Professionalism and Promoting Yourself- Part 1 -Emily Rupe

Recently Faux Paws acquired an additional mobile grooming unit, thus requiring the hiring of an additional groomer.  What sounded so simple ended up being a nightmare.  With each new applicant, another red flag would be raised.  Some were tardy to interviews or job shadowing, others showed up sloppy, some lied about experience or skills...I was completely shocked by the lack of professionalism and maturity.  Groomers have a hard enough time being taken as serious SKILLED tradespeople and that sort of behavior just reinforced our image of unintelligent grunt laborers.   

Then, after composing myself after the latest applicant answered her door with a towel on her head and completely unprepared for her job shadowing appointment (she expected me to wait on her...I drove off)  the thought dawned on me.  Perhaps no one has taught these groomers proper business etiquette.  Thus this series of blogs was born to aid those groomers seeking employment or those just wanting to build on their resumes/portfolios.

Application

1.  If filling out a pre-formed application always write legibly and in ink.  Pencil is hard to read and fades over time.  Try to limit scratch outs and mistakes.

2.  Attach a resume and a portfolio/sample of your work along with any applications.(Building a professional resume and portfolio will be discussed in Part-2)

3.  Even if a shop/business isn't formally hiring, but you'd like to be considered for any future openings send a resume and portfolio.

4.  DO NOT falsify experience, current skill level or availability.

5.  Call to verify that your information was received if no response has been given in 48 hrs.  This shows that your inquiry into the position is serious.  Make sure to be polite and professional on the phone!

6.  If communicating via e-mail or written correspondence use proper grammar and spelling.  You're not texting a friend your trying to impress a possible employer.

Interview

1.  Dress accordingly.  If it is a interview in which you must groom, wear nice grooming attire.  There are many fashionable and relatively inexpensive outfits that provide a better impression than jeans and a smock.  If your interview is a only a verbal one, then dress formally (slacks/skirt, nice top).  NO FLIP FLOPS!

2.  BE ON TIME!  The interviewers time is valuable and often when you waste it you've offically taken yourself out of the job running.

3.  Always shake your interviewers hand, and slightly firmly.  Weak handshakes sometimes can be translated as an applicant who is easily intimidated and frazzled.  A slightly firm one imparts you're mature and capable to handling stressful situations with poise.

4.  Good posture is key.  This goes along with the handshake.  Body language is stronger than verbal communication.  Stand up straight, shoulders slightly back and chest open.  If you're a Yoga nut like me, think mountain pose.

5.  Have a copy of your resume and portfolio on hand.  That way if the interviewer has misplaced their copy or would like you to highlight some aspects of yourself you're able to reference it. 

6.  If doing a technical, bring your tools with you.  You may or may or may not need them, but being unprepared is unacceptable.  Also, try to bring your nicer scissors and clippers.  Show that you invest and take pride in yourself and your work.

6.  At the conclusion of the interview thank your interviewer for the opportunity.  It's good manners.

Part 2 will go over resume and portfolio building and will be posted in the near future.

Comments

[Kim West]

Kristen what an amazing job you have done. This subject is so often overlooked because it goes right along with the image we are trying to change. I think we should all take heed and pride in ourselves, the image we project to our clients, and ourselves. You just "feel" better about yourself when you make these changes. Kudos and much appreciation for your hard work putting this together for all of us Kristen. Sincerely, Kim West NCMG

[A]

There is a flip side to this. Business owners need to practice professialism as well. I have showed up on time and prepared to work only to wait outside a closed shop for twenty minutes. When I did get a hold of the owner, her response "Oh yeah I forgot to call you last night. I don't have a babysitter and I won't be coming in." I am not sure what she told her clients but I am glad I didn't have to make those phone calls. I have friends who worked at other shops and had similiars situations occur. One time I interviewed at a shop and the place smelled like cigarrette smoke. Really? I thought the point was to get the dogs smelling clean. Or once I asked if I could help mop and clean out her central vac. The owner's response, "No I will have my dad do it" It works both ways. It is also unprofessional to call your employee when they are on their way to work and cancel them for the day.