The Welding Business Hiring Guide

Hiring employees can seem like a nerve-wracking process, but it doesn't have to be. We break the process down into four basic steps: (1) Planning; (2) Recruiting; (3) Interviewing; and (4) Completing the Hire. Here are some tips for each phase of the process

Plan to Staff Your Business

When you (as the owner) start working more than 40 hours a week on your business, it’s time to bring in another welder to increase your capacity. As the business expands, keep hiring additional welders to ensure you don’t lose business because of capacity limits. Eventually, you may want to hire a delivery driver or receptionist to manage orders and keep track of jobs.

Most businesses hire welders that have certificates and/or licenses, very few businesses will hire a welder without one of these. Certificates are granted by organizations such as the American Welding Society (AWS) and verify that the recipient has demonstrated proficiency in particular types or methods of welding. Some states (and even some cities) also require welding licenses in addition to a certificate in order to work as a welder. These are granted by state or local governments, so ensure that your business complies with applicable laws wherever it is located.

Develop a Recruiting Strategy

When you’re looking to hire additional welders, contact local welding trade organizations to find experienced professionals who are looking for work. Additional recruitment channels are local trade schools and colleges with welding programs. Online job postings and community flyers are some other great recruiting methods. Regardless, ensure you recruit potential hires who have the certificates and licenses you require (see the section below on hiring laws for more information).

Interview with Confidence

If you take your time during the planning and recruiting phases of the process, you will likely end up with many qualified candidates.

Nonetheless, it is natural for a new business owner to be a bit anxious the first time hiring employees. Don’t forget that the interview is just a chance to get to know an applicant and to give them an opportunity to learn more about the role and the business. Also, it might help to remember that they are probably even more nervous than you are!

Throughout the interview process, it may help to keep in mind that most welding shops look for employees who are:

• Attentive and detail oriented
• Determined
• Resourceful
• Experienced in welding

Here are some sample interview questions that will help you learn more about the character of your interviewees:

• Tell me about a time you’ve disagreed with a coworker
• How do you handle working under pressure?
• Why should we hire you over another welder? What can you bring to this business?

Be Familiar with Hiring Laws

After selecting a job candidate, there are certain steps you will need to follow to complete the hiring process. Check out our Hiring Compliance Checklist for a step-by-step guide to the legal aspects of hiring employees.

One of the most important steps is to classify your new hire as an employee or an independent contractor. Become familiar with IRS guidelines on this matter, as there are serious consequences for misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor.

Once you have a growing team of employees, it's time to set up your payroll. Using a payroll service provider saves you time for running your business, and also helps ensure that you comply with important federal requirements such as employee tax withholding.

To help our readers save money and grow their business, we negotiated a 20% discount for you with payroll provider ADP, the most popular small business provider in the country.