Maintenance Jobs – Is Now the Best Time to Be Looking?
Is Now A Good Time to Look for a New Maintenance Job?
With the current state of the US economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is only logical to question whether now is the right time to be looking for a new maintenance job. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the number of maintenance jobs will grow by 6% through 2018-2028. That’s a lot of new jobs that could become available as the economy recovers.
Even though we are in a pandemic, maintenance roles are an essential part of many organizations. Now may be exactly the best time to search for a new role.
Reasons Maintenance Jobs Are Essential
The importance of maintenance staff for many organizations cannot be overstated. Regular maintenance for all kinds of equipment, from cars and vans to HVAC systems, is essential for businesses to maintain their performance and keep their customers happy. Here are three main reasons maintenance jobs are essential to businesses:
· The Growing Complexity of Machinery and Technology
In today’s modern world, more and more elements of the manufacturing process are becoming automated. Buildings, machinery, and equipment that have automated elements add complexity, with potential system failures costing businesses big bucks.
· Competitors
Competition is tough in most marketplaces. Managers and business owners are intent on making their systems more efficient, increase output, produce better products, and bring down prices. As a result of these economic pressures, maintaining equipment so that it has the longest lifetime possible is an essential part of most businesses’ budget plans.
· Time and Money
Maintenance management helps businesses save money. Organizations that take a short-term approach to fixing issues and do not put preventative maintenance measures in place, will bear the cost in the long run.
In a maintenance job, you help businesses stay reliable in their output, ensure they meet customer standards, and prevent possible catastrophes with expensive machinery.
Looking for a New Maintenance Job During a Pandemic
Even though maintenance jobs are essential, the current economic conditions may still leave you wondering whether it will be more difficult to land a new job.
The hiring landscape has certainly changed, and employers can afford to be more selective. What this means for you is that you must adapt your job search. Here are some tips for looking for a new maintenance job in difficult conditions:
· Online Networking
Engineering and maintenance events across the globe have been cancelled for the year. If this is part of your networking strategy you will need to adapt and get comfortable networking online.
You should look for industry-related groups to join on LinkedIn. Be active in these online communities, keeping the conversation professional and you will start to make new connections that can advise you when new roles are available or even help you with your job search.
· Communication
Many people are now working from home. While it is true that maintenance roles require you to be onsite, many managers and supervisors may be working remotely.
Keep in touch with your contacts. Send emails, or pick up the phone. By demonstrating a thoughtful attitude, you will be the person managers may think of when they have a new job opening.
· Boost Your Skills
Now is the best time to boost your skills. Start looking through job descriptions of roles you would like to apply for. Find patterns in the responsibilities and requirements. Highlight the most common and desirable skills employers are seeking. If you lack the skill entirely, look for a way to learn it, perhaps through an online course. Or boost your current skills and obtain up-to-date qualifications.
To Sum Up
You would be forgiven for thinking because of the current pandemic the job market for maintenance roles is bleak. However, that is not the case. As an essential part of many organizational teams, maintenance staff is always needed. Now is as good a time as any to start looking for your next job. To explore new career opportunities in the maintenance field, contact Mac Incorporated
