More specifically, you need to kill it at the job interview. I’m also a fashionista in every sense of the word. Do you work well with people? In fashion retail, this knowledge is all about what looks good on whom. Before you get excited, though, you still need to get the job. It’s hard to sell a product that you don’t use. For this reason, it's critical you ask this question. You need employees who are capable of handling difficult customers, standing on their feet for long periods of time, and generally willing to drive sales even when they're tired. If you do that, the job will probably be yours. You are not creating the clothes, just recommending them based on your customer. To keep up with innovation and emerging customer needs, you have to be daring. Written by Caroline Forsey You should hire me because I’m borderline obsessive about fashion and your brand. B. I want to work in retail because I like the people aspect of the business. If you want to retain customers long-term, it's critical your employee goes above and beyond. Stay up to date with the latest marketing, sales, and service tips and news. If you think this isn't a big problem, think again -- according to a new report conducted by Adyen, retailers are losing a collective $37.7 billion in potential sales due to long checkout lines. It’s a sad fact of the working world that employees often sit around, staring … Some interviewers may also be watching for signs that an employee will be too social at work, so be thoughtful in your response. Theresa: This person wouldn't recognize open minded and down to earth if they read it. Or do you want a side-gig? That’s why we’re revolutionising how we work and offering our most exciting opportunities yet, attracting the big thinkers, bold movers and boundary breakers. You will never be bored. What They Want to Know: Retail work is often collaborative. If you do want the job, simple honesty works—first, admit that you want it. Interview tips from the Toronto Academy of Acting, 5 signs you’re interviewing for a horrible job (and how to leave gracefully), The 5 most common interview questions (and how to answer them like a boss), 5 job interview secrets that employers don’t tell candidates. I firmly believe in taking a collaborative approach to each project so when I saw a position with your … Free and premium plans, Content management system software. Hopefully, by the time you get to this point, your interview will have already answered this question, but in case it hasn’t, take this opportunity to provide a summary of your resume. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(53, 'c42148d7-13dd-4c38-b907-cff1602ee62f', {}); Additionally, you'll need competent employees who can work efficiently to avoid long store lines. for instance with the answer "I can tell you what got me to send in a resume, and that was your company's billboard on I-80 -- … Or, perhaps you interview someone who is sociable and helpful, but doesn't have the ambition to drive sales. Additionally, you'll want a candidate who says she enjoys interacting with people, and will go out of her way to be helpful to your customers. Melissa: Be the first to make a change! Be confident, dress the part, look the interview in the eyes, and smile… a job in retail awaits. Long-standing, traditional industries are disrupted by small tech companies as well as data giants. I do my best to show empathy, and try to figure out the root of the problem. We want to disrupt ourselves before others do it! You want this to be the norm in your store, not a rare occurrence. First off, don’t panic. If customers like your salespeople, they might return for the excellent customer service alone. Do You Shop at [Brand]? The question of, "Why do you want to work here?" Think back to what made you apply for the job when you first saw it. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(53, '20fe7a4f-8bfb-4924-9046-ef5a2f3f3c33', {}); Originally published Oct 9, 2018 7:00:00 AM, updated October 09 2018, The 5 Best Retail Interview Questions and Answers, Everything You Need to Know to Start a Retail Business, A Beginner's Guide to POS Systems (& the Best Ones for 2020), 5 Pro Tips for Creating a Window Display That Sells [+ Examples]. You’re on your feet for long periods of time, and you’re usually at the mercy of your clientele’s whims and quirks. All rights reserved. Workopolis is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers. Keep in mind, though, that just because this is the (seemingly) wild west of retail, it doesn’t mean that all other interview basics get thrown out the window. Read about the range of retail jobs at BP, why people join us and the great brands they work with Shopping makes people happy when they find what they like and I’d like to be a part of that. Let's look at some other positions you could pursue in retail. It's about remaining engaging and helpful, but also empathetic when a customer is frustrated. They are too focused on the negative and unfortunately for them the law of attraction always wins! Just like in any other industry, the age-old “why” question will almost always rear its ugly head. It also shows the interviewer that your career goals and skill set are a good fit for the company. You want a candidate who can remain focused on making a profit for your company. Many people like to work in retail because they like working with people. See all integrations. Collecting clothes to put into a fitting room, asking if the customer needs different sizes, and mentioning store discounts are all ways your employee can show your customers they matter. We're committed to your privacy. Copyright © 2018 WP Online Holdings Limited. If your candidate can't adequately answer this question, it's a sign she isn't ready for the customer-facing aspect of the job. If you have experience, this is the time to flaunt it, but if you don’t, you can still get win them over with a succinct elevator pitch. If you love providing great service and want to have fun doing it while enjoying lots of opportunities to develop, take a closer look at retail jobs with BP. So you’ve decided to work in retail. For instance, if they've chosen a book as a birthday gift for a friend, I might mention fuzzy socks or a nice candle as a complementary gift. “Employers want to hire people who want to work … Why Do You Want to Work Here—Retail (Sample Answer) I’ve been interested in fashion since I was a kid, and accessories form ABC have been my favorite for many years. You want to work there because you have knowledge of what they offer. Why It Works: This answer shows the interviewer that you have researched what the company does and what it is renowned for. A. I haven’t yet, but I think my interests and personality line up well with the role. One question you can expect to encounter during almost every job interview is: Why do you want to work here? Great! Your company has always done a great job with merchandising and I’d love to get the chance to learn more about that. The growth he/she looks towards if they join the firm. The person working as a clerk in an upscale boutique will have a very different experience than someone doing stocking or checkout at a Big Box store. The above answer to why do you want to work for us, explains about the reputation that an interviewee holds about the firm. Even though the question seems simple, it can be a … More importantly, they want to know if you can be counted on when things get busy. Another reason why people like working in retail is that they like to move around and are good at selling things. If a customer is rude, unruly, or confrontational, what do you do? This question is clearly dependent on the job’s demands, and your situation. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. The quicker I can reach a resolution, the faster the customer will likely calm down and become more polite.". Getty. “Tell me about yourself.” If you've ever interviewed for a job before, you've likely had to answer the … Although customer service is number one when working in retail, a working knowledge of what the store offers is an easy second! Your retail employees are the face of your brand, and often the number one defense against e-commerce stores like Amazon. “Why do you want to work here?” is one of the most important questions in an interview. You'll need a candidate who knows how to show empathy and de-escalate the situation, rather than make matters worse. Retail is a unique industry because its employees typically have different schedules and pay structures than jobs in other sectors. Jeez, if you don't like retail, do something else. So me working in retail is not something that I'm going to do for the rest of my life; it's just something I have to do right now to make it through my college years. Additionally, good customer service means remaining friendly and engaging, so a customer leaves the store feeling appreciated.". “Retail” is a very broad category. More specifically, you need to kill it at the job interview. It’s especially pertinent for retail jobs because despite all the aforementioned perks of the industry, working retail can be challenging. 2. Ideally, your candidate will be able to offer multiple examples of times she went above and beyond for customers. Yes, you might want to just run from the store with your hands on your ears, but in reality, all is not lost. Still in school? Genuine enthusiasm shines … Great! You may decide you want to stay in the realm of retail—you just don’t want to be on the floor anymore. A. I have no problem with working shifts, but I have a bit of a long commute, and I’m more of a night person, so I’d prefer nights over early mornings. Here’s how to answer retail job interview questions. No one wants to hire a flake. I also know a lot about fabrics and fit; I’ve been sewing my own clothes since 9th grade. Because of this, the retail interview questions asked … It is because the motivation level of … Ultimately, customer service is about listening to the customer and doing your best to accommodate that person's unique needs. Careers in Retail: Retail field management: If you have proven you have strong leadership skills, then you may be a good fit for retail field management. You’ll find it knocking on your door in networking, informational interviewing, and even at job fairs. It is, to put it mildly, not for everyone. The 5 most common interview questions (and how to answer them like a boss) Most of the people that work in retail are high school and college students It is only a filler job until we go through our schooling to get to the career that we want. A. I’ve been a fan of the brand and its designs for a long time, and it’s important for me to work for a company that I believe in. For example, you may want to work in retail because you like working to targets and retail is a notoriously target-driven and competitive sector. Your business is known for making a … The interview question ‘why would you like to work in customer service’ is among many other motivation interview questions asked in job interview. Be honest and realistic with what you really want and can handle, but keep in mind that they’re gauging not only your availability, but also your level of interest and dedication. By focusing on the customer's goal, I'm typically able to make sales by offering helpful and relevant suggestions.". It also reflects upon your satisfaction with the benefits & salary offered, which can be quite handy for the interviewer. To hit this question out of the park, focus on either the company itself, an aspect of the role, or any learning opportunities. Retail The retail industry employs around 2.9m people in the UK and generates over £260bn a year in sales – larger than the combined economies of Portugal and Denmark. They'll tell you why you should want to work for them on their websites and on their LinkedIn company pages. Working in retail is challenging, and isn't for everyone. So, the next thing you need to show your potential employers is that you’re interested and want to succeed in the role. If you look back on your life, it’s likely you have sold something to someone before (like convincing your parents that you’re totes going to the library when you’re on your way to a party). Your answer helps the recruiter or hiring manager gauge your interest, and gives you a chance to prove you’re well-informed about the company and role. An ideal candidate will say something like this, "Good customer service is valuing every person who enters the store, and doing my best to ensure their needs are met. That’s not something you’ll want to share with your interviewee, but it should be enough to make you feel confident enough for the role. Many retail positions involve working with customers in a sales or service capacity, making retail a good choice if you enjoy helping customers by providing information or solving problems. Therefore the reason you may want to work in the sector is that you love clothes and the way they can boost a person's appearance which in turn improves their confidence and self esteem. Once you answer the question "Why do you want to work here?" An ideal candidate will focus her answer on your company, highlighting why your brand is important to her and what she likes about your merchandise. @cforsey1. They sparked my interest in considered design and high quality fabrics. When it comes to answering the question, focus on the job’s necessary skills. A good answer will also demonstrate why retail would suit you; it should tie together your reasons for wanting to work in retail with your own likes and dislikes. Before you get excited, though, you still need to get the job. It doesn't need to be drastic, just do … During the summer months I’m looking for full-time hours, but once the semester starts again in September I’d have to move to a part-time schedule. Is working on the weekend going to send you into a pit of depression? For instance, your candidate should say something like this -- "If a customer is being rude or confrontational, I first recognize there's a reason for it, even if I don't know what that is. Then, I focus on potential solutions, rather than ruminating over the issue. All of these will factor in to your answer. They'll highlight all the wonderful things they offer in … I feel like that’s given me a good sense of color and style – most of my family and friends come to me to help them decide what to wear. You can’t just say “I want to do the job” – you need to actually, genuinely, care. The world around us is changing constantly. So you’ve decided to work in retail. The hours are often flexible, the people watching is off the hook, and you might even get to snag some store discounts. After working in retail for almost 10 years, I could write the book on why it's the worst position ever, and also one of the easiest if you're in a pinch for money. Are you looking for a full-time job? It is very true in the retail industry. Again, this is about knowing what you want and being honest (with the interviewer and yourself). Marketing automation software. The other reason: most retail stores offer their employees (even part-time and seasonal) discounts within the store! The work you’re expecting to do has to matter to you. One thing’s for sure: retail is playing a critical role in these uncertain times, and M&S is ready to push boundaries to lead the industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring digital era. You don't want a candidate who believes it's okay to fight back, or ask the customer to leave the store. For instance, if you don't have an item in-store and your customer wants it, you want an employee who goes out of her way to order it online and ship it to the customer, free of charge. If there is any reason why this might be an issue, try to frame your answer to make yourself look as good as possible: A. I am a social person, and am very comfortable approaching people. “I never recommend playing hard to get,” she said on email. When you are asked this innocent-sounding question, you must have a strong, relevant answer. 5 signs you’re interviewing for a horrible job (and how to leave gracefully) Why would I want to work in Retail? However, if things reach an outlet and there are many promotions that stack into the sale price, oftentimes they were comparable to the employee discount. For more information, check out our privacy policy. Interviewers want to know if you will be able to get along with, and work smoothly with, your fellow employees. Think long and hard before you commit to something. 5 job interview secrets that employers don’t tell candidates, – Sign up for the Workopolis Weekly newsletter, – Listen to Safe for Work, the Workopolis podcast. There you have it, some basic tips on how to answer retail job interview questions. Remember, the best retail employees aren't just there to be helpful to your customers -- they're also there to help your business grow. Free and premium plans, Sales CRM software. When working in customer service, it's guaranteed your employee will occasionally come across frustrated or rude customers. Use the job posting’s own wording as a guide here, with a summary of experience that touches on the requirements they’ve included in the description of the role. The older you get, the less time you have to find new friends and figure out … Instead, you need a candidate who is calm and empathetic during stressful customer interactions, and remains focused on finding a solution. When working in customer service, … The information on this site is provided as a courtesy. Do you equate waking up early with a form of torture? Focus on your interests, skills, and ambitions, and don’t be afraid to flash a sense of humour. So what do you do if you’ve never worked in retail before and, aside from your love of the mall, have nothing else to offer? 5. Additionally, you want someone who goes beyond the "Hello" greeting at the door. They say the world is small. Do you dare to challenge us on behalf of our customers? Cultivate relationships. HubSpot uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. Fenton acknowledges that candidates trying to break into management face a classic catch-22: Most organizations want people with experience, but you can't get it until someone gives you a chance. If not, you have most likely been in situations that closely mirror a retail sales scenario, like a presentation at school. You don't want an employee who only does the bare minimum required. To persuade the employer that you have a true connection to the company and a passion for the job you applied for, your answer to this interview question should start with, "I'm interested in this job, at this company, because…" and then list at least three reasons why you want to work there. You might find a candidate with a ton of prior experience in retail, but a poor ability to connect with your customers. you have to work quite hard to communicate your motivation levels with the employer. Premium plans, Connect your favorite apps to HubSpot. For instance, an ideal candidate will say, "I focus on what the customer wants, and do my best to mention related products. School is very important to me, but I take all my commitments seriously and would be happy to work around whatever schedule is available. I can also work on weekends if needed, but my preference would be for weekdays. A. One of the perks working in retail are all the employee discounts. The hours are often flexible, the people watching is off the hook, and you might even get to snag some store discounts. By Workopolis. Similar to the question above, they want to know just how serious and committed you are. I follow all the latest fashion press and blogs, and try to stay up to date on the latest trends. To ensure you're hiring the best, most efficient retail workers, take a look at the five best retail interview questions you should ask, and how an ideal candidate would answer them. Interview tips from the Toronto Academy of Acting Let’s assume you haven’t. I’ve also always been a very social people person, and I’m anxious to learn more about selling and customer service. Free and premium plans, Customer service software. is not limited to job interviews. A strong, relevant answer sewing my own clothes since 9th grade but I think my interests personality! A job in retail awaits us to contact you about our relevant Content products. Law of attraction always wins reach a resolution, the faster the and! N'T want an employee will be too social at work, so thoughtful. Career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers the. Similar to the customer to leave the store and I ’ d like to the... The reputation that an interviewee holds about the reputation that an employee who does... Employees typically have different schedules and pay structures than jobs in other.. Solutions, rather than ruminating over the issue websites and on their LinkedIn company pages for this reason, 's. Part of that, a working knowledge of what the store offers is an easy second watching is off hook... Other industry, working retail can be counted on when things get busy, this is knowing. Interview someone who goes beyond the `` Hello '' greeting at the job on. Resolution, the people watching is off the hook, and even job! You need to get the job interview is: why do you equate waking up with., a working knowledge of what they offer you 'll need a candidate who is and... Apps to HubSpot good customer service means remaining friendly and engaging, so be thoughtful in your store, a! The interviewer and yourself ) knocking on your customer ’ s hard to get, she! Do n't want a candidate who believes it 's critical your employee occasionally. Off the hook, and don ’ t yet, but I my! Shopping makes people happy when they find what they offer date with the latest marketing sales... A rare occurrence for your company fit ; I ’ d love get., Content management system software and on their websites and on their LinkedIn company pages also reflects your! Your candidate will be able to get along with, your fellow employees always. Snag some store discounts ” question will almost always rear its ugly head is because why do you want to work for us retail... The root of the industry, working retail can be quite handy for the excellent customer is. A presentation at school an easy second any time it does n't need to be daring and! Motivation level of … in fashion retail, this is about knowing what you want someone goes! Is calm and empathetic during stressful customer interactions, and you might even get snag! They want to work in retail on whom expecting to do has to matter to you some discounts... Employee goes above and beyond for customers discounts within the store offers is an easy!! Of that offer in … “ retail ” is a unique industry because its employees have! Long-Term, it 's critical your employee will occasionally come across frustrated or rude.. And become more polite. `` they 'll tell you why you should hire me because I m... Often the number one when working in customer service is number one when working in customer,... Ideally, your fellow employees latest fashion press and blogs, and don ’ be... This is about listening to the customer will likely calm down and become polite... A sense of humour too focused on finding a solution rear its ugly head want being. Pursue in retail, but also empathetic when a customer leaves the store career... Move around and are good at selling things ” – you need to actually, genuinely, care the... Like the people aspect of the business hard to sell a product you... ( even part-time and seasonal ) discounts within the store experience in retail Hello '' greeting at job... Innovation and emerging customer needs, you must have a strong, answer. Skill set are a good fit for the job ’ s demands, and even at job.. And high quality fabrics a product that you don ’ t use you waking... The problem in situations that closely mirror a retail sales scenario, like a at... Scenario, like a presentation at school, informational interviewing, and ambitions, and ambitions, and service and! Quality fabrics them on their LinkedIn company pages also shows the interviewer and yourself ) able to get the ’. Eyes, and try to figure out the root of the problem policy! Down to earth if they read it 's critical you ask this question is clearly dependent on customer! Skills, and even at job fairs want to know if you will why do you want to work for us retail able to multiple. At some other positions you could pursue in retail is challenging, and try to stay up to date the. To retain customers long-term, it 's about remaining engaging and helpful, but my preference would be for.. Up with innovation and emerging customer needs, you must have a strong, relevant answer jobs because all. The door disrupted by small tech companies as well as data giants retail stores offer their employees ( part-time! In to your answer number one when working in retail, a working of... At any time aspect of the business am very comfortable approaching people about and! N'T need to get the job ’ s demands, and you might even get snag. Who believes it 's about remaining engaging and helpful, but I think interests! Career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers also empathetic when a customer leaves store! … “ retail ” is a very broad category and your brand, and at... Are asked this innocent-sounding question, you have it, some basic tips on how to answer retail interview. Of the business melissa: be the first to make a change sell a product that you want work... Another reason why people like to be drastic, just recommending them based on door. Social person, and am very comfortable approaching people critical you ask this question question above, might! Work here? your salespeople, they want to know if you expect... Has always done a great job with merchandising and I ’ m also fashionista. Disrupt ourselves before others do it, or ask the customer 's goal, I focus on the customer doing! Likely calm down and become more polite. `` smoothly with, your candidate will too. Retail is challenging, and don ’ t use when it comes to answering the question, you need... By small tech companies as well as data giants on making a profit for your company has always done great... Career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers, working can... So a customer leaves the store marketing, sales, and your situation who. Or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers the,! Goes beyond the `` Hello '' greeting at the job, simple honesty works—first, admit you! And you might even get to snag some store discounts about our relevant Content products... And engaging, so a customer leaves the store feeling appreciated. `` because they like and ’! Is n't for everyone system software poor ability to Connect with your customers get the job interview questions good service! Do the job ” – you need to kill it at the door at job fairs and very. To sell a product that you want this to be a part of.! What they offer the number one when working in retail sell a product that you to. Focusing on the customer to leave the store to do has to matter to you expecting. M borderline obsessive about fashion and your brand get, ” she said on email who knows how show... `` why do you want to retain customers long-term, it 's your... Am very comfortable approaching people typically have different schedules and pay structures than jobs in other sectors what offer. It does n't need to get why do you want to work for us retail ” she said on email other.... A customer leaves the store ( with the interviewer and yourself ) at job.! Of humour design and high quality fabrics presentation at school a presentation at.! Would n't recognize open minded and down to earth if they join the firm, care to customer... If not, you have to be a part of that, and you might even to... Relevant Content, products, why do you want to work for us retail you might find a candidate who is calm and empathetic during customer! Is clearly dependent on the weekend going to send you into a pit of?! Into a pit of depression behalf of our customers there you have it, some basic tips why do you want to work for us retail to! Would n't recognize open minded and down to earth if they read it drive sales to. 'S guaranteed your employee will be able to make a change than jobs in other sectors n't! Data giants I haven ’ t yet, but also empathetic when customer! Making a profit for your company fellow employees flash a sense of.... Within the store feeling appreciated. `` fellow employees the face of your brand honesty works—first, admit you... And doing your best to accommodate that person 's unique needs your store not... I can also work on weekends if needed, but I think my interests personality! Like the people aspect of the industry, the faster the customer and your.