Welding Resources and Tips

How to Prepare for a Welding Job Interview

Those who take their welding seriously as a career will need to eventually take that first big step: a job interview.

While we all know an applicant for an office job should dress up, bring a resume, and take along a list of references, how does an interview for a welding job work? Do you bring your gear? Do you dress in something other than work clothes? Will you need a resume?

Here is some advice from experienced welders and foremen who conduct interviews for welding jobs.

Image Source: Welding Tips and Tricks

What to Wear for a Welding Job Interview

Welder Donald Branscom shares, “If I was going to an interview I would wear jeans, work boots, and a long sleeve shirt. Take your helmet, gloves, and welding jacket with you in a bag. Look like a welder. That is what they want. And be polite. They want a smart welder. A safe welder, and a welder that can listen and get along with others.”

If you wear brand new gloves or boots that aren’t too scuffed up, you may look like a beginner. So look professional and neat, but beware looking too clean and “untested” when you go for an interview. Don’t forget your basic welding tools such as a grinder and chipping hammer.

One job interviewer wrote, “The absolute worst offence. ‘Can I borrow a hood and gloves for the bench test?’ You wouldn't believe how many guys show up for a welding interview and don't bring their tools with them.”

What to Bring to a Welding Job Interview

Besides your own safety gear and proper work boots, another welder at Miller’s discussion board suggests, “A resume is never a bad idea, but it's usually not necessary for an entry level job. They're usually pretty short interviews. Once the employer is reasonably confidant you are not a psychopath, illegal immigrant, or a drug addict they usually just sit you down at a welding station and say ‘OK, Let's see what you can do.’ Anyone can say they're a welder, demonstrating the skill is generally what gets you hired.”

In other words, the main thing you should bring to an interview is the ability to perform the kinds of welds your employer needs. References and a resume will help, but skill and knowledge are the keys to a welding job.

Practice Welding Before Your Welding Job Interview

Find out what kinds of welding processes you’ll be using. For example, if you’ll be working on cars and small to medium projects, you’ll certainly want to practice MIG welding. However, if you’ll be working on pipelines or large structures, make sure you practice stick welding in a variety of positions with several different electrodes (especially 7018).

One welding foreman who conducted the interviews and tests for new hires shared the following bit of advice via Hobart, “If we are hiring experienced stick welders to run pipe with 6010 and 7018, and we tell you up front that you will be tested, it shouldn't come as a surprise when you are asked to do demonstration stick welds. If you can't stick weld, don't waste your time and mine. I don't care if you are a crackerjack carpenter, if you have spent 20 years MIG welding, if you can type 40 words per minute, or if you delivered groceries in high school. I care if you can weld pipe with 6010 and 7018.”

Learn How to Present Yourself for a Welding Job Interview

Basic people skills such as making eye contact, learning the names of the people interviewing/testing you, and showing up a little early will go a long way in your job interview. Welding companies don’t take the time to interview robots who only weld. When hiring an employee, interviewers look at the intangibles a person brings to a work place.

In light of that, you can prepare for your job interview by making sure you have a few things to say about yourself, your work habits, and your interest in welding. One welder shared, “For engineering/technical positions, the most common question I have encountered is ‘tell me about yourself.’ That is a wide open chance to make your pitch, and if you are prepared ahead of time to answer it, it may make or break your chance at getting hired. Always be ready to answer with your strengths and what you bring to the company.”

 

There is a strong demand right now for welders, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for your welding job interview by practicing the processes they want you to use, bringing your own gear, and dressing in professional work clothes. Make it easy for your employer to hire you by removing any possible reasons for reservations or doubts about your abilities as a welder.

Read the Welding Jobs and Career Guide from Baker’s Gas and Welding

Find Welding Supplies in Baker’s Welding Buying Guide

 

AWS Online Training Programs Bring the Classroom to You

Whether you’re at home, work, the library or the local McDonalds, the only restriction to AWS Online Training Programs is internet access. Complete with welding seminars, certification testing, virtual AWS Conferences, SENSE Welding classes and more, AWS Online Training Programs are a convenient and less expensive solution to welding education. See the video below for a few points about AWS Online Training Programs.

 

 

Latest Seminar/Certification

The Online Certified Welding Sales Representative Seminar is perfect for distributors, manufacturers, sales people and other professionals who want to gain technical knowledge of welding consumables, equipment, methodology, principles and variables.

Time: The seminar is roughly 23 hours long and can be accessed at any time for 30 days.

Price: $500 for AWS members; $525 for Non-Members

More Info: Online Certified Welding Sales Representative Seminar

 

Go to American Welding Online to register and get more info about the opportunities offered.

What Are the New Welding Careers and Welding Jobs?

Job opportunities in the field of welding are increasing due to the retirement of many workers and the ongoing need for welders to work on pipelines, ships, and buildings. However, another reason for the increase in welding jobs and welding careers is the evolution of new processes in the welding industry.

 
Image Source: Miller Welds

As specialized processes are developed, new welders will need to be trained and certified. The compensation for these new jobs promises to be competitive. However, if you want to capitalize on the new opportunities in the welding field, make sure you learn about these processes, the training you need, and where you can break into these industries. Here are a few examples of new jobs and careers available for welders.

TIG Welding Is In Demand

Whether you’re creating art, fabricating, or working on a custom motorcycle, there is a strong demand for TIG welders in a variety of industries for a skilled TIG welder. Growth in the custom automotive industry has been particularly good for TIG welders.

Solid State Friction Welding Careers

There are a variety of solid state friction welding processes being used for welding plastics together. Welding engineers will need to be able to operate these advanced machines that create clean, strong welds in a matter of seconds without adding any additional material to the weld.

Nuclear Systems Welding Jobs

As our country’s nuclear power plants age and new power plants become a reality, a strong demand for welders in the nuclear sector of the economy will continue.

Battery Manufacturing

As the electric car industry continues to grow, there are many opportunities for welders in the manufacturing of car batteries.

High Strength Steel Welding Careers

This lighter and durable version of steel will call for new welding techniques so that strong welds can be created without burning through the metal. In addition, this type of steel will call for new inspection practices.

Hybrid Laser/Plasma Arc Welding Jobs

The hybrid laser/plasma arc welding process is commonly used in manufacturing and fabrication and has led to significant increases in productivity that make it an extremely attractive process for manufacturers who stand to gain the most if they can make their operations more efficient.

Remote Laser Welding Careers

This is a highly specialized type of welding that uses beam steering systems in order to weld metal together for a variety of construction projects. 

Are you staying on top of the welding job market? Subscribe to Weld My World in order to find out about the latest news in the welding industry in addition to welding tips.

Learn more about welding careers and welding jobs at the BakersGas.com Welding Learning Center.

 

How to Find the Best Welding Jobs and Welding Careers

In any discussion about the best welding jobs or best welding career, there are a variety of factors that need to be considered. There isn’t one perfect welding job, as they all have different benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, the key to finding the best welding job or welding career for yourself is to figure out which kind of job is ideal for you as well as for your family. While it’s quite possible to make a lot of money as a welder, there are other jobs that pay less while offering benefits that may make a pay cut worthwhile.

Image Source: Lincoln Electric

Welding Jobs by Region

There are some great welding job opportunities on oil rigs, up north in Canada, and all over the world. Countries in the Middle East and the U.S. military are looking for welders, and those willing to travel around the world or to work in difficult conditions can make a lot of money in a short period of time.

Welding Jobs by Benefits

Working for a large welding manufacturing or construction company or with a union can bring excellent job security, benefits, and even a pension. Many welders who work with unions are happy with the work they have. The work is steady and that means the pay is steady as well, creating a more manageable pace for welders who would rather not travel to extreme locations.

Welding Jobs by Schedule

Some welders prefer to find a shop or company that allows them to work lots of overtime, others want a predictable routine working regular hours, and still others prefer to pack up their families for a few months and move to a job site such as a pipeline location, ship yard, or construction project where they can work long hours and make a lot of money before taking time off.

Welding Jobs by Highest Salary

Pipe welding, welding on oil rigs, underwater welding, and more specialized applications such as a materials engineer or computer welder can make a lot of money, but these jobs also bring high standards, a lot of stress, and a good deal of competition. There isn’t a lot of margin for error in these fields, and there are plenty of welders trying to find jobs where they can make top dollar.

Welding Jobs by Demand

Welding jobs come and go depending on demand. Sometimes finding the best welding job requires relocating or even becoming a bit nomadic, following the ship yards and oil companies around from job site to job site. In addition, it may be competitive to find a job as a welding instructor or inspector, but if you can land a position like that, you will most likely find a good deal of job security.

There is no “correct” or “ideal” welding job. A career in welding could involve a lot of travel and random hours, or a welding job could be steady and reliable. Sometimes you’ll need to take on a difficult job before you can move on to a more desirable position for your welding career. There is no perfect job out there, but there are a lot of great opportunities available for welders willing to work.

Learn more about pursuing a welding career at Baker’s Gas and Welding resources library.

 

5 Tax Tips for Freelance Self-Employed Welders

With tax time nearly upon us, as the April 15 deadline quickly approaches, that familiar old saying comes to mind: “The only certainties in life are death and taxes,” and that’s certainly no April Fools!

No matter which “side of the aisle” you fall on politically, there's no doubt that the middle class gets squeezed with the highest effect tax rate relative to average gross income earned. And most welders, whether freelance, self-employed or employees, qualify as members of the middle class.

Therefore, the more you know about the ins and outs of the tax code, including all the tips and tricks to effectively navigating the often cumbersome tax return process, the less money you will end up having to fork over to Uncle Sam, and more cash you’ll keep in your pocket (where, frankly, it belongs).

Self-Employed as a Freelance Welder

When you make the decision to become a freelance welder, you’re taking the plunge into the world of the self-employed. No more W2 income statements, now all income is accounted for via the 1099 form.

From an income tax standpoint, there are both virtues and detriments to your status of self-employed. The increased capacity to make deductions and greater latitude in appling those deductions is wonderful, but on the downside employment taxes rise, and effectively navigating the tax code without incurring the wrath of the taxman is significantly more difficult than the good ole days of your regular “employee” tax status.

Top Tax Tips for Self-Employed Welders

The following tips for self-employed welders are intended to give you a heads up on how to best manage your finances for tax purposes as a Freelance or Self-Employed Welder. Some of these tips may not help you in this year’s round with the taxman, but are definitely applicable in the future:

Keep Adequate Records

One of the biggest issues tax professionals are really making a point of harping on this year is record keeping.

Filing taxes as a self-employed freelancer already arouses suspicion from the IRS, but to make matters worse, most state governments are broke and running enormous deficits, and the federal government is running the biggest deficit in the nation’s history (and it’s growing daily). Suffice it to say – the taxman is hungry for CASH! And individuals filing taxes with self-employed status are prime targets for the governments taxation hunt.

So, if you want to avoid being audited (which is definitely not fun) KEEP DETAILED RECORDS!

In fact, if you haven’t already done so, reviewing the 1040 tax form Schedule C, which outlines potential deductions, is probably a good idea – a little inspiration to help keep you on a straight and narrow path.

Business Income Vs. Business Losses

One of the biggest benefits of being self-employed is the ability it affords you to deduct your business expenses from you gross income, effectively lowering your taxable income base. On the other side of this coin, however, self-employed individuals with high wages offset by inordinately high business losses represent one of the biggest red flags to the IRS for those filing taxes with self-employed status.

As a freelancer, your profit is the amount of income remaining after you’ve covered all your business expenses. The equation looks something like this: income – expenses = profit. It’s not uncommon for freelancers to show a loss, but if your income is high (especially if it’s above average for your profession – and rest assured the IRS is well aware of the average), and you’re attempting to reduce that income by showing high business losses, you’re heading for trouble.

Showing a business loss year after year is another issue to avoid. If a business shows a loss 3 out of 5 years, the IRS can audit you to investigate whether or not you’re conducting a “hobby” as a business to incur business losses on purpose as a strategy to shelter your gross income and lower your taxable profit base.

Obviously you have to be aggressive with your tax return in order to avoid as much taxation as possible, but be careful, as you might be inviting the kind of attention you would prefer to avoid, i.e. nasty audit by the IRS.

Self-Employment Taxes

The biggest difference between filing taxes and an employee and a self-employed individual is employment tax.

When you’re an employee, your employer matches or covers half of what the government refers to as your “employment taxes,” which includes: Social Security, Medicare, etc. When you’re self employed, however, you’re solely responsible for those so-called “employment taxes,” which are now referred to as “self-employment taxes.”

Self-employment taxes generally amount to about 15% of your gross income (up to $100,000, after which the rate increases), and ideally you should set this amount aside and pay quarterly estimated returns.

For example, if you estimate you income at approximately $50,000 year, that breaks down to $12,500 per quarter, and you should therefore pay $1,875 for each quarterly return.

By reducing your effective gross income with deductions, however, you can reduce your employment tax, and that brings us to our next tip.

Deductions

The following is list of typically acceptable deductions for a freelance welder under Schedule C of the 1040 Tax form:

• Advertising – this includes business cards and web-marketing
• Insurance – for life, property & casualty, or business insurance. Do not include health insurance under this category
• Other interest – credit card or loan interest, such as interest paid on an equipment loan
• Legal and professional services – such as fees your accountant will charge
• Administrative expense – billing and invoicing services
• Rent or lease other business property – rent paid for a workshop or storage space
• Repairs and maintenance – repairing your computer, for example
• Supplies – routine office supplies like paper, toner, pens, pencils, notepads, etc.
• Travel – the cost of gas and wear on your car when traveling to jobs in the field
• Utilities – electricity, gas
• Other expenses – such as professional organization dues, web development, and business telephone expenses

Health care premiums are deductible on your 1040 tax form as personal deductions, unless your business shows a loss, in which case your premium has to be deducted on the Schedule A form as a medical expense.

Registering as an S-Corp

This is one of those tips that’s a little too late for this year's tax filing but may be a prudent measure for the future.

An S-Corp is a special kind of incorporation designation for self-employed individuals or very small businesses, which offers the personal protection of a corporation; your personal assets are protected from the legal liabilities and you are relieved of personal responsibility for business debts and losses.

The S-Corporation doesn’t pay taxes, but instead the taxes “pass-through” to the corporate officer – you, the freelance – and are treated like normal personal taxes.

Establishing an S-Corp is less of a tax exemption benefit and more of a move to protect your assets and reduce your legal liability.

Legal Zoom is an excellent resource for no-hassle incorporations, business registrations and DBA filings.