, and on Wednesday you might squeeze underneath a kitchen counter to stop a leaky faucet. What is commonplace, however, is nursing a few end-of-the-day bumps and bruises. Lifting heavy objects, maneuvering around wires, and avoiding electrical sparks are all within the not-so-ordinary day of a maintenance worker, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that those employed full-time in the profession actually experience more work-related injuries and illness than the average professional. Despite the chance for minor injuries, Tenenbaum says the variety is part the appeal for many. "You get to meet new people every day, and frequently you work directly with a customer," he notes.
Real Reviews From Maintenance & Repair Workers
+ "Benefits: Health Care, Dental, Pension, and Vision." - Caltrans Highway Maintenance Lead Worker (Location Unknown)
- "One might see working outside suitable to a desk job. In some instances you have to work in rainy conditions and deal with the conditions the best way that you can in the time allotted." - Robbinsdale, MN Seasonal Maintenance Worker (Robbinsdale, MN)
- "Downsides are the cutbacks we are constantly going through from pay to benefits to manpower. Sending jobs elsewhere has hurt us for positions but has saved the company money. Those of us that have survived job cuts are now doing the work of 5. It is more work and less pay." - Delta Airlines Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Atlanta, GA)
Review information and interview questions supplied by Glassdoor.
