Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone knows anybody hiring custom home A/V installers? I live in Colorado and have been starving as an independant in this economy and need to find a steady paycheck!
Thanks for any suggestions!

As an employer in Illinois who has recently gone through another round of interviewing, I would suggest that you do some translation from causal converation to resume-esqe.

"Need a regular paycheck" should become "Looking for a long term postion with a growing company". The employer doesn't care that you need money, but does care that you can contribute to his company.

"Starving as an independent" should become "Looking for a venue to apply my existing skill set while drawing on the resources of a larger team". The employer might not like the fact that you could not make it on your own, but does care that you want to work as part of his crew.

You asked for suggestions, you got 'em. :-)

I agree with Theaterworks 100%. After you've written a resume, start contacting dealers near you.

You can get a list from CEDIA.net if you click on the Designer Locator and enter your zip code.

Best Regards,

-Eric

Eric Johnson
www.hometheaterpro.com

Phone 1-800-247-7001

Thanks for the suggestions. I already have a resume, great experience both as an independant and with one of the larger custom A/V companies in the country, and am certainly looking for a permanent position with a professional organization. I have looked at all the local major A/V companies and have found that no one seems to be hiring right now unless you know someone. Thanks!

"I have looked at all the local major A/V companies and have found that no one seems to be hiring right now"

How about the minor ones? My organization is five people currently, not a major by any stretch of the imagination, but we were hiring.... It's my guess that the smaller dealers vastly outnumber the bigger ones, numerically and in total # of installers employed. If you have the experience and skills you say, there's gotta be a small guy out there looking for a winner that does not care a whit who you know, only what.

This message was edited by Theaterworks on 10/01/03 16:27.

Not to mention the vastly improved pay scale with the smaller companies.

avdude

That's a good point guys, I have been subcontracting for a few of the other independants and minor companies for a while and I must admit I actually enjoy that environment more than the large company I used to work for. It's great seeing a job all the way through instead of just coming in to term, or some other partial step. Its always good when you are the one that pre-wired so there are no unpleasant surprises! I also like the idea of the smaller, more flexible company where I can become part of building the business rather than just a clock puncher.

Are you willing to relocate??

I would consider it... BUT it would have to be a great opportunity. I have a daughter just out of elementary school and my wife has a great job.

Most of the smaller shops think that they have all the staff that they need, but if your the guy you say that you are, they'd be dumb to pass up on you. Just find a way to prove to them that you know what you're talking about, and they should give you an offer.

Thanks for your input, I figure I'll keep pestering people untill someone takes a chance on me! I know I have a lot to offer, as well as a lot to learn (the best part about this industry... it never gets boring!) but I fear I'm kind of the quiet type and although the people I've worked with seem to highly recommend me, I really don't know that many people left in our industry. At least in Colorado. I should probably become more outgoing and start networking... We're not all computer geeks living by outdated CRT monitor light, eschewing all forms of human contact and bar scenes in favor of our trusty old keyboards and the newest "Friends" episode... Are we?...

I'm looking for employer too and I have experience.
What state and city are you located?

We're still seeking lead installers in the LA area and Sacramento.

www.magnoliaav.com

If you want work, go to California! There is more work here than workers-- that is for trained technicians. Beginners are a dime a dozen. Skilled techs are rare and generally paid well.

I should caution you however, that the cost of living is a little higher out here. So you will need to earn more to live at the same standard of living you had in almost any other part of the country. A half a million dollars won't even buy you a house that you would be proud of.

For the most part, most of us like it out here in spite of the problems. There is certainly no shortage of tech jobs.

Good Luck

Stew