How to Get a Job in Retail During a Bad Economy

If you enjoy interacting with customers, shopping, or need a job with a flexible schedule, retail might be a great place to work. Although you might worry about getting a retail job when the economy is bad, if you follow these steps, your name will go right to the top of the application pile

Location, location, location; everyone knows that those are the three most important things any retail establishment needs to consider before opening up a shop, and the same is true for applying for a retail position.

Consider your local mall as a good starting point, as these tend to be a hub for retail activity, and a good base of operations to start applying for retail jobs. In addition to housing between 20 - 100 possible places to apply, the mall's food court can give you a place to fill out applications. Also, remember that around most malls there are tons of strip malls that also house good retail job opportunities.

If you live in a larger city, you might also spend a day downtown going from store to store to get a job in the retail sector. 

Many retail establishments don't require a resume' when you're applying for a job, they'll have their own application process, sometimes done on a computer, and others done on a paper application. What ever the process, make sure you're prepared with a pen, a resume' and a list of names, addresses, phone numbers, and contact people for your past jobs. If you haven't any past jobs, consider references or volunteer work that will give you credibility for retail work.

Don't fill out an application in the store, start by collecting applications a few at a time and fill them out. Also, don't wave around 100 applications as you're collecting them; people will just think you're collecting applications and haven't given any thought as to where you'd really like to work.

Be sure to have a pen handy, and put each application flat in a binder or folder. If you can, get two copies of the application, in case you make a mistake, and above all, write neatly. If the prospective employer receives a sloppy, wrinkly application, chances are you'll never get a call back.

When turning in your application, always ask for the hiring manager. You don't want to hand your hard work into a salesperson or assistant manager, you want to make sure you get in front of the person who will be making the decision to hire you. If that person is not available, write down who they are and when they'll be in next, and turn it in then. 

Finally, when going to pick up applications, drop off applications, or go to a retail interview, make sure you're dressed neatly and professionally. No jeans (even if the place is named 'Jeans R Us'), no pets, and no friends. If you take a friend for support, make sure they stay out of sight during the time you're interacting with anyone in a professional capacity.

Take out an iron and make sure your clothes are not wrinkled, and have a serviceable pair of shoes on. Your hair should look neat and tidy, and you should shower and shave as appropriate.

Know something about the place in which you're applying before you hand in your application. Take a moment to research the company before you speak to a hiring manager, and know a bit about the duties you will be performing and how it compares to your job in the past.

You'll never get a second chance to make a good impression, but if you follow the rules outlined above for getting a job in retail, you can make sure you'll more often than not get an interview.

Good luck.