Hi from Northern VA

I am brand new to mystery shopping. In fact, I just applied to my first MSC today. I have been reading this forum like a text book for the past week. I just want to thank all of you for sharing your knowledge. I don't know if I could have developed a game plan for successfully starting without all the valuable information that I gathered from this site. That said, I am concerned my application from MF will be rejected. I am not confident about my narratives on the application test. I really need to improve on narratives. Any suggestions?

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Welcome to the forum! You learn to write and become comfortable with writing by writing. From your introductory comment you seem to have good control over the mechanics of writing, so I anticipate you will not have significant issues.

I always suggest that folks write up a basic piece about 'why I would make a good shopper' because that narrative shows up so frequently on applications and a basic piece of a good or bad retail or dining experience. Be factual, avoid opinions and superlatives. Be descriptive (six black birds sitting on the telephone wire) rather than vague (birds sitting on the wire). Read your sample narratives aloud to see if they 'sound' right and perhaps have someone else read your samples. Then when you see a narrative requirement you will have that saved version to copy/paste into your application.
Thanks. I just want to be as prepared as possible before I get an assignment. I am thinking of paying MSPA to take their Introduction to Mystery Shopping course. I realize the certificate isn't likely to get me a job but am hoping it will help me with the reports.
Flash, your stickies on the New Shoppers forum were so helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to prepare them.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/26/2016 08:38PM by Jennymckitty.
Jenny,
That course is mostly common sense, like that we need to be objective. It is unlikely to help with narratives except, perhaps, to warn against using superlatives!

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
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