If you need experience being a manager in order to get a job as a manager, how do you get that experience?

Question

If you need experience being a manager in order to get a job as a manager or assistant manager, how do you get that experience in the first place?

It seems like all of the job descriptions I have seen for managers and assistant managers require past management experience. How do you get that management experience in the first place if you can't get a job management job without experience? Where do you have to start?

I would like to be a manager or assistant manager of a retail store.

Answer 1

I went through this during a college job. The first thing is to start working at entry level. You should always be available and accessable to management. Arrive early and stay late when needed or even volunteer your help. While you are working before or after hours ask questions and ask for more responsibilities over time. I ended up becoming Asst. Manager in two months and having my own set of keys to the place at 20 years old.

My job was customer service and it helps because there aren't many employees that show initiative and express their desire to move up in that field. You don't have to be a brown-noser, just show that you are a hard worker with goals. It will take you a long way.

Answer 2

I don't know what your last job/s was/were but you'd be surprised at how much "management" experience that you may have gleaned. I was a dental assistant before college and a little while after (I was just desperate for work). I ended up making my career in retail management. I was hired because, as a dental assistant, I had been in charge of inventory, stocking and restocking supplies, setting up appointments, I had time management skills, people skills etc.. If you're a mother going back into the work place, stress that these are skills that you use every day. Alot of jobs teach you skills that qualify you for management material. You can always work your way up as the first poster suggested. It's good pay but it's brutal work, I loved it though. Good luck :)

Answer 3

You start at the bottom. If you want to eventually manage or become Assistant Manager of a retail store, you must start as a cashier, clerk or other low-level employee. Observe the managers, assistant managers and become "friendly," with them.

At some point, you can ask them about their job, and how long it took them to become a manager or assistant manager, don't be nosey or pushy, but interested.

Look for a mentor, someone who will take interest in you and your questions.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

You have to start as an associate or sales representative and work your way up. Start with one store then once you get the position you want you can apply at any store you like and continue to move up. It doesn't hurt to let them know that your interested in moving up, they'll know you want more responsibility. But always say that you'll stay with the company even if you don't intend to.

p.s. I'm a retail manager

Answer 5

Usually you are offered a position if you have a fair amount of seniority. But most employers now of days want to see some sort of education in human resources and business. So don't give up try again.

Answer 6

You work your way up in a company learning from the ground up. Get a job as a sales person or cashier to start.

Answer 7

Work your way up.