Sitting through an interview is not easy. Coming up with the right questions is often a difficult process; you want to make a good impression and come across as intelligent, but you don’t want to accidentally offend anyone. If you need help, the information below should help.
Retail Management: Is It Right For You?
Retail management is a great career choice. Not only will it challenge you, but you’ll be faced with new situations on a regular basis, which means that you will never get bored. You’ll have a large amount of inventory to work with, plenty of coworkers, and a strategy to implement on a daily basis. Your hours may vary, but you can expect to be eligible for some great benefits. There is plenty of opportunity to move up the career ladder; you can start at the bottom and wind up on top one day if you work hard enough!
Retail management is something that graduates should consider for a variety of reasons. For example, the salary can be very competitive. You may be able to travel, and depending on your job performance, you could move into a senior position over time.
It is not easy to secure a position in retail management, however. If you want to do well, you’ll have to learn how to make your mark and stand out from the rest that are trying to secure the same positions that you are.
A great resume is important, after all it’s the first thing people tend to look at when looking to hire someone. Ambitious people who showcase their drive on their CV are always going to be certs when it comes to getting as far as the interview stage. The character Jessica Pearson from suits is a good example of this, she’s driven, savvy and ambitious and there’s a lot that we can learn from the fictional character – you can see what can be garnered in this post about a resume makeover for tv hit “suits” character Jessica Pearson. Yes, she’s fictional, but there’s a lot to be learned from her. Yes, she’s fictional, but there’s a lot to be learned from her.
To start, find out as much as you can about the company you are interviewing with. However, you should also take things a step further and also look into the industry as a whole. For example, check the news and trade magazines. Find out what the trends are in the industry at the moment. Form your own opinions and be ready to convey those opinions in an intelligent manner.
If you truly want to stand out, asking well-thought out questions is the best way to do so. Many interviewers want to see that a graduate is invested in their potential new career, and asking questions is one way to show that you are serious about the job.
By asking questions, you can also convey your enthusiasm for the retail sector. Many interviewees are hesitant to ask questions, but you shouldn’t be; it is important to do so.
Types Of Questions
As the interview draws to a close, the person in charge will normally ask you if you have any questions. This is your time to speak; take it seriously, because you have the opportunity to leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you.
Remember, simply because the interview is winding down does not mean that the employer is paying any less attention to you. He or she wants you to ask intelligent questions. They want to see that you understand the business as a whole and have a firm grasp on what your job responsibilities might be.
Determine what questions you want to ask ahead of the actual interview. It can be difficult to think of them while you are sitting in the interview chair.
It is a good idea to have five questions prepared. You likely won’t get to ask that many; the interview will have to end some time, and if people are coming in after you, it can’t extend for too long. However, you should have extra questions ready because a few of the ones you prepared might get answered early in the conversation.
When you are looking up the specifics of the job, the company and the industry, you can form your questions. However, some people still have a hard time coming up with questions to ask. There are a few questions you can fall back on. For example, ask how the position will help the company as a whole, as it relates to their goals and objections. That question will help you learn more about the mission of the company and what your responsibilities will be.
You can also ask about current challenges. For instance, note something specific about the company (e.g., they are opening up several new stores) and then follow by asking what type of challenges may crop up as a result.
Another good question involves the type of training or support you will receive if you get the job. A lot of retail management positions offer job training. Not only will it help you learn your role, but any type of training looks great on your resume. If no training is available, find out what type of support will be offered as you learn the position.
Also, make sure to ask about career advancement. This question shows the employer that you want to do well in your role and have an eye on the future. You can learn a bit about the structure of the company as well. Another question to ask is how you can show early on that you are mastering your new role. You’ll find out more about what is expected of you.
Finally, ask why the company is a great place to work for. Your interviewer may not be expecting this question, but it can help you learn more about the benefits involved and what the organization is like as a whole.
When asking questions, make sure not to pose an inquiry that is easily answered through a bit of research. Don’t ask about money right away either; that is something you can talk about once the job is offered to you.