How to Get Hired as an Unemployed Plumber

Whether you are a plumber who just got downsized from employment, you used to own your own plumbing business, or you've relocated and you've yet to find another plumbing job, going without work in your desired trade can be hard. You have bills to pay and a family to take care of, and your skills as a plumber are impressive but won't get you far in another type of career.

If you want to continue working as a plumber, you may feel like resources are limited when it comes to finding employment. Here are tips to help you get hired as an unemployed plumber.

Use a staffing service

The first thing you should do is use a staffing service to help you get a job as a plumber. You can get hired on to work for an actual plumbing company or outsourced to a general contractor or other company that needs a plumber as part of their team. A plumber staffing service will ask you a lot of questions about your skills and will want a resume with job history, references, proof of licensing, and education. They may also require you to take a drug and background test as part of their services.

A staffing company can be a great resource for you because you get to be referred to other companies in the area by a reputable and respected source. This helps you get your foot in the door as an underemployed or unemployed plumber. As you pass your working probation period, you may even get hired on full-time by the companies who hire you via a staffing company.

Apply outside the box

Where there are toilets and sewer systems, there are plumbing needs. You may be able to be hired by your local city office, school board, animal shelter, or other large organization to help manage plumbing needs. You can work full- or part-time with this type of work and may be able to pick your own hours as well.

When you apply for plumbing work to various companies, make sure you list your major past clients, your specialties, and whether you have your own tools or not. If you are wanting to work independently, make sure you have the licensing to do so in the state you are applying for work in. The right efforts on your part can help you land a great job as a plumber no matter where you are.