Jobs

edward.wigmore

Hey,

At the moment I'm 17 and really into cycling have been for a while now, this summer i really need to get myself a job, as I can't really afford a road bike to get into racing and would really like to.

I'm going to do all the usual like apply to tesco, waitrose, etc. What i would really like to do though is try and get a job at my local bike shop AW Cycles, but was wondering what is the best way of going about applying, cause I wouldnt have thought i have much chance as all the possible summer work would go to the juniors on their team.

I was thinking just drop them an email asking about work talk about why it is want the job i.e to get into racing as if im going to have a shot i need to really start racing this summer. Then hopefully if they reply go and talk to them in person.

Is this the right way to go about it?

-spider-

Try a different approach.

Find the boss's name. Send an e-mail giving your interests (cycling, racing, etc) and say that you think you'd like to work in the industry and thatyou'd welcome the opportunity to meet with him and chat over what it's like to own, run or work in a cycle shop.

Be polite and ask if you could come to the shop for a chat.

Once you meet him you can ask about opportunities - either in his own business or with others (most good cycle shops will know what is going on locally)

Best of luck.

Bobbinogs

Good advice there Spider.

The trick is definitely NOT to make your pitch all about what's in it for you. I have done a lot of interviewing and it is amazing how many people come in front of me saying things like "this job will help me in my career". My standard response is "that's great, what's in it for me?".

edward.wigmore

Okay, so I have started to draft an email, and I'm talking about why I like cycling when i first started, what i love about the sport etc

How should i tackle the job bit, just go with the approach that the reason i would like a job is to try and help get me started on the path with cycling and hopefully be able to race for your team... so im giving back to the store and the owner ?

Bobbinogs

Why not have a think about what exactly it is you want to do in the bike shop and try and show that you can do it or have the features that would make you good at it?

The most important aspect of someone working in a shop is a good service ethic, honest and hard working.

Hence, what can you say to show this (specific stuff helps). For example, "I have always enjoyed meeting cyclists and regularly go out with my club. We always chat in the cafe halfway around and I love hearing about problems and how they can be solved either by buying new equipment or making the best of what is already there".

If you are thinking of a general role (just helping out behind the scenes) try and show that you can be trusted, e.g., "Over the last few years I have helped my cycling club collect the entry money for the TTs, I track the funds and then ensure that all the money deposited is handed over to the secretary", that kind of stuff...

[Edit: Don't be tempted to stretch the truth too much. If the owner is into the local scene then you will be easily caught out and that will ruin any chances for a long time.]

Remember it doesn't have to be all about cycling. A shop is a shop, so you need to prove that you can be trusted, etc., Try and think about what you can transfer from your experience in life into that environment.

Good luck, btw.

edward.wigmore

Thanks everyone, I think it's a good email now, talked about why i like cycling and how i got into it, talked about how i feel i want to give back to the cycling community aswell as become more involved in it. I know about my bikes so can help anyone whatever their budget etc.

But put the emphasise on what i could do for the shop as a potential team member and helping within the community they have around them.

Thanks