Have an upcoming interview with a Guide service

Interviewing with a guiding service. They are an AMGA certified guide service and all that. I'm wondering what kind of questions I should expect to be asked and what would be good questions for me to ask them.  

B U wrote: Interviewing with a guiding service. They are an AMGA certified guide service and all that. I'm wondering what kind of questions I should expect to be asked and what would be good questions for me to ask them.  

Seems obvious. Expect questions about your experience and training.

FrankPS wrote:

Since you asked, you probably aren't ready. Expect questions about your experience and training.

Frank, bud, maybe answering questions right when you wake up isn't your strong suit. They probably just have some nerves going into the interview and are properly ready for all we know. 

Im not sure about guide specific questions, but standard interview questions can be found online, like "what kind of upward advancement is available at the company?" And "what's a typical day look like?" Just showing them you are interested. 

i’m sure you thought of these but:

i would ask them about ratios and group size. it’s hard to provide a good / safe experience if they’re going to drop you in with ten people on your first day. 

maybe also ask them how busy they’ll keep you as well. if you’re expecting full time work and you’re only out a day a week, it would also be hard.

and are you leading on their gear? what happens if something gets lost or broken?

are you a contractor or employee, insurance coverage?
good luck 

M Alexander wrote:

Frank, bud, maybe answering questions right when you wake up isn't your strong suit. They probably just have some nerves going into the interview and are properly ready for all we know. 

Im not sure about guide specific questions, but standard interview questions can be found online, like "what kind of upward advancement is available at the company?" And "what's a typical day look like?" Just showing them you are interested. 

A fellow SLO county person chiding me? I thought we were brothers. :)

Bring donuts.
And weed.
You'll be golden. 

don't forget the weed ...noob

the most important question is are you a W-2 employee or 10-99. If you work as a subcontractor (10-99) then regardless of what they tell you, you are not protected by workers compensation insurance. For me working as a guide this has been a non-starter when talking to potential employers.

FrankPS wrote:

A fellow SLO county person chiding me? I thought we were brothers. :)

I just expect the best, Pinnacles and Bishop require it ;)

Russ Walling wrote: They will ask about the Phlebak knot and how to tie a succession of Brachsembli links to incorporate into a controlled descent for more than one injured climber.
If you are not fast and solid on those t,wo, you might have go and make a real income working in the big mouse head at Chuck E. Cheese.

Well this is all well and good assuming you are following the AMGA's 2013 codes, as of 2017 the Phlebak really seems to take a back seat to the Schnearling Seat. 

wes calkins wrote: the most important question is are you a W-2 employee or 10-99. If you work as a subcontractor (10-99) then regardless of what they tell you, you are not protected by workers compensation insurance. For me working as a guide this has been a non-starter when talking to potential employers.

To make it worse, 1099 earnings are generally subject to a 15% self employment tax on top of the usual taxes. And since that's never withheld, you run a good chance of penalty and interest for under-withholding. Yea, it's a sucky situation.

B U wrote: Interviewing with a guiding service. They are an AMGA certified guide service and all that. I'm wondering what kind of questions I should expect to be asked and what would be good questions for me to ask them.  

No need to subject yourself to such dishonor, I have a job for you digging ditches that'll pay double!

The only good thing about sub contracting is you can write off much , much more of your income. the bad thing is liability and workmans comp as well as self employment tax. 

Tradiban wrote:

No need to subject yourself to such dishonor, I have a job for you digging ditches that'll pay double!

Only if you wear a onsie while he drinks a beer and fingers his belly button. 

In all seriousness though, as how many days in a row they will work you. Be ready for that. Busy guide service I worked for would have me on schedule over 40 days in a row. Can't remember the most I worked without a day off but it was in the 50s. Cut hey while the suns up though.

BigCountry wrote:

Only if you wear a onsie while he drinks a beer and fingers his belly button. 

In all seriousness though, as how many days in a row they will work you. Be ready for that. Busy guide service I worked for would have me on schedule over 40 days in a row. Can't remember the most I worked without a day off but it was in the 50s. Cut hey while the suns up though.

You're trying pretty hard to tie in that onesie thing, I guess that counts for something. 

I'm not really into handouts so I would hire you too, ya know, as charity thing.

Tradiban wrote:

You're trying pretty hard to tie in that onesie thing, I guess that counts for something. 

I'm not really into handouts so I would hire you too, ya know, as charity thing.

Lmao no charity needed I'm not on here looking for or asking about work. Or whining like a pansie ass

Sorry about the derail, get this back on track and help buddy. That means hush Tradsie

I would make sure you know how to tie a clove hitch

BigCountry wrote:

Lmao no charity needed I'm not on here looking for or asking about work. Or whining like a pansie ass

Sorry about the derail, get this back on track and help buddy. That means hush Tradsie

Got ya! 

You need trolling tips hit me up at: 951-527-7959

BU, here's somethings to do in your interview:

- DON'T say you "fell in love" with climbing, it's just weird.

-DON'T exaggerate your skills. You will be found out quickly.

- Dress nice, not "nice" like for a real job, you will look pretentious, dress outdoors "nice", Patagucci short sleeve will do. Prana if you are a sport climber.

-Smile with eye contact and use complete sentences.

-Act confident, even if you are just a dirty bag.

-Write down your basic questions (pay, work hours, required gear, etc) and bring them with you for reference.

There's alot more but I'm busy making money, I'm sure these desk jockeys can fill you in on the rest.

Godspeed!

The figure of eight and the bow line

Hiring managers for jobs like this are looking at your skills, and how well you’ll follow policy. For example, they may ask you “The client is injured, what should do you do first?” What you do for your injured buddy is not the answer they want. The problem is, you don’t know their policy/rules, so make educated guesses. If not, all your answers suggest you are a rogue employee or free spirit who follows his own rules. That means you create liabilities, and won’t make it past the first round. And what everybody else said, except FrankPS’s first post.