The job industry has proven to be quite difficult to penetrate without experience. If you are currently a person or student looking for a job with minimal to no experience then you need to consider or learn the following tools that can help you prepare for your next role or help you to land a full time retail job .
What transferable skills can you include in your resume that can help you get a retail job?
Transferable skills are any skill you have acquired through school, clubs or a skill from another job that is different to the one you are applying for. The following are just a few examples of skills that may land you a full-time job in retail;
- Communication – here you can mention your ability to communicate effortlessly or professionally either because of activities like debate at school or public speaking.
- Teamwork- providing successful teamwork examples like sharing credit and accepting responsibility for your work can help employers understand how you will be in the working environment
- Problem-solving – show critical thinking skills and give an example of identifying a problem and how to implement a solution to it.
- Time management- give an example of your ability to focus on given task effectively without giving attention to distractions
You can include these skills in your resume, cover letter or during an interview telling it in a way that relates to a customer service related manner to land that full time job in retail.
What personal qualities can you highlight in your resume that may help you get a full time retail job?
Retail industry needs someone with great characteristics and a positive attitude. Here are a few qualities you can include to score that retail job at entry level
- Adaptability – mention times you have adapted to changes, learnt new skills and still ensured efficiency
- Initiative – you can mention times you had to take the lead to get the work done either in clubs or group projects
- Reliability – This is where you can discuss how reliable you are and can get the job done in a way that is customer service related
- Positive Attitude – This is the part you can even bring forth those sports certificates, certificates of excellence at school and even references from teachers
Experiences that do not seem as useful that can also help you land a full time retail job
- Volunteer work – any instances you have helped and indirectly learned customer service skills are worth mentioning
- School projects or events – mention any event or school project you were involved in planning whether it was a fundraising event that helped you learn skills that can help you in customer service
- Club involvement – talk about clubs you were passionately involved in that gave you skills that you could use in retail setting
- Family business – if you have ever assisted a friend or family member in their businesses then this could also earn you points
Research about the company
Impress your potential employers by showing that you have done thorough research about them and you know about their company products, services and objectives. You can;
- mention what you have learnt about them either in your cover letter or during interview
- Customize your resume and cover letter for each full time retail job
- Focus on the skills, experience and qualities that best fit the specific role you are applying for
Top 5 Interview Questions for Full-Time Retail Jobs and How to Answer Them
These are some of the popular sample questions asked at a retail job interview. Study and revise them, understand them in your own words to help you prepare for a full time retail job.
Question: Why do you want to work in retail?
- Sample answer: I’m passionate about helping people find the perfect products for their needs, and I enjoy creating a positive shopping experience. I enjoy learning about the needs that a product can help fulfill, pointing my customers to the right direction.
Question: Are you a teamplayer?
- Sample answer: I believe I’m a good team player because I actively listen to everyone’s input in the group and willing to work as a group to help achieve a shared goal. My team has always trusted me to fulfill my responsibilities in meeting deadlines
Question: How would you handle an unhappy customer?
- Sample answer: I would listen carefully to the customer’s concerns, empathize with their situation, and apologize for any inconvenience. Then I would address their issues swiftly and professionally while offering solutions or alternatives, and also do a follow up to ensure satisfaction.
How do you manage your time well in a fast paced environment?
- Sample answer; I use a daily to-do list that allows me to better prioritize my tasks and avoid missing deadlines. I also set myself a personal target to reach at a certain time to improve my efficiency.
Question: Why do you want to work for this retail company?
- Sample answer: I’ve always admired the company’s commitment to quality products and excellent customer service. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the team and learn more about the retail industry while working in an environment that aligns with my values.
Conclusion
The tips mentioned above can help you prepare for a full time retail job. Remember to study the company you are applying for, learn as much as you can about them, mention what you know in your cover letter or interview to impress your employer. Don’t forget to highlight those positive personal qualities, transferable skills and any relevant experience. Good luck!
