Whats the best way to get a retail job?

Mysteriouschic

I'm interested in part time or full time work. I've never really handed out cvs as I know they always ask for experience , usually when I've handed in my cv I've just given it to the sales assistants also I didn't have experience , so I've been volunteering in a charity shop for almost a year and feel like I'd have a better chance at getting a job. .

Would I be better to apply online or in the stores?
When handing in CVs do I just hand it to the person there? or would I ask if the manager was around to hand them the cv?
What would I say to the manager would it just be asking if they are hiring first? then trying to sell myself saying my experience and how much time I have available?
Would I dress up in say smart casual when handing them in?

I've seen a job offer at the shop window in a clothes store near me I haven't handed in my cv yet as I want to make sure I say the right things.

R.D. aka MR.D

Try to hand it to the manager but don't get too pushy if the sales assistant says that the manager isn't available.

My top manager (who was in charge of hiring) always asked me about the person who handed in the CV. Basically, it was usually me who made the hiring decision so don't discount any one that you meet in store as being unimportant. You wouldn't believe how many people are rude when looking for a job.

Dress to fit the shop. Have you been in there before? How do the girls working there dress? If it's a young fashion brand type place then make sure that you are wearing one of the latest trends and have you hair and make-up looking nice. Don't go over board but try to look like the other girls working there. I've worked in various types of shops but in my last job, the emphasis was on looking good.

If the ad in the window says to apply online then apply online.

If you are just applying for jobs that have not been advertised then i would say to go into the shop and ask what days the manager is there. Pick a quiet day i.e not Saturday! and go in near the time the shop opens. The manager will have more time to chat to you. Just explain yourself. Say that you are available for as little or as much hours as they want to give you. I started working 4hours a week and taking all the worst shifts and after a few months, I had most of the hours and eventually became supervisor. Basically, be flexible, well dressed and polite.

Best of luck with it!

Ann Landers

If you look at the jobs advertised on the Dundrum Town Centre website, most places seem to prefer you to drop into the shop with your CV. I think this is so that they can gauge whether you have a groomed appearance and a good attitude, two very important attributes for retail work. I once wanted to post a CV for a retail job and they said they only accept CVs handed into the store, for the above reason, I'm guessing. Makes sense. So, look nice and be friendly when handing in CVs!

Mysteriouschic

Would charity shop work in a branded charity count as fashion retail? some places I've looked at says experience in fashion retail.

I've seen one shop near me advertise. So I'd go in ask for the manager if he/she isn't there say something like "Oh okay would I be able to leave this CV in for them?.. ok thats great " etc. And try and come across very friendly.

And for ones that don't have them advertised ask if there's any vacancies going first before I try and sell myself to the manager?

R.D. aka MR.D

Experience in a charity shop is enough if you are just going for a sales assistant job. You wouldn't believe how many people apply without any experience and it's difficult to train them up. (i was lucky enough to be starting retail during the celtic tiger days when there were so many jobs that nowhere could afford to be picky!)

Knowing how to use a till and do standards seem like really basic things but it can take some people a really long time to learn how to do them and a lot of places don't have time to train people.

For the place that is advertising then go during a quiet day in the morning. That's when you have most time to put in it in the little 'CV file' or whatever instead of throwing it with a bunch of other papers because you are too busy to deal with it right then.

For the other places then I would definitely go to the manager and explain your interest etc.