Job security matters to many. In 2022, when COVID-19 struck the globe, many were left jobless; only a few secured their spots. Welding is a profession that will exist, no matter what happens, as construction takes place day in day out.
It is an industry with opportunities as long as you hold the requirements and conduct yourself in the right way. What do you need to do to get employed as a freelance welder?
Continue reading this post, and you will get all the information.
Attain the Minimum Requirements
Generally, to be considered competent and attract more job offers, you will need qualifications that show your certification. On top of your qualification, you should have work experience of at least three years. Nowadays, experience is mandatory in any professional field; having it is an added advantage.
Experience makes you stand out among the many shortlisted welders to take on the job. Having practical experience of fewer than three years can be a barrier between you and your potential employer. Many companies consider less than three years of experience to be not enough for someone to be fully competent. Thereby they may be reluctant in assigning you the job.
Marketing
Some curriculum vitae (with references) plus several business cards are not enough to help in marketing yourself as a freelancer. Go the extra mile and think of something digital; we live in a technological era. Today 75 percent of the world population can access the internet, take advantage of this and use it to establish yourself. A good example is a website; it has everything you may need; you may meet your potential employer on this platform.
Watch some DIY templates online and create your site; it has become a tradition that almost everyone has a site. You can also decide to gather mail contacts of the same company you wish to be associated with.
Send them many emails requesting a chance to showcase your skills. Sending emails is another alternative way you can market yourself. There is also cold calling; this is another option for marketing yourself. As discussed earlier, we are in a digital world; getting contacts is easy as they are usually placed on the company’s website.
You have to search the company online and take their contacts. Call them frequently and inquire if there is a vacancy or if they will need welders soon. Ask for the direct contact of the in-charge personnel of the welding department, talk to them, and send them all your credentials. All the above marketing modes require patience and persistence; even if you give them your information, keep on asking, and there is a day you will be proud.
Networking
Networking is a particular mode of approach that slightly differs from marketing. Networking is an indirect promotional contingency that aims to enable your name to be known as a potential reliable freelancer across the industry. How can you do this? It is effortless to talk to other welders, be it the newbie or veterans; let them know what you can do as a freelancer.
Fellow welders act as your ears, and having a connection with many makes it easier to land on your dream place. Exchange contacts and emails, send them your credentials, invite them to your website, that is, if you created one. With all these people, you will not lack one who has a connection.
Insurance Coverage
There is a reason why companies opt for freelancers rather than permanent welders on their organization chart. The main reason is to cut the production costs such as welders’ health cover, disability, and compensation.
Being hired as a freelancer means you will need to have your medical insurance covered. Welding is an industry that is prone to accidents; you can’t predict what the future holds. The best thing is to have insurance cover. Consider having disability insurance in case you get injured and you are in a position where you can’t work again; the insurance will cover it all.
Taxes
Being an independent freelancer puts you in a position where you will have to pay your own taxes. If you have any problems determining the amount to pay, visit an accountant, and they will help you figure out the amount needed from you, so that you can figure out if they over/under deducted you.
Conclusion
When choosing careers, welding has always been underrated; many opt for other occupations like medicine, engineering etc. Welding is a profession that does not want to be associated with; to those who see the passion in it, it can be a lucrative and rewarding career.
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