Job Interview at Chester Zoo!

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Louu1991

Member
I know this site is based around the animal side of zoos, but i have a job interview in the next few weeks to work on the retail side of the zoo! :D

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice about the procedure, the questions they may ask? and the appropriate interview outfit that i should wear? Im pretty nervous as it would mean so much to work in and be apart of Chester Zoo!

Ive just finished a three year University course at Chester University studying for a BSc in animal behaviour and welfare and i would love to one day be a keeper, so this is a great opportunity to learn more about Chester Zoo!

Thank youu in advance!
 
If it were me...

Read about the recent history of the zoo (post-2000) and learn about the collection - get some guidebooks from eBay and download the zoo's annual reports from their website.

There's no point learning about the (hugely important) old history of the zoo other than for your own education, the person interviewing you is unlikely to know anything about it.

Try to be commercially savvy and pay a visit to the zoo as a guest before your interview to learn more about the approach of the retail arm, which contrary to popular believe isn't a charity, and their offerings.

Ask what - if any - opportunities being involved in retail will give you in terms of the animal side of things. These days it's unlikely the two will have any crossover, but it wouldn't hurt to ask so that you're not disappointed.
 
SMR said:
Ask what - if any - opportunities being involved in retail will give you in terms of the animal side of things. These days it's unlikely the two will have any crossover, but it wouldn't hurt to ask so that you're not disappointed.
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but also be aware that declaring an interest in working on the animal side of things can backfire on you if the job is for retail, because it will look like you are only applying for that retail job as a way to try and get into an animal job later.
 
Chlidonias said:
but also be aware that declaring an interest in working on the animal side of things can backfire on you if the job is for retail, because it will look like you are only applying for that retail job as a way to try and get into an animal job later.
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I don't know, I think it would show a real interest in working at the zoo. I bet most people applying for this are doing so just because a "job's a job".

I actually turned down an interview at Chester recently, toughest decision ever! Good luck with your interview anyway!
 
It is going to do you no harm to say you have an interest in the animals, but your interview is not for that, so don't be too focused on that!.
You are going for a retail interview and here your attention to detail, on display items, sales and certainly customer service skills are the ones to highlight.
If you get the job, show them you can do a really good job in retail, don’t be waiting for 5:30pm to finish, show your management that you are willing to stay behind a little extra to help out etc, go the extra mile every now an again. Then in time you can if smart enough worm your way towards animal stuff.
A few pre interview nerves are fine, but tell yourself, its spending your own time and money to attend this interview so make sure you nail it.

All the best.
 
thank you everyone! recon im going to wear a pencil skirt and a nice tasteful shirt or blouse i think.
ive also been trying to come up with a way to say im interested in animals without making it all about animals and so far ive come up with saying that driving sales in the sales in the shop contrbutes to conservation.
but then obviously say about customer service and all that jazz!

its over a week away and still got the pre interview jitters!
 
Louu1991 said:
thank you everyone! recon im going to wear a pencil skirt and a nice tasteful shirt or blouse i think.
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I hope you're a female then.

Definitely show you have a lot of interest in animals and the zoo because that is important, just don't say anything about hoping the retail job can lead to an animal job. Leave that line of wondering until after you have the job.
 
Louu1991 said:
ive also been trying to come up with a way to say im interested in animals without making it all about animals and so far ive come up with saying that driving sales in the sales in the shop contrbutes to conservation.
but then obviously say about customer service and all that jazz!

its over a week away and still got the pre interview jitters!
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Your conservation angle sounds great. A well-informed, friendly sales staff directly helps a zoo with its conservation mission by serving as ambassadors to the zoo patrons.

The fact that you are preparing this much shows that you really care about the job and likely will be a real asset to the zoo. Good luck!
 
stu_y said:
I don't know, I think it would show a real interest in working at the zoo. I bet most people applying for this are doing so just because a "job's a job".

I actually turned down an interview at Chester recently, toughest decision ever! Good luck with your interview anyway!
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what part of the zoo was your interview with? :)
 
DavidBrown said:
Your conservation angle sounds great. A well-informed, friendly sales staff directly helps a zoo with its conservation mission by serving as ambassadors to the zoo patrons.

The fact that you are preparing this much shows that you really care about the job and likely will be a real asset to the zoo. Good luck!
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Thankyou :) It really does mean so much to me! Im really starting to look forward to it.

Thank you everyone for your replies! Im going to do some research around Chester Zoo tonight in preparation :D
 
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