Applying for Job..

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I have a Tig Welding Job interview on Tuesday.  Is there anything that you guys suggest that I should bring or do.  Also, is there anything that I should not bring or do.  Kind of nervous, as to this is the first real welding job where my skills will be in question.  I know I can do it, just looking for any extra tips/pointers before I go.  I believe I will be tig welding on refrigeration lines and various things concerning refrigeration.  Units manufactured at the site include standard and custom high-side systems ranging from one-half horsepower to in excess of 80 horsepower, with up to 225 tons of condensing capacity. In terms of size, this translates to systems as large as a school bus. Units are designed, built and engineered to order for OEMs, distributors, wholesalers and end-users.Thanks in advance guys for all input!!!
Reply:Go dressed to weld, but not like you've been working on your car in your garage.  Bring your hood and gloves, let them supply any other tools.  You'd be surprised how many guys I've had come in to interview for a job that didn't bring their hood or gloves.Don't forget to turn the gas on during your bench test.  Another area a lot of guys overlook because they are nervous.Make sure the ground clamp is hooked up.  Another "I was so nervous I forgot to check" issue.Relax.  They can't beat you or kill you, (at least at most companies), so just settle in, prep for your bench test like you would be setting up to weld any job, and make sure you take your time to do it right.  Don't rush in "just to get it over with" and run the risk of making mistakes.  Ask them exactly what they require for the bench test (fillet size, re-enforcement, one-pass, multi-pass, etc.) so you are sure of what to deliver before you hit the foot pedal.Ask a lot of questions, let them tell you about what they do, volunteer only that experience you have that is relevant to the work they are doing.And good luck, you'll do well.I r 2 a perfessional
Reply:Originally Posted by kbnitGo dressed to weld, but not like you've been working on your car in your garage.
Reply:Haha, I remember my first TIG job test.  I was so nervous my hand with the frickin filler wire was shakin.  If by any chance you ARE nervous before you start, and the guy's over your shoulder watching (as was mine), letting him know you're nervous won't hurt.  At my test the guy took that into account, made me feel at ease by cutting a joke, then I just blasted down a quick fillet.  Of course, most people never are as nervous as I get...  I dunno why because each job I've been to I've been one of the better welders there, but I *always* get nervous.  Kinda frustrating actually  But yah, just quick-check the ground, the gas, that the tungsten has a good end, practice on a piece of scrap or part of the work you're doing your test on that won't be part of the weld, without filler first just to see what kinda arc you're working with...Remember, guys watching tests have watched them before - they've seen the good/bad/ugly all before, so if you ARE the kind that gets nervous before a test, just say to yourself the guy he tested earlier in the day probably sucked bad and you're there to show 'em how it's done "A winner isn't someone who doesn't lose, a winner is someone who doesn't quit."
Reply:Sounds like you're going into a fabrication shop environment.  Still, be mentally open to new ways of doing things and don't let these rattle you.For example, I'd always sharpened tungsten on a dedicated grinding wheel.  The first TIG test I had they handed me a 4" angle grinder to use to sharpen my tungsten.  I fumbled around and managed to get a usable point.  I'd have been better off asking someone how they chuck the grinder up in a pipe vise, and use a drill motor to spin a uniform, quality point on the tungsten.  Now I know...Likewise, watch someone else who appears competent,or ask for a demonstration of how to prepare the test piece for welding.  How does your prospective employer clean and bevel weld joint edges?  etc.Since you're a new welder, take advantage of that fact, and ask questions.  Hopefully you've been upfront about your experience level, and so asking questions won't put you in an awkeward position.  Regardless, getting the answers will set your mind at ease, and save you needless worry.Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:Thanks guys!!!   You are awesome!   I  had most of those ideas/thoughts already, but it is reassuring to hear others make the same statements.   I have never welded any parts per se for refrigeration.  I am assuming copper and stainless are going to be the main components.  But not totally sure.  Honestly, I know I would of been one of those who forget to turn the gas on.. and then wonder why my welds look like poop... LOL.. Anyone on here weld refrigeration lines?   Or refrigerant related items?
Reply:Originally Posted by smokeshowThanks guys!!!   You are awesome!   I  had most of those ideas/thoughts already, but it is reassuring to hear others make the same statements.   I have never welded any parts per se for refrigeration.  I am assuming copper and stainless are going to be the main components.  But not totally sure.  Honestly, I know I would of been one of those who forget to turn the gas on.. and then wonder why my welds look like poop... LOL.. Anyone on here weld refrigeration lines?   Or refrigerant related items?
Reply:Bring safety glasses. I had a weld test interview a few weeks ago and i couldve used them. Just play it safe. I got a call from the guy today about a welding job for someone else. I didn't get that job because i hardly know how to mig. But i'm going in for another interview later 2dayi did mig in school for 5 weeks at night about 2 years ago(cant remember much). but u pull a trigger and push the puddle. apparently i impressed the guy a little for him to refer me! i wish i knew more about heat settings amps and all the other shyt but i never used mig at my jobs. Tig is my specialty but i'm willing to learn anything to get better.
Reply:i got a fab job building stairs and rails. how'd ur interview go?
Reply:Don't let your nerves blow it for you and try not to worry. Now for the funny part. If I know I have a welding test the next day I can't sleep, lol.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Well the inteterview got pushed back...    We had a baby on tuesday, and we just came home about an hour and a half ago.  So I am going to try and go in tomorrow.    Since I am just supposed to Tig, do you think I should still bring leathers?  Or do you think a tig jacket will suffice?Once again, I appreciate all the input.
Reply:Congratulations on the new addition.Hope momma and baby are doing fine.No leathers, long sleeve chambray shirt (or equivalent) will do fine.  Not a lot of high amperage work in refrigeration that I've seen.I r 2 a perfessional
Reply:Momma and Baby Girl are doing great!  Thanks!I just don't want to be overdressed.  Yet, from what I gathered this is a very safety conscious place.
Reply:Well, that was about the weirdest job interview I have ever been to. First off, I had to fill out another application.   ( along with 15 other people ) Then 20 minutes later we all took a test with 50 questions and you had 12 minutes to get it done.  It stated on the test that you probably will not complete the test so do not be upset if you do not complete it.  Anyways, I completed 46 of the 50 would of been 48 but my pen was not working at first.   The test covered everything from math questions to word analogies.  Even had some ethic questions.  Long story short, it seems as if this was just a weeding out process.  So I hope to hear from them shortly, but I have no clue as of now.I was caught completely off gaurd by these questions.  Was not prepared but all in all the think I faired well.Thanks for all the help and advice guys!
Reply:That's a typical interview in many ways...  not much focus on the ability to perform the job.  You can be the most knowledgeable person in the world, but if you can't put it in action and perform the weld, you're no good as a welder.  I prefer companies that want to see if you can perform the job first...then go into the mind games and BS...or skip that part.
Reply:That's what I was expecting to see and do when I went in.  I brought my helmet and gloves and jacket in and was mentally prep'ed to weld, not take a test on my mental compacity. Oh well, we will see.....You live, you learn, then you get luvs'!
Reply:Don't worry, be happy!  And smile! After the interview go directly home, do not pass go, do not stop at the local pub and slam down a pounder or a couple of shots, go home.  Sit down at your typwrite or PC with printer and write them a thank-you letter. Address this to the hiring manager/foreperson and/or the HR (personnel) representative who conducted the interview(s).  In some cases you might write separate letters.  Reinforce anything positive that was said during the interviews, just keep it short, simple, and sweet.  Get the letter(s) in the US Mail within 24 hours.  All this is especially helpful if this is a larger company and you had to interview with an HR or personnel rep before getting to (or after leaving) the hiring manager/foreperson.  And leave the MC colors at home.-MondoOh!  The intergview happened already!  Well, do you want the job?  Do you want to work for that company?  Send a thank-you letter.  If you don'[t really want to work there don't!-MLast edited by Mondo; 07-18-2008 at 01:32 PM.Reason: Add post-scriptMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Well, I got a notice in the mail, saying that they will be in touch with me within the week, because they are reviewing my application and comparing it to the current needs of the company.  And if my qualifications meet or exceed the current needs and interest of the company they would be in contact with me.  Not sure if that is good news or not.  I assumed that some news is better than no news.  But I have no clue on what really is going on.  I hate not knowing or being in control.  LOL...  .
Reply:This is the company's website...http://www.heatcraftrpd.com/
Reply:i know the feeling because i had to call the company and they say they will send me a letter. this was 2 weeks after i applied and it said i didnt have enough expierence.
Reply:Originally Posted by smokeshowAnd if my qualifications meet or exceed the current needs and interest of the company they would be in contact with me.
Reply:I have been turned away for being over qualified also.  Just not for welding, yet. I just don't know, I was kind of optimistic, since I went in on thursday and friday I got it in the mail.
Reply:Originally Posted by EngloidMost companies won't let you know anything, and if they do let you know they picked somebody else, they will give a generic response like "a candidate with qualifications more closely matched to the company's needs."  Also, many will not hire you if your qualifications exceed what they need.  I've been turned down for more jobs for being overqualified than I have for being underqualified.  It sucks.
Reply:then dont list all your expierences, just the ones that pertain to that job and it may work. i was told to do that by a temp agency. they also told me to say i earned a lot less because that scares away companies from hiring
Reply:Well, I didnt have to stretch the truth when it came to the pay scale.  Ever since I have worked in GA, I have made about half of what I was making in FL.  But I also, have changed jobs twice since then.  LOL...I heard FL doesn't pay much. 10 for tig? is that true.my first day of work and didn't do any welding. but i was told it might take 3 weeks so i'm getting paid to just be the newbie.Are the Boiler Makers Union any good because i was told that after a year in this job i can pay dues to the union. i just have to invest 5 years to get any retirement plan
Reply:Never heard of anyone being accepted into the Boilermakers without doing an apprenticeship...unless you're already a Journeyman and can test out.Anything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT
Reply:The work we do or my boss does is for some of the boiler makers and idk how it works but after a year i can automaticly get in. i would pay my dues like them...i'll ask my boss more about it tomorrow.
Reply:Well they finally contacted me.  I go back in for second interview tuesday.
Reply:Well, it will be 3 months later... but I start October 13th!  And I was told this was one of the faster turn arounds.. LOL...
Reply:All right, you got a job!!!And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:holy long enough wait! well good luck smokeshow!Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:Thanks guys!   And they supply and pay for everything... Helmet, jacket, gloves, machine.. etc.. etc...