Qualifications or Experience Needed for a Career in Retail
There are some good reasons to pursue a career in retail, mainly because of the opportunities for rapid advancement into top jobs. A career in retail can begin with assisting customers with purchases and using a cash register, and lead on to responsible jobs in management or stock control. A large retail company will have employees working in accounts, human resources, stock purchase, stock management and display. In smaller retail outlets there could be a single manager responsible for all those duties, in addition to supervising the store and staff training.
1 - Willingness and ability to help.
A good reason to choose a career in retail is the satisfaction you can get from helping people. You should want to be certain that customers are happy with their purchases and ensure they receive good service. The majority of retail jobs involve direct contact with customers, even at management level and when supervising or training others.
For someone with a calm and natural friendly disposition, retail can be an ideal choice of career. Good communication skills are necessary, and an ability to deal with complaints, rudeness, difficult customers and emergency situations.
2- Being honest.
Another good reason to pursue a career in retail is being honest and trustworthy. You might be responsible for handling cash or high value items, and you will need to be aware of security issues. You should be willing to report any misdemeanours, or attempts at cheating you see taking place, among your co-workers and by dishonest customers.
3 - Your own specialist knowledge.
Previous knowledge is not always necessary to pursue a career in retail, but working in any retail outlet does require enthusiasm for the type of products being promoted and sold within the department or store.
Your hobby or special interest can be a good reason for having a career in retail, if your personal knowledge or background experience will make you a good sales person. A love of reading could lead to a career in book-selling. An interest in electronics might lead to a career in selling the latest technical gadgets and computer equipment. An animal lover with practical experience can be a valuable asset in a pet store.
A career in retail could suit someone with a business degree or anyone who has had training in marketing, but the best qualifications for beginning a career in retail are genuine enthusiasm and a helpful attitude.
