I got a job at the LFS and have a question [Archive]

ShadowVengance

07-02-2006, 2:36 PM

M|L

07-02-2006, 2:56 PM

ShadowVengance

07-02-2006, 6:50 PM

Thanks a lot, thats not tough at all. Im fairly relaxed now, i'll still look over my stuff.

thamunsta

07-02-2006, 9:47 PM

IM COMING IN TO RUIN EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BIG FATTIES

LOL JK good luck man :ROFL:

Chad55

07-02-2006, 9:53 PM

Can't really help ya but just wanted to wish you good luck.:thumbsup:

Chad

Recycling Works

07-02-2006, 9:55 PM

Tommorow I have to go in for a 4 hour job shadowing to get used to the regular routine, and then I have to write an hour long test about basic fish keeping knowledge.

I'm not really nervous, but I would like to know what I should expect,
anyone have any experience with this?

thanks.

just my opinion, you have almost 400 posts here, im guessing youll know as much as your coworkers with years of experience.

Lil_Stinker

07-02-2006, 10:17 PM

chin up and all that. you'll do fine.

ShadowVengance

07-03-2006, 12:23 AM

Thanks a lot :D I really appreciate it

Lockness' Oscar

07-03-2006, 9:33 AM

Tell us how you do!!!!

Good Luck!!!!!

Mr.Geoff

07-03-2006, 4:05 PM

its uber easy. i've done LFS now for 3 years and never had a problem. just be prepared for some of the oddest and dumbest questions you'll ever hear.

also check with people time to time to make sure that they have a saltwater tank for the saltwater fish they want O_o

ShadowVengance

07-03-2006, 4:38 PM

Alright I wrote it.

They dont do saltwater, only brackish. Its more of a general pet store.

Test was very easy, it was mainly fish, i got that down pat.
I identifyed all the fish and gave their temps etc, it was a breeze.

Herps were easy too.

Hardest part for me were the rodents, I have 0 exp, but I knew basics about Alfalfa etc.

Birds were easy, like 2 questions about them needing a cuttle bone.

Im getting a call tommorow to see how I did.

X| this is the worst part, the waiting.

Peanut_Power

07-03-2006, 4:39 PM

Try to make it as personal as possible. Make your customers feel like they are welcome, that you want them to be there, stuff like that. it will increase your chances of makin sales. All in all though man, you've got it set. You've already crossed the big barrier of gettin hired...;). Rely on your knowledge and blow them away. Shoot, start makin changes...;)

Mosdefenate

07-03-2006, 5:00 PM

good luckk

musichead707

07-03-2006, 7:09 PM

I cant wait until the busy season starts up at my lfs, it sucks not having anything to do during the summer that doesnt bring in any income. Well i hope you get the job, and dont be afraid to voice your opinions and ideas about the operation and other things in the pet shop.

Steve_89

07-03-2006, 9:48 PM

Wow...I didn't have to sit a test.

Princley

07-03-2006, 9:54 PM

do fish swim in water
what test do we use to check water quality
is a neon tetra a MONSTER fish , does it hurt when in bites
will neons eat my oscar
do red devils and glo fish breed

Paul_MTS

07-04-2006, 2:39 AM

Wow they put you threw a bit over there for a job. When I started at my LFS it was pretty much

"Hi, I keep these fish etc etc, i can work these hours etcetc........Ok you can start next week!"

Good luck with it though, you will learn that most customers don't have a bloody clue.

Keeper of the Ropes

07-04-2006, 3:22 AM

Nope they dont! Spread your knowledge and teach people what you can. These idiots up at Petsmart have no idea what they are doing. Out of their staffing team, only one of them knows their stuff. When I go, I end up working in a way. Customers will ask the workers REALLY simple questions (like... where are the goldfish tanks?) and the staff members will get this uh.... uh... look on their face and I jump in and help them myself. They should put me on payroll :) Don't worry about the test - You probably got all the questions right anyway :)

Mourinho18

07-04-2006, 3:28 AM

QUIT QUIT QUIT QUIT QUIT!!!!!!!

seriously. In 2 months time your going to want to drown yourself in one of those 20 gallon tanks.

DeLgAdO

07-04-2006, 6:27 AM

they ask very basic questions.

questions that customers will ask you, like, "My water's cloudy, what should I do?", "My fish has white spots, what is it?", "I'm setting up a 20g tank, what fish should I put in there?"....

easy stuff.

if you tell them how it actually should be done, you would drive most of them away.

thats a good thing though

beex215

07-04-2006, 10:54 AM

Tommorow I have to go in for a 4 hour job shadowing to get used to the regular routine, and then I have to write an hour long test about basic fish keeping knowledge.

I'm not really nervous, but I would like to know what I should expect,
anyone have any experience with this?

thanks.
ic that u do have a tank and u are on this forum.so that u are clearly in the game with 400 post.dont worry about the essay i just know that you will past it.

i have worked at my lfs and was the best if not 1 of the best workers at the fish isle.

Dovii dude

07-04-2006, 10:56 AM

I worked at several LFS's through the years,once you become "known" at a store that is considered good it is easier to get hired at other stores without being tested.My tests where always"what fish can live with what fish",or can a Pacu and an Oscar live in a 20 gal tank for life,simple stuff.I'm sure you will do fine!!!:thumbsup:

Carg R

07-04-2006, 3:11 PM

ic that u do have a tank and u are on this forum.so that u are clearly in the game with 400 post.dont worry about the essay i just know that you will past it...

First, welcome to the work force, second-I've read a few posts implying the number of posts a person has equals experience...so if I can use a computer and make comments on a website I can raise fish and instruct others to do the same, I ain't buying it.

ANY way- good luck, be helpful, not overbearing or obnoxious. If someone asks a "dumb" question, don't assume they are ignorant in all areas of fish-just answer the question politely and if you don't know the answer -tell them that! After telling the customer you don't know make logical suggestions- which may include directing them to this and other sites to find the answer themselves. You could direct them to one of the beginner aquarist books all pet stores (w/ fish) seem to have in those spinning wire stands (after selling the book direct them to the library-free info...AFTER MAKING THE SALE, the store is paying you to make them money right?)

ShadowVengance

07-04-2006, 5:34 PM

Alright! I start work on the 9th!!! :D

Got my first bank account too -__- <- I was hoping to never have one and just keep a giant vault.

I like this store because they showed me that they know a thing or two and actually care,
such as, if a person who wants to buy a dog doesn't buy a bag of appropriate food that the dog has been eating while in the store, no sale.

Its not like, Ya that $2,000 arapaima will do fine in your 30 gallon, you MAY want to upgrade .. "YES I GOT THE SALE"

Toughest thing right now is using the register.

Scariest thing is after 2 weeks training, I'm at the store on my own, so theft concerns me most, but ill just keep an eye out for that.

The test was uber easy, I had to identify about 35 species of fish using their pictures,
and answer 7 more pages of stupid questions. I had the hardest time with the rodents section.

Fish discounts here I come!!!! >: D lol.

thanks for all the help guys.

freeskierrocket

07-04-2006, 5:42 PM

congrats on the new job:thumbsup:

beex215

07-04-2006, 6:28 PM

First, welcome to the work force, second-I've read a few posts implying the number of posts a person has equals experience...so if I can use a computer and make comments on a website I can raise fish and instruct others to do the same, I ain't buying it.

ANY way- good luck, be helpful, not overbearing or obnoxious. If someone asks a "dumb" question, don't assume they are ignorant in all areas of fish-just answer the question politely and if you don't know the answer -tell them that! After telling the customer you don't know make logical suggestions- which may include directing them to this and other sites to find the answer themselves. You could direct them to one of the beginner aquarist books all pet stores (w/ fish) seem to have in those spinning wire stands (after selling the book direct them to the library-free info...AFTER MAKING THE SALE, the store is paying you to make them money right?)
huh?
do u have bad blood with me?
hmmmmmmmm

are you saying that i have less knowledge cuz i have 141 post.thats bs.more like years.and that im giving out advice to a ''stronger minded person''.what i mean is that he looked interested in the hobby and he works at a lfs. good

Jeox

07-04-2006, 6:59 PM

huh?
do u have bad blood with me?
hmmmmmmmm

are you saying that i have less knowledge cuz i have 141 post.thats bs.more like years.and that im giving out advice to a ''stronger minded person''.what i mean is that he looked interested in the hobby and he works at a lfs. good

He's not saying the more posts you have the smarter you are:grinno: , he means if youve been on MFK for awhile your bound to know stuff. :grinyes:

beex215

07-04-2006, 7:06 PM

i swear this was targeting me ''so if I can use a computer and make comments on a website I can raise fish and instruct others to do the same, I ain't buying it.''

^^^thats what

freeskierrocket

07-04-2006, 7:09 PM

First, welcome to the work force, second-I've read a few posts implying the number of posts a person has equals experience...so if I can use a computer and make comments on a website I can raise fish and instruct others to do the same, I ain't buying it.

ANY way- good luck, be helpful, not overbearing or obnoxious. If someone asks a "dumb" question, don't assume they are ignorant in all areas of fish-just answer the question politely and if you don't know the answer -tell them that! After telling the customer you don't know make logical suggestions- which may include directing them to this and other sites to find the answer themselves. You could direct them to one of the beginner aquarist books all pet stores (w/ fish) seem to have in those spinning wire stands (after selling the book direct them to the library-free info...AFTER MAKING THE SALE, the store is paying you to make them money right?)

I am going to have to side with you...........# of posts mean nothing unless you have the experience to go along with it..............posting "lol" or "nice" or a smiley face does not mean you have experience, but if you like a pic or agree with a certain comment , by all means post that you do so........although being a member on this and other fish based websites does help tremendously because you learn from such knowledgable people:D
beex i dont think anyone was attacking you bro, think he was just saying # of posts dont = know all! peace!!!

beex215

07-04-2006, 7:17 PM

I am going to have to side with you...........# of posts mean nothing unless you have the experience to go along with it..............posting "lol" or "nice" or a smiley face does not mean you have experience, but if you like a pic or agree with a certain comment , by all means post that you do so........although being a member on this and other fish based websites does help tremendously because you learn from such knowledgable people:D
beex i dont think anyone was attacking you bro, think he was just saying # of posts dont = know all! peace!!!
ok that settles this.
i also agree #of post means jack squats on knowledge

ShadowVengance

07-04-2006, 7:20 PM

huh?
do u have bad blood with me?
hmmmmmmmm

are you saying that i have less knowledge cuz i have 141 post.thats bs.more like years.and that im giving out advice to a ''stronger minded person''.what i mean is that he looked interested in the hobby and he works at a lfs. good

Dude, read the last sentence of what he wrote. He said he ain't buyin' it. Which means he
does NOT believe the number of posts you make reflects your experience.

Afterall, 100 posts with usefull advice are worth far more than 700 posts which are one worded and say LOL. eheh.

Dr Joe

07-04-2006, 7:22 PM

Meanwhile Back to Shadow Vengence's thread :naughty:

Tell us where your your located so we can ALL come in at once and ask for YOUR help. :ROFL:

Now the important part... What's your 'DISCOUNT'...:drool:

ShadowVengance

07-04-2006, 7:24 PM

Hahahahaha.

I work at a Trent Pet in Lindsay Ontario.

Im not sure yet, but im told that the employee discount is about 10%

Dr Joe

07-05-2006, 10:02 PM

Well I might not make it too soon, but I got a bunch of relatives in London, Toronto, Chatham, and a few stragler other places..I'll send them by. :ROFL:

Does your store ship?

Best of luck, and have fun...keep us posted. :thumbsup:

AlanSousa

07-05-2006, 10:28 PM

yeah. I work at a LFS in Putnam. I had to do a huge test like over 100 questions to work there. It was more to see what I already knew in background knowledge and I would get taught the rest there, but owners sometimes have a way of doing things their way instead of a sensible way. (just givin you a heads up. thats how it is here) You're probably going to get asked questions like basic pH parameters and temperatures and normal levels and the nitrate cycles and cute **** like that. Then theyll teach you their specifics on how they want their fish and product marketed. You might also get annoyed with how fish are supposed to be treated and end up getting treated differently when stocked in large quantities. If you know what I mean. So just come across as solid and chill and your bound to impress.

Vince

07-05-2006, 10:43 PM

don't forget, it's also cleaning tanks, and cages...not just standing around waiting for people to come. When I worked at a LFS many moons ago, I had to sweep the floor, change water, vacuum the gravel, move furniture...etc. Fun part was meeting alot of "purty" girls :) I just show them what's in the backroom :)

ShadowVengance

07-05-2006, 10:47 PM

Our store doesn't ship, it's to small as an individual store.

AlanSousa, that sounds like how they used my test, probably to see if what I wrote on my resume was fact or fiction. Ive already seen them do a few things wierd, but they are cool with taking advice too which is nice.

Lockness' Oscar

07-05-2006, 10:48 PM

...I just show them what's in the backroom :)

and what exactly is in the backroom????

ShadowVengance

07-05-2006, 10:56 PM

Ya, obviously not just standing around. Each day they have a list for me to do, and if that gets done, I gotta "base" all the items on the shelves, dust them all, wash windows, etc.

plus I always have to be moving around because the big boss man will pop in randomly and I dunno what he looks like yet :-O

Lol the backroom we have can be seen through the display.... what an odd display you must have had Vince. lol.

benzjamin13

07-05-2006, 10:59 PM

I used to work in a pet shop in the fish section. I really enjoyed it except for my boss who was a total douche bag. Totally belittled me for not knowing that they had more than one coupon out. It was "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" but they had 2 different coupons. One said buy up to 3 fish and another was good for one. I was there for about a month and didn't encounter the "just good for 1" and he reamed me for basically $1 worth of fish. Jack Off! So Good Luck and hope your boss isn't a big of turd as mine was...and probably still is.

Dr Joe

07-06-2006, 2:58 AM

Vince

07-06-2006, 12:48 PM

and what exactly is in the backroom????
Fish display in the backroom has the illegal ones...asian aros, stingrays, and a large python!!! This was back in the early 80's :lol2: Most of the purty girls liked the big python :lol2: "OOOOHHHH It's so big!!!!"

Lil_Stinker

07-06-2006, 3:43 PM

Dude, read the last sentence of what he wrote. He said he ain't buyin' it. Which means he
does NOT believe the number of posts you make reflects your experience.

Afterall, 100 posts with usefull advice are worth far more than 700 posts which are one worded and say LOL. eheh.

lol

Add one to my IQ :headbang2

Had to be done....