Returning to Work in the Retail Sector
Being involved in the retail industry is often a job by default. You start off in a casual or part time position when you turn 16, excited by your first job earning money of your own. Then it’s time for University. But how many people don’t make it that far? Sometimes the opportunity isn’t there for gaining a degree. Whatever the reasons, retail has many success’s in people starting as youngsters and working their way up through the ranks to become CEO, a worthy title to claim. The reasons people start off and stay in retail vary from convenience of knowing the role to being able to work part time suiting children once they’ve had families, It also come with opportunities through trainee program, gaining experience and education all the while being paid for it. When the crunch of losing a job you’ve spent years training for comes, it’s often retail, what some consider a lower level of employment, you return to. Yet retail has an unfair reputation as it sustains millions of people world wide and is one of the most reliable forms of income. Hours in retail may come and go like every other industry but if you look at statistics from Wal-Mart, you’ll understand, based on one company alone, how retail has it’s place in society as stable employment.
Maybe you’ve lost your job, lost your nerve as a return to work applicant, or think you haven’t got the skills it takes to apply for an advertised position. I spoke to a friend who is a Regional Manager in a large company and asked him what advice he would give to those trying to return to work……. Suzanne Beck
The first step for anyone returning back into the work force is to realize that they can add great value to the potential employer even that may not have had recent physical working experience but they have through there own experiences organised, managed other areas of there life and generally they come more balanced, opened minded, non re active and adaptive to the current work place because of these experiences.
In preparation the interviewee needs to think of the following.
-Coming prepared and confident and never assume that they are not good enough for the job as you can never judge or know what they may be looking for
-What they can bring to the job they are interviewing for
-What they are looking for from the employment
Do research on the company by internet but more important were possible in person. (Nothing better than showing you have gone to the workplace)
-Think of the job or role they are going for and bring examples from there experience that can translate. For example a role of the job may be giving instructions to a staff member and translate that to something you have done in your personal life with either kids, community groups or even an event you may have held at home.
At the interview
-Personal presentation is very important but your body signals, attitude and energy levels tell an interviewer more.
-Keep on track and try an answer clearly and concise. If you feel you have not answered the question confirm with the interviewer.
– Be honest when unsure of a question
-Always have questions to ask the interviewer relevant to role
-Try and give confidence to the interviewer that you have long term plans within the role and or company
In my experience of interviewing for staff at all levels of the business the main thing I am looking for is how is this person going to fit into my team and what is the real person like I am talking to. It is not always experience. That is were some people make the mistake when they assume to know what I’m looking for and answer how they think I want to hear the answers. Thinking that to get the job you must have had done the job before and must be experienced in the field. Keep in mind building a team takes all personalities, ages and you may have exactly what is needed for the team you are about to join. If I can not see who you are outside the interview it makes the decision on hiring a lot harder.
I know this is easy for me to say, but just let a bit of your personality show and ensure you talk about yourself not just answering the standard questions. Add words like from my experience, I would, I like and this can open up to a more relaxing discussion and can break down some interview barriers.
I find applicants returning back into the workforce from long periods generally have strong work ethics and if given a chance are long term employees and very productive within the team. They are open minded and always receptive to new ideas and direction. They don’t come with a attitude of I know everything. All you need to do is show that in the interview and more likely the job could be yours.
Dea Noc Advice for returning to work Advice for returning to work