Retail : Entry and progression

How do I find a job?

Retail sector jobs are advertised through:

• company websites;
• online and printed general press, including magazines, local and national newspapers;
• graduate websites and recruitment literature;
• careers fairs;
• retail recruitment agencies;
• trade associations;
• industry press;
• university careers centres;
• LinkedIn  

Large retailers usually offer formal graduate training schemes. Applications are made through an online form. Details are advertised via the company website. Candidates who are short-listed attend an assessment centre, followed by an interview and may be asked to complete online tests.

Those who have already worked for a retailer part time may find they have an advantage when applying for jobs internally, and may hear of jobs within the company that haven’t been publicly advertised.

Recruiters advertise all year round, although graduate schemes usually start from the autumn onwards. While there is an expiry date to apply for any graduate scheme, if the retailer fills all of the assessment centre places before the date, the employer will remove the job from their website. It’s important to apply for the role immediately and not to leave it until the last minute.

For more information, see job application advice. 

What skills do I need?

Many of those seeking a career in retailing will have acquired a taste for it through part-time work. Typical skills looked for by employers include:

• strong customer focus;
• customer service skills;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• good level of numeracy and IT skills;
• negotiation and persuading skills;
• evidence of leadership and management qualities;
• drive and enthusiasm;
• good risk assessment skills;
• well-developed commercial awareness;
• flair for creativity;
• ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines;
• organisational skills.

It’s becoming increasing competitive to find a job within retail head office and a degree is essential. To be considered for a graduate training scheme many retailers ask applicants to have at least a 2:1 in their chosen subject, however, store-based roles do not always require applicants to have a degree.

Employers will be looking for tangible examples of the skills you possess. If you don’t have any sort of retail experience, you can easily show examples of your skills through the work you do at university, as part of your course or extra-curricular work for a society, voluntary work or any other sort of work which involves communicating with people, working as a team or hitting deadlines.

Where can I find work experience?

In order to stand out from other applicants when applying for a job in retail, it’s advisable to gain work experience beforehand. Work experience on your application can make a big difference, as a recruiter perceives applicants with work experience as a proactive and committed candidate.

Work experience doesn’t have to be for a long period, anything from one week to a year placement will give you an insight into the day to day of the industry and working environment. It is also a chance for you to decide if you could see yourself working in a similar environment.  

Most retail outlets employ part-time sales assistants, which involves working on the shop floor, selling, replenishing stock and customer service. This is an excellent way of experiencing the consumer end of the retail supply chain, and is crucial to understanding customer spending habits. Apply in-store with a CV, or via the company website. You should get as much experience as you can (without it interfering with your studies).

As well as paid work, unpaid work placements and internships are also available in-store and at head offices. Your university careers service may be able to help you find a placement (paid or unpaid) and you can also contact companies directly. You would usually contact the human resources department in the first instance.

You could also gain experience by working on a voluntary basis for a charity shop. Most high streets have charity shops looking for extra help; for further details either go directly to the shop or contact the head office.

Retailers are looking for keen and eager students for work their work placements. Check company websites for application details, or send your CV and covering letter speculatively to shop managers.

Is postgraduate study useful?

You do not need postgraduate qualifications to succeed in retail; however, the right postgraduate course may enhance your career progression. Postgraduate courses can help to develop your business skills within the retail environment. Specifically, you can study retail management, buying and merchandising, logistics, purchasing, marketing and HR. Available courses range from certificate or diploma to a Masters. You can also take short courses in the evenings or weekends.

Some employers encourage postgraduate study as part of your professional development and will fund your course and give you time off to study. There are some areas in which postgraduate study is positively encouraged. For example, those pursuing a career in marketing may study for a Postgraduate Diploma at the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). In these specialist careers having a postgraduate qualification may increase your earning potential. 

How can my career develop?

The retail sector offers structured and swift career progression to graduates working on a graduate scheme. Have a look at the retailer’s website for an insight into their job roles and more information on training and the progression path. Should you secure a job which is not on a graduate scheme, the company will still provide training on the job, which will usually be in-house and sometimes through external providers.

Networking is a useful way of finding out about upcoming positions within other departments or other companies. When you are networking you’ll find the retail industry will appear to be very small and everyone is well connected. Networking website LinkedIn  is a useful networking tool, building your contacts and keeping them in one place.