For the best opportunity finding a position, examine the types of retail stores who employ sales clerks, sales people and managers. Applicants with experience in fashion retail jobs have an excellent opportunity in finding quality positions that may be a perfect fit. Before applying for a position, the applicant should research the stores before sending applications or inquiries about positions.
Retail Sales Options
Store Manager
For applicants with prior retail sales experience, positions as a retail manager or senior store manager may be an excellent option. Store managers are responsible for managing employees and running the store in a profitable manner. Store managers also have the responsibility to ensure that the merchandise in the store is displayed in an attractive manner that will entice customers to buy.
Merchandising Agents
For applicants with experience, especially in merchandising, positions as a merchandising agent or merchandising buyer may be an excellent choice. Merchandising agents are responsible for finding the latest fashions and manufacturers of hot styles and outfits. The Merchandising agent position also may have responsibility for managing a team to drive the store image strategy, as well as maximizing profits through negotiating the best price for purchases, as well as determining the best sales prices.
Store manager and department managers may also be an excellent option for experienced applicants.
Store Operations
For applicants who have a business background and are interested in a position in retail jobs or fashion retail jobs in London or Ireland, positions in store operations are also an option. Store operations include hiring sales people and other support staff, receiving goods, bookkeeping, accounting and promotion.
Skills and Training
Most retail positions require a high school degree or equivalent, as well as on the job training. Many stores require a college degree for management positions. Applicants should check with each retail store to determine their specific educational or skill requirements before proceeding. The most important trait for any of the many retail jobs is an excellent focus on the customer and a desire to provide excellent customer service. Fashion retail jobs also require the applicant to have an eye for fashion, as well as what clothing would be flattering or achieve the desired effect on a wide variety of people.
Opportunities for Advancement
Successful store managers, store operations, or merchandising agents have the opportunity to be promoted to management if employed by a larger chain store. If the store is a single property, the potential for advancement is limited by the size of the retail store.
In larger chain stores, advancement potential may require movement to other locations around the UK. An employer may hire a store manager with limited experience to manage a smaller store. If the manager is successful, the employer may move the employee to larger and newer stores, eventually resulting in headquarters positions. For international stores, employees who are not residents of the UK may be interested in working for retail stores with locations within the UK as well as in their home country.
Acquiring Relevant Experience
Acquiring experience with the chain store in a country outside of the UK and then applying for a position within the UK may result in higher success for the applicant. Stores hiring foreign workers in the UK will want solid references. The higher the quality of the references, the better the likelihood the retail store will hire the applicant.
For applicants living in countries without stores with UK contacts, working in fashion retail jobs that provide relevant experience that a UK store would require is the next best option. Ensuring a superior work history and developing a reliable reference list will be helpful as well. Applicants should have discussions with all of the people providing references to confirm that they would be available to provide written and verbal references if needed.
Applying for a Position in the UK
Retail jobs in London as well as retail jobs in Ireland generally require that the applicant be fluent in English. The applicant also needs to qualify for a work Visa before accepting a position.
Many retailers post positions online, making it easier for applicants to find the perfect position in advance. Some of the larger retailers post retail jobs on their company website, including the job description, job requirements, experience requirements, as well as education. Most online retail job postings will take an electronic resume or application. Smaller retailers may utilize online job boards or services to post their positions. These websites will give the applicant the relevant job requirements, experience requirements, as well as contact information to send communications and resumes.
Conclusion
Applicants seeking retail jobs in the UK should do their research, including planning the length of their stay in the country, determining what type of employment would suit their needs, as well as determine what type of employment experience they would like to have. With planning and thought, a skilled applicant should be able to find the perfect retail job in the perfect location.
