HVACR Techs: How to Keep Your Job in a Recession

If you’re just starting your career as an HVACR technician (or about to start), it’s natural to be concerned about the economy and how it will impact your job. If things get bad, can you avoid being laid off? Is there anything you can do to keep your job in a recession?

The answer is a resounding yes. The trick is to become valuable to your employer. Make sure that, although you may not be the most seasoned expert (yet), the company can’t afford to lose you.

5 ways to keep your job in a recession

Are we headed into a recession? Opinions are mixed about how the economy will fare in the coming year. Also, the HVACR industry is more recession-proof than many others. However, it’s smart to be prepared for the worst case scenario. 

Here are 5 ways to put yourself in the best position to keep your job in a recession.

1. Be the person your employer can always count on

When HVAC employers are asked what they look for in job candidates, reliability always comes out on top. More than anything else, companies need technicians they can count on to show up on time every day and do what needs to be done.

Make sure you are that person who is always reliable and follows through on commitments.

2. Develop great customer service skills

How does having customer service skills give you more job security? Because customers will ask for you to perform their service! When your employer knows that a bunch of customers are specifically asking for you, it’s much less likely that they will consider laying you off. 

So, what customer service skills do you need? Here are a few critical points, plus a resource to help you learn more.

Communication is critical. Always provide the information the customer wants and needs to know, as promptly and clearly as you possibly can. Whether it’s verbally or in writing, avoid jargon, get to the point, and let customers know what to expect and when.

Listening is as important as talking. Take the time to listen to the customer’s concerns. Often you will get clues that help you quickly solve the problem. Plus, you generate trust and build relationships with good listening skills.

Make a connection. Every customer is a person who deserves to be treated with respect, kindness, and good will. Start by introducing yourself (which helps the customer to ask for you again!) and take a few moments to connect.

Learn more> 9 Customer Service Tips for Technicians in the HVACR Business

3. Be a team player

It’s not only customers who deserve to be treated with respect, kindness, and good will. So do your co-workers. The seasoned experts on your team will notice you and want to work with you if you’re friendly, helpful, and willing to pitch in to do what’s needed to get the job done.

Remember that many times, when companies are deciding who to lay off, they gravitate toward the employees who are difficult and unpleasant to work with. Don’t be that person.

4. Be positive and get along with others

Having a positive attitude is another quality that helps you keep your job in a recession. People who are optimistic and stay calm under pressure are incredibly valuable. 

Let’s face it: in this job, you are going to be in stressful situations with unhappy customers who want their problems solved now. And things don’t always go perfectly. If you are a technician who can keep your cool, get along with customers and coworkers, and not only avoid causing problems but help to solve them, you’re going to be super valuable to your employer.

Learn more: Keeping Your Cool as an Air Conditioning Technician

5. Commit to learning 

In this industry, you will need to keep learning until you retire. So make it your practice to learn as much as you can, both on and off the job. Employers want people who put in the effort to learn on their own. When you do, your employer and your coworkers will take notice. You’ll build your skills faster, and also show your long-term potential as a person who will become a valuable expert.

More advice to boost your career as an HVACR technician

Here at HVACR Career Connect NY, we can help you learn what you need to know to excel in this business. Check out our educational articles and videos for service technicians.

HVACR Career Connect NY was created to promote the exceptional quality-of-life benefits of a career in HVAC and Refrigeration service, and also to provide a clear path for getting started in the profession. In doing so, we serve as a resource for employers in the New York City metro area to find and hire smart and capable new technicians. We also serve as an educational resource to support business growth and to help service technicians succeed in their chosen profession.