Step 7 of the PW Hiring Process
You are currently viewing Step 7 of the hiring process at Pet World Lawrence.
1. Learn more about our rehoming center
2. Apply online
3. Complete text interview
4. Complete phone interview
5. Complete observation and prescreening
6. Complete in-person or video chat
7. Complete Paid Internship
PAID INTERNSHIP (no obligation)
(10-20 hours total depending on individual progress per zone)
$10-$12 an hour
While most academic and industry specific careers expect applicants to complete three to six month unpaid internships, we think that's unnecessarily long and that at least a little compensation is appropriate for this part. To us, an internship is like the final part of the interview process and takes commitment from both employee and employer. We believe it's important for a new hire to get a realistic look at what the job will entail. However, shadowing takes company time and not all new hires have the financial resources to complete long, traditional, unpaid internships. So we meet you in the middle and offer moderate compensation for a short internship.
At any point during the internship phase, the company is free to withdraw the job offer and applicants are free to decline the offer. No hard feelings either way.
Intern Level 1
(your first 1 - 2 hours)
Observation Only: $10 an hour for your time
For your first 60-90 minutes shadowing in fish and reptiles you'll carefully observe an associate while they work. During your prescreen we confirmed after a few minutes in each zone that you had no fears, allergies, or limitations that would prevent you from doing the job. This 60-90 minute shadowing will give you a more in depth perspective to help you decide if you want to keep pursuing employment. You’ll have a backstage pass to watch our staff in action and see if you’d like to do what they do. You’ll observe our opening or closing procedures and try to keep up!
Intern Level 2
(up to six hours)
Guided Participation: $11 hourly rate
After shadowing in a zone for 60-90 minutes at Level 1, if you’re thinking you want the job, Level 2 shifts provide the opportunity for hands-on learning with a trainer. You’ll work side by side for the same 60-90 minute procedure that you observed and practice what you’ve seen demonstrated. You are still in the interview and internship stage at this point and either party is free to part ways at any time with no obligation to the other.
Intern Level 3
(your final 1.5 - 2 hours per zone, plus two "solo" shifts)
Demonstration: $12 hourly rate
After one Level 2 shift, interns still seeking employment will attempt to complete their next shift (exact same procedure) with only supervision and little to no help. At the end of your attempt, your trainer will decide if your shift qualifies as Level 3 or if you’ll need to try again. Interns have up to two attempts to demonstrate competency and independence. If the third attempt still requires more than basic supervision we’ll need to reevaluate whether or not the job is well suited to your work style.
You are still not officially hired at this point. We're merely compensating you for the required part of your interview that is basically an internship. As soon as your performance demonstrates Level 3 proficiency you’ll be given a few longer Level 3 intern shifts to practice independence (with trainers accessible but at a distance). Typically you’ll need to demonstrate two Level 3 shifts, each two or three hours long, and decide you are 100% committed to completing the paid apprenticeship before your trainers will recommend you for the program. At this time, if you decide to to accept a paid apprenticeship, you’ll need to complete New Hire Orientation (if you haven’t already).
8. Complete Orientation
9. Begin Paid Apprenticeship
10. Complete Apprenticeship and officially join the team!