A report says nearly 36 million Indians between 18 and 29 were jobless in 2021. Also, many others settled with the low pay scale. This is one of the fastest-growing industries in the USA also where almost 16 million American workers are engaged in this sector. The retail placement agency plays a vital role in recruiting people in this sector, communicating the requirements and bridging the gap between retailers and candidates.
This industry offers a number of job roles and responsibilities. These are for the post of cashier, salesperson, clerk, supervisor, etc. The point of attraction is the salary package in millions, which varies from company to company. And the most interesting thing is that 80% of retail workers don’t have college degrees (as per the Current Population Survey). It implies that the candidate may not have higher education or training. But, skills and talent should be there.
Here, we have segmented this article into different parts to understand how to get it.
Requirements for the Job Applicant
Here is the checklist of the requirements that the applicant should be ready with:
• High school diploma, but having a college degree will be an advantage
• Understand the principles and practices of customer support using tools
• Proficiency in the English language
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (Soft skills)
• Multi-tasking & multitalented
• Soft-spoken, genuinely helpful, and friendly attitude
• Team spirit and willingness to take initiatives
• Physically agile, and active because this sector requires lots of talking, moving, standing, and even kneeling or climbing ladders
• Ready to work in flexible shifts or working hours
These skills are a must and prior experience in this sector is advantageous, but may not be necessary. Some potential employers are willing to absorb freshers also.
Skill Needed for Retail Sector
These are actually proficiencies or expertise areas that a retailer looks for. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median retail payout in 2019 was $12.23 per hour. For getting this package, the candidates don’t need any formal educational credentials. This is why this industry is a center of attraction for many freshers with no professional training or certifications. But, retail life is not a bed of roses. For getting ready to take up challenges, one should be qualified with these qualities:
• Basic math
• Sales abilities
• Problem-solving nature
• Merchandising solutions
• Customer service/support
How to get a retail job?
This step-by-step guide can help you to get a good role in this sector.
Discover vacancies or roles with responsibilities
Finding a vacancy is easy these days. Thanks to social media and the widespread of the internet! Now, many small to big retail companies are present online. You can directly search by their name and go to the career page for applying there.
Otherwise, you can go through renowned job portals, like Indeed, Naukri, or likewise to search and apply. Ensure that your searching method is accurate. Find phrases like “cashier job in XYZ company”, “manager recruitment or job in top retail companies”, etc. Search by enclosing these phrases in double-quotes separately or one by one. For a particular location, you may add it also in the keyword.
Identify what prospective employer requires
Once figured out, you should go through the roles and responsibilities attentively. It will help you to accurately determine what type of qualities the employer is looking for. Carefully read the required and preferred skills. Draft your resume and enclose a cover letter accordingly. This will certainly make an impact, and you can show up as an ideal candidate for the role. Brief your previous roles and responsibilities with examples.
Optimize your resume as per requirements
Optimize your resume completely. Ensure that it shows all qualities in you that the job opening requires. Tailor it corresponding to the profile, such as of a salesperson, manager, or executive, to indicate that you are the right fit one. For an online retailer, enclose the experience of working with any eCommerce merchandising solutions provider. Make it look clean, comprehensive, and easy to read. Include the skills and keywords that are used in the requirements or job descriptions.
Enclose an interesting cover letter
A cover letter offers you more space to introduce yourself. It’s wherein you can highlight SWOT, and discuss your previous experiences in detail. Make it filled with your professional experience and all good things in your attributes in relation to your profile or job role.
It is possible that you may not be excellent at drafting a good copy of your cover letter. Don’t worry! There are multiple samples available over the internet. Pick up the one that resembles close to your professional journey.
Prepare for an interview
Once you pass through all hurdles, be ready for the interview. Experience speaks louder. So, prepare yourself for it. Do a mock-up prior to it. You should have the answer to questions
• Introduce yourself with your work experience
• The skills you possess
• Strong reasons why you want to work with that retail company
• Why you are an ideal candidate for the retail market
Apart from that, your clothing, gestures, and appearance would make a big impact during your interview round. So, ensure that you are all well.
