If you’ve worked in retail before, you know that it’s not a job for the faint of heart. It can mean long hours of doing physical tasks, keeping a smile on your face when you’d rather be rolling your eyes, and—perhaps the most daunting piece of all—dealing with the public. If you haven’t worked in retail before, spoiler alert: it’s not going to be sunshine and roses every day. But if you have great customer service skills, need flexible hours, or want to gain experience as you work toward other goals, it can be a great fit for the short- or long-term. If you’re up to this challenge, we’ve got what you need to get started—or get to the next level.
Step 1: Revamp Your Resume
If you’re familiar with how we roll here at The Job Network, this one should not come as a surprise. A badass resume is the starting point for every job search in every field. Even if you’re referred for the job by someone you know, you still need to make a great first impression on anyone who hasn’t met you before, at a minimum. And your resume gives your friend some quick talking points that act as ammo when they’re advocating for you to get the gig. An updated resume is essential.
How to Write a Perfect Retail Resume (Examples Included)
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How to Create a Perfect Retail Resume
The Ultimate 6 Step Guide to Resume Writing
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Resume Format Guide: What Your Resume Should Look Like in 2017
6 Job Skills You Need to Be a Sales Associate
It’s best to revamp your resume before you even start thinking about applying for jobs. This can keep you from making easy mistakes due to rushing, and lets you get a good baseline resume that you can use to adapt easily for each job application or opportunity.
Step 2: Target Your Job Search
If you want to start with a general geographic area or any type of stores, then a general search can be a great first step. It’s important to know what you’re looking for, to help focus your job hunt. If you need a starting point, we have plenty of recommendations that can help you find the type of retail job that works best for you.
10 Summer Jobs—and How to Get Them
Best Jobs in Retail—and How to Get Them
Top 5 Less Crowded Sites to Look For Retail Jobs
10 of the Best Jobs in Retail Nationwide
A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Different Types of Retail Jobs
7 Places to Look for Part-Time Jobs
Step 3: Get Ready for the Interview
In the retail world, hiring can move fast, so to paraphrase Ferris Bueller, if you aren’t ready for it, it can pass you by. You can start prepping for interviews before you even have one on the books.
5 Questions to Expect in a Retail Interview
The Most Popular Macy’s Interview Questions
How to Survive Your Upcoming Panel Interview
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10 Things You Should Not Say in an Interview
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Impress Your Interviewer in 5 Simple Steps to Get the Job
Step 4: Think About Your Career Goals
A job in retail might be your calling, or it might be just one step along your long career path. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to think about how you can a) be prepared for this job, and b) make it work for your future.
How to Move Up the Retail Career Ladder Without College
What You Need to Know to Succeed in the Retail Industry
5 Great Career Paths You Can Take If You’re Working in Retail
Whether it’s your dream job or your right-now job, getting a job in retail is a challenge to be faced with as much ammo as you have at your disposal. If you’re ready to get started in this field, good luck!
