Lbs job interview. Mechanic/sales assistant.

jfry94

Hi guys earlier today I recied an email inviting me for an interview at a bike shop near me. It mentions that the interview will be comprised of a short discussion and a set of competency questions. What sort of questions should I be expecting? Any help will be awesome. Thank you

The Rookie

So what sort of bike do you want next, what is your budget, have you considered this one right here which is on a special offer for today only?

I can't see what the hell else they would ask! Or is it a JOB interview?

welshkev

The Rookie wrote:

So what sort of bike do you want next, what is your budget, have you considered this one right here which is on a special offer for today only?

I can't see what the hell else they would ask! Or is it a JOB interview?

is mr pedant out to play today then?

cooldad

Probably questions about bikes. Most likely.

Angus Young

What's the position? That will have a bearing on what they ask.

jfry94

The Rookie wrote:

So what sort of bike do you want next, what is your budget, have you considered this one right here which is on a special offer for today only?

I can't see what the hell else they would ask! Or is it a JOB interview?

Yes it's a job interview

Angus Young wrote:

What's the position? That will have a bearing on what they ask.

Full time mechanic/sales assistant.

swod1

jfry94 wrote:

Angus Young wrote:

What's the position? That will have a bearing on what they ask.

Full time mechanic/sales assistant.

Be prepared for questions how to change/service parts on bikes, tools for both road and mtb stuff.

So if you service your own bike then you will be fine on this.

cooldad

Just say hammer for everything.

Chunkers1980

and if that doesn't work, get a bigger one.

jfry94

Hammer, right got it.

Angus Young

jfry94 wrote:

Full time mechanic/sales assistant.

So, do you know your onions when it comes to servicing/building/mechanicing? Do you know both road and mountain? Kid's and commuters? Old and new? And can you communicate that knowledge to customers? Can you work fast but still do the job right? Can you describe the difference between 4 different shocks without simply trotting out your own personal preferences? Would you be able to hold your own in a conversation with, say, nicklouse, The Rookie, POAH or RockmonkeySC while also being able to guide know-nothings like myself (who can still spot buIIshit a mile off, even if I don't know the subject at hand)?

Try to think of the most difficult things they might ask and prepare. Also, go in knowing that they may well ask you something that you have no idea about. If you can get comfortable with that then it's not going to throw you if/when it happens.

Have you researched the company? The staff? The ranges they sell? The services they offer? Their history? You'd be amazed at how many people don't do that so it's an easy way to get an advantage over some of the others who might be being interviewed.

Good luck.

The Rookie

welshkev wrote:

The Rookie wrote:

So what sort of bike do you want next, what is your budget, have you considered this one right here which is on a special offer for today only?

I can't see what the hell else they would ask! Or is it a JOB interview?

is mr pedant out to play today then?

Maybe, but to be honest it was only as I was about to press Submit that I realised it could mean a job interview, so it wasn't meant to be pedancy!

I agree with the above, never BS, if you don't know it is much more credible to say so and that you'll find out rather than trying to wing it, never forget that being caught telling one lie means nothing else you say is believed!

Best of Luck

P.S. Do you get staff discount?

jfry94

My interview is 3 days before the closing date for applications, I don't know whether it's a good or a bad thing.

I should be good with questions on the mountain bike side of things but I'm not 100% sure with the road bike side, does anyone know a good place to start?


The closer I get to this interview the more I'm doubting myself.

Angus Young

jfry94 wrote:

The closer I get to this interview the more I'm doubting myself.

Don't doubt yourself. But know that it's natural when you do.

You wouldn't believe the number of people I know holding down jobs that require specific skill sets that don't know half of what they should. And some of them are doing very well at it.

Remember that anyone who's not overflowing with arrogance is also going to be doubting themselves. You won't be the only one feeling like this. But, if you can go into the room carrying a certain amount of confidence (not arrogance) that will earn you more brownie points than half a dozen correct answers. If you can show them that you're a guy that can get on with it and face any problem head on, you'll be a guy they want on their side. Of all the guys I've employed over the years, not all of them have been the guys with all the answers. But they've all been the guys you'd want next to you in the trenches. Maybe they didn't know all of the answers, but they seemed like guys who'd soak up instruction which means they'll pick it up quick enough. Doesn't mean you shouldn't know as much as you can, though, obviously.

Also, how much do you love bikes? Are you the guy I'm going to have to throw out of the workshop at the end of the day or are you the guy putting his spanner down at 5:30?

jfry94 wrote:

My interview is 3 days before the closing date for applications, I don't know whether it's a good or a bad thing.

That's neither here nor there. It's just a date they had free.

The Rookie

Road bike stuff is easy after MTB stuff (possible exception being DI2 shifting), other than funny shape bars and STI shifters (which I have on my MTB anyway) they are pretty much the same, obviously there are slight compatibility changes but that's all checkable.

Caveman_Chris

Do you have any questions for us?

Is there anything on my application/CV that concerned you?

I found that being (acting in most of mine) genuinely interested in the industry (hopefully easy for you) helps a lot.i had lots of apprenticeship interviews when I left school and it took me a while to work out how important this one is. That and being more and more relaxed when you're going for your 10th interview in 3 months.

jfry94

Caveman_Chris wrote:

Do you have any questions for us?

This is the sort of question that is going to trip me up, I don't really know what to ask. Usually i would ask about the wage and the specific hours that I'm going to be working. But I don't want it to seem as that's all I'm there for is the money. I've only ever had three interviews and Luckily I've got all three but ive never been so nervous for one. I think it's because I actually want to build a career rather than it just being a 9-5 job.

Escher303

Ask them what riding they enjoy, will break the ice, surely anyone who runs/owns a bike shop must have a passion for cycling.

Nick Cod

I always think of an interview as a two way thing. Just because you’re being vetted to see if you’re suited to the position doesn’t mean you’re not obliged to see if the employer is going to be a fit for you as well

So it’s perhaps worth asking how the job position has come about? It could be because the business is growing and they need additional staff or someone recently left the business and has left a job vacant

You could also ask is there a particular area of cycling they specialise in or is there an area they are looking to expand into. You may know the first if you’re one of their customers but if they are looking to increase sales or branch out into another area of cycling this may be something of interest to yourself depending on what that may be

If you want to know about hours of work and pay, there’s no harm in asking. If it’s not going to meet your expectations you’ll soon be looking for another job

At the end of the interview I would always ask if there is anything you would like them to requalify. It may have been they didn’t understand your answer and rather than bypass it altogether it gives the employer and you a chance to go back if needed

On completion if you’re happy that you want to pursue the role you can ask what the next step is likely to be or when you’re likely to hear back

Good luck, hope it works out

James (NC)

jfry94

Thanks for the advice guys. My interview is in the morning, Only time will tell.

MudOrNowt

jfry94 wrote:

Caveman_Chris wrote:

Do you have any questions for us?

This is the sort of question that is going to trip me up, I don't really know what to ask. Usually i would ask about the wage and the specific hours that I'm going to be working. But I don't want it to seem as that's all I'm there for is the money. I've only ever had three interviews and Luckily I've got all three but ive never been so nervous for one. I think it's because I actually want to build a career rather than it just being a 9-5 job.

I'd try and make sure you mention this. People tend to forget how big an investment it is to recruit, not only financially but from a time/effort point of view. If the interviewer feels you're serious about staying with them, it will more than likely help your chances.

Good Luck!

Angus Young

Remember, you'll be chatting with bike enthusiasts, so enjoy it. Have fun and be the guy they want to work with.

Good luck!

jfry94

Thanks guys. The interview went well I think, I had about 15 questions on stuff like why I wanted to work there and customer service. Then I had to fix a v brake that their mechanic had messed around with.


They said they would get back to me by the end of buisness Thursday.

veronese68

Fingers crossed for you.

Caveman_Chris

Escher303 wrote:

Ask them what riding they enjoy, will break the ice, surely anyone who runs/owns a bike shop must have a passion for cycling.

jfry94; what kind of riding do you enjoy?

Interviewer; road cycling, what to see my leotard?

jfry94; *storms out*

jfry94

Caveman_Chris wrote:

Escher303 wrote:

Ask them what riding they enjoy, will break the ice, surely anyone who runs/owns a bike shop must have a passion for cycling.

jfry94; what kind of riding do you enjoy?

Interviewer; road cycling, what to see my leotard?

jfry94; *storms out*

FishFish

Hope it went well and let us know.

FishFish

Nick Cod wrote:

At the end of the interview I would always ask if there is anything you would like them to requalify. (NC)

This is really good advice - look them in the eye and ask them straight - 'Have I provided you with all of the information to allow you to assess my application for this job' - or words to that effect. Got me a good job twice! Much better than - I really want this job which does not work in the UK.

jfry94

I should find out today if I get it, you guys will be the first to know!!

jfry94

Recieved an email this afternoon informing me that due to unforceen circumstance they are unable to make a decision
Until Monday, and that they would be in contact before the close of buisness on Monday.

Angus Young

They were so overcome with your awesomeness that they have to rest for a few days before they can tell you the good news. It's a good sign!