The reality is that good retail jobs are hard to get, especially in today's tougher economic climate. Retailers have the luxury of more candidates available. They use this to their advantage, taking time with the choice.
Consider these tips for landing the retail job you want:
1. Choose the job. Make sure that each job you apply for is a job you want for the long term. Smart employees will know at the interview if you only want the job to tide you over. Don't waste their time and yours by applying for a job you don't want for the long term.
2. Research the business. Know as much about the company your are applying to work for. Use all the online tools available including Google, Facebook, Twitter and other sites. The more you know about them the better the chance of your cover letter landing you an interview and the better prepared you will be for the interview.
3. Present the information they need to know about you. Too often, resumes and cover letters are laden with unnecessary information. Stick to what is relevant to their circumstances. In retail, this is usually attention to customer service, presentation, honesty and a desire to help the business grow.
4. Be yourself. The key differentiator between retail businesses is customer service. Find a way to demonstrate in your cover letter and at the interview that your personality will help their customer service pitch, that you would be an asset to the business.
5. Make it obvious you want to work. At each point of contact make it clear that you want to work for the business. Don't be pushy, but likewise don't be lazy or disinterested. Retailers like to employ people who want to work for them. This comes back to point 1 - choose to apply because you want that role in that retail business.
6. Tidy up your act. Smart retailers go online and check out candidates. Make sure that your profiles accurately represent who you are and how you would like a prospective employer to see you.
7. Sell yourself to those you don't meet. While some consider it cheesy, there is value in including a photo. This way people in the business who will participate in making the decision but will not run the interviews can at least see you. Your smile in the photo may win them over.
Getting a job in retail, especially today, can be a challenge. Approach it like any business task. Break it down into steps and complete each with attention and energy.
Work hard chasing the jobs you really want.
By Mark T Fletcher Platinum Quality Author
Mark Fletcher is a retailer, business advisor and author at http://www.newsagencyblog.com.au.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_T_Fletcher
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