First job interview - at my local tack store

[Kafairia]

Hello all,

I have applied for my first job as an equine assistant at my local tack store. After discussing with a member of staff to see if they would consider me as I'm 15 - it's a Saturday job and I can legally work the detailed hours. You just need experience with equines and to be able to do manual stocking (I'm used to chucking hay/straw bales around so I'm sure this won't be an issue ).

I have been accepted for consideration - it was an email application and I'm thinking ahead should it come to this stage - interviews.

Part of my fathers work includes recruitment, so he has been there right at my side helping me with this, however I just wanted to know more specifically for this kind of job.

I've gone through some basic questions and can answer them but I'm concerned I will have blanks... I'm not unconfident - just concerned I won't remember everything I have to say!

Has anyone else had a similar job? If so - what kind of interview questions do you think there will be? I'm also at a loss as for what to wear. The majority of my "expensive posh nice" clothes are very nice jodhpurs, yes I have the odd bits but I'm not sure if they are appropriate I guess.

I'm just trying to make an effort really - does anyone have any tips or advice for me?

Many thanks

 

[DragonSlayer]

Smart and clean attire, dark trousers or skirt, nice blouse...do you have a smart jacket? And spotlessly clean shoes are a must!

With regards to questions, it'll be things in relation to your customer service skills I guess. They want someone there with a smile and helpful, not someone skulking about on their phone all the time! A teamworker, who listens to instructions but can also work on own initiative.

I'm guessing anyway!

Good luck!

 

[McFluff]

Sounds like you are doing well so far. It is all about preparation. Can you visit the store and see what the staff wear? That will give you a feel for how to dress for any interview and let you see what the job looks like. You need to be smart and clean - the person interviewing you will want to be able to imagine you doing the job, so don't over-dress or look like you're heading out to a party.
At 15, they won't expect you to have much work experience - but you can use examples from other areas of your life. Are you a member of a club? Have you done any volunteering?
When I'm interviewing for customer service roles I look for someone who is happy to talk to people, and able to speak clearly and confidently.
Good luck with your application.

 

[Kafairia]

Thank you for your replies

As for what the staff wear - They have to wear the company polo / shirt and black jeans / trousers (as far as I'm aware anyway).

I was a part of NSEA for a while, however the teacher doing it left and nobody overtook it, but I don't really do any clubs as such. Haven't volunteered either so I'm not looking great on that front, but I'm hoping I'll be able to take examples from my school life as the primary ones are there.

I've looked at my application email and been trying to find examples of where I have demonstrated this and now I can weave this into some of my answers. Just hoping I don't forget anything essential.

Thank you everyone for your support and advice, it means a lot.

 

[little_critter]

Regards what to wear, look clean and smart. Can you pick up something cheap and smart at a charity shop or supermarket? A white shirt and dark trousers / skirt would do.
Being only 15, they will be aware you won't have much work experience. I would focus on showing you are a nice, approachable person who can work in a team and take instruction.
I would imagine if you will be stocking shelves then they will want you to be able to remember where items are when customers ask, also have an eye for detail and keep the shop and stock area tidy.
When interviewing people I tend to check whether I think this person can work well in the team (and in your case, would I be happy for you to interact with customers). So focus on being a keen, approachable person. Speak clearly and confidently.
Good luck!

 

[Red-1]

Great news for you getting an interview!

They know that you are only 15, and they want to know more about you. I don't think you need to treat this as a memory test, IME if you try to 'remember' too much you may get more nervous and wooden. I would interpret that they want to see that you are willing to work hard, will fit in with the team with excellent interpersonal skills (such as a smile, eye contact, listening and not interrupting, but able to speak).

If you have a horse you will have acquired a load of transferable skills, such as planning, multitasking, prioritising, fitness, confidence, people skills.....

For clothing, I would say Jeans are a no no. Even if the rest of the staff wore jeans in the shop, for an interview I would not. I would wear dark trousers and a blouse/shirt. Personally I would wear that with short boots, but shoes would be fine too.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

 

[mytwofriends]

Judging by your ability to communicate on "paper" (i.e. posting on here!), you come across as very personable and literate, which bodes well for you potentially interacting with customers.

As other have suggested, a smart/clean polo and dark trousers would seem appropriate if that's what the staff already wear. And yes, clean shoes!

Answer questions with enthusiasm, smile, appear interested in what the interviewer has to say, and thank them for the opportunity at the end.

Good luck, and don't forget to let us know how it goes!

 

[zaminda]

I used to run a tack shop. I would like to see you looking neat and tidy, probably not jeans at interview, but smart dark trousers. Clean shoes or jodhpur boots. We always looked for pleasant people who could interact with anyone, although any staff we had came from our customers.

 

[pansymouse]

Sounds like a dream Saturday job - I spent my school years Saturdays sat behind a Morrisons till

I think they will be looking for good communications skills, honesty and reliability. You need to convey that you will turn up every Saturday, on time, well presented and ready to work, you are able and willing to work the till and stock systems (subject to training) and will engage in a friendly and confident manner with other staff and customers. People's fear when employing teenagers is that they lack the disciple and drive to work and will spend the time when they do actually show up fiddling with their smart phone, giggling with their friends and being surly with everyone else.

Start your interview with eye contact, a smile and a confident greeting - it really sets the right tone and the rest should then flow well. Good luck.

 

[pixie27]

A few my friends work at tack shops, both started at around 15/16. As far as I'm aware, neither had any previous experience to go on, but were friendly and approachable, always smiley and helpful, and happy to muck in on any and all jobs.

As mentioned above, you come across very professional and literate in your posts, so I'm sure this will shine through in your interview

I got my first job (not in a tack shop, but still retail - and had zero experience) by being friendly, upbeat and willing to learn. Demonstrate that you're a fast learner (could be anything - things at school, or at the yard if you ride), and you'll overcome any worries about not having experience.

The place I work now say they always hire personality over experience. Your boss and colleagues will be spending lots of time with you, so it's natural that they'll hire someone they like. No one minds helping someone who's friendly and keen to learn - a massive difference from working with people who are rude/unfriendly but have experience.

Good luck!

 

[william95]

It's good that you are thinking ahead for the interview and trying to get organised. I know when I've interviewed people for working on my yard (not quite the same job, I know) but one of the questions I always ask especially to teenagers is how they will fit their horse around the job. When working in a tack shop you'll need to be there for specific hours- will you be able to explain that'll you'll be organised enough to have your horse done and then still turn up presentable (and not smelling of horses) to work in the shop. Also, if you compete, working on a Saturday will curtail this. They might be willing to let you have some Saturdays off but they won't be too happy if you will want more and more off. This will come down to your organisational skills so think how you can demonstrate/ explain how you will manage this. Good luck with the interview- it sounds like a great opportunity so go for it!

 

[MrsMozart]

Wishing you all the best lass.

When D2 went for a retail job she was asked if she agreed with "The customer is always right". The aim was to get people who could understand the difference between a customer believing they're right and what is reality.

 

[sasquatch]

Dress smart, smart trousers and a smart shirt and jacket and clean black shoes, or a smart skirt/dress. Trousers may go better as it's a tack shop, but as long as you look neat and tidy and smart, I can't see it being an issue.

Don't worry about not having volunteer experience, they know you're 15 and don't have much work experience. They will most likely train you up themselves. Using any clubs/activities you've been involved with in school is fine, if you feel you want to.

Make sure you come across as friendly and personable, there's no harm in being nervous, but don't worry and try and stay positive and confident and don't be afraid to ask any questions if you have any as well.

Good luck, you will have to let us all know how you get on!

 

[lozloz1]

I worked in a tack shop in Knutsford for a few years. The only thing I'd add to the tips on here would be to brush up on the history of the company, if they have a website of course!
It would be good to dress formally for your interview but I imagine you should be able to wear nice horsey clothing (polo shirts etc.) whilst actually working there.
Good luck and it sounds like you will be great!

 

[Luci07]

Ask you dad for a list of the standard questions people ask at interviews (there are a list!) and think ahead. so to kick this off, here are some of the ones I always get seemed to be asked.

1. Why do you want to work here/at this company?
2. What do you think you would bring to the role?

be earlier, polite to everyone and also.. you have researched and done this on your own merit, so that's a good start as far as I am concerned!

 

[D66]

Clean shoes, clean fingernails, eye contact and speak confidently. They won't expect you to have experience. Turn your phone off completely before the interview starts and put it away in a bag so that it's not visible at any point. And if your hair is long tie it back.
Good Luck.

 

[turnbuckle]

You're preparing seriously seriously! Well done! I'm guessing they will be FAR less well prepared than you are.....interviewing well is actually very hard.

If they've been reading up expect some "What do you see as your main strength/ main weakness" questions.

In my view it's all really a load of rubbish, people tend to employ people they like. Sorry, I'm an old cynic.

So go in smiling and have fun!

 

[Kafairia]

Thank you for all your support and advice everyone, it means a lot! I'll bring taking it all onboard, and it's really helpful.

I have an exracer and pony alongside his companion Shetland, and I've owned the pony for 6 years plus now, so I feel confident I am knowledgable. As for the competition aspect - I don't compete currently and plan to start eventing the TB next year so I'm not too worried about that.

As an update I've got a interview next Saturday, and have filled out some forms. I'm hopeful, and I'm quite excited in all honesty. I have someone able to feed them all in the morning should I not be able to fit it in and I'll ride in the evening. Fortunately I can cycle there within minutes from the house and yard.

Thanks again everyone, I'll let you know how it all goes!

 

[mytwofriends]

Great! Good luck, and we'll look forward to hopefully more good news after the interview!

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

I would think that you can get away with some sort of "school uniform" type of clothes, nothing glittery or clubbing wear.
Jeans might be "risky", so if you are going to wear them, they must be clean and newish, and topped with something smart comfortable.
They will be looking at the person rather than the outfit, but yes, it is important to present yourself as "approachable" to the customer and not too extreme [not Goth or too "girly"].
I don't think you need wear joddies, as they are for riding out rather than working inside.
I think you are a 99.9% shoo in, AND in the long run having had a job is always a big advantage when it comes to the world of work.
I would think the main Q would be why you want this particular job: here you want to avoid answering "cos its 2 minutes from home"

 

[Leo Walker]

Fingers crossed, if anyone deserves it you do and I'm sure that will come across in the interview

 

[Kafairia]

Thank you again for all your lovely support and replies everyone!

Well, I had my interview on Saturday morning and after a few issues sending my Personal Application document and finally getting it sent this afternoon, I'm pleased to report back that the lovely lady called me this evening to offer me the job. I accepted it ( obviously ) and start next Saturday. Yay!

Thanks again everyone, all your tips and pointers definitely helped, and gave me the confidence boost I needed, thank you all so very much. Just a few bits of paperwork to get sorted and I'm good.

 

[asmp]

Well done - great news!

(You do realise that you probably won't bring much money home as you'll see so many things you just have to buy!)

 

[turnbuckle]

Yay! Prep pays off. Enjoy.

Sounds like you have the sort of approach which will lead to a stellar career, just what you need to fund a whole yardful of cracking horses.

But have fun in the meantime.

 

[MrsMozart]

Excellent update!

Very well done indeed lass.

 

[Kafairia]

asmp - Haha, yes I think this will be true! Spent before I've left the shop aha. :,)

Thank you everyone, it means a lot. I'm excited to be able to have some independence, and hopefully be able to get the things I'd like. It's such a plus to be able to do it somewhere I like!

 

[Red-1]

Congratulations! Let us know how it goes on your first day :-D

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

Well done, we knew you could do it,
First proper job!

 

[limestonelil]

That is such lovely news OP congratulations on getting your job - you deserved it. Well done.

 

[mytwofriends]

Very well done, OP! Thanks for the update, and now of course we'll need an update after your first day!

Have fun and again, congratulations!