Job interview etiquette is important, even though you’re wanting a job as a pet sitter or dog walker. Don’t assume you can ‘come as you are’ because you’re JUST going to working with animals. Take a lesson from Forbes and see what they have to say about standing out in your next interview and interview etiquette.
Job Interview Etiquette – One Part of Nailing The Interview
Professional job interview etiquette is important in all professions: before, during and after the interview. If you’re really serious about gaining employment at a business, you should know what services provide and if you’re able to fit in that role.
During the interview pay attention, answer as honestly as you can and ask intelligent questions.
After the interview, you shouldn’t bug the interviewee incessantly. If they like what they saw in the interview, chances are they’ll contact you for either a 2nd interview or for a job offer.
7 Interview Basics
Some of this might come second nature to some people but others are new to the job market. If interviewing is a new thing for you, take these 7 things into consideration. Not only will you feel better about yourself if you put these tips into good use, you’ll do better in your job interview with us and future interviews.
- Clothing. I’m old school. I find it appropriate to dress up for any interview, regardless of what the job is. We know you’re seeking a job working with animals but look presentable, clean and put together.
- Hand Shake. A firm handshake reflects confidence. Even if your knees are knocking and you’re sweating bullets, dry off you hands and give me a good hand shake.
- Smell. Smell nice and clean. Make sure your fingernails are clean. Make sure you brush your teeth. If you come to the interview reeking of foul smells, i.e. cigarettes, marijuana, alcohol or body odor your interview will be cut short. Make the effort to shower and put on clean clothes; it’s very important.
- Eye Contact. Make eye contact if possible. We understand certain conditions might make this hard to do, but try. On the flipside, don’t stare. Staring makes people uncomfortable. If you stare at me during your interview you probably won’t make it past the interview.
- Intelligent Questions/Answers. If I ask what you know about the company and you give a blank stare or say, “Well, I haven’t been on the website for a while,” that’s not good. Applicants should know what services we provide, what cities we work in. They should have a good understanding of what they can offer our company. Maybe you’re good at handling shy dogs, tell us and give examples. Maybe you grew up on a farm and have an interest in working with horses and livestock. Tell me. This is what your interview is for. Take the initiative to learn about the company, have some questions to ask.
- Attitude. If we are making small talk and you keep looking away, fidget or god-forbid, start texting, this shows that you could really care less about being here. Please be respectful of our time together and your interview will go smoothly. Show enthusiasm, take part in the conversation and take initiative!
- Communication. Believe it or not, you will have to talk to people if you work with sit-stay-play; it’s not just animals you’ll work with. In saying that, we want to work with people that we can have an actual two-way conversation with. If your responses are super short and you can’t carry on a conversation at all then it’s not a good fit. You don’t have to be a chatterbox but seriously, please be able to talk to me, your interviewer and owner of the company.
Furthermore, when applying for a job in the pet care profession it’s important to remember that I’ll look at your experience with animals. If you don’t have any but are willing to learn, tell me. Be honest.
I’ll look at the way you treat animals, especially your own pets. I’ll ask you numerous questions about how you’d handle situations you might face when it comes to animals in your care. (If you’ve been charged with animal abuse, animal cruelty, animal neglect or not charged but commit any of these actions, don’t bother applying with us.)
After the interview, it’s appropriate to follow-up either by phone or email. There’s a chance we decide to go with someone else, however, if you show interest and are willing to stay in the applicant pool we might call you down the road. That goes with any employer. There’s only so many spots open at a given time but people quit, move away or decide to go other routes. We understand and like to keep our applications on file for this very reason.
Hope the above tips on job interview etiquette will help our future applicants.
Have any questions? Fill out our mini job questionnaire for employment consideration.
We provide pet care services in Muncie, Albany, Hartford City, Yorktown, Anderson, New Castle, Pendleton, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Indianapolis, Indiana areas.
Here’s to a successful interview,
Kelley Stewart, CEO|Pet Sitter
sit-stay-play In-home pet sitting & more.LLC
For more information about ETIQUETTE, read this by Nancy R. Mitchell, The Etiquette Advocate.
