Retail jobs help people gain work experience, pay for school or re-enter the workplace after an extended layoff period. Many companies offer limited benefits to their employees and a reasonable starting wage. Most of the large retailers now have automated applicant systems so it is important to prepare a few things BEFORE applying for a job. At smaller retailers, you may meet the hiring manager at the time you pick up an application so it is important to be polite and well groomed. Nothing ruins a first impression more than poor hygiene.
Creating a fact sheet about yourself and your past work experience helps when filling out multiple applications. You can bring your fact sheet along to remember employers, dates, addresses and work experience.
Information on your fact sheet should include:
- Your total educational experience including certification classes you have attended. Make sure to include the addresses of the all the schools you have or are now attending.
- List all your work experience or what you have been doing for at least the last ten years. It is important to have all the information concerning your work history or lack of it. Make sure to list the jobs you have held, the dates you worked at each job and a bullet list of your duties for each job. If you have been unemployed for any periods make sure to state when and why. For example, if you have been staying at home to raise kids, going to school, or taking care of a sick parent list it.
- Many people ignore private awards or reconditions and only list work related awards. This cheats you, so make sure to include all charity work, awards, or special reconditions you have received in the last decade. Students should include Student Honor Roll and any sports played as accomplishments.
- Make sure you have three references who are not family, their address, permission to use them as a reference and their contact numbers.
Most automated systems will ask the hours you are willing to work. If you really need the job, you must be willing to work at least one weekend day. Most employers require their employees to have flexible work hours.
Filling out an application is your only way of getting an interview, so remember to use keywords in your responses. You can find those keywords in the job description used to promote that specific job. For example, if they are looking for stock help use that phrase instead of inventory control. It is also important to complete everything on the application, if you have a question about something during the application process ask the person overseeing your job submission.
Once you get in for an interview, remember check your attitude at the door, be open and willing to listen, dress in a conservative manor, and leave the trendy stuff at home for when you are on your own time. By doing these things you will increase your chances of getting a job.
