Applying for a job, should I tell them I have my own business?

purple.sarah

I'm applying for a job as a Veterinary Receptionist. There is potential to move in to a Veterinary Care Assistant role or even a nursing role in the future. It's a part time position working every Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm, ideally the candidate will be able to cover holidays in the week but this is not essential. I have my own dog walking business. I was wondering if I should mention this on my CV because it demonstrates animal care experience but I am worried that they might think I don't have time to do the job. It wouldn't interfere with the job because the dog walking business is not open on Saturdays and my husband could help out if I had to do shifts during the week. WWYD?

makeyourdaddyproud

Does the contract of employment require this disclosure? If not, and it won't impact the job, I would keep mum.

OTOH, what if one of your business customers brings their pet into the vet? Your employer could find out. This could make you appear untrustworthy.

purple.sarah

I haven't read a contract yet, I'm just at the application stage. I thought it might be helpful to tell them because it is previous experience with animals. Why would you keep mum?

Sharon87

I would tell them, it shows your interest in animals and are more likely to get the job. Dog walking business for all they know could be a few hours a week or 30 hours a week, they don't know, but I would mention it.

ohreally

I would keep quiet. The recruitment stage is not the place to put potential problems to them.

Kayalana99

Its a part time job ONE day a week. Tell them its experience. If you were applying for a full time role I could see the problem.

moneyistooshorttomention

I wouldn't say a word personally.

I've always taken the view that what I do in my own time is my business. So...what's the difference anyway between walking a friends dog as a favour and walking a clients dog for payment? Either way...you are walking a dog...same difference......

Maybe you can mention it (ie to show experience of this) once you've had the job 2 years or more.

If they find out sooner...then...well....you just shrug shoulders and say "Well I didn't mention it...same as I don't mention what I cooked for dinner last night....because its something I am doing in my own time" (or words to that effect).

Savvy_Sue

I'd definitely mention it as (very) relevant experience, along with any other animal handling experience you have. I know it's a receptionist position, but there's a possibility of animal care, and even a receptionist might sometimes be faced with an animal 'on the loose' as it were.

And I wouldn't spell out that that would mean I wouldn't be able to cover other staff holidays on weekdays. If they ask at interview you could say 'other commitments could make that difficult', but not a lot more than that.

shortcrust

For I full time job I would keep quiet but for one day a week I can't see a problem. It might even be a plus. You might be able to bring them extra business!

Edit: Just to add that an employer will expect an applicant for a part time job to be doing other things.

OurKev

Qualities I would be looking for if interviewing for that position would include an enthusiastic, outgoing personality and empathy with customers and their pets.

The fact that people are already trusting you to walk their pets would be a big positive to me, so I'd highlight rather than hide it.

Best of luck.

Kev

colino

Don't mention it. Any decent recruiter will wonder if you are just available due to a lull in income from your own business and they'll have to go through the expensive recruiting business again if your business picks up and you leave.