How To Get Your First Job In Retail
- By Eric Shanman
- Published 03/24/2011
- Search Engines
- Unrated
Whether you're looking to supplement your income with a part-time position or looking for your first job, retail jobs are a great way to make extra money while working in a fast-paced, rarely boring field. If you have never had a job in retail before, there are a few ways to make sure your search is as successful as possible.
Match Your Interests
Most retail positions are sales-oriented and many stores will set sales goals for each employee. When these stores conduct interviews of potential new hires, they'll want to pick the candidates who have a strong product knowledge, are enthusiastic about the product, and can talk about it to customers confidently. For this reason, it's good to target stores that line up with your interests. If you're a technology buff, consider electronics stores; fashion lovers will gravitate toward clothing stores at the mall. When you target your interests, you make yourself the strongest candidate in a crowded field.
Talk to the Manager
Obtaining, filling out, and returning an application is the first step to securing many retail jobs. However, you can give your candidacy a boost by asking to speak with the manager when you turn your application in for review. You'll make a great first impression and
communicate your enthusiasm for the position as well as the store. Most importantly, you'll be able to make the name on your application memorable and personable.
Monitor Local Websites
Shopping malls and strip malls generally advertise entry positions in their stores on their website. By actively monitoring these websites, you can be the first to know when new positions are available and get your application in before the competition. Getting ahead of the game can only help your job search and increase the likelihood that you are invited for an interview.
Dress Appropriately
Once you've landed your first interview (or interviews), be sure to wear appropriate attire to each of them. If you're applying for a high-end sales job, professional business attire is almost certainly the best option. Mall-based clothing retailers often prefer you to show up wearing their product, or at least a similar "look" to what you'll be selling to customers. They want to make sure you can wear the product confidently and in a way that entices customers to purchase it.
Relax
Finally, take a moment to breathe deep and relax. Many people can let the stress of finding retail opportunities overwhelm them, but that doesn't need to be the case. A calm, collected, and confident personality is the best way to leave a lasting impression.
Match Your Interests
Most retail positions are sales-oriented and many stores will set sales goals for each employee. When these stores conduct interviews of potential new hires, they'll want to pick the candidates who have a strong product knowledge, are enthusiastic about the product, and can talk about it to customers confidently. For this reason, it's good to target stores that line up with your interests. If you're a technology buff, consider electronics stores; fashion lovers will gravitate toward clothing stores at the mall. When you target your interests, you make yourself the strongest candidate in a crowded field.
Talk to the Manager
Obtaining, filling out, and returning an application is the first step to securing many retail jobs. However, you can give your candidacy a boost by asking to speak with the manager when you turn your application in for review. You'll make a great first impression and
Monitor Local Websites
Shopping malls and strip malls generally advertise entry positions in their stores on their website. By actively monitoring these websites, you can be the first to know when new positions are available and get your application in before the competition. Getting ahead of the game can only help your job search and increase the likelihood that you are invited for an interview.
Dress Appropriately
Once you've landed your first interview (or interviews), be sure to wear appropriate attire to each of them. If you're applying for a high-end sales job, professional business attire is almost certainly the best option. Mall-based clothing retailers often prefer you to show up wearing their product, or at least a similar "look" to what you'll be selling to customers. They want to make sure you can wear the product confidently and in a way that entices customers to purchase it.
Relax
Finally, take a moment to breathe deep and relax. Many people can let the stress of finding retail opportunities overwhelm them, but that doesn't need to be the case. A calm, collected, and confident personality is the best way to leave a lasting impression.
Eric Shanman
Eric writes for RetailJobs.org, a top job search engine focusing in the retail industry. He has also written articles about seasonal jobs.
View all articles by Eric Shanman