A couple years ago when I worked at Lowe’s they had mystery shoppers and I was curious about how to become a secret shopper myself so I recently did a search and found some sites and I  decided to sign up as a mystery shopper because I think it would be cool to go to individual establishments and evaluate their customer service.

The application was easy to fill out so I applied.  I received an email  giving me some specifics on the openings around Pennsylvania. If I am a new shopper I am only allowed to take one shop, I guess this would be an evaluation shop to see how well I do.

Because of the distance I would have to travel for one of these shops and the amount that was being offered it just didn’t make sense for me to accept any of them. Especially with the price of gas. They had various types. I wouldn’t mind evaluating the restaurants, but they didn’t pay much and you had to pay up front and then wait to be reimbursed, but they had many other types to choose from.

If they had been able to supply businesses around the immediate area I live in then I could have accepted and done my first secret shopper assignment because then I would be making money instead of spending more to make less by traveling a couple of hours for $10.00, just isn’t feasible for me.

Maybe down the road they might have something I can accept closer to home. They seem to cover all the states so if you’ve been looking for an idea on how to make extra income you might want to look into something like this. If the assignments are near you then it could be a fun way to make that extra spending money.

Maybe there are local companies in the area that provide this mystery shopper type of service I guess it wont hurt to check cause the extra money would be nice and I wouldn’t feel like someone was breathing down my neck every time I went to work.  See you on Monday.

Many people lost their jobs when their companies were downsizing and closing up and for many that have been drawing unemployment that too is about to run out. Many will be forced to find other positions and seeking a new job is very stressful, it would be of benefit to you if you could take a job search workshop. I have blogged in a few previous posts about my experience and the things I learned which really helped me.

Okay, you put your application in and now you’re going for the interview. How you prepare yourself for that interview is very important and can be very stressful and you will be feeling nervous and want to make a good impression. Always be prepared for some tough questions. Try to keep the following tips in mind and go over the checklist below so you will be ready for the questions most likely to be asked.

I know sometimes my mind goes blank when asked a direct question even if I know the answer, but if you know what may be asked you can be more prepared.

1. What can you tell me about yourself?
2. What are your strengths?
3. What are your weaknesses and limitations?
4. Why are you seeking employment with our company?
5. Why are you seeking this type of position?
6. What previous experience do you have that relates to the job here?
7. If I called your former employer what will they say about you?
8. How have you shown initiative and willingness to work in the past?
9. What are your plans for the future and do you intend to stay here longer than 6 months.
10. What wage are you expecting to make?
11. Tell me why we should hire you?

Also be prepared for the one question you are afraid of that might be asked and try to think of a positive answer that the potential employer might accept. Be prepared, I can’t stress that enough cover all your bases.

I know most companies use pretty set questions so be prepared and write your answers down so you can have them ready in your mind, but don’t repeat them as if you had memorized the answers. Try to speak in a relaxed manner without rushing your answers, but don’t keep rambling on and on and always make eye contact.

Provide complete answers and show some enthusiasm. Ask questions, but never try to interview the person that is interviewing you. Answer questions clearly and try not to be vague. Know the position you are applying for and don’t give the impression that you don’t know what you want to do.

I always like it when they make a decision straight away, but if they don’t, ask them when they will make their final decision and thank the interviewer for their time and be sure to shake hands with the interviewer before and after the interview. I have never sent a thank-you letter, but depending on the type of position you are seeking it would be appropriate to send a thank-you letter as soon as the interview has been concluded.

You wouldn’t believe how many people actually don’t know how to fill out an application and I’ve seen some weird ones over the years even from people applying at restaurants. That application is the first impression of you that most potential employers see so make it as appealing as possible so you’ll at least get a chance for an interview.

When filling out an application it should be as neat as possible and always completely filled in, never leave any empty lines or spaces. If something doesn’t apply to you simply put N/A (Not Applicable). Always use ink, blue or black is acceptable and print or you can type all information if possible.

Always try to answer the questions as honestly as possible because when you sign that application you are attesting to the fact that all information given is true and correct. Companies can and will terminate your employment if they find out you have falsified any information on your application.

Carefully read and follow all instructions and never give more information than is asked for in any question, such as your health status and any disabilities, any criminal records and the reasons for leaving your last job. Try to put a positive spin on it and not a negative one. Avoid using negative words, such as, problems, personality conflicts, quit, and fired or terminated.

Never use the term will discuss or will discuss at interview on your application more than twice, it would be better to use it only once. In some cases it would be better to put this in especially if there is not enough space to explain something potentially damaging to you such as, a health or disability problem, a felony conviction or reasons you were terminated from your last position.

When asked for the salary you desire try not to use a specific dollar value use instead open or negotiable because you don’t want to sell yourself short nor do you want to price yourself out of the running.

If you are confronted by a question that you know is being asked illegally on the application either put N/A or go ahead and answer it if you don’t mind the company having this information, but never leave it blank.

If you don’t actually have much work experience in the job field use all the space provided to list any volunteer work done for your previous employers and list all positive and relevant information.

Ask the secretary or receptionist how long applications are kept on file and who will be looking at your application and unless the company states that it discourages phone calls then call back in about a week to the specific person looking at your application if at all possible. That at least shows a desire for the job with the follow up call.