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When I applied at this previous company I was a maintenance machinist. I rebuilt engine lathes, mills, auto feed band saws, conveyors, etc., What little I knew about IC forklifts was that I could do more damage than good (but kept on trying til I couldn't fix it anymore). I knew absolutely nothing about electric forklifts (which was the primary bread and butter there). After acing the mech aptitude test I failed the electric apptitue test utterably. They gave me a second interview in which the lead tech doing the interview walked in and set a brown bag on the table. He proceeded to pull out parts. I was able to name off (and he even learned a couple of things) the name and use of each mechanical part. When he pulled out SCRs, transitors, gated SCRs, etc., my only responses were "another electrical thinga-majiger". I was then hired as I don't blow smoke and I know what I don't know....no guesses and I can be trained". I was then taken out to the shop area and shown an EZ-Reach with all the circuit boards exposed. I kept sending out resumes for weeks after expecting to get the boot anytime. They stuck with me and I stuck with them even after most of the other techs that were working there when I hired on had moved to other companies. In 11 years I never actively looked for other employment and turned down alot of offers. But as I was told during a meeting, "If you don't like all the changes then you know where the door is". And it took me about 6 months to find it afterwards.
  • Posted 4 Jan 2011 23:50
  • By joe_d
  • joined 25 May'10 - 253 messages
  • Texas, United States
Ain't nothing I can't fix but a broken heart and the break of day!

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