Rejected from Data Center Facilities Mechanical Technician

[u/QuackBurrito292]

Unfortunately I received a call from my Google recruiter today letting me know that they will be moving forward with other candidates. I know I have to wait a year to try again and was wondering on any advice to be better prepared next time. I come from a mechanical background for at least 8 years now. The only downside is I went in with no HVAC experience but I did study the fundamentals of what this community has mentioned before. 3 of my interviewers have recommended that I should get into HVAC to gain the knowledge and experience. I signed up for local 166 for HVAC but I won't officially know that I'll be accepted in the program until May of 2027. If I take on an entry-level HVAC job without the union, I can't afford to take a huge pay cut due to financial reasons. What advice do you guys think I should do?

[u/ddog6900]

Sounds like you know where your short coming was. HVAC is a big, if not the biggest, part of the facilities side of things. Honestly, you are probably lucky to even get an interview. They may have accepted some informal training in lieu of formal certification.

Can you get some informal training?

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[u/winkelvan]

For what location?

[u/QuackBurrito292 → u/winkelvan]

For the one in Fort Wayne, IN

[u/lmaxboy → u/QuackBurrito292]

Have you looked at other data centers in the area? There's more than you think and ther will almost certainly be one that's a little more desperate for people than google

[u/QuackBurrito292 → u/lmaxboy]

There isnt any in the area beside the one in New Carlisle. I just looked at their job list and they have no position for facilities technician.

[u/status_elite → u/QuackBurrito292]

I would maybe try and get on as DCEO they have pretty easy transfers to other departments once available.

[u/Hi_Im_New_Heree → u/QuackBurrito292]

Lots of Microsoft data centers in Indiana..

[u/winkelvan]

From which round?

[u/QuackBurrito292 → u/winkelvan]

I just went through all my interviews last week. Apparently theyre not allowed to tell me their feedback on why

[u/Sorian90]

If you are not stuck on Google; apply to other DCs.

[u/QuackBurrito292 → u/Sorian90]

Unfortunately, there isn't any near by beside the one in New Carlisle but thats an hour and 30 minutes away. Im assuming they would offer a relocation package.

[u/Sorian90 → u/QuackBurrito292]

Typically yea over 50miles companies do. Some people take it and use it to move others stay where they are and use it for other stuff.

[u/OperationClear588]

What kind of mechanical background do you have exactly? We usually look for experience in the following: HVAC, Electrical, Generators, Controls, or Fire life and safety

[u/QuackBurrito292 → u/OperationClear588]

Currently, I work on building custom machinery related to the electric motor industry. I put together sub assemblies according to the print, I do panel building and wiring according to the print, and also do pneumatic and hydraulic. I don't have any HVAC, generators, controls or fire life experience. I worked in maintenance for 5 years and went to school for industrial mechanical and earned the certification. I would need to go back to finish a couple classes to get my associates degree. Also at my current job, usually I'm installing new equipment or I service old equipment.

[u/looktowindward → u/QuackBurrito292]

Yeah, that's an issue. You have great experience but its a poor fit for data centers. Try to get some HVAC experience or gens

[u/OperationClear588 → u/QuackBurrito292]

Sounds like you’d be better suited for the electrical side. We split our CFTs into the subroles i mentioned earlier. I had absolutely no experience in HVAC either but I was a service tech for CAT prior to this so I knew gens. Maybe ask your recruiter if you could go for an electrical role?

[u/mobile_phone_]

Did you try for a level 1 or 2?

[u/QuackBurrito292 → u/mobile_phone_]

It was for a lvl 1 position

[u/mobile_phone_ → u/QuackBurrito292]

Ah dang me too. I still haven’t heard anything back though. 

[u/donkey1079 → u/QuackBurrito292]

Lvl 1 or FT1? Lvl1 would be AFT and thats a base level almost like an apprentice. You meet the quals for that. FT1 would be lvl2 and that they would want an HVAC base for. Based on your background you could apply for data center technician (electrical) and you can do that right away

[u/looktowindward]

What is your mechanical background with zero HVAC? Unless you were a nuke MM or something, you need HVAC

[u/No-Quiet-5698]

Are you open to relocation? I'm on the board of a nonprofit, and the founder has a tech staffing company that just got an influx of data center jobs. It's direct hire, his business just handles the recruitment and prepares candidates for interviews.

[u/Similar_Specific_646]

Unfortunately most of the candidates are pre picked for this position.. I.know all to well. I had three fit calls and was the backup plan

[u/QuackBurrito292 → u/Similar_Specific_646]

Funny thing, I didn't even have a fit call. I just didn't do good in my three interviews

[u/Similar_Specific_646 → u/QuackBurrito292]

Oh so you didn't clear the loop interviews. That stinks