What should I do to impress to get the job?

Question

Im getting laid off from my current job but I am going in for an interview at JCPenney for loss prevention. I have no retail or LP experience but they want me for an interview anyways so that is good. But I know my chances of getting the job are smaller because of the lack of experience. Should I use the fact that I catch on quickly to new things? At my current job I had no experience going in, and all I did was pack parts into a box and tape it up (very easy and simple) but the supervisors wanted me to run their biggest, most productive press after working there for a month. So maybe I could use that example to pursuade them to hire me. Give me some good ideas, anything should be helpful.

Answer 1

Some of the most important skills or traits of somebody in loss prevention would include:

- An eye for detail.
- The ability to spot things that are out of the ordinary.
- The ability to multi-task (to view multiple monitors at once).
- The capability of eliminating distractions in order to minimize losses.
- The ability to recognize areas of high risk / blind spots, etc.

Tell them that you would try to think like a shoplifter, and always be prepared for the unexpected -- the ordinary, and the extraordinary.

Answer 2

It sounds like you are not looking to build a career in one field. This isn't a good idea. If you like working in the packaging warehouse type work then why don't you apply for jobs doing that?
If you are applying for a retail clerk then state how long you worked before the supervisor promoted you. You will also have to explain why you were laid off. If you have a written job review that shows good attributes then by all means attach a copy to your resume.
The mistake a lot of young people make is not focusing on building a career in a field they like. Just because you didn't attend college doesn't mean you can't make a career in a certain field. Working for FedEx or UPS in the packaging or as a driver can be a good career with benefits, etc.

Answer 3

Do some research both about J C Penney as a company, and the actual job itself - what it involves. Think of work or life experience you have had that illustrates you meet the requirements of the job. Anticipate questions and have ready answers so if nerves get the better of you, you don't have to fumble for an answer. Make notes if necessary and take them with you to the interview. Listen to questions asked and make sure your responses answer the question. Dress smart in clean, pressed clothes with clean shoes and fingernails. Make sure you arrive no later than five minutes before the interview. Once there take some deep breaths, try to relax and focus solely on the interview. Sit upright with your shoulders back but lean forward slightly in the chair which indicates you are focused and interested. Be sincere in your answers and have ready a response if asked why you want this job in particular. Good luck, please let us know the (hopefully successful) outcome of your interview.

Answer 4

1. Sound Genuine - In any walk of life people who are genuine have better chances for long term success. During the interview sound very personal and genuine, use self depricating humour, laugh off your mistakes/ shortcomings. For example, "Sir, you know its so interesting while I thought I was good at this...this experience made me realise I still need to brush up on this particular skill...hopefully I will get a chance to show my strengths and improve on my growth areas on this job..."
2. Passionate about your job - show a high degree of eagerness to ask for more work as and when you can or there is need, be ready to sometimes put in extra hours, let money not be the driving force behind this job (if you want to make a career out of this). For example, "..Sir, I see that we are trying to do this...I think I can contribute to this...if you don't mind I'd like to help with this work...". This might apply more in a post interview world (when u have gotten the job) but see if you could use the gesture before that as well during the interview.
3. Ability to Build Relationships - try to become comfortable and friendly to people taking the interview (plz don't misunderstand this) I'm not saying suck upto them for a job. But come across as someone with a soft and friendly demeanour shameless to admit mistakes. Smile often!
"...if I get this job...hopefully I can contribute to some increased sales volumes for this store...and better client relationships...it would be so great to see us do well...wouldn't it?"
All the very best for the interview!!

Answer 5

" I will do what it takes to get the job done, SIR"