Interview and resume question.

I have an interview this evening at a bike shop for a part time, seasonal position. Would it really be necessary to take a resume to the interview? Other than my love for bikes, I have no experience working in a bike shop. My line of work is on the complete opposite side of the spectrum, so to speak, and I'm really afraid the resume would only show that I'm not qualified for the position. There really isn't anyway I can rework this resume for the position I'm interviewing for, which is floor help, putting bikes together, whatever they need me to do.

So what do you think? Would it be a huge faux pas not to take a resume?


For what it's worth, I don't need this job. I want it only because I like bikes and this job would provide an opportunity to learn more about something that I love.

I don't work in the industry - but I would say have it with you just in case. I presume it shows stable employment, and a career that makes some kind of sense. If you don't have it and they ask for it, I fear they will assume the worst (unreliable, can't keep a job, etc., etc.) Just explain what you did in your post here. I don't think most shops really hire super-qualified people (at least from what I've seen locally, for part time seasonal except mechanics) and everybody starts somewhere. Your resume CAN show you have a good work ethic, even if it's not related.

I'd make a separate resume, stating what you have done - normal resume style, but add a section outlining your pertinent skills - something like you know how to change cables, adjust deralleurs, brakes, fitting - whatever it is that makes you qualified to repair bikes - say so. They will need the basic contact info, anyway, so just add a bike section and call it your bike resume.

Do you have retail experience? Customer service? Sales? Those are all important to bike shops, and a resume that is targeted will really help. If you have a generic resume that is not related to anything you would do in a bike shop, take the time to revamp it and target it to what a bike shop is likely looking for. It's always a good idea to leave a take-away with the person who is interviewing you, but it's got to be relevant even if it's simple. Good luck!

Blueberry, you make a really good point about a stable, reliable work history. Normally, I wouldn't even question as to whether I should have one with me. I guess I'm just thinking that this is an informal position, my work history and a brief description of what I did/do are on the application, and don't want anything else to just be glaringly saying "no experience, not qualified".

Withm, I really don't have much experience except taking a very basic maintenance class.

Tulip, I do have some sales experience. Guess I better throw something together. Yikes!

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Originally Posted by Megustalaplaya

I guess I'm just thinking that this is an informal position

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While the position might be informal to you, I would bet that the manager/owner takes the position quite seriously. If you go in thinking it's no big deal, then that will come through. As a manager, I would want someone who takes the job seriously.

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by Megustalaplaya

Blueberry, you make a really good point about a stable, reliable work history. Normally, I wouldn't even question as to whether I should have one with me. I guess I'm just thinking that this is an informal position, my work history and a brief description of what I did/do are on the application, and don't want anything else to just be glaringly saying "no experience, not qualified".

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One more thing...while what you have done might be important, what is really important is what you can do in this position. Focus on that--what can you offer that will help this business attract and retain customers and make money. In the end, that's the proof in the pudding, even for a part-time position (at least in retail).

As long as you do some real simple bike mechanics stuff --ie. change a tire, etc. Point out the parts of a bike. It wouldn't be inappropriate for them to ask you to 'demo' it.

I've been interviewed for jobs where I've had to deliver a presentation to show my stuff on what I was being interviewed for. A person is usually told several days in advance.

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

You could add a very short section for 'hobbies' to your resume, and list your skills, plus add that you took that bike maintenance class. That's a huge bonus. A resume that shows your primary job, plus bike skills that you acquired on your own initiative may be ideal.

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This is what I did. There was a section on the job application itself where it asked about relevant experience. I put that I'd been riding for 3 years and that I had a working knowledge of basic bike maintenance (changing a tire, adjusting road bike brakes and derailleurs, that sort of thing), then I duplicated it on the resume.

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Originally Posted by Megustalaplaya

part time, seasonal position. Other than my love for bikes, I have no experience working in a bike shop. floor help, putting bikes together, whatever they need me to do.
So what do you think?
For what it's worth, I don't need this job. I want it only because I like bikes and this job would provide an opportunity to learn more about something that I love.

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I'm a chef but I think accounting could be fun. I've never learned accounting but I THINK I know what's involved. So I'll apply for an accountant's job in the hopes that they will hire me and teach me to be an accountant.

Don't take this as a personal thing. I'm sure you are very nice and I hope they hire you. But we get these "opportunity to learn more about something that I love" applicants all the time. This is a shop manager's nightmare.
We rarely, if ever, hire these applicants because they really just want to ogle bike parts, get deals and waste my time asking a bunch of questions about their own bikes.
The focus is rarely on customers needs and concerns. They are mostly a liability. We end up using another staff person to fill in the gaps or fix their mistakes so I'm paying two people to do one person's job AND I have a potential customer service liability on my hands. By the time they are anything close to useful for the simplest of customer interactions....the season is over.
In today's super competitive market I can't afford to let you play in my store.

Again, I'm sure you are the exception to this well worn standard. I wish you the best. Maybe you can parlay this info into an interview strategy. Hope it works for you.

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Originally Posted by Seajay

I'm a chef but I think accounting could be fun. I've never learned accounting but I THINK I know what's involved. So I'll apply for an accountant's job in the hopes that they will hire me and teach me to be an accountant.

Don't take this as a personal thing. I'm sure you are very nice and I hope they hire you. But we get these "opportunity to learn more about something that I love" applicants all the time. This is a shop manager's nightmare.
We rarely, if ever, hire these applicants because they really just want to ogle bike parts, get deals and waste my time asking a bunch of questions about their own bikes.
The focus is rarely on customers needs and concerns. They are mostly a liability. We end up using another staff person to fill in the gaps or fix their mistakes so I'm paying two people to do one person's job AND I have a potential customer service liability on my hands. By the time they are anything close to useful for the simplest of customer interactions....the season is over.
In today's super competitive market I can't afford to let you play in my store.

Again, I'm sure you are the exception to this well worn standard. I wish you the best. Maybe you can parlay this info into an interview strategy. Hope it works for you.

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So, perhaps, you could offer some tips for how to get the experience you're looking for and actually be the person you want to hire? If someone wanted to change careers to the bike industry, how could they best get the experience you would like to see?

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Originally Posted by Blueberry

So, perhaps, you could offer some tips for how to get the experience you're looking for and actually be the person you want to hire? If someone wanted to change careers to the bike industry, how could they best get the experience you would like to see?

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When I wanted to work in a bike shop, I learned some basic mechanics and I also sold my customer service and retail experience to them. I also told them I would spiff up the display cases, which I did. I sold alot of clothes while learning a little bit about bicycles. I worked in several bike shops, and they were happy as long as I was selling things and making them some money. When there was downtime, I would watch the mechanics. I did change a few flats. To become a good mechanic, however, I would have to take a course since I'm not experienced enough to fix bikes--quickly and effectively. I can fix them slowly and they usually work, but no one will pay me to do that! I also volunteered for a bike coop, but that was much later after my bike shop days.

There are several bike mechanic schools and programs, and retail and customer service experience area always appreciated and valued. Bike shops need to make money just like any other business. Show them how you can help them do that and you will be an asset to them.

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Originally Posted by Blueberry

So, perhaps, you could offer some tips for how to get the experience you're looking for and actually be the person you want to hire? If someone wanted to change careers to the bike industry, how could they best get the experience you would like to see?

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Sure BB,
I will always consider the communicator with a wide set of skills and interests before the person who lives only for bikes. I want someone who can speak well to a wide variety of clients and get job satisfaction from helping new, inexperienced riders discover the fun of riding.
I have found that the "one dimensional" bike geek quickly tires of the work involved to really master the client relationship. They tend to want to rest on their "bike knowledge"

I can have this person successfully selling to new, "deer in the headlights" clients in short order. This client isn't generally looking for technical gibberish. They want to feel welcomed, supported and have the benefits of a product explained clearly.
Play up your strengths outside of cycling. Most of our clients also have lives outside of cycling. Show how, as an casual but enthusiastic cyclist, you can bridge the gap and really appeal to the "regular" person walking into the shop.
If you can make a ton of happy clients by selling hybrids and kid's bikes and some basic accessories while you learn the rest.... You'll get hired at my shop.
Good Luck!