Finding a retail job opening that you will enjoy takes some thought. You have to ensure you fully understand the job description, you should try to find a job you will enjoy and you need to be sure you can work the hours required.

Retail industry jobs have a great potential for advancement, either within that company or through contacts you meet while doing your job. Consider the following retail job basics to help you get your foot in the door as a first step to a new career:

1. Know the retail job duties you will be expected to perform at most retail jobs.

2. Locate a retail job that suits your preferences.

3. Prepare yourself for the retail job interview.

Action Steps
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Understand what retail industry jobs entail

There are different types of jobs in retail. Most of the jobs are sales positions. Other possibilities include delivery, loss prevention, cashier and retail merchandising jobs. All retail job opportunities require good people skills and a willingness to learn about the goods sold. Some positions have other requirements.

I recommend: Career Voyages offers detailed information about different types of jobs in the retail industry. Career Planner offers a list of retail job duties and a basic definition of retail jobs. This website also offers retail job listings.

Find retail careers that interest you

There are numerous ways to get your foot in the door for retail jobs. You can go to stores in your area to find out who is hiring or accepting applications. You can also search online for jobs. Even if you choose to secure a job visiting local stores, peruse the listings on a retail job website to learn criteria for each job and to get an idea of the pay for each job, just in case the application asks for the pay you desire.

I recommend: AllRetailJobs.com offers retail job listings, including retail management jobs and hourly retail jobs. You can search by listing or by location on this website. Jobs.net offers a constantly updated list of retail job openings throughout the nation.

Ace the interview for the retail job opening

Most hiring managers look for the same skill set in the people they interview for retail jobs. Basics include good interpersonal communication, a neat and clean appearance, punctuality, honesty and enthusiasm. Being prepared for the interview can help you get the job.

I recommend: The University of Illinois Extension offers an in-depth series about how to dress for job interviews. This website offers suggestions for men and women hoping to secure retail employment. Access Washington has tried and true tips on its website to help you ace your interview for the retail job opening.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider working a seasonal retail work if you are unsure if you will like the job. This gives you a chance to gain experience but, you still have a date to look forward to if you don't enjoy the job. Many seasonal employees who do an excellent job have a chance to stay on with the company.

Retail jobs are easy to find. Most retail industry jobs do not require an advanced degree or specialized training, so if you do receive the proper training for retail careers, you are likely to go far.

There are many levels of jobs in retail, from stocking the shelves to running the company. This makes for an ideal situation for employees in retail jobs because there is always room to advance for people who are good employees.

Before considering retail employment, you should think about the following aspects of retail work:

1. Retail careers may involve working non-traditional hours such as evenings or weekends.
2. Retail industry careers are highly focused on customer service. You must enjoy working with people.
3. Many retail businesses are large corporations. You must be able to follow protocols and the proper chain of command.
4. Many retail management positions require you to work overtime.
5. Entry-level retail jobs are not very well paid.
   

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Get the proper training for retail employment

It is possible to get retail industry employment without training or experience. However, with training, you will be able to get a position with more authority and a higher salary.

I recommend: The National Association of Sales Professionals offers several levels of certification for those looking for retail industry jobs. THEO BC also offers many courses that can help you with your retail employment.

Consider using an employment agency to find retail job listings

Using an employment agency is especially important for those looking to find retail management jobs. They can match you with a job that is right for you.

I recommend: ESC2000 is a company that specializes in finding positions for retail executives. RetailManagerCareers is another site listing retail job opportunities for those at the management level.

Apply for retail jobs online

It's very easy to search for and apply for retail jobs online. Many job boards have sections dedicated to retail job listings.

I recommend: AllRetailJobs.com allows you to search their jobs by hourly positions or retail management positions. iHireRetail is a retail jobs board that includes positions for sales jobs in retail.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Training in business management can help you to secure retail management jobs.
• •  Many retail companies have high turnover rates and are likely to reward longevity.
• •  The words 'retail industry' cover a wide range of niches. You will find greater satisfaction in your work when you choose a niche that interests you. For example, if you enjoy knitting, you may enjoy a retail job at a yarn shop. If you enjoy sports, then a sports memorabilia store is the right place for you.

Careers in retail can start early, with many entry-level positions not even requiring a high school diploma. When searching through retail job listings, a job seeker may see a wide range of required skills. Training might be required of any employee and may include anything that is related to a specific job function. However, better, higher-paying retail jobs will become accessible with experience in addition to further education and training.

Some useful reasons for pursuing retail jobs education and training include the following:

1. Improve job function and increase productivity in retail jobs

2. Secure higher-level careers in retail, like retail management and retail buying jobs

3. Provide the opportunity to move up in retail careers with promotions

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Prepare for retail careers with higher education

Getting a certificate, a diploma, an Associate's or even Bachelor's degree from an accredited business school or university will help with getting higher-level retail industry jobs, such as retail management jobs, retail merchandising jobs or exclusive high-paying sales jobs in retail.

I recommend: Get a business degree in retail management online through Kaplan University, or work towards a certified diploma in retail management through the distance learning program at Ashworth College.

Try online learning programs for jobs in retail

Online training programs can be a more economical choice for retail employment training. Online training offers the advantages of flexible training schedules, maintained productivity, repeated training for new employees or refresher courses for existing employees.

I recommend: Try ChannelChampions, an online training program from Campaigners for retail sales associates and managers. Test out the online training program by the Retail Learning Institute with a free demo.

Attend retail work training seminars

Retail training seminars are a great way to learn valuable skills to run a retail business, including increased sales, motivating and managing staff, organizing a retail floor and much more. Seminars provide in-depth information packed into a short amount of time, and usually have proven results.

I recommend: The Friedman Group offers a series of seminars and workshops, at different locations several times a year, and is one of the leading authorities in retail training. Search through the National Retail Federation's listings of national retail conferences, workshops and seminars that are offered at various locations throughout the country.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If there are several retail locations that need training, it is wise to invest in DVDs, webinars or one training consultant that can travel to each location to train employees and ensure a unified standard of service.

Whether you own a retail store such as a clothing store, a book store, a chain store or a drug store, it is imperative for you to understand the responsibilities of every position in your store and how they work together to make your store a profit. Understanding retail jobs will help you know your employee's needs, you’re staffing requirements and will allow you to make informed decisions. To stay in tune with your employees learn the following key terms.

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Retail salesperson

Also referred to as a sales associate, a retail salesperson is your first point of contact with your customers. A salesperson is responsible for greeting customers, helping them find what they are looking for, controlling the cash register and more. Having a good salesperson is a huge factor in the success of your store.

I recommend: Career Planner offers a detailed explanation of a retail salesperson including the knowledge and skills required to perform this job.

Retail buyer

To accurately stock your shelves, you must rely on your retail buyer. A retail buyer is the person in your company who researches past buying trends, sales records, price and quality to select the best products to stock your shelves with. They are responsible for placing merchandise orders, authorizing payments and training sales staff on new products.

I recommend: To learn more about a retail buyer position, including the responsibilities and skill requirements, visit CareerOneStop.

Store operations

Your store operations employee is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the store operations such as profits, loss prevention and human resources. Other titles for a store operations position would be Head of Store Operations, Regional Manager and District Manager.

I recommend: The National Retail Federation details the responsibilities of a store operations employee.

Store manager

Your store manager is your go to person if you have any questions regarding the day to day operations of your store. A store manager is the person responsible running the store at a profit, stocking merchandise, attracting customers, scheduling and more. Often times, the duties of a store manager vary depending on the size of your store and if the store is part of a chain of stores.

I recommend: Explore the skill requirements and details on a store manager position at Net Industries.

Loss prevention

Loss prevention jobs are an area of employment in your store that you want to pay close attention to. Loss prevention retail jobs are responsible for protecting your goods from shoplifting, employee theft and vendor fraud. Loss prevention retail jobs are also responsible for keeping your employees and customers safe while they are in your store.

I recommend: To better understand what loss prevention jobs are, check out Career Voyages.

Visual merchandiser

Your visual merchandiser is a key component to your profits. A visual merchandiser works to make sure your products are displayed to attract the most customers in a way that highlights your stores values. Visual merchandisers focus their time on window displays, store displays and store decorations.

I recommend: McKenzie Retail gives a complete description on a visual merchandiser's roles and responsibilities.