Getting a job opportunity as a zookeeper could be the next best thing for someone very passionate about animals.
When you have an interview for the position of zookeeper, you should be very optimistic about getting the job because it’s a job worth doing.
Although it could be quite strenuous because of the activities involved like taking care of animals, taking tourists around the zoo, and maybe battling with a crocodile while trying to give it breakfast so you won’t end up being one.
Nevertheless, the reward for your labor is satisfactory.
Statistics have shown that an average zookeeper earns 19,773 USD annually. That’s fair enough in my opinion and as expected, there will definitely be a raise with time and proven competence.
To work in a zoo, you need to have some certain skills like; being empathic, kind, and patient most importantly you must love animals and enjoy taking care of them also.
Let’s not forget that you have to have stamina and stability to be able to fetch some hay for the horses, clean the pig’s sty, or milk a cow’s udder.
So, when signing up for a job of this nature, you are ready for anything. To be able to apply for this job you should have had at least a degree in zoology, animal husbandry, animal nutrition, or animal care.
This should be your qualification for getting the job.
When going for an interview, you need to look as professional as possible because you need to make a good first impression to increase your chances of getting the job.
The normal zookeeper’s outfit is boots, khakis, and a T-shirt with a jacket that has many pockets for carrying tools around.
Great outfits to wear to a Zookeeper interview
Table of Contents
For the interview, I’d give some tips for what you should consider wearing in the table below.
| Outfits for a zookeeper interview | Men | Women |
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| Pants |
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| Shoes |
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| Dress |
Polo Ralph Lauren shirt button-down
This is a great choice when you’re thinking about what to wear for the interview.
It’s made of 100% cotton material making it very breathable and comfortable.
You will most likely have your interview in a work environment, so you should be ready to even do a little heavy lifting or grab some hay for the horses, or shadow a fellow zookeeper as they milk a cow.
Your employer might want to observe your connection with the animals and how passionate you are for the job without actually asking you directly so the little things you do matters.
PROS
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- machine washable
- available in different shades
CONS
- Not bleachable
Oxford stripe regular shirt for men
This simple shirt is made of 60% cotton and 40% polyester which makes it a fair choice.
This gives a classy and quirky look, It’s both available in short sleeves, it’s comfortable and breathable.
You need to be as relaxed as possible so too tight clothing shouldn’t be an option.
It is also available in different colors and shades, machine washable and could be ironed before wearing.
PROS
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Perfect fit
- Sleeves option
- Machine washable
Tailored cargo pants for men
This boohooMAN slim-fit trouser never runs out of style, it is a very professional look to rock.
It is also available in earthy colors like muddy brown and coffee, it is tailored to give you an instant edge.
You will appear, soft because of the hue and at the same time sharp. Best worn with a shirt that complements the color, like mint green or copper.
You could pair them also with a jacket, cotton, or faux leather. The fact that you can appear stylish doesn’t mean you can get your hands dirty.
PROS
- Stylish
- Available in different colors
- Quite formal
CONS
- Not machine washable
- Does not support bleaching
Skinny stretch paint detail jeans for men
This denim is made up of 98% cotton and 2% elastin, this fabric screams Conformability and flexibility.
Plus rib roll neck top for women
This piece is particularly comfortable and confident. Normally the neck tops look very formal and classy.
This plain top is available in different colors and could be paired with a pair of jeans or a satin skirt to finish the look.
Did I mention super stretchy? This is very stretchy to allow movement with ease during your interview in case you might need to lift a thing or two.
Try to show as little skin as possible, you’ll most likely be taking care of animals so you need to be as protected as possible plus it’s an interview, not a house party. First impression matters.
PROS
- Super stretchy
- Comfortable
- Protective
- In style
White woven shirt for women
This comes as a long-sleeved top, very formal and breathable. Button-through and preppy collar, it’s a classy look also very formal and a great choice.
It’s made of 97% cotton and 3% elastin, it is machine washable. You could also pair this with jeans and overdress or blazer. Nothing too formal though, you do not want to be overdressed.
PROS
- Breathable
- Formal
- Machine washable
- Comfortable
Satin leopard ruffle wraps midi skirt
This satin wrap skirt is the right choice, it is soft, flowy and a classy option.
It can be worn during the summer but isn’t such a great option during winter because it is very light textured and can’t keep you warm.
Don’t forget it has leopard prints all over it giving off the canine vibes. It’s made of 100% polyester and it’s machine washable.
PROS
- Classy
- Comfortable
- Multiple colors
- Animal vibes
- Machine washable
CONS
- Light textured
- Can’t keep warm
Woven button detail skater midi skirt
This classy high waist skirt is an ideal skirt, could be paired with a to-the-neck blouse and either a worker boot or some ballet flats.
Just know how to combine the colors well and know to try not to appear like a rainbow.
It is made of 100% polyester so it’s lightweight and moisture repellent, making sure that when you sweat it rolls off your skin and evaporates.
PROS
- Classy
- Comfortable
- Machine washable
- Lightweight
- Moisture-repellent
CONS
- Not bleachable
- Iron lightly
Ditsy midi dress for women
This amazing piece is available in different colors and sizes, it’s super comfortable that allows you to move freely without restrictions.
It comes in various styles so you can narrow down your options and decide to choose whatever you want to wear.
PROS
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Available in different colors
- Available in different styles
- Machine washable
CONS
- Cool ironing
- Do not bleach
Woven crepe culotte for women
This is a pair of formal pants that will go with any great blouse, whether button-down shirts or neck blouse.
They could also go well with a blazer or a jacket, just think creativity. It’s made of 95% polyester and 5% elastin so it’s very comfortable, breathable, and flexible.
PROS
- Flexible
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Machine washable
- Available in different colors
- Could be paired with many things
Wide fit zip detail hiker boo for women
Knowing that you could be interviewed in a workspace, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to switch things a little.
Ditch your favorite pair of heels for this interview and dare to look formal in a different way.
This boot with the side zip detail is a beautiful shoe to rock with either your dress, skirt, or pants. Great choice.
Unisex Worker boot
This shoe has great grip and traction control. It is available in different colors and sizes for both men and women, definitely a good choice.
Round-toe ballet flats for women
These super comfortable shoes are the ideal slippers for your interview. They’re very cushioned, comfortable, and gives you room to flex your feet when you want to.
They are available in so many colors but I think you should go with the leopard print color, it could earn you more points.
Tips on dressing up for your Zookeeper’s interview
All these and many more are great options when you’re preparing for your interview, aside from thinking of what to wear you need to also arm yourself on how to respond to the questions you will be asked.
I hope you know that the silliest answer to “why do you want this job?† Is far from “I love animalsâ€. This is the most predictable and stereotypical answer that you could give.
Instead, tell them about your pet at home and how you go on walks, how you take your time to groom them, and just how you enjoy their company.
You don’t need to fake any emotion because I believe once you start talking about your pet, and everything you’re saying is true you can’t keep the joy out of your voice.
Your interviewer will see the joy pouring off you like a smoke machine and will register to themselves that you’re passionate about animals.
There have been some rumors that because being a zookeeper is a dirty job ( because of the scrubbing, cleaning, and taking care of animals) you need to look shabbily dressed to give the impression that you can work with your hands and get down dirty, that is wrong.
You don’t need to appear unkempt, you need to appear as professional as possible. Let your curriculum vitae (CV) and the way you answer questions do the talking.
Practice proper hygiene, your employer shouldn’t be worried about you giving their animals germs because of how shabby you appear.
Related topics:
Final words
Clip your nails, visit the salon and get shaved, use deodorant and antiperspirant if possible.
It’s also part of your job to give visitors a tour around the zoo and show them all the animals in their natural habitat.
Seeing that you will be in close contact with little kids and adults alike, you should be polite and wear a big smile.
Have proper etiquette too, take up classes on how to relate with people and how to treat them.
You will definitely come across different types of people from different race, backgrounds, and religion with all their beliefs but you should be smart enough to work your way around.
Always keep the kids entertained by telling them made-up stories about each animal to keep them fascinated and make sure they come back for more.
Most Zoos require that you’re interviewed twice, on the first interview you come very formally, while on the second interview you can opt for more casual attires.
You may be asked to work alongside an already employed zookeeper to watch how you handle animals and how you carry out instructions while working with a colleague.
So you’re supposed to wear khaki pants with a T-shirt and some boots because you’ll probably be working and standing for quite a while.
If you’re called for a second interview, you should keep your fingers crossed because your chances of getting the job is quite high so you need to be top of your game and make sure you don’t throw away your chances of getting the job.
Resist the urge to stutter when answering questions, go straight to the point but don’t be too forward. Sometimes you have to digress a little to make your point known.
Being a zookeeper is quite an interesting job so as you prepare for your interview, get all your facts right, don’t assume that you know everything.
Look up animals online In case you’re asked about their behaviors and feeding habits, if you’re not aware of the little things trust me your outfit is the least you should be worried about, at least I’ve helped with it.
Don’t forget to exhale, good luck getting the job.