Pet Stylist - Deer Valley

As a Pet Stylist at Barkbus in Tempe, your responsibilities include providing luxury one-on-one grooming care for dogs, which involves bathing, cutting, shaving, and trimming hair. You’ll work independently in our state-of-the-art mobile grooming vans, ensuring each pup has a stress-free experience. Barkbus also provides the flexibility for you to spend additional time on special pups, supported by scheduling managed by our dedicated team.

To qualify for the Pet Stylist position at Barkbus, you need at least one year of professional grooming experience and a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Additionally, you should have the ability to lift and groom dogs weighing up to 50lbs, or preferably 75lbs and above. Strong communication skills are essential for interacting with customers, and familiarity with smartphones is a plus.

At Barkbus, Pet Stylists earn between $25 and $32 per hour, plus tips, allowing typical monthly earnings to range from $5,000 to $7,000. The structure is based on hourly pay rather than commission, reflecting our commitment to quality care. Additionally, you may be eligible for a bonus of up to $1,000 each month, making this a financially rewarding position.

Barkbus offers an extensive benefits package for Pet Stylists, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, pet insurance, a 401k retirement plan, and generous paid time off totaling 24 days annually. Furthermore, you can benefit from up to four company-paid certifications, ensuring your professional growth while enjoying free snacks and coffee at our van hubs.

The interview process for a Pet Stylist at Barkbus includes submitting your resume for initial consideration followed by a phone call to discuss your background. Next, you will have a 30-minute virtual meeting with a Grooming Manager to dive deeper into the role and ask questions. Finally, applicants go through an on-site grooming demonstration, known as the Pawdition, before receiving an offer letter pending a background check.

When answering this question, focus on the variety of techniques, such as specific clipping styles or grooming methods you excel at. Highlight your experience with different breeds and mention any specialized skills you have acquired, reinforcing how these techniques align with the quality care Barkbus prioritizes.

It's crucial to convey your approach to managing challenging situations. Talk about your patience, calming techniques, and any specific tools or methods you utilize to ensure a positive experience for the dog and yourself. Mention how Barkbus supports its groomers to provide the best care while maintaining a safe environment.

Discuss your previous experiences grooming in a mobile environment, such as managing your time efficiently, handling logistics, and maintaining equipment, while stressing the benefits of working independently in a setting like Barkbus where support is always available for scheduling and maintenance.

Your response should focus on your passion for animals and grooming, as well as your commitment to providing a streamlined and enjoyable experience for both pets and their owners. Highlight how being part of a team like Barkbus inspires you to give your all while creating memorable experiences for pups.

Share your strategies to create a calming environment, such as understanding dog body language, using soothing techniques, and building trust with every dog. Emphasize how this practice aligns with Barkbus’s mission of prioritizing a healthy and stress-free grooming experience.

Express your belief in the value of teamwork and collaboration, especially in a mobile grooming setup like Barkbus, where various teams support each other. Highlight examples of working closely with staff and communicating efficiently to provide the best service for the pups.

Discuss your methods of continuous learning, such as attending workshops, following reputable grooming sources on social media, or networking with fellow groomers. This shows your commitment to staying updated and aligned with Barkbus’s focus on quality grooming.

Explain your approach to interacting with pet owners, including how you build rapport, educate them about grooming processes, and address their concerns. Mention how Barkbus supports these interactions while prioritizing customer satisfaction.

Outline your cleaning regimen, stress the importance of hygiene, and share how you keep your tools organized. Connecting this to Barkbus’s high standards of care shows your alignment with their values.

In your answer, reflect on the values and culture of Barkbus that resonate with you the most, such as their commitment to dog well-being and employee growth. Highlight what you hope to achieve personally and professionally while contributing to the Barkbus family.