Occupations you've used on shops...

FULL DISCLOSURE: I may use this thread as the basis for an article in Mystery Shopper Magazine. If I do, no names will be used in the article, although I may contact you via PM for further information.

On many shops, over the course of the interaction, the salesperson will likely ask your occupation. I'm wondering what some of our members have used as occupations. Some of the occupations I've used, in no particular order:

Chef
Freelance Writer/Photographer [and variations thereof]
Artist
Nuclear Reactor Sales
Medical Supply Sales
Railroad [Engineer/Conductor/Freight Agent]
Locomotive Salesman for GE

Except for the sales jobs, I have experience with the others.

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Have PV-500 & willing to travel.
"Answers are easy. It's asking the right questions which is hard." (The Fourth Doctor, The Face of Evil, 1977)

"Somedays you're the pigeon, somedays you're the statue.” J. Andrew Taylor

"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." Galileo Galilei

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/27/2014 08:08PM by James Bond 007.5.

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I never really thought about using a fake occupation. I always used my real one: Pipeline Engineer.

Shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado. 33 year old male and willing to travel!

Corporate trainer - always gets a yawn
If they ask for details - HIPPA (doesn't get drier than that)

Technical document translator - works as I have an accent - again, dry and non exciting

If asked, I am a manufacturer's representative, which was true. If asked what kind of products the answer is sporting goods, mostly soccer, which was also true. It's also a good asnwer to "do you live around here?" As a rep I worked close to any place I now shop.

I have used:

Pharmaceutical sales rep
Medical Staff Coordinator
Insurance sales
Insurance underwriter

I have held all of these positions at one time, so they flow pretty easily in any given scenario.

I am a substitute teacher and I use that. Gives me the perfect excuse to be in the various towns in the area.

When I have to use an alias, I stick with what I know.

Dental Supply Rep
Dentist
Dental Hygienist
Dental Insurance Specialist
Photographer
Caterer
Direct of Human Resources
Enrollment Specialist

.............................................................................................

**Throw me to the wolves and I'll come back leading the pack!**

Economist, medical ethicist, therapist working with PTSD cases, analyst at NSA (aka No Such Agency), fact checker for documentary writers and film makers, lots of job titles that make it easy to say that I cannot tell you what I do (Works well near military and intelligence agency locations, which abound from the Carolinas to New England.)

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.

Mystery shopper

(heart)

I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

Graphic Design
Teacher (I really was)
Editor
Social Media manager for a company

I mainly use Consultant or Bookkeeper.

One time I said that I was a Caterer, and the target wanted to get my information for a party she was planning. You can imagine how I was trying to get out of THAT one!

I have used
Product Innovations specialist which admitted I stole as it was given to me for one high end bank shop.
Private security
Forensic Monetary Analyst

I know a little about each and can fake it well.

Shopping Western NY, Northeast and Central PA, and parts of Ohio and West Virginia. Have car will travel anywhere if the monies right.

Adult film star. They just look at me and laugh. I kid, of course.

Computer Programmer (my real life profession, when I am working)
Owner of a music studio (because my husband has one in our basement)

I just say teacher...which I actually am. Boring.

I actually work as a literary agent. Usually I pretend the friends I take to dinners are clients, or I'm meeting a client in a hotel.

I usually stick with what I know and maybe vary it slightly but sometimes it's fun to have fun.

Theoretical ethics consultant is one I use from time to time

Armed Security Officer
Author
Actor

Gynecologist

the subject rarely comes up but I've had reason to mention being an accountant several times.

Time to build a bigger bridge.

I have used:
Professional Poker Player
Accountant
Housewife
Auditor (financial)
Retail store manager
Trophy wife (yes, I said that once when I was bored)

I've had a number of different jobs over my lifetime, when at senior citizen housing places I can truthfully say I'm a gerontologist, otherwise I own up to being a free lance writer/author. business consultant and former driver of a bulldozer and dump truck. Only once did I say I was the Queen of Zoltar and the car salesman left me alone after that.

Her Serene Majesty, Cettie - Goat Queen of Zoltar, Sublime Empress of Her Caprine Domain

Cettie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
Only once did I say I
> was the Queen of Zoltar and the car salesman left
> me alone after that.

Cettie, didn't you try to seduce Capt, Kirk once in a Star Trek episode?

No, that might have been my evil twin.

Her Serene Majesty, Cettie - Goat Queen of Zoltar, Sublime Empress of Her Caprine Domain

I just say what I am.. Not including the mystery shopper part. Photographer, Editor and Accountant are frequently used.

Silver Certified ~ Shopping all of Toronto and beyond

I use my real jobs. Nurse, Business owner.

Have yet to be asked.

If it does come up, I'll say Realtor.

It's true, 30+ years @ the Jersey Shore and I am not enthusiastic about it anymore. I had a very good run and will continue to work part time with those who seek me out.

I know my pay scale will drop being a MS. I need a change and want the freedom of making my own schedule and working with the people I want to work with. It is what I am accustomed to, so this seems like a good match.

It's fun so far! In part because of all of you here!!! So, thanks!!

Shopping Central Jersey Shoreline. WHAT? I'm an adult?! When did this happen?! How do I make it stop?!

Like so many, I've used what I have the most recent experience--legal assistant and advertising sales/inspector and rater of RV parks and campgrounds.

I've used: Tutor, Education Consultant, Health Consultant, Writer, Photographer. I've had experience in all of these fields.

I try to shy away from using occupations that may solicit the person asking for my services (photographer/videographer, caterer, personal trainer, graphic design, etc.)... I have found that it's easiest to use my own profession OR the profession of my family/friends, as then I have backstories and details in case I am asked specifics

I recently did a few shops that I used my current occupation as a bonus for the shop. My employed shop was in my favor. I did not lie or anything, I applied for the shops and received them. It just happens that the shops were a one upper. If the MSC did not mind, neither did I.

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