How can I get work in a department store?

Question

I would like to get a job in a huge department store, like Debenhams or John Lewis. However, every time I apply, I don't have much success, as either there are hundreds of others chasing the same vacancies - even Christmas jobs get quickly snapped up - or I fail in the sales role play exercises.

So has anybody got any advice on how to stand a better chance of landing a sales assistant role in a big store? I am 47 and have worked mostly in office/admin, but am now spreading my career aims now towards retailing. What qualities are the big retailers looking for? Advice please on how to stand out from all the other job applicants!

Answer 1

When it comes to retail u have to start from the bottom up. Get some experience with a smaller shop and then that'll be a good help on ur c.v and because of ur interest  ur interview wouuld go well always seem keen to help and most of all be friendly with customers managers love that.

goodluck

Answer 2

Be confident during interviews and always be the first to step forward (volunteering to do something when they ask). Do you're research about the job role and company making you more aware and more appropriate for the job..also.. ask lots of questions, show an interest!

Dress nicely but not to over the top!

Brag about what experience you have but explain why applying for the job - the challenge of it and how you have room for improvements! prepared to go on training courses and be the best you can be.

You can never know to much - this is because fair enough employers will love experience but its easy to come across full of yourself which they don't want. They want staff to be friendly and approachable - smiling alot helps!

using eye contact and good references!

Answer 3

send a resume, call to make sure they got it, or just walk in and ask

Answer 4

go and ask them for a job