looking for new help
- Thread starter jbwhite
- Start date
- Status
Oakey
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
Re: looking for new help
First thing for me is I insist on a good driving record up front. If I can get that they are usually a good candidate worthy of a try.
First thing for me is I insist on a good driving record up front. If I can get that they are usually a good candidate worthy of a try.
Re: looking for new help
Read the resume, call the previous employer(s).
Check driving record, interview candidate.
Ask open ended questions. "What size GEC do you use on a 200Amp residential service?" "How about a commercial service?"
What kind of work will these people be doing? Ask your questions in that regard. Remember, hiring somebody is like getting married during the first date.The divorce can be messy.
Definately let them know you have a probation period of XX days. Mine is 90. During that time, you can be let go (fired) for anything.
If you belong to any associations-ABC, IBEW--contact the office for legal advice on what NOT to ask. (Age, race, creed, sexual preference, disabilities, illnesses etc.) You can ask is there is anything that would prohibit you from doing this type of work.
Good luck!
Read the resume, call the previous employer(s).
Check driving record, interview candidate.
Ask open ended questions. "What size GEC do you use on a 200Amp residential service?" "How about a commercial service?"
What kind of work will these people be doing? Ask your questions in that regard. Remember, hiring somebody is like getting married during the first date.The divorce can be messy.
Definately let them know you have a probation period of XX days. Mine is 90. During that time, you can be let go (fired) for anything.
If you belong to any associations-ABC, IBEW--contact the office for legal advice on what NOT to ask. (Age, race, creed, sexual preference, disabilities, illnesses etc.) You can ask is there is anything that would prohibit you from doing this type of work.
Good luck!
mdshunk
Senior Member
- Location
- Right here.
Re: looking for new help
Definately ask "How many days of work have you missed in the past year?", then phone the previous employer and ask the same thing. I can deal with most guys, but they at least have to show up in the morning.
Definately ask "How many days of work have you missed in the past year?", then phone the previous employer and ask the same thing. I can deal with most guys, but they at least have to show up in the morning.
JohnE
Senior Member
- Location
- Milford, MA
Re: looking for new help
Definitely speak to previous employers, and get other references too. Have the probationary period. I've had a problem with 2 new hires in the last 2 years which was basically their "attitude". Both were experienced licensed electricians and very knowledgeable. One was basically looking for a "free ride" - knew what he was doing but was not motivated to do it. Didn't produce, and had lots of excuses and complaints. I also got complaints from several of my GC's that he was "nosy" always asking them questions about their business which he did not need to know about. The other problem employee was of the mentality "the glass is half empty". He complained about everything and couldn't get along with any of my other guys. So, experience, license, and knowledge is only part of the equation.
I am very open in my interviewing in what I expect and what I have to offer. I now let them know that if things do not go as planned and expected, I will "let them go". I've had 5 great hires in the last 3 years and 3 bad ones. The most recent (2 days ago) only lasted 1 day. Supposedly 15 years experience (unlicensed) in the the Carolinas and Texas and Massachusetts and no clue! The clincher for me was his repeated asking one of my licensed guys to help him on a side job where the original electrician "took the money and ran". He said "they would make a big score before Christmas". My licensed guy tried to politely refuse, but then got so aggravated that he talked to me about it.
My advice is try to know what you're getting as well as you can, but that technical knowledge is unfortunately only a part of it.
Definitely speak to previous employers, and get other references too. Have the probationary period. I've had a problem with 2 new hires in the last 2 years which was basically their "attitude". Both were experienced licensed electricians and very knowledgeable. One was basically looking for a "free ride" - knew what he was doing but was not motivated to do it. Didn't produce, and had lots of excuses and complaints. I also got complaints from several of my GC's that he was "nosy" always asking them questions about their business which he did not need to know about. The other problem employee was of the mentality "the glass is half empty". He complained about everything and couldn't get along with any of my other guys. So, experience, license, and knowledge is only part of the equation.
I am very open in my interviewing in what I expect and what I have to offer. I now let them know that if things do not go as planned and expected, I will "let them go". I've had 5 great hires in the last 3 years and 3 bad ones. The most recent (2 days ago) only lasted 1 day. Supposedly 15 years experience (unlicensed) in the the Carolinas and Texas and Massachusetts and no clue! The clincher for me was his repeated asking one of my licensed guys to help him on a side job where the original electrician "took the money and ran". He said "they would make a big score before Christmas". My licensed guy tried to politely refuse, but then got so aggravated that he talked to me about it.
My advice is try to know what you're getting as well as you can, but that technical knowledge is unfortunately only a part of it.
JROD
Member
- Location
- North Carolina
Re: looking for new help
I would consider laying out a drug and alcohol policy and asking the applicant if they would be willing to take a drug test.
The last EC I worked for told us that it was the policy that everyone had to submit for a drug test, but they only performed random testing.
Jose
I would consider laying out a drug and alcohol policy and asking the applicant if they would be willing to take a drug test.
The last EC I worked for told us that it was the policy that everyone had to submit for a drug test, but they only performed random testing.
Jose
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: looking for new help
Many x employers will not give out any info other than he worked for me from---- to ---
To say more is risky as it could get him sued.I do go along with the must have good driving record and a random drug test.Does no good to do drug test if scheduled.Beyond that a test is not out of line.Bottom line is you have no way of knowing how fast or good he is till you hire him.If he passes your test and other items suggested then simply give him a try.Either he works out or he doesn't.A week or 2 should be enough time to know.
Many x employers will not give out any info other than he worked for me from---- to ---
To say more is risky as it could get him sued.I do go along with the must have good driving record and a random drug test.Does no good to do drug test if scheduled.Beyond that a test is not out of line.Bottom line is you have no way of knowing how fast or good he is till you hire him.If he passes your test and other items suggested then simply give him a try.Either he works out or he doesn't.A week or 2 should be enough time to know.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: looking for new help
And you must allow everyone to apply and fill out the application.Have a friend that owns a liquor store.One day a man returned his application and my friend told me to place it in file 13.He simply never hire males but he could not tell them that legally.Be carefull what info you ask.Might be best to get one from a office supply.
And you must allow everyone to apply and fill out the application.Have a friend that owns a liquor store.One day a man returned his application and my friend told me to place it in file 13.He simply never hire males but he could not tell them that legally.Be carefull what info you ask.Might be best to get one from a office supply.
larryl
Senior Member
- Location
- wrentham ma.
Re: looking for new help
all very good thoughts,credit check,driving record,past employers,tell them up front that they will be drug tested,,this will save you alot of interviewing time.some wont even shop up for the interview,if they know this.
all very good thoughts,credit check,driving record,past employers,tell them up front that they will be drug tested,,this will save you alot of interviewing time.some wont even shop up for the interview,if they know this.
rminnick
Member
- Location
- Pennsylvania
Re: looking for new help
If you have a local tech. college handy or if not call one, my brother and I have done this in the past. We talk to the professor and find out who are good students. We look for good hygiene,good working habits, people skills and if there on time for class. They usually will be more than willing to help because it makes them look good if they can get students jobs before they graduate.
If you have a local tech. college handy or if not call one, my brother and I have done this in the past. We talk to the professor and find out who are good students. We look for good hygiene,good working habits, people skills and if there on time for class. They usually will be more than willing to help because it makes them look good if they can get students jobs before they graduate.
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