https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:44:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths/page/2#post-644586 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 23:57:52 +0000 Jjsloane 644586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everything counts if you spin it properly. </p> <p>Go for it. You will only know if you want/like it if you do it. </p> <p>Retail is hard. People are nice/mean/crazy but if you like helping them it can be very rewarding. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths/page/2#post-644544 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 22:40:51 +0000 rae 644544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not been a supervisor, but I have trained new hires and temps. Does that count for anything? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-644472 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:42:55 +0000 christieanne 644472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would not put forum on your actual resume - it is nice to bring up in conversation but not on paper. I would list your friend that you personal shopped for as a reference! And let him know so he is prepared. Very few companies actually call references anymore by the way....lack of time but also, they aren't as meaningful since employers only really verify employment and personal contacts are well, personal friends. </p> <p>Check out resources for resume building - Monster and linked in both have online stuff. Lots of books on building a resume. Do you have supervisory experience in any capacity? Great to highlight that if so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-644404 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:47:25 +0000 rae 644404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christianne, that is great to know. I might have put the blog somewhere on a resume as an "activity" or something otherwise. Is it the same with forum participation? </p> <p>I sometimes do personal shopping for friends (e.g. starting my male friend up with an officewear capsule). Is this legitimate enough to put down on a resume as a client/contact/reference? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-644399 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:38:28 +0000 christieanne 644399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LinkedIn is useful for precisely that - link to people you know and then branch out. When you send a "connect" message just explain who you know and why you want to connect (We have a connection in common since we both worked with Tim Jones. I am thinking of changing fields and your current position is in alignment with my goals. Would like to network here with you.) No one ever turns that sort of thing down (unless they never check their linked in box). </p> <p>One thing I would be cautious of is overplaying the blog. Fashion bloggers aren't always taken seriously in the retail world until they get to a point where they actually tie to career (like Angie for example). It's sort of like the grads of fashion school who think being a buyer means they just go to fashion shows. Pretty much not true. I know you don't have that perspective but until you get into the interview and connect in person, I'd keep that to a minimum. Especially since so many retailers have social media rules, it's better to keep just note as an interest in person.<br /> Not to be cold or mean but I want you to have realistic expectations going in </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-644356 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 17:57:52 +0000 ironkurtin 644356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, the key in jobhunting is to be absolutely open with people about what you want. YES, do use your networks and friends of friends! Use friends-of-friends-of-friends if you must! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-644353 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 17:55:38 +0000 KikiG 644353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I worked in retail years ago, and still have the impulse to talk to strangers. And, um, zip zippers, find belts and make helpful suggestions--in the dressing room area, while I'm shopping. I've been offered a job on the spot LOTS of times, just from being "helpful" to other customers! </p> <p>The wonderful thing about retail is that you can get your foot in the door without blowing up what you have going. Look for a weekends/nights job, and you will quickly find out if you think it is fun or if it is not at all what you think. You can picnic on the greener looking grass without having to make a life-changing decision and leap into the unknown. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-644297 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:36:55 +0000 Suz 644297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A skills based résumé will be key...and don't forgot, your experience with your blog, and here, is valid experience. It is rather like volunteer work.</p> <p>I think someone should see samples of your writing on fashion, your reviews. You communicate so well; it is a gift that many people lack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-644259 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:54:26 +0000 rae 644259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK, that's a great point, but as usual I don't know anyone, lol. The bad side of having a very small group of friends, I guess. A couple of people have said that *they* know people they might get me in touch with, so we shall se if they actually do so. I'm going to have to start campaigning on the FB and such, but I can't do that until it is public knowledge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-644245 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:40:04 +0000 ironkurtin 644245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, the way to get interviews is not necessarily through a resume. Most people get jobs through people they know. Who do you know in retail? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-644210 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:55:22 +0000 rae 644210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Echo! That makes a lot of sense; I would not want anyone shooing me away because they wanted the same job!</p> <p>Christieanne, your insights are priceless. Great confidence booster that banks recruit at retail stores! I also did not know that Linkedin had some of those features you mentioned. I will have to explore the site in detail and use it fully. It's perfect, since I do not use Linkedin at work. </p> <p>Thanks so much to everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643903 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 04:04:31 +0000 christieanne 643903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sure this is obvious, but before you get into the interview, you want to research as much as possible about the company, position, career paths, etc. before you go in. This is where some of the YLF with retail backgrounds can help you out and the internet is so useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643901 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 04:02:09 +0000 christieanne 643901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been in retail for 25 years - everything from old school department store on commission to running mega million big boxes. It's not easy but it certainly is not boring and I can't imagine having a job where i was tied to a desk all day. So I have not changed career paths (the thought has crossed my mind but it's harder to do that when you are looking at retirement in 20 years - you still have time!!) but have worked for several companies. </p> <p>Your banking experience is customer service oriented - banks are all recruiting at retail stores these days too - and so make sure you spin your resume in that direction.<br /> Are you on linkedin? It is great for networking and you may be amazed at how many contacts you can gain. They also have formatting software to give you a head start on your resume. Once you are on there you sign up for all sort of retail forums and the recruiters go nuts looking for people. It may be hard to do that if you use linked in for work though. </p> <p>There are pluses and minuses - I can't list them all but feel free to PM me with any questions. </p> <p>Yes, you will work when the business is which often means weekends, nights and weekends, sometimes holidays. But not EVERY one of them. People rotate. And in the more upscale stores - not open on Thanksgiving or Christmas or Easter. On the other hand, you may not care about that. I LOVE having some weekdays off. So easy to make appointments and have the town to myself when others are working. That sort of thing pales in comparison to actually liking your work and the people you work with. </p> <p>I know you said you may be interested in Personal Shopping but there are many other sides to retail - for example, you might be great at visual merchandising and display. I could see you really digging the props and sets. In LA, there must be design firms that consult on windows and display for boutiques? </p> <p>Getting your foot in the door should not be hard. I am always impressed when I interview by someone who seems genuinely enthusiastic and has common sense, good communication skills and is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. That's it. </p> <p>I think you could easily transition - it isn't about fashion so much as customer relations and communication. Fashion experience is way down the list of qualifications in general. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643883 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 03:44:39 +0000 Echo 643883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>See if you can get a feel for who is interviewing you. Retail stores often leave hiring for open floor slots (not terribly important, entry-level positions) to assistants, and those assistants generally don't care about your aspirations. If you have submitted a resume, however, and are interviewing specifically for a certain position (a keyholder, assisting manager in a certain department, etc.), then definitely mention your desired position. Make it clear that you would be happy to be working in the store at all, but that at some point you would be interested in going a certain direction. </p> <p>Retail can sometimes be a competitive environment, so you don't necessarily want to step on toes in the interview with a hiring assistant who may be aiming for the same position. But with a department manager, you can be more forward because they will appreciate ambition in an employee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643874 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 03:24:03 +0000 rae 643874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>VC, thank you for the very thoughtful and detailed response. One of my friends volunteers at a place where they do resume building and he has said the exact same things as you. I will definitely take this to heart. Congrats to your husband! IKWYM about thinking "I've decided." It's very different from how I've felt in the past. </p> <p>Echo, your story is inspiring and encouraging. Even if it takes until the holiday season to get my foot in the door, that is all I need. Do you think I should mention the desire to move up to personal shopper in an interview (if I get one)? Or is that considered too forward? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643861 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 03:06:22 +0000 Echo 643861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz makes some excellent points here. It is relatively easy to get hired into retail, and resume has little to do with it. Many stores will hire any warm body around the holiday season just to have someone on the floor. But those who have the skills to go higher become apparent VERY quickly; they stand out like beacons to managers who care. So getting in the door isn't hard, but make it a point after you have worked there for a little while to mention to a manager that you are interested in becoming a personal shopper and ask to assist if they will let you. Make a point of greeting and shaking the hand of a district or regional manager who visits your store. If a manager or DM ever asks you your aspirations in the organization, tell them. I worked in retail a lifetime ago and I used to joke that to the DMs that I would have their job one day. I was offered my own store so fast it made my head spin. </p> <p>You are a professional with communication skills, a work ethic and the skills to go very far in a retail environment. Quality people are very hard to come by in retail, and I would bet that once you get your foot in the door you will go very far very fast. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643845 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:25:10 +0000 velvetychocolate 643845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's some advice, though not necessarily related to switching careers...</p> <p>Make *sure* your resume includes a whole lot of the keywords mentioned in the online job ad. New software being utilized screens out just about everyone who applies for a job these days. In fact, it's so bad that an HR manager applied for his own job and got rejected. </p> <p>"A Philadelphia-area human-resources executive told Mr. Cappelli that he applied anonymously for a job in his own company as an experiment. He didn't make it through the screening process."</p> <p><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304821304577436172660988042.html" rel="nofollow">http://online.wsj.com/article/.....88042.html</a></p> <p>(the article is well worth reading).</p> <p>It's kind of silly...a whole lot of applicants get screened out because of a software program, and because their resume didn't have the exact keywords or exact 'right' experience - and these are very good applicants!</p> <p>Just for the record - my husband went through a layoff a couple of years ago, and the whole job search situation had changed dramatically since he'd last looked for a job (19 years prior). It took us a *lot* of work to get the resume right, and tailor each and every resume so that it included those keywords, so he wouldn't get screened out. </p> <p>The result? My husband got a very good job, paying a lot more than his last job in less than three months, whereas only one other person out of the 20 people who were laid off that day ever got another job at all. That's right - 18 of the 20 are still looking...two years later. That's just awful! In the meantime, the people that got laid off were only laid off because they were at the top of their salary range - sometimes companies do this - just eliminate people who are 'expensive'. The weird thing is that all of these people are top-notch performers and producers. Rockstars, even. </p> <p>...</p> <p>So, it definitely pays to be sure to re-do each resume before submitting - and include the relevant keywords in the ad. </p> <p>We worked like crazy to make sure that the resume was stellar. In fact, the so-called outplacement service was shocked at the resume we'd crafted (ie. very impressed). Every single application was carefully tailored, even re-written entirely if needed. My husband got a very good job in an entirely different industry - they relocated us, sold our house (paid the commission and all closing costs), flew us out for home-finding trips, moved us, paid the rent for months and months, will still pay for all the closing costs if we buy again, and paid him a lot more than he was making in his previous job. So, you just never know. </p> <p>Be sure to set up a linkedin profile ...get some recommendations if you can. </p> <p>Also, here's another very good blog to read when you're "looking" for something else:</p> <p><a href="http://www.recareered.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.recareered.com/</a></p> <p>Very, very helpful blog! In fact, I'd say it was this blog that made the biggest difference for us. </p> <p>Now, even two years on - we're still getting calls and e-mails from recruiters and companies inquiring. A recruiter just wrote to my husband about two weeks ago. </p> <p>To get even more off-topic - I believe that *everyone* is a rockstar, in some way - and the trick is to communicate that fact in the resume, linkedin profile, recommendations, and so on. You need to get very excited about what you can do and what you want to do, and leave behind any bad feelings from the old job (or the one you want out of). You might even need to show off a wee bit. </p> <p>Time to start leaving the old job behind and get your head and your heart into the new job, even if you don't have it yet. It can be done! </p> <p>It's not "if" you can...it's more like, "I'm going to......" and "I've decided......"</p> <p>You are just as much a rockstar as that person whose success you'd like to emulate. </p> <p>So, crank up some really good music that makes you feel motivated, get *excited* about your new career, work those resumes like crazy ...and you'll be so pleased and surprised at what can happen. In the meantime, whatever you do - don't feel bad about the old job...just mentally kind of leave it behind, even if you're still there. Don't feel bad about not being where you'd like to be - get excited about where you're going. </p> <p>There is a lot to look forward to! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643840 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:14:14 +0000 Transcona Shannon 643840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can you One Dollar Wonders (I hope I have that right) blog count on your resume? It shows your creativity, fashion sense, thrifting abilities, etc. Just a thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643833 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:08:27 +0000 rae 643833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the encouraging words, everyone. I am pretty set on doing this - eventually I would like to strike out on my own and be a personal shopper specializing in discount stores to assist people who can't or don't want to spend a ton. The trick will be actually getting IN and getting experience and "doing time" at the bottom, probably taking the worst shifts and all that. </p> <p>I'm most worried about the resume and what to say. About all I have going is that I've done customer service for demanding and high net worth individuals. I have learned some sales techniques from my bosses, but I have not been in a sales role. </p> <p>Shannon, I did not know what I wanted to do until... well, a few weeks ago? lol. The mad rush of school, tests, and college entrance exams never left time for me to think about what I enjoyed; it was a non-issue. You're a great mom for talking to your son about it now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643821 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:56:00 +0000 Sveta 643821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have an advice on a retail job (never worked there) but don't be afraid to go there if this is what you want to do to reach your dream. I strongly believe that any position can be a starting block to great career if the person in this position is driven by passion and talent!<br /> Life is too short to spend it doing something you don't enjoy (or God forbids - hate!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643815 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:46:11 +0000 Suz 643815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, I also think you have the talent to rise above the throngs of wannabes very, very quickly. You're tactful, you communicate extremely well, you're funny, you're kind, you have a stellar memory and a great eye for detail. All these qualities would make you much in demand and well beloved by your clients. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643810 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:42:23 +0000 Transcona Shannon 643810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae - I must admit I was hoping you were talking about yourself! I can completely see you in this type of position. You have an innate sense of style and can see details in outfits very clearly. FWIW, I think you should go for it! </p> <p>My son was talking yesterday about career paths and college/university and doesn't really know where he wants to go yet (he's only 16) and my one comment to him was "when you're doing something 8 hours a day, you'd better like it and be passionate about it". To me that counts for so much more than how many dollars that pay check is. Just my two cents worth (pardon the pun). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643809 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:42:21 +0000 nicoleb 643809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae - that sounds like my job! I honestly thought about applying for the job. People keep randomly telling me that is the field i should be in but i just don't think, at this point in my life, that it's realistic for me. Maybe if i was younger and had looked into it before i started a family it'd be different but i didn't even know about it then. :-/ oh well. not everyone gets to follow their passions and i'm grateful just to have the fantastic job i do have even if i don't find it thrills-ville. </p> <p>I do hope everything comes together for you! Then i'll live vicariously through you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643797 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:36:32 +0000 rae 643797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, so now that i'm at home I can admit that I'm actually talking about myself. </p> <p>Nicole, that is exactly what I'm looking for, and hopefully there would be an opening. Working on holidays is definitely a bummer, and I'm going to have to accept the possibility of a longer commute. But it's better than committing my life to something I don't care about and going out to get certifications for things that literally put me to sleep. </p> <p>IK, you make a very good point. The ol' resume is going to play a huge role here... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643752 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:34:39 +0000 ironkurtin 643752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The key in any switching path trajectory is landing the interview. Once you've got that, you can explain how your experience is relevant and explain HOW MUCH YOU WANT THIS. There are worse things than hiring someone who really, really wants the job. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643745 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:26:37 +0000 nicoleb 643745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I worked in retail for 5 years. Easy to get into but if you're starting bottom of the barrel kinda of a thankless job. Long hours, holidays, low wages and the general public. </p> <p>My Nordstrom was recently hiring for a "Personal Stylist in Training" which i believe is entry level. So maybe have your friend keep an eye out for something like that. Otherwise i would try a boutique before i picked a mall job but that's just my personal experience! Your friend could love it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643683 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 22:05:50 +0000 rae 643683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenava, that may be good news as well... possibly less long-term competition to stay on long term and graduate to personal shopping? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643674 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:54:06 +0000 Jenava 643674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Easy to get hired, but there is also a lot of turnover because it is hard work! (-: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643660 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:38:54 +0000 marianna 643660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's honestly not necessary at all. I find that retail is one of the easiest jobs to get hired for. Sad, but true. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/otadvice-for-applying-to-retail-or-changing-job-paths#post-643659 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:37:08 +0000 rae 643659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianna, thank you for the insight - it is good to know that prior retail experience isn't absolutely necessary! </p>