Tips on applying for a job at an LBS...
 

2 months ago, I left my job as a biomedical research monkey, and I've been bumming around ever since. I now have a P/T job as a clinical research coordinator (a glorified administrative assistant), and I'm looking for something fun to do on the side.

Now, my resume is FILLED with tons of biomedical research experience, but I have NO customer service experience. The only thing I have is my love for cycling, and the wealth of knowledge that I've gleaned from spending half my waking hours reading these forums ;).

For those of you in the know, do you think I have any shot at landing a job?

Also, for those of you who own or manage LBSes, can you give me any tips for interviewing?

John

Based on my experience, that won't disqaulify you from a job at an LBS. :p

all they really care about is knowledge and love of cycling for the most part. the kids at one of lbs i go are so dumb they just make **** up.

There are several teenagers that work at my LBS, and even thought the look like your typical brain-dead hoodlums, they are knowledgable about bikes, don't show any disdain for someone of my advanced years, and are extremely helpful.

I told the owner I would work there for free, doing even scut work, cleaning up, whatever. He said I only wanted to get the employee discount. He's right, of course!

i said the teens at my lbs, how is that offensive????

employee discount... whatever... i just want to work with bikes. i bet i could still get stuff cheaper off ebay and with those oh-so-sweet 20% off performance coupons :)

If you do not need to work for money, you may look around your area for a charity that repairs bikes for underprivileged children or for people in the developing world. I heard an interview a while back about an organisation in Toronto that repairs bikes and sends them to Cuba. http://www.bikestocuba.org/

Have a look at this site for an example.
http://www.glen-net.ca/clarion/recycle.html

You think its that easy huh? I bet anybody would want to get a higher paying job and get to "work" at the lbs just sweeping up and hanging out to get the employee prices. The thing is, you have to WORK to get it, or have a really nice boss.

Tips on applying for a job at an LBS...
 

Just show a interest in gaining knowledge. Do not walk in with a "I know it all" attitude about bikes. Also be willing to accept that you will not make alot of cash doing so. Appearance really is not so important as customer skills. Also why shop at Performance if you can get it for less at a LBS if you work there? And faster than E-Bay with a guranteed NEW never used condition.

Some stuff, yes. If you ever start working at a LBS, you will grow to loathe ebay and mail-order; perhaps your urge to support them would subside.
As to your original question, knowledge from here is great, plus your natural love of cycling. However, it's more critical that you have a good understanding of the types of riding popular in your area and how that affects buying trends, along with being able to show some mechanical aptitude. This may be less critical if you are applying at a shop that has dedicated salespeople and mechanics, as opposed to people that perform both functions.