Movin' on up - How to rise in the lift & escalator job market

Insider tips from specialist lift & escalator recruitment consultants. 

Are you a lift or escalator engineer thinking about a new job in 2022? Then read on to discover some useful tips to help you secure your next job. There are a number of ways that you as an engineer, can enhance your opportunities of rising into your dream job this year (sorry! Had to get at least one pun in there).

1. Firstly, an NVQ level 3 is now becoming more of a mandatory requirement for most lift companies when getting your foot in the door. Having this will dramatically increase your chances of a new job or a promotion

Unfortunately, if you're an engineer who entered the industry several years ago when qualifications weren't compulsory, you may be facing the struggles and frustration of a lack of job opportunities, despite having many years of experience and knowledge behind you.
So, if your company offers you the opportunity to fund the qualification or you're able to fund it yourself, this is a MUST. You will broaden your horizons and be offered far more job service roles, especially from the larger firms.

Tip: If you haven't got your NVQ level 3 - try approaching smaller lift and escalator firms who sometimes don't insist on this qualification.

2. Reputation is key. The escalator and lift industry is a tight network, in other words, everybody knows everyone!
Be known for being dependable, hardworking and cooperative, this is likely to impact your promotion and future job opportunities. You don't want a reputation for someone who bends the rules or puts work colleagues in danger, this will undoubtedly tarnish your reputation and word is likely to spread quickly!

3. Are you a people person?
If you have the ability to interact with a wide variety of people with a range of personalities and the capability to manage a team of engineers efficiently, you're likely to be a valuable asset to the company. You won't be so favourable if you have a tendency to rely on others, are a watcher rather than a doer and listener rather than a speaker.

4. Show commitment to your job role
As a lift engineer, you'll need to be flexible in your work hours. It's a hard industry being on call for breakdowns or emergency jobs working overtime to get jobs done, however, if you're able to work around the clock, you will show that commitment and passion to your job which is a favourable quality. You don't want to be known as that person that always pulls a 'sickie', procrastinates on the job, or is forever moaning. Employers will brand you unreliable and not dependable.

5. Gain a broad coverage of product and equipment knowledge
Your promotion or new job will draw ever closer if you show a willingness to expand your knowledge and skill sets. With a greater span of both, you're able to complete more tasks, take on jobs which require a greater skill level and teach others. If you are offered courses to attend - take the opportunity!

6. Employers and recruitment consultants are not fond of jumpers
If you have moved jobs several times in the last few years, this may not look favourable compared with someone who has been with the same lift or escalator company for over five or six years, for example. If you have genuine reasons as to why you left then explain them in detail to your recruitment consultant. Changes out of your control are not a problem when talked over. If the roles were more junior, it is more accepted that you may be only employed in the job for one or two years, as you gain experience and grow.

7. Have you got the customer service skills to take you far?
Be polite, pleasant and punctual when dealing with customers, it will make the customers experience with you and the company you represent enjoyable and memorable. You will also increase your chances of receiving positive feedback which can help motivate yourself, improve your performance, and most importantly, puts you in a favourable light with your employer.

8. Make your interests known
Your boss won't necessarily consider you for a promotion if he doesn't know you're interested in a new position. If you make your goals known, your employer is likely to pay more attention to you and recognise your efforts and hard work. You may even be given more complex tasks and greater responsibilities where you can demonstrate your potential.

9. Have the right attitude
Be the kind of person with a 'glass half full' mentality who focuses on the positives, and has solutions to problems. Immerse your positive attitude into your day to day job responsibilities to see an overall improvement in your performance at work. Your attitude may also encourage your colleagues to adopt a similar positive outlook, creating a better atmosphere and working environment. Be the go-to person and 'step up' when problems arise.

10. Find a specialist recruitment consultant
Contacting a recruitment consultant who is a specialist within the lift and escalator industry will vastly increase your chances of landing a new service engineering job. They can identify the best companies for you to work for and liaise with them on your behalf with regards to salaries and benefits. This is far better than posting your CV on various jobs board.

Find out more about our specialist lift & escalator recruitment consultant by clicking here. Fancy a chat? Call Lift & Escalator recruitment consultant, Sunny More on 0116 2545411 or email sunnym@precision-people.uk.