If you are a new graduate looking for a job in retail, there are plenty of opportunities to begin with. Of course, this is a good thing. But it may leave you wondering about which way to go to achieve your goals.
So, where to start?
If you’ve got some market knowledge and plenty of passion but no experience, it’s worth considering getting a retail job on the lower rungs of the ladder. This can be a good beginning and, most certainly, a powerful springboard to a prosperous career. You’ll gain that all-important experience in dealing with people in a retail environment that you’ll need to progress up the ladder towards retail executive jobs. Be aware, however, that transferring from working in a store to working in a head office is not easy.
You need to carefully plan your career path, right from the beginning. For example, you may want to consider programmes for new graduates that include training opportunities for retail management jobs. Apple’s Store Leader Program is a good example of such initiatives. You’ll find most large UK retailers – Tesco, Boots, John Lewis, Next and other – also have graduate recruitment schemes. You can find a comprehensive list of retailers offering such programs on the National Skills Academy for Retail website.
Retail jobseeking tips
Once you have a better idea of where to start, and clearer goals, you are ready for retail job searching. Of course, a good CV, which is honest and well thought-out and structured, is essential. (For advice on writing a great CV, see our CV tips.) It’s important to improve your interview skills, as well as your ability to market yourself to prospective employers. For advice on interviews, consult our interview section. There are other factors to consider:
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Flexibility – “Keep your options as open as possible,” says Hayley Epstein, of Henry Fox Recruitment. “Consider everything. Even if you are not 100% sure a certain retail job is right for you, applications and interviews will serve as a way to learn and get closer to your goal. And there is always the chance that something you never considered comes up that is well suited to your skill set. However, don’t be unrealistic. Try to apply for things you know you are suitable or qualified for.”
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Positivity – There may be times when things go wrong. An application for a job you really wanted may get no response, you might perform badly in an interview, or you may be forced to refuse an offer for a retail job because it’s not up to your expectations. Don’t let these experiences undermine your motivation. Stay positive. Epstein says: “If the problem is that you are inexperienced or not good at something, avoid focusing on that. Rather, concentrate on what you want to learn and where you aspire to go in your career. Put a positive spin on it and show prospective employers that you are hard working and quick to learn.”
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Perseverance – At some point, almost everyone will get turned away for a job they really want. But if you’re faced with rejection, it’s important not to give up. Failure is simply part of the process. “Try and get as much feedback as possible, so you can learn from it and improve next time,” says Epstein. “Constructive advice should be taken as a positive, and used to further develop and grow.”
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