Job Vibes please (and interview tips!)

[JacksonsMom]

I have an interview tomorrow at 11 for a childcare center in a gym.

It's not really what I was "looking" for, but am honestly desperate for a job, so was happy to finally get a call back.

I still do petsitting on the side, but I lost my weekly customers back in January when I started college, and it's really sucked. So I've been tight for money.

Also, the gym is only 5 minutes from my house, and the hours are great. They said they mainly need me for mornings... 8-1 shift.

Anyways, the girl sounded really nice and laid back on the phone, but I haven't had an interview for a long time! I'm kinda nervous... I've just been doing pet sitting, and also working for my dads company and my moms salon behind the scenes for a few years now, so haven't had an interview since I was a senior in high school.

For a job like this, where it's obviously a gym and childcare, what do I wear? Jeans appropriate? I'll just have my hair straightened, and down, like I usually wear it. She told me not to even bring a resume, I'm just going to fill out an application form when I'm there, so they have everything. Should I bring a resume anyways?

I know this isn't like a "big" deal, and I have a good feeling I'm going to get the job, but I just seriously REALLY need the money, and I also loooovee the hours. lol.

So, vibes?

[stardogs]

Lots of vibes!

For interviews for active jobs (dog training for me, but childcare def fits), I wore khakis and a polo. It looks well put together, but if needed, I can handle a switch to a "working interview" without changing.

I'd bring a resume if I were you, just because I often run out of space on regular application forms.

[Emily]

Good luck! Vibes!

You'll probably get asked something along the lines of "What is your greatest strength?" and "What is your greatest weakness/what can you improve on?" Try to think of a fairly positive weakness. For my job, I said that I have a hard time doing things "just for the money" and a hard time not just placing the needs of the client/dog first. That sounds good to a potential employer because then they hear that you're really dedicated and just need guidance as to the business portion of it. Be prepared with a good strength and a weakness you can put a positive spin on.

[Doberluv]

Vibes on their way! It sounds like a fun job. Best of luck!

[JacksonsMom]

Originally Posted by Emily

Good luck! Vibes!

You'll probably get asked something along the lines of "What is your greatest strength?" and "What is your greatest weakness/what can you improve on?" Try to think of a fairly positive weakness. For my job, I said that I have a hard time doing things "just for the money" and a hard time not just placing the needs of the client/dog first. That sounds good to a potential employer because then they hear that you're really dedicated and just need guidance as to the business portion of it. Be prepared with a good strength and a weakness you can put a positive spin on.

Ohhh that's a good one, thank you! I actually am that way too. I have always way under charged for my services for the dogs I watch, and do extra things just because I care, and not because I was getting paid to. Thank you! Big help.

[JacksonsMom]

Originally Posted by stardogs

Lots of vibes!

For interviews for active jobs (dog training for me, but childcare def fits), I wore khakis and a polo. It looks well put together, but if needed, I can handle a switch to a "working interview" without changing.

I'd bring a resume if I were you, just because I often run out of space on regular application forms.

Awesome, thanks!

I think I will do that and print out my resume.

I have a "pet sitting" resume (that has all my clients listed out and what I did for each family) and then a regular resume. I'm never sure how to put my pet sitting on there. I mean, it's been my primary job for the past 3 years, but I was never a business... so it's not a company name, etc. It's always so awkward, I'm never sure how to write it on a resume.

[Emily]

Just put that you were self-employed at pet sitting on your resume, and indicate that you can and will gladly provide references if they desire. That should be sufficient.

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

Good luck!!! I'll keep you in my thoughts, I hope you get the job! I'm desperately job hunting right now so I know how it feels!

[Beanie]

If they ask "do you have any questions for me?" and you don't, my go-to question is "What do you envision the day-to-day activities looking like?" I hate saying "NOPE NO QUESTIONS" because I feel like they expect something, so I came up with that and always use it. =P Of course most of the jobs I apply for demand flexibility, but it's nice to know if there's anything daily that will need to be taken care of, because there's usually at least one thing that MUST be done every day routinely...

[AllieMackie]

Originally Posted by Beanie

If they ask "do you have any questions for me?" and you don't, my go-to question is "What do you envision the day-to-day activities looking like?" I hate saying "NOPE NO QUESTIONS" because I feel like they expect something, so I came up with that and always use it. =P Of course most of the jobs I apply for demand flexibility, but it's nice to know if there's anything daily that will need to be taken care of, because there's usually at least one thing that MUST be done every day routinely...

^ all of this. ALWAYS have questions prepared to ask, every employer I know will not consider someone who has no questions to ask. Have a list ready and ask the ones that apply.

Here's a quick n' dirty list:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interv...viewquest2.htm

Also, don't be afraid to be honest, but back up your negatives with positive solutions. Always. Good employers want someone who isn't afraid to ask questions and is honest.