I finally have an interview at a stereo shop! I am totally estatic, everybody hope and pray for me!
Replies (9)
ttocs on 03/14/2007 23:02:47
do NOT go in acting like you know everything, if anything at all to be honest. Be willing to sweep the floors and clean the bathroom to get your foot in the door and start learning. Be dependable(I see soo many kids get let go for this stipid thing) and while you don't have to wear a suit, don't wear your favorite simpsons shirt either...
Do you have tools?????
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 03/14/2007 23:40:39
Oh I guess I should have mentioned that it is a salesman job. I would not have nearly close to the tools/expierence to start off as an installer. Once I start doing my own fiberglass and building more enclosures, then I will start hounding for an install position. The sales floor will be an excellent place for me to hone my skills. Definitely looking foward to this.
BTW I will make the floors and toilets sparkle just to say I work in a stereo shop. Show 'em a little resturant work ethic/reliability. I havent called in sick but about four times in as many years.
Definitly need to get more tools though. What do you guys think would be some solid purchases for installing tools/testing gear? I am very serious about staying in this line of work.
cplkittle on 03/15/2007 01:41:53
ask if there is a tool truck that comes by (matco, mac, snap on)
only buy tools that you need, these tools are VERY expensive, but nice.
I would suggest a good set of screwdrivers, metric nut drivers, (you will need a 5.5mm, 7mm, 8mm, and 10mm mostly, a good 3/8 drive socket set standard and metric, a good pair of crimpers.. my favorite pair is made by channel lock. you can strip wires alot faster with crimpers with a cutter end than you can with that silly pair with all the different size holes. needle nose pliers, a small torch, a good soldering iron, a good multimeter that will read ohms down to the tenth, a set of radio removal keys (ford, BMW, mercedes, VW). hex or alan wrenches ( I like the T handled ones) both standard and metric. a small flathead for adjusting amp gain and nothing else. Cordless drill and flashlight the best cordless drill I have ever used was a Ridgid 18v. You will need what is called a skewdriver (milwaukee makes a good one) tape measure, small hammer, LED flashlight, flourescent or LED droplight, wire brush for drill (removing paint for grounds), scissors, creeper, toolbox, magnetic tray, screwgun tips, torque bits (star shapes), drill bits, hole saw bits, slim jim, battery load tester, tap and die set, airbag safe test light (wakeon is a good brand), pick tools, panel removal tools (plastic or teflon), telescoping mirror and magnet, antenna sockets, air saw, left, straight, and right cutting tin snips, hemostats, a variety of snips (straight, side, and end cutting), small tool bag, clear plastic divided storage bin, small and large channel locks, ratcheting wrenches, test wires with alligator clip ends, dremel tool, putty knife, safety glasses, and sharipes.
That is pretty much what is in my tool box.
Optional tools:
air tools:
hand sander
sand blaster
impact wrench
blower nozzle
jig saw
reciprocating saw (sawzall)
scroll saw
hack saw
that should get you started... just kidding crimpers, screwdrivers, alan wrenches and a flashlight will get you started. It took me 4 years to accumulate everything I have.
The best advice I can give you is not to act too enthusiastic. Interested, but not like a kid in a candy shop.
Learn every feature of every item being sold. Especially the head units. Don't go out of your way to overexplain things, alot of people are shopping for cosmetics. point out the cool features and answer their questions. You will probably be taught to 'upsale' basically sell them a little more than what they need. I really hate to say it but if you are getting paid comission, it is hard to make a living being 100% honest. Do try to cover all the bases. If they are thinking about adding a second amp, sell them a larger size power wire so it dosen't have to be redone. That will lead to a sale of distribution blocks and a few other odds and ins.
Give it a little time, and if the installers are working after hours to finish things up, offer to help if the front doors are already closed. Installation knowledge will help you sell.
Most importantly - don't show them the ghetto hoopty bucket.
jamesp on 03/15/2007 08:27:29
Shootah, I would like to wish you good luck on your quest. I think mr kittle has offered you very sound advice. I would like to add a couple of common sense suggestions which I hope are totally unecessary as you sound like an intelligent young man with a passion for this field.
I have owned small retail business for almost 20 years now and while I never thought that I wanted the family business, I did indedd buy it in 1988. I have hired a lot of young people for part and full time positions and I can think of a couple the most common mistakes made at the interview level. I realize that times have changed, but first impressions are what makes and breaks the deal. Im sorry if I offend anyone here but I have never been able to get past someone showing up, seriously wanting a job in a hardware store no less, with a head and face full of piercings on display. Wear clothes that you are comfrotable in just make sure they are clean and presentable. Dont try to overwhelm the interviewer with your enthusiam, Ypu have it and they will see it.
It sounds like you are a very dependable person...that is very important. I have had so many tell me they really want/need and love to work, yet once hired, they cant seem to get to work on time for even the first week. So many flat tires and dead batteries and deaths in the family it is unreal...you get this point I am sure.
You may well be doing these people a favor by working for them...but they will not appreciate being told that (I know you would not do this) some do.
Give yourself some realistic goals..you should have this job in the bag...but if you are not where you want to be after a reasonable time...you decide how much time this is...find something or somewhere else..
This said, I must confess that I am the guy in the bad example, minus any piercings or tats, more than 30 years ago.. I was into partying a bit too much when I was young. I did get better and actually became a decent employee before I became an employer.
Good luck, I believe you have this gig in the bag.
PS. Dont show them the ghetto hoopty bucket.......till after you have proven your value to themGRIN
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 03/15/2007 10:39:27
Thanks for the advise/ support. You guys have been considered as freinds and mentors from the first day I signed on here. Big thanks on the over-enthuisasm advise, as I'm sitting here lit up like a Christmas tree with exitment. Perhaps I would have come on a little too strong. I am also wearing very nice and comfortable clothing, and it is very clean. Anyway I am off, I will keep you guys posted on the results.
PS Will park around back and walk to the front to keep the ghetto hoopty bucket outta view. Damn, and I just got replacement fogs for the broken fixtures that were on there.....oh well!
Thanks again guys! Say another prayer for me!
cplkittle on 03/15/2007 11:55:49
will do, good luck.
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 03/15/2007 14:07:57
I think this is the first time I ever showed up for an interview and the manager wasn't there. No reschedule either, just an offer for a call back. So I printed a couple of new resumes and hit up some other places, and a pawnshop with a dedicated sales floor for brand new gear and an install bay. (WOW) Aplplied and got me an interview for tommorrow at 1. MUST FIND CAR AUDIO JOB. UUUAAAAHHHH
cplkittle on 03/15/2007 14:37:18
be patient. I wouldn't jump at the pawnshop deal. I would carefully judge the character of the manager / owner. I would hate to see your first impression of retail car audio become a bad one like mine did. It is a really cool job, but rarely will it pay enough to be considered a career. When I was the manager of a car audio store, I made $600/week salary. As an installer it was $10-$12 / hour. I made more money as an installer believe it or not. I put in at least 60-65 hours a week in both cases.
Take from it what you can knowledge wise. It is a cut throat business here. I have had owners from other shops offer me jobs right in front of my current boss. It is competitive to say the least.
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 03/15/2007 14:50:49
Yeah, my freind that worked at Ultimate electronics was pimped over to the Cartoys side right in front of his boss. Worked too, but he made manager in three months there after working Ultimate for a year. I probably will take the the pawnshop deal, as I'm pretty sure I wil make more money than working at 7-11 parttime. My current job situation blows, and except for the drunk college chicks, seems to be suicide inducing. So I'm looking for anything thats a step in the right direction here. Plus I think they are looking for the install bay as well, and they do not require MECP cert. at first, so I may be able to get in there. But I really need forty hours a week. Got paid today for 2 weeks, and made less than $400.
So basically the gas station attendant crap ain't gonna fly much longer. I had some fun, but much more hell. I can probably get full hours and .50+ more wage there. But I am not willing to take a step back on this and go back to resturants and the like. At least I can pimp me a few side jobs at a gas station.
Replies (9)
ttocs on 03/14/2007 23:02:47
do NOT go in acting like you know everything, if anything at all to be honest. Be willing to sweep the floors and clean the bathroom to get your foot in the door and start learning. Be dependable(I see soo many kids get let go for this stipid thing) and while you don't have to wear a suit, don't wear your favorite simpsons shirt either...
Do you have tools?????
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 03/14/2007 23:40:39
Oh I guess I should have mentioned that it is a salesman job. I would not have nearly close to the tools/expierence to start off as an installer. Once I start doing my own fiberglass and building more enclosures, then I will start hounding for an install position. The sales floor will be an excellent place for me to hone my skills. Definitely looking foward to this.
BTW I will make the floors and toilets sparkle just to say I work in a stereo shop. Show 'em a little resturant work ethic/reliability. I havent called in sick but about four times in as many years.
Definitly need to get more tools though. What do you guys think would be some solid purchases for installing tools/testing gear? I am very serious about staying in this line of work.
cplkittle on 03/15/2007 01:41:53
ask if there is a tool truck that comes by (matco, mac, snap on)
only buy tools that you need, these tools are VERY expensive, but nice.
I would suggest a good set of screwdrivers, metric nut drivers, (you will need a 5.5mm, 7mm, 8mm, and 10mm mostly, a good 3/8 drive socket set standard and metric, a good pair of crimpers.. my favorite pair is made by channel lock. you can strip wires alot faster with crimpers with a cutter end than you can with that silly pair with all the different size holes. needle nose pliers, a small torch, a good soldering iron, a good multimeter that will read ohms down to the tenth, a set of radio removal keys (ford, BMW, mercedes, VW). hex or alan wrenches ( I like the T handled ones) both standard and metric. a small flathead for adjusting amp gain and nothing else. Cordless drill and flashlight the best cordless drill I have ever used was a Ridgid 18v. You will need what is called a skewdriver (milwaukee makes a good one) tape measure, small hammer, LED flashlight, flourescent or LED droplight, wire brush for drill (removing paint for grounds), scissors, creeper, toolbox, magnetic tray, screwgun tips, torque bits (star shapes), drill bits, hole saw bits, slim jim, battery load tester, tap and die set, airbag safe test light (wakeon is a good brand), pick tools, panel removal tools (plastic or teflon), telescoping mirror and magnet, antenna sockets, air saw, left, straight, and right cutting tin snips, hemostats, a variety of snips (straight, side, and end cutting), small tool bag, clear plastic divided storage bin, small and large channel locks, ratcheting wrenches, test wires with alligator clip ends, dremel tool, putty knife, safety glasses, and sharipes.
That is pretty much what is in my tool box.
Optional tools:
air tools:
hand sander
sand blaster
impact wrench
blower nozzle
jig saw
reciprocating saw (sawzall)
scroll saw
hack saw
that should get you started... just kidding crimpers, screwdrivers, alan wrenches and a flashlight will get you started. It took me 4 years to accumulate everything I have.
The best advice I can give you is not to act too enthusiastic. Interested, but not like a kid in a candy shop.
Learn every feature of every item being sold. Especially the head units. Don't go out of your way to overexplain things, alot of people are shopping for cosmetics. point out the cool features and answer their questions. You will probably be taught to 'upsale' basically sell them a little more than what they need. I really hate to say it but if you are getting paid comission, it is hard to make a living being 100% honest. Do try to cover all the bases. If they are thinking about adding a second amp, sell them a larger size power wire so it dosen't have to be redone. That will lead to a sale of distribution blocks and a few other odds and ins.
Give it a little time, and if the installers are working after hours to finish things up, offer to help if the front doors are already closed. Installation knowledge will help you sell.
Most importantly - don't show them the ghetto hoopty bucket.
jamesp on 03/15/2007 08:27:29
Shootah, I would like to wish you good luck on your quest. I think mr kittle has offered you very sound advice. I would like to add a couple of common sense suggestions which I hope are totally unecessary as you sound like an intelligent young man with a passion for this field.
I have owned small retail business for almost 20 years now and while I never thought that I wanted the family business, I did indedd buy it in 1988. I have hired a lot of young people for part and full time positions and I can think of a couple the most common mistakes made at the interview level. I realize that times have changed, but first impressions are what makes and breaks the deal. Im sorry if I offend anyone here but I have never been able to get past someone showing up, seriously wanting a job in a hardware store no less, with a head and face full of piercings on display. Wear clothes that you are comfrotable in just make sure they are clean and presentable. Dont try to overwhelm the interviewer with your enthusiam, Ypu have it and they will see it.
It sounds like you are a very dependable person...that is very important. I have had so many tell me they really want/need and love to work, yet once hired, they cant seem to get to work on time for even the first week. So many flat tires and dead batteries and deaths in the family it is unreal...you get this point I am sure.
You may well be doing these people a favor by working for them...but they will not appreciate being told that (I know you would not do this) some do.
Give yourself some realistic goals..you should have this job in the bag...but if you are not where you want to be after a reasonable time...you decide how much time this is...find something or somewhere else..
This said, I must confess that I am the guy in the bad example, minus any piercings or tats, more than 30 years ago.. I was into partying a bit too much when I was young. I did get better and actually became a decent employee before I became an employer.
Good luck, I believe you have this gig in the bag.
PS. Dont show them the ghetto hoopty bucket.......till after you have proven your value to themGRIN
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 03/15/2007 10:39:27
Thanks for the advise/ support. You guys have been considered as freinds and mentors from the first day I signed on here. Big thanks on the over-enthuisasm advise, as I'm sitting here lit up like a Christmas tree with exitment. Perhaps I would have come on a little too strong. I am also wearing very nice and comfortable clothing, and it is very clean. Anyway I am off, I will keep you guys posted on the results.
PS Will park around back and walk to the front to keep the ghetto hoopty bucket outta view. Damn, and I just got replacement fogs for the broken fixtures that were on there.....oh well!
Thanks again guys! Say another prayer for me!
cplkittle on 03/15/2007 11:55:49
will do, good luck.
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 03/15/2007 14:07:57
I think this is the first time I ever showed up for an interview and the manager wasn't there. No reschedule either, just an offer for a call back. So I printed a couple of new resumes and hit up some other places, and a pawnshop with a dedicated sales floor for brand new gear and an install bay. (WOW) Aplplied and got me an interview for tommorrow at 1. MUST FIND CAR AUDIO JOB. UUUAAAAHHHH
cplkittle on 03/15/2007 14:37:18
be patient. I wouldn't jump at the pawnshop deal. I would carefully judge the character of the manager / owner. I would hate to see your first impression of retail car audio become a bad one like mine did. It is a really cool job, but rarely will it pay enough to be considered a career. When I was the manager of a car audio store, I made $600/week salary. As an installer it was $10-$12 / hour. I made more money as an installer believe it or not. I put in at least 60-65 hours a week in both cases.
Take from it what you can knowledge wise. It is a cut throat business here. I have had owners from other shops offer me jobs right in front of my current boss. It is competitive to say the least.
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 03/15/2007 14:50:49
Yeah, my freind that worked at Ultimate electronics was pimped over to the Cartoys side right in front of his boss. Worked too, but he made manager in three months there after working Ultimate for a year. I probably will take the the pawnshop deal, as I'm pretty sure I wil make more money than working at 7-11 parttime. My current job situation blows, and except for the drunk college chicks, seems to be suicide inducing. So I'm looking for anything thats a step in the right direction here. Plus I think they are looking for the install bay as well, and they do not require MECP cert. at first, so I may be able to get in there. But I really need forty hours a week. Got paid today for 2 weeks, and made less than $400.
So basically the gas station attendant crap ain't gonna fly much longer. I had some fun, but much more hell. I can probably get full hours and .50+ more wage there. But I am not willing to take a step back on this and go back to resturants and the like. At least I can pimp me a few side jobs at a gas station.
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