Practical Interview Wear

MRoss

I have a job interview (YAY!) for a dog trainer position within an assistance dog charity and have a "unusual" concern that I'd like some advice on.

This is the first interview - if I get through this I go back for a longer practical assessment. However they have told me I will be there about 90 minutes and after the interview questions there will be a practical. No clues as to what this will entail, nothing for me to prep and nothing to bring as everything will be provided......WHAT TO WEAR??? As you'll (hopefully) agree, being around dogs 24/7 means that "business wear" or indeed "nice clothes" of any degree are not a priority. But I would have worn a suit and smartened myself up but, if I'm then going to have a 30kg Lab ("other assistance dogs are available") launch itself at me, I'd be wanting to wear my usual combats, with pockets full of treats, clicker etc etc.

Anyone had anything similar? This is the biggest interview I've ever had so really don't want to blow it.

Nothanks

Wow, cool! Good luck first and foremost I hope you smash it.

So I'd go with two options:

1. Be open about your thinking and ask them. I don't see a way in which this reflects negatively on you.

Or 2.

Wear a suit and take your combats and treat filled utility belt etc in a gym bag and ask to change in between the interview and the practical.

Al1x

Nothanks wrote: »

Wow, cool! Good luck first and foremost I hope you smash it.

So I'd go with two options:

1. Be open about your thinking and ask them. I don't see a way in which this reflects negatively on you.

Or 2.

Wear a suit and take your combats and treat filled utility belt etc in a gym bag and ask to change in between the interview and the practical.

I agree with Nothanks, no harm in asking. I would most likely go with the second option and take a change of clothes with me.

Good luck

Tom99

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]I would go in your combats with a treat in your pocket. That way they will be interviewing the person they will be getting. You won't be working in a suit and I very much doubt they expect candidates for a dog trainer to present themselves in a suit to be interviewed.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Make a joke of your attire, it will break the ice.
[/FONT]

bugslet

I run a haulage company and interviews may include a practical assessment. Since that's known and an Industry norm, then I am quite happy if someone turns up in workwear, as long as it's clean and as smart as that type of clothing can be, its fine.

I'd also be happy if someone rang to ask .

Good luck, hope it goes your way.

BooJewels

If you have to attend a more formal sit down interview first, wear your suit for that and if at the end they ask you to attend for the second and practical interview, ask then about attire for the second one, if you're going to be hands on with dogs.

If there's any chance they might be on the same day, take your dog-handling clothes with you and leave them in the car. But I'm sure, as others have said, that they'd be open to being rung and asked first - it shows initiative and a practical approach.

Good luck!

Detroit

Trousers and sweater of some type, nothing special that you mind the dogs messing up, but clean and neat.

Practical shoes, but again clean to start.
Jacket for the interview, remove for the practical.

I would avoid the getting changed option if I were you. There may be nowhere to change, or there may be a tight schedule. You could end up either keeping them waiting or working with the dogs in your suit.

jobbingmusician

A few years ago I worked as a demonstrator for a short while, and was required to wear black and white. The washable black trousers I bought for that post (a fiver in Primark) are still in use, together with a black cardigan and a variety of smart t shirts. All eminently washable if you get peed on. (Which didn't happen when I was selling high end writing materials )

Moral of the story - cheap black separates look smart enough for most situations.....

Smodlet

Well done on getting the interview and best of luck. Nothing to add as it seems all the practical suggestions have been made but I think avoiding having to get changed is probably a good idea, too.

Please let us know how it goes.

MRoss

Thank you all - I think the getting changed bit is a no; I've been told it'll take 90 minutes and my interview is at 9am. So I'm assuming the next person is on at 11am. It will be straight after the questions so am going to put my training gillet (loaded with treats and toys etc) at the top of my bag so can just slip it on over my clothes, tie my hair back, and good to go.

Thank you everyone for being so kind

Detroit

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.