Are You a Good Fit For A Retail Job?

Having a retail job can be is a very rewarding position, not only financially but also personally. You also get to help people and provide your services so that others can have a pleasing shopping experience. Getting a position in this field is not as hard as rocket science. It would require some sort of effort that comes from the heart, if not, a plastered smile on your face would do. So, do you think you’re fit for something like this? So, before you pass that resume or application to undergo training, try to think carefully first if this kind of profession is really for you. Here are some points to ponder on to help you see the big picture more clearly. Are You A People Lover? One requirement for you to work in this kind of job is that you should be a people lover. If you are not one, then you should at least love to be where the people are. Remember, most of the positions in this field would involve facing people and attending to their needs. If you are scared of the crowd or even facing one random stranger, then you would definitely have a rough path ahead of you. However, there are positions in which you are not required to directly face people. Nevertheless, if you have this kind of position, you should still keep in mind that the service you are doing is for your customer’s satisfaction. A Perpetual Smile Being in this kind of profession would mean having a perpetual smile on your face throughout your working hours. You could never grunt or complain about work, especially in front of your guests. No matter how bad your day has been, you should be prepared to serve people with a smile. Smiling is one way of being hospitable. It is also one good way to make people feel that they are welcome in a new place. So, if you think you can’t keep that smile plastered on your face even if you’re not in the mood, then this kind of job is not ideally for you. Can You Adjust Physically And Mentally? Another important factor would be the work schedule. It is vital that you are able to adjust both physically and mentally to the differing working schedules given to you. Most establishments you would be working in are open late and some even 24 hours a day. This simply means that there is a big probability that you would be assigned to work in the graveyard shift. Not to mention that you should also be ready to work during holidays. Remember, it is during holidays that stores, malls and shopping centres and restaurants are full of people. For sure, management would require you to work during these days of the year, since this is when business is booming. Relationship In The Working Area Given that you are in this kind of career, by now you must understand that it is a people oriented field of work. However, you should not only consider how you would deal with your guests but also your employer, supervisor and co-workers. Other Handy And Not So Handy Traits There are also other traits that would come handy such as: great team work skills, problem-solving skills, and being able to work in a customer-centered atmosphere. If ever you feel rewarded with your guests’ smiles and satisfaction, then there’s a high chance that you would excel in this field. On the contrary, if you’re the type that is reclusive, introverted, reserved, and love keeping things to yourself while you work in a cubicle with a stress-free job during typical office-hours, then you are a total misfit for this job. Compensation Although pay in this industry is very acceptable you should still research on what is the ideal pay for the position you are about to get. Try to compare income offerings from different companies and delve on the pros and cons of working in each company. Some also pay by the hour while some pay annually. This highly depends on the position you are in and the company you are working for. Perks And Benefits Retail job opportunities are also known to have a lot of perks and benefits from their employers. It would be better to ask your employer from the beginning if they have some perks and benefits in store for you, even if you are just beginning in their company. Sometimes they also give incentives, especially for those who have worked for them for a very long time already. Don’t be shy to inquire on these factors. Tips On Landing Temporary and Part Time Retail Jobs Temporary and pat time retail jobs are just as widespread and in demand as those with regular positions.  In fact, this industry is considered to be the biggest source of temporary and part time positions. This may have something to do with the nature of the job. Why part time? If you’re thinking how come temporary and part time positions are rampant in this kind of industry, even though a lot of sources say that retail industry is a staple to any kind of culture, there are a couple of factors that can answer your question. First off would be the nature of the job itself. Because of extended hours, retailers can employ persons wishing to work only a portion of the day and during non-standard hours. This provides flexible employment to students, older workers, women, single parents or others who may not want full-time employment. Second would be the season. There are times of the year that entails more working force in the service industry. For instance, Christmas holidays and other long vacations usually call for extra people.