what to wear to a harbor freight interview?

admin

I have an interview at harbor freight for a sales associate. i'm 19 and it would be my first job.  what should I wear to the interview? thanks
Reply:Hmmmm.   Good question. I'd go visit the closest HF and see what the employees are wearing.Then wear something nicer but not way over the top nicer.
Reply:I'd wear a button down shirt, likely not a tie, and nice pants and dress shoes.
Reply:Simple, business casual.  Button down shirt tucked in, khakis, nice shoes. And, don't tell them the truth about their tools....might ruin the chances! Craig MontgomeryM&L Fabrication, LLChttps://www.facebook.com/pages/ML-Fa...8228829?ref=hl
Reply:What about a white shirt with a bunch of 20% off coupons on it ??
Reply:I only wish the people coming here to look for a job dressed like that 7A749.I don't think the ones I've seen really wanted to work.Miller 252Miller Bobcat 225Lincoln MigPak 1801959 Hyster forkliftHarris OA torch
Reply:Originally Posted by montgoc3Simple, business casual.  Button down shirt tucked in, khakis, nice shoes. And, don't tell them the truth about their tools....might ruin the chances!
Reply:A $0.99 rain poncho modified into a tee shirt that almost covers your nipples until midway through the interview (the most important part) when it falls apart.  They'll get the joke and hire you on the spot.Syncrowave 300Maxtron 450, S-52E, 30A
Reply:I used to work for Cummins tools, which is basically like horrible freight on wheels. The dress isn't all that important just make sure it is neat. Everything said above is good. They mainly want to make sure you have a positive attitude and will go out of your way to help the customers. They can teach you about the tools later. You never want to do a "point sale," which is just pointing to where the item is located and sending the customer on their way. Most everything else will be common sense. Good luck!Millermatic250Miller Spoolmate 200Miller Spoolmatic 1Lincoln tombstone with century DC converter1945 K.O. Lee company stick welder (looks like R2D2)Miller 30E feederHobart AH27 FeederMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC
Reply:Go to their web site and read some about the company, tell them your personal motto is "Always a professional"Have you been in the store how do they dress?  Try something close. I seem to remember they where kaki pants and red shirts polo style, so dark kaki and a polo shirt would be in order, no wrinkles of course.Do a quick cram on the tools they sell, know a bit about how they might be used? You want to stand out as a knowledgable person that comes to an interview with a clue. They will train you as to how to do what they do.Best of luck and treat the job as if it is for life, of course it is just a stepping stone. But every job teaches you something you can take with you as a skill to the next one. Like your job, so many do not like what they do for a living. Like the job that is giving you a pay check, dislike it after you move on.Cheers,Greg
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749... Looking like you slept in your clothes isn't a good idea..
Reply:Congratulations on the interview and good luck.  Big step and hope you get it.  The first three responses are what I would say. If you can, spring for a new white button down shirt.  Please wear an undershirt and black socks.  If you try a new set of clothes, most dress shirt and pants makers have what is called "Travel collection" that don't need dry cleaning. Some pants are "stain resistant" so if you spill a coke it will wipe right off.  JC Penny's and other department stores will have what you need, or whatever chain clothes stores you might have (we have Steinmart down here).Couple of my own tips.  Be early, like 30 minutes early.  My bro in law says "if you're 10 minutes early, you're 5 minutes late for work."  Brush your teeth right before and check in a mirror: your hair, teeth, shirt tucked in, belt squared in the front, fly zipped (it's happened to me), shoes tied.Like was said, talk directly to the interviewer.  Offer your hand first and introduce yourself. Stand until offered a seat.  Look at the person, not at the floor or other things in the room.  Dont' mumble and if you don't know something, admit it without shame and say "I don't know the answer to that, but I'd like to learn" (or "I will find out for you").  Please, thank you, etc.The fact that you care to ask what to wear is really a good sign.  Keep up that attitude and you will go far, maybe run the store some day, or further.Wish I could meet you in person given that you care enough to ask.Good luck and let us know how it goes.Last edited by RodJ; 03-15-2013 at 09:41 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by RodJ new white button down shirt, wear and undershirt,
Reply:Where a pair of very thick glasses, Shorts, a Tank Top, Tongs & a Pointed Straw Hat or Silky Pajamas. Tell them you want the supervisor job only! Oh & almost forgot be eating a bowl of Chicken Fried rice during the interview!Example: Attached Images
Reply:Bright orange.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:What ever you wear make sure the tags are showing and they say "Made in China". Dress nice. Dress clean. Shave. Don't reek of whore-lure. Firm hand shake. Don't stare at the floor; eye contact says confident. Clean trimmed nails. No chewing gum. Bring an extra copy of your resume. Laugh at there jokes politely but don't make any yourself. Don't bring friends. Breath!  It speaks well that you care enough to ask. Good start. God, I've seen just about every dip-schit walk through the door......hate to think of them......200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Spinoff:What would you guys wear to a welding job interview? Best work shirt, clean work paints, and nicely worn boots?
Reply:m_martin53All of the hygienic recommendations are a sage.Your dress for the interview should broadly represent the client base of HF:i.e., carpenters generally wear brown & taupe, steel workers wear black & blue, mechanics wear everything, because they put on coveralls.The bulk of HF client wear the clothes hamper.This may sound lite-weight, but Rodj recommendation to wear an undershirt is key, because: color coordination commands the senses before you ever open your mouth.A new under-shirt, a button-down [long sleeve, open collar] shirt, with pants, belt and shoes,that are color coordinated, will set you apart from all others - without saying anything.To get the job don't dress-up, dress with understanding.  You must be comfortable in your clothes, or you'll never be comfortable on the job.Best wishes . . . .Opus
Reply:I also helps to read up on the company and know a little about their business goals and practices so that you are if asked questions you can respond in a knowledgable manner.  All the advice about attire and hygenie is spot on.
Reply:@m_martin53 - the (legit) attire tips above are spot on, especially 7A749's.  Certain you're all over the items below, but wanted to post as a reminder:The Homework* Market Research.  Know what they sell (e.g. tool/equipment selections), where they sell (ie. number of stores worldwide, country of origin of manufacturer), who they sell to (ie. customer base...homeowners, hobbyists, professionals), whythey sell (ie. value-added seller on a reduced budget, variety, 3-to-1 cost ratio), and when they sell (ie. hours of operation)* Corporate Structure and History.  Basic facts on their business structure, annual revenue, and their "5Ws" motivating their launch in 1977 by Eric Smidt.  In addition, know their return and exchange policies.* Competitors.  Know their top-3 competitors.  Understand that HF tools are cheaper for consumer to buy, but 'deals' are always lurking at Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.The Interview* Arrive 15min early.  Remember, "early is on-time, on-time is late"* Project with absolute professionalism, courtesy, and sincerity that you know HF, will manage people and processes effectively while increasing their bottom line and striving towards employee retention, and that you are fully committed to the goals/vision at HF.* You want the interviewer to think, "He's a perfect fit for us.  Talented, knowledgable, and hard-working with the right blend of skills, knowledge, and abilities.  Wish that we found him sooner."Best fortune with your interview and let us know when you are selected for the position at HF."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by RodJCouple of my own tips.  Be early, like 30 minutes early.  My bro in law says "if you're 10 minutes early, you're 5 minutes late for work."  Brush your teeth right before and check in a mirror: your hair, teeth, shirt tucked in, belt squared in the front, fly zipped (it's happened to me), shoes tied.
Reply:Originally Posted by tadawsonI dunno . . . I used to interview quite a bit, and folks that showed up that early pissed me off - it showed a complete lack of respect for my time.  Even if I had nothing else going on, I made certain they had a nice long sit in the waiting area. Appointments are for specific times for a reason . . . too early and too late are both bad to me.  Hit +/- 5 mins and I'm good . . .- Tim
Reply:Originally Posted by InkydoggyWhere a pair of very thick glasses, Shorts, a Tank Top, Tongs & a Pointed Straw Hat or Silky Pajamas. Tell them you want the supervisor job only! Oh & almost forgot be eating a bowl of Chicken Fried rice during the interview!
Reply:@ 7A749 - On mark.  SA situational awareness, and route analysis.  Think Ahead.  So true."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by Killroy1942Spinoff:What would you guys wear to a welding job interview? Best work shirt, clean work paints, and nicely worn boots?Wear a shirt that says Shamiqua on it in graffiti letters and you got the job I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Be sure to tell them how much Harbor Freight crap you've bought over the years. "USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumBe sure to tell them how much Harbor Freight crap you've bought over the years.
Reply:@ 7A749 - Mahalo for sharing.  Early is "on-time", on-time is late.  YOU controlled the clock and the outcome on a employer-induced negative situation.  Perfect.  Great advice for all."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Everyone here has given good advice about dress...I generally advise dressing one step above what you would wear at the job.  In this case, I'd wear black leather shoes with laces, black socks, khaki pants (any color, really, as long as it is a Docker-style pant...not jeans, no need for true dress pants, unless you already have them), a black belt, a button down dress shirt (or neat polo would be fine).  If your idea of a colorful wardrobe is black, gray, and white (like most young men), have your mom or girlfriend help you pick out a shirt which matches the pants and looks good on you (girls will know this, even if you don't).  Groomed well (shower, wash hair, shave (unless you normally wear a beard...then trim it up), wear deodorant, go easy on any cologne if you normally wear it, clean and neat clothing. It doesn't hurt to brush your teeth or have a breath mint before you leave the house for an interview, either.My biggest advice to ANY late teen/early 20's, though, is NEVER use the phrase, "I KNOW," when your boss or the person training you is speaking to you.  It instantly ends the conversation and marks you as 'unteachable.'  As the new guy on the job, you DON'T KNOW.  Even if you do understand the first sentence out of the person's mouth, you will stop him or her from sharing further and giving you the ability to learn something new.  Believe me, I've been there and I've done that...and I have teenagers at home right now, so I see the other side of it.  Your new boss isn't really going to expect you to know much...he is going to expect you to have a positive attitude and be WILLING TO LEARN...which requires a lot of shutting up while other people talk and share.  Of course, you always look good when you ask appropriate questions, but then let the other person talk, until he is done.If you find you have done something 'wrong,' always lead with "I am sorry."  Don't make excuses, don't blame someone else, don't try to avoid blame.  "I am sorrry, please show me the correct way, so I will know the next time" will get you out of a LOT of trouble in your early years at work.  People expect you to make mistakes, but they also expect you to be a man and own up to those mistakes, learn the correct way, and do better next time.  Of course, it is always OK to say you are sorry to customers when they have a problem with the company, "I am sorry that Harbor Freight did not meet your expectations today, is there some way I can help fix this problem?"I don't think it's taught anymore, but be polite.  Yes sir, no sir, please, thank you.  These are the keys to dealing with people.  Don't use "I'm sorry," unless you made a mistake.  Minor infractions, like accidentally bumping into someone or getting in someone's way simply need, "Excuse me."  NEVER cut off a customer (give the customer the 'right of way' in the store...they should not ever be pausing to let you go by...always let them go first).  Use the phrase, "My pleasure" when a customer says thank you, not "You are welcome."  AND NEVER say "Thank you" as a response to "Thank you."  I don't know why it is common now, but it is never correct.  Use "My pleasure" as the response to thank you.  Smile when you are addressing customers.  A smile on your face makes a smile in your voice.Turn off your cell phone and put away your iPod at work, unless you are on an official break.  The company won't want to be paying you to talk to your friends, while you are getting paid to work.Some day, if you apply yourself well to your job, you will be the guy the boss asks to train new people, then the new guys get to listen to you talk all day...because you will then have the EXPERIENCE needed to tell others what to do.  In the beginning, it is simply your job to learn the job well and work hard.Good luck on the job!  I'll bet it is exciting to be entering the workforce.  Let us know how it goes.kevLast edited by Machine_Punk; 03-17-2013 at 05:36 PM.Kevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:I'd go with the bono safety goggles, or my personal favorite, the moron lamp: Attached Images
Reply:Dress for success... Attached Images"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by machine_punkmy biggest advice to any late teen/early 20's, though, is never use the phrase, "i know," when your boss or the person training you is speaking to you.  It instantly ends the conversation and marks you as 'unteachable.'  as the new guy on the job, you don't know.
Reply:"Match the leather": brown shoes--> brown belt black shoes--> black belt As mentioned above, your proper appearance demonstrates attention to detail and respect for the potential employer.____________________Retro_shopLincoln V300 ProLincoln LN-25 w/ Tweco #4 gunCobramatic 150-003 w/ push-pull gunMiller Dynasty 200
Reply:Interesting. I'm not sure he has even logged in since he posted this. Wonder how it went?
Reply:Originally Posted by Machine_Punk...NEVER use the phrase, "I KNOW," when your boss or the person training you is speaking to you.  It instantly ends the conversation and marks you as 'unteachable.'  As the new guy on the job, you DON'T KNOW. ...
Reply:Originally Posted by dallas_Interesting. I'm not sure he has even logged in since he posted this. Wonder how it went?
Reply:OK, 7A749.You can have the tutu!  The mere mention of tables and chairs and flights of stairs for party rentals gives me the willies.  We did have some satisfaction when we got the plates and silverware back from rentals.  We would put them all through a steam machine/washer to sanitize stuff.  Then we would let Chipper the monkey handle it and lick the spoons or whatnot.  He liked it and the boss was happy. Life was good and minimum wage was maybe $2.50 an hour. There were some interesting girls next door at the taxi stand, but they were above my pay grade at the time."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder