4 answers
Ryan
Student
Bloomfield, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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How to be a professinal in retail industry if low level jobs wont even accept me because i require experience what should i do about this please help.?
How to be a professinal in retail industry if low level jobs wont even accept me because i require experience what should i do about this please help.
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4 answers
Janiece Wiley
Corporate Retail Manager
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Janiece’s Answer
Breaking into the retail industry without prior experience is challenging, but it's definitely possible with the right approach. Here are some steps you can take to become a retail professional without experience:
1. **Education and Training**: Consider pursuing relevant education or training programs, such as a certificate or diploma in retail management or business administration. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer programs specifically tailored to the retail industry.
2. **Internships and Volunteering**: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience through internships or volunteer work. Even if it's unpaid, the experience and networking opportunities can be invaluable.
3. **Retail-Specific Skills**: Learn about retail-specific skills such as customer service, sales techniques, inventory management, and merchandising. You can gain these skills through online courses, workshops, or self-study.
4. **Networking**: Attend industry events, job fairs, and career networking functions to meet professionals in the retail industry. Building relationships with people already working in the field can open doors to opportunities.
5. **Retail Part-Time Jobs**: Consider starting with part-time roles in retail, such as sales associate or cashier. These positions can help you gain valuable on-the-job experience and demonstrate your commitment to working in the industry.
6. **Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter**: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight any transferable skills or relevant experiences you have, even if they're not directly related to retail. Emphasize your customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
7. **Emphasize Your Soft Skills**: Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and a strong work ethic are highly valued in retail. Make sure to showcase these on your resume and during interviews.
8. **Online Presence**: Create a professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn. Share relevant content, engage with industry professionals, and join retail-focused groups to demonstrate your interest and commitment to the field.
9. **Professional Development**: Continuously seek opportunities for professional development, such as attending workshops, obtaining certifications, or learning about industry trends. This will show potential employers that you are committed to growing in the field.
10. **Stay Informed**: Stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the retail industry. This knowledge can be valuable during interviews and can help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
Remember that breaking into any industry takes time and persistence. Stay motivated, be open to learning, and be proactive in seeking out opportunities to gain experience and demonstrate your passion for the retail industry.
1. **Education and Training**: Consider pursuing relevant education or training programs, such as a certificate or diploma in retail management or business administration. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer programs specifically tailored to the retail industry.
2. **Internships and Volunteering**: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience through internships or volunteer work. Even if it's unpaid, the experience and networking opportunities can be invaluable.
3. **Retail-Specific Skills**: Learn about retail-specific skills such as customer service, sales techniques, inventory management, and merchandising. You can gain these skills through online courses, workshops, or self-study.
4. **Networking**: Attend industry events, job fairs, and career networking functions to meet professionals in the retail industry. Building relationships with people already working in the field can open doors to opportunities.
5. **Retail Part-Time Jobs**: Consider starting with part-time roles in retail, such as sales associate or cashier. These positions can help you gain valuable on-the-job experience and demonstrate your commitment to working in the industry.
6. **Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter**: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight any transferable skills or relevant experiences you have, even if they're not directly related to retail. Emphasize your customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
7. **Emphasize Your Soft Skills**: Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and a strong work ethic are highly valued in retail. Make sure to showcase these on your resume and during interviews.
8. **Online Presence**: Create a professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn. Share relevant content, engage with industry professionals, and join retail-focused groups to demonstrate your interest and commitment to the field.
9. **Professional Development**: Continuously seek opportunities for professional development, such as attending workshops, obtaining certifications, or learning about industry trends. This will show potential employers that you are committed to growing in the field.
10. **Stay Informed**: Stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the retail industry. This knowledge can be valuable during interviews and can help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
Remember that breaking into any industry takes time and persistence. Stay motivated, be open to learning, and be proactive in seeking out opportunities to gain experience and demonstrate your passion for the retail industry.
Adrianna Barnette
Recruiter
1
Answer
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Adrianna’s Answer
Hey Ryan!
While it's true that some retail businesses do look for prior experience, don't let that discourage you. Reflect on any encounters you've had, whether it's volunteering, participating in school clubs, or assisting family members. All these are valuable experiences that can add weight to your resume.
A smart strategy could be to seek out seasonal positions during the peak times for retail businesses. They often need to hire a diverse range of people during these periods, providing a golden opportunity for you to get your foot in the door. Once you're in, shine by demonstrating your strengths and work ethic to secure your place.
When you're ready to apply, don't hesitate to approach the management or recruitment team directly. Showing initiative and being proactive are admirable qualities that speak volumes about your character. Personally, I'm more inclined to hire someone who may lack work experience but is brimming with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
Best of luck in your job hunt, Ryan! I hope these tips prove beneficial for you.
While it's true that some retail businesses do look for prior experience, don't let that discourage you. Reflect on any encounters you've had, whether it's volunteering, participating in school clubs, or assisting family members. All these are valuable experiences that can add weight to your resume.
A smart strategy could be to seek out seasonal positions during the peak times for retail businesses. They often need to hire a diverse range of people during these periods, providing a golden opportunity for you to get your foot in the door. Once you're in, shine by demonstrating your strengths and work ethic to secure your place.
When you're ready to apply, don't hesitate to approach the management or recruitment team directly. Showing initiative and being proactive are admirable qualities that speak volumes about your character. Personally, I'm more inclined to hire someone who may lack work experience but is brimming with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
Best of luck in your job hunt, Ryan! I hope these tips prove beneficial for you.
Jacob Mina
31
Answers
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
I still remember struggling with this at the start of my work career and it was not fun. Still, there are a few things I would suggest (assuming you have not done these things already):
-Think about all the clubs or extracurricular things you’ve done up to now and include all of them into your resume. Any experience will help you out especially at the start and you can always spin how each of those experiences helped you learn skills. I remember saying how being in my school’s film club taught me about being a leader and working with a small group. So you never know.
-If you really lack any kind of experience or can’t think of anything to put on a resume, consider looking for volunteering opportunities. Yes it sucks they won’t pay you, but those are 100% going to look good on a resume because of how they give you “legit” experience compared to saying something like “I mowed our lawn” (I was guilty of saying stuff like that when I made my first resume).
-In addition to online job boards, I would say ask around to people you know, perhaps they can provide you with a job. My dad ended up getting me my first job. It was terrible, but it was what I needed.
-Look through your Cover Letter and Resume again. Might seem obvious but it couldn’t hurt to give it another look.
-Try and see if there are places hiring “urgently” or have “now hiring” posted on their door or around their venue. They’ll probably be more likely to hire a lot of people cause they really need it.
-And most importantly, don’t beat yourself up. This part of getting a job is the worst, but you have to look past the struggle and keep going. I myself am having a hard time finding a degree specific job after graduation. Again, it can be discouraging, but don’t give up. Try applying to like 5-10 places a day if you have to, at that rate, at least one is bound to reach back out to you.
Really hope this helps you out and I wish you the best of luck getting yourself out there.
-Think about all the clubs or extracurricular things you’ve done up to now and include all of them into your resume. Any experience will help you out especially at the start and you can always spin how each of those experiences helped you learn skills. I remember saying how being in my school’s film club taught me about being a leader and working with a small group. So you never know.
-If you really lack any kind of experience or can’t think of anything to put on a resume, consider looking for volunteering opportunities. Yes it sucks they won’t pay you, but those are 100% going to look good on a resume because of how they give you “legit” experience compared to saying something like “I mowed our lawn” (I was guilty of saying stuff like that when I made my first resume).
-In addition to online job boards, I would say ask around to people you know, perhaps they can provide you with a job. My dad ended up getting me my first job. It was terrible, but it was what I needed.
-Look through your Cover Letter and Resume again. Might seem obvious but it couldn’t hurt to give it another look.
-Try and see if there are places hiring “urgently” or have “now hiring” posted on their door or around their venue. They’ll probably be more likely to hire a lot of people cause they really need it.
-And most importantly, don’t beat yourself up. This part of getting a job is the worst, but you have to look past the struggle and keep going. I myself am having a hard time finding a degree specific job after graduation. Again, it can be discouraging, but don’t give up. Try applying to like 5-10 places a day if you have to, at that rate, at least one is bound to reach back out to you.
Really hope this helps you out and I wish you the best of luck getting yourself out there.
Steve Grebenc
Digital Store Lead CA
3
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Experience can often hold more weight than just work references. I encourage you to concentrate on what sets you apart and how you can make a significant contribution to any organization you're part of. This could be through volunteering at a shelter, leading as a camp counselor, or working in a cooperative role, to name a few examples. A discerning employer will prioritize your demonstrated skills and potential over specific work experience or education.
Moreover, showing a readiness to learn, adapt, and maintain a positive, friendly attitude is crucial. Stay true to yourself, because a great company will recognize your worth and see the potential you could bring to their organization.
Moreover, showing a readiness to learn, adapt, and maintain a positive, friendly attitude is crucial. Stay true to yourself, because a great company will recognize your worth and see the potential you could bring to their organization.