Madden Industrial Craftsmen Incorporated

With the economy sputtering and corporations looking to pare their workforces even more, it’s no surprise that job security is a real concern.  But how do you make yourself “layoff-proof?”  How, in short, do you make yourself indispensable?

While no one really is indispensable, there are a number of things you can do to enhance your job security.

First, you need to look at your department as a corporation and yourself as its CEO.  All of your activities should be carried out with the bottom line in view.  Will they be an asset or a liability?  You need to look at the big picture as well, how your activities and department fit in with the entire company.

You need to take responsibility for your career and moving up the ladder, taking a proactive stance and not just relying on a mentor to help out.

Make sure to keep a positive attitude.  Someone who is always worrying about what will go wrong, or who is overly concerned about failure rather than success, will not be seen as an asset to the company.

Learn how to work in a leaner environment.  Show your superiors you can run your department just as efficiently with fewer people.  Learn how to hire consultants and other temporary staffers to help out.

Find a job that you can do better than it’s being done now, or one that is being neglected, and then take on the challenge of doing it.  And make sure to add the additional duties to your job description.

Develop a plan to make others in the organization aware of who you are and what you do.  Some people believe that if they keep their head down they will be overlooked during a downsizing.  That’s not true.

Find out what in areas your boss is weak and become an expert in those areas.

Become a company spokesperson at community events and other gatherings.  By doing this, you become the face of the company to the community, and you develop more contacts.  Make sure you inform your superiors what you are doing.

And, finally, it’s good to remember the old axiom – be a team player.  You should be seen as someone who supports and promotes the department, someone who finds solutions to conflicts rather than causing them.

When you’re looking for the next position where you can showcase your skills and abilities, contact Madden Industrial Craftsmen Incorporate. We have many terrific positions for skilled craftsmen at great companies throughout the Pacific Northwest. Contact us today.

Here are six questions you should never ask a job candidate (and 10 ways you can still get the information you need:

1) Are you a U.S. citizen? Citizenship legally has no bearing on whether someone can work in the U.S. Instead, ask: Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?

2) What religion are you? A candidate’s religious beliefs also have no legal bearing on their ability or ability to do a job. You legitimately may be wondering if their religious practices may preclude them from working nights or weekends, so instead ask: What days are you available to work?

3) What clubs or social organizations are you a member of? Again, this question has absolutely no bearing on a candidate’s ability to do a job and it can reveal too much about a person’s political or religious affiliations. If you were to decide not to hire a candidate based on his or her political/religious membership, you could be sued. A better question to ask is one that’s work related: Do you belong to any trade or professional groups relevant to our industry?

4) How old are you? This question is bad for so many reasons, particularly because you’re setting yourself up for an age-discrimination lawsuit. A better question to ask: Are you over the age of 18?

5) How many years do you have before you plan to retire? Another loaded question. Even if someone appears old to you, she may have 20 years or more before she plans to leave paid work. In fact, she may be planning to never retire. Instead, ask: What are your long-term career goals?

6) Do you have children? Do you plan to have children? Again, what does this question have to do with a candidate’s ability to do the job? How he handles his childcare situation is his responsibility. Far better to ask: This position requires some/considerable travel and overtime. Is that a problem for you?

Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Incorporated provides skilled carpenters, welders, machine and production workers, HVAC/facilities maintenance personnel and other skilled tradesmen to companies doing business in the Pacific Northwest. As a leading staffing agency, we can help you develop a strategic staffing plan to help ensure your company’s fiscal success.

Jim – Procurement/Buyer – Jim recently completed an assignment with a large, international manufacturer where he was responsible for purchasing raw materials, parts, and supplies.  He has an extensive background in the procurement field having worked for a number of large, well-known companies in the past where he was responsible for determining the appropriate vendor, negotiating the costs, and overseeing logistics.  He has good work history and is looking for a long-term or contact position currently. 

 Walt – Civil Engineer –  Walt has an extensive background in civil engineering and holds the Professional Engineer designation.  Walt has experience with wastewater collection, treatment and disposal, design of storm water systems for quality and quantity, and he has done computer modeling of hydrologic systems including reservoirs, drainage basins and localized drainage. He has also done land-use projects including both residential and commercial, as well as storm water quality and quantity analysis, water and wastewater system design, streets and sidewalks and utility systems design. Walt is available to start right away.

 Kathy – Human Resources Manager – Kathy has eight year’s experience as an HR Generalist having worked as a Human Resources Manager at two manufacturing companies in the past.  In her past positions, Kathy was responsible for all human resources functions.  She is experienced in creating new programs and improving existing processes.  If you are looking for an HR professional with a strong manufacturing background, please contact us to find out more. 

 Paul – Pipe-welder/fitter – Paul is an experienced pipe-welder and fitter.  He is certified in a number of different processes and has a strong background in shipyard welding.  He has run crews of up to 20 people.  Paul can get results for you day-one – give us a call to find out more about his skills.

 Jeff – HVAC Installer – Jeff has a strong background with residential and commercial HVAC installation and maintenance.  He has done new construction as well as retrofit.  In addition, he has experience working with radiant heat systems.  He also has been the lead person in a number of his past positions.  Jeff is looking for a new opportunity and would be a great addition to a company.