I haven't had a job in 5 yrs (stay-at-home mother). I'm trying to get back into the work force. I'm worried that most of my retail skills have evaportated. So besides emphasizing Customer Service, any tips for not making a complete fool out of myself during the interview? Thank You in advance!
2006-08-28 04:29:35 · 28 answers · asked by adgmonkey 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Here are some things based on advice other people have given me.
When you go for a job, you are establishing a relationship with the interviewer and the company. Keep in mind that the basis of any good relationship is trust. So, when you are thinking about what to do, what to say, what to wear, etc., keep in mind 'what is going to make the company trust that I will be a good employee'. So, make sure you look like a good candidate. Dress smartly, make sure your appearance is clean and tidy. Make a little smalltalk with the interviewer to put him/her at their ease (not too little and not so much that they think you're a chatterbox). Something along the lines of 'That's an interesting picture in reception. Is it one of your main products?' or 'Have you worked here long?'. Be punctual for the interview. Don't moan or say anything negative about your previous employer. Convince them that you were a hardworking punctual and reliable employee at your last job. Make sure you have positive and not unthruthful explanations for any weaknesses in your resume. When the interviewer asks you a question, pretend that you are only too delighted to answer it and there is nowhere else you would rather be. Don't keep looking at your watch.
Before the interview, find out everything you can about the company and the particular job on the internet, so that you appear to be very keen on this particular company. Think of a good response to the question 'why do you want to work for this firm', such as 'the company has a good reputation with its customers and employees and I have always aspired to work here' (though not so blatently crawling as that!). Find out who their competitors are and what things about the company are better or worse than other firms.
Ask 'Is there a company pension scheme?', to give the impression you would stay in the job a long time.
Being a stay-at-home mother is a worthwhile thing, so don't worry that you havn't been working for 5 years. The business-world hasn't changed much in that time.
Best of luck.
2006-08-28 04:44:47 · answer #1 · answered by ricochet 5 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Retail Interview Tips
2016-11-14 08:34:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's good advice in most of the answers. I would point out that a job interview this should be a natural for someone in retail. You meet people and sell your product. This is what you will do in the interview. You will meet people and sell yourself.
Dress nicely, but don't overdo it. I would dress the same way I would dress for the job, or maybe just a little better.
Look up the company you are applying to and the products you are expected to sell. Know them so you can answer questions about them and better yet, ask some questions about them. The questions should show that you have knowledge of what you are going to be selling as well as the company.
Be honest about yourself. Other than that, be open and friendly. Don't use slang. Say "yes" not "yeah", say "no" not "nope". Don't worry too much about little flubs, the people doing the interview should understand that this is stressful for most of the interviewees. Look at the person who asked the questions when you answer, with the occasional brief look at the others present to make them feel included.
Don't ask about wages or time off at the interview. Do that only when you have been offered the job.
Good luck.
2006-08-28 04:57:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Any tips for an interview for retail position?
I haven't had a job in 5 yrs (stay-at-home mother). I'm trying to get back into the work force. I'm worried that most of my retail skills have evaportated. So besides emphasizing Customer Service, any tips for not making a complete fool out of myself during the interview? Thank You...
2015-08-24 07:49:02 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read up on current consumer trends in the area your particular job will be. Customer service is always a plus, but also emphasize that even though you have been out of the work loop, you have maintained an interest in consumer education as well as a personal record of what you found to be effective sails and service in the workplace based on retailers you have come in contact with.
2006-08-28 04:37:42 · answer #5 · answered by Sumanitu Taka 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dress nicely, be on time (maybe a little early...like 15 mins), maintain eye contact. Stress that you are a team player...that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done (willing to do any job, no matter how small). Just try to be confident but not pushy (don't interrupt them), and don't say anything about "God" or "faith" unless they are a religious org. Just some general interviewing tips...I conduct interviews all the time, and being "too great" is as bad as being terrible. Just act interested, and let them know you are there to help the business succeed. It doesn't hurt to stress how much you like their products.
2006-08-28 04:37:20 · answer #6 · answered by michaelscar 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Be confident and smile!!! Even if you are a shy person, pretend like you are the best thing in the world...sensibly. They will never know the difference and it will help you to answer the questions more smoothly and truthfully. Always look them straight in the eye when answering a question, thank them and shake their hands when you are finished and a week later send them a thank-you card for taking the time to interview you and tell them how much the company means to you.
2006-08-28 08:06:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be confident---look interviewer in the eyes but don't stare. Keep answers short and concise. Ask questions about the position. Don't fidget or look at your watch. Good luck!
2006-08-28 11:10:04 · answer #8 · answered by clone2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont go overboard but the main complaint of people now a days is lack of customer service.Let them know that you like working with people and customer service is important to you.Just be yourself,be courteous and show your interest in your position and ask alot of questions about the position to show your interest.Good luck.
2006-08-28 09:02:24 · answer #9 · answered by halfbright 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would ask around 8 dollars an hour. you sound like an intelligent worker, and hard working at that. wear appropriate clothing that will impress your interviewer, and always be polite with a smile on your face at all times =) hope i helped good luck with your interview
2016-03-19 02:12:39 · answer #10 · answered by Ann 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋