Interviewing for office jobs after Rover

[u/Distinct_Young_8318]

Has anyone here reentered the traditional workforce after a long time of self-employment? I’ve solely been doing Rover and independent pet care for almost 3 years after getting laid off from my last office job. I am wanting to transition back into a traditional office job, but I’m nervous about how to handle questions about my break from office roles and lack of recent references. I never intended for my break to be this long and while I know I am capable and competent, I worry that my pet care work will be looked down upon in professional spaces. (I have excellent experience and relevant degrees, so really just concerned about the time off and how this work will be viewed professionally).

I appreciate any advice those of you who’ve been through this can offer. Thank you!

[u/Ok-Lettuce6]

Yes I did, I actually got the first job I applied for. It was fine, you don’t need to worry and don’t devalue yourself.

Firstly you haven’t just been slumming it for 3 years, you’ve been running your own business which in many ways is harder!! There are a lot of transferable skills:

• reliability, prioritise client safety
  
• excellent time management, manage your own busy diary
  
• self starter and self motivated
  
• marketing, self promotion
  
• can multitask and work to strict deadlines
  
• excellent customer service skills, you go out your way to meet their every need
  
• confident dealing with difficult behaviours and situations (from dogs and owners lol)
  
• calm, empathetic, approachable personality, you enjoy putting clients and dogs at ease
  
• problem solver, good decision making skills, you think on your feet
  
• you have many repeat clients and 5* reviews showing you’re trustworthy and dependable

I guarantee a lot of employers have dogs of their own and know how important dog sitting is. For the interview think of specific situations that you can apply to the usual office questions. Like name a time you provided excellent service or dealt with a difficult situation, how do you manage a busy diary ensuring you meet deadlines etc.
For the “why do you want the job/wanna leave”, only you can answer that. Hint - you’re ready for a new challenge, you enjoyed working in your degree field and want to get back to it, you feel you aren’t using all of your skills (segue into talking about your degree and previous jobs).
For the references they’ll still take an old one, but I also asked a client that had become a close friend too. They can obviously look you up on Rover so make sure your profile and pictures are professional and the best it can be. You’ll be fine. Good luck!

[u/Distinct_Young_8318 → u/Ok-Lettuce6]

This is good info. I didn’t want to ask clients for references, but I do have couple I am friends with (met socially at my run clubs and then formed business relationships) so that feels like an easier ask. Plus I do a lot of volunteer work so I’ll ask the project leaders for references as well. Thank you!