Graduating from the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating is an exciting time! You’ve just completed the first major step on your path to beginning a successful and fulfilling HVAC career, but what’s next? Now comes the time to find your first HVAC job.
Job hunting can be intimidating, but with the training and expertise you’ve received at the Training Center, you should have the competence to take on any new challenges, even at the beginning of your career.
As important as it is to land your first HVAC job and start putting your education into practice, it is just as important to find the right fit. Getting the right job starts your career on the right foot in an environment where you don’t just have the potential to succeed in but that you also enjoy!
As you begin your job search, use these 6 simple tips to help you find the right environment for your first successful job in HVAC.
START WITH A GREAT EDUCATION
If you haven’t done so already, your search for a job in the HVAC industry should start with a solid foundation of knowledge gained through a training course. And what better place to look than the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating?
When you enroll in our training course in Houston, Texas, you can expect to learn the skills and techniques required for entry-level employment in the residential and light commercial HVAC field. Upon completion of this program, you’ll be able to install, service, and maintain typical air conditioning and heating systems found in the southern environment of the United States.
To learn more about our comprehensive HVAC training program, just visit our FAQ page here!
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
In addition to furthering your education, building your professional network can be another great step to take before you even start applying for open positions! There are many ways of going about this.
Many resources such as this can guide you towards HVAC associations to join. These associations are a great way to connect with other professionals in the industry, stay on top of trends, and continue building your references for that big opportunity that’ll eventually come along.
Additionally, the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating also has a Facebook page dedicated to keeping our community informed about everything happening in our world. Students and Alumni of our training program are also invited to join an exclusive Facebook group where we stay in touch and share industry knowledge.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE PICKY
While it’s certainly important to get your first job under your belt, that doesn’t mean you have to rush into the first opportunity that presents itself. HVAC technicians and many other careers in skilled trades are in extremely high demand as businesses fill their job openings with a limited pool of qualified professionals.
That high demand means that you’ll likely have very little trouble finding available work, so you can take your time and be a little picky about the company you choose. You can take the time to ensure that your career is getting started in the right environment. Don’t be afraid to take on multiple interviews and weigh your options as you narrow in on the right choice.
CHECK THEIR REVIEWS
When you join a company, their reputation becomes your reputation. As you’re researching potential companies to join, it’s essential to know in advance how they do business and make sure they do things the right way.
One of the best ways to get an idea of the quality of work an HVAC company does and how it treats its customers is to check its online reviews. Check out their social media sites and their profile on Google to read what their customers are saying about their experience working with the company.
Obviously, not every review for every business will provide a glowing assessment, but look for trends in the comments on the quality of their work and the work ethic of their technicians.
If there is a consistent pattern of less than stellar work, that is a sign of a company lacking accountability. However, if the opposite is true, that is a sign that the company has a deep passion for its work and would likely make a great first HVAC employer.
VISIT THEIR LOCATION
As you’re submitting resumes, remember that HVAC remains a very nuts and bolts kind of business even in the very digital world we live in. Showing up to a business’ location to hand-deliver your resume, shake hands with your potential employer, and introduce yourself in person can make a great first impression on a prospective employer.
However, visiting an HVAC business is a great way to give you a leg up on the competition as they are making their hiring decisions, but it is also a great opportunity for you to get a lay of the land.
You can use this opportunity to impress and get an evaluation of the office environment, potential coworkers, and culture to determine if it is indeed a company you would like to work for.
ASK YOUR TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
Not sure where to begin your search? Unsure of which companies in your area may be the best fit for you to start your HVAC career?
Your training instructor can be a fantastic resource! Their experience in the field and in the local community should make them a wealth of information as to what you’re looking for in a great first HVAC job, and which companies in your area may be best to apply to.
Your instructor can also be a valuable resource in the application process. You may consider asking them to write you a letter of recommendation as you narrow down your choices and go in for interviews.
Chris Walters of the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating has 38 years of experience in the HVAC industry and is a state subject matter expert on heating and cooling in the Texas and Houston area.
The education you receive here and the advice Chris can pass along from his vast experiences will give you a huge leg up on the competition as you begin the search for your first HVAC job.
Additionally, we’re always sure to provide our students with a list of contractors who are currently hiring, and many contractors show up in the last week of class to pitch their company! We are very proactive in helping our students find the right places to interview.
Learn more about beginning your HVAC career at the Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating! And – once you land your first interview, be sure to use these tips to make sure you land your dream job!