We all know that look. The concerned look of a new acquaintance who you’ve just told about your profession. It can be disheartening enough to sabotage a conversation, job interview, or even a first date. But with a confident approach and the right information, it’s possible to impress anyone with a job in retail.

Why the Stigma?

With over 4.8 million retail workers in the United States, it is one of the largest and most diverse sectors of the economy. So why do so many people see jobs in retail as underwhelming? 

Well, for many of us, our first ever jobs are in the retail industry. Those who have moved on may remember their first job in high school being a seasonal worker for a big box chain. Seasonal employees are often unable to engage with the team or learn the nuances of the business in the way those of us who have stuck around do. I know I didn’t in my first gig as a seasonal cashier with Sears (RIP). And despite all of the shit I take, my relationships with the team and the stake I have in our store’s business are what keeps me coming back. Without this, many who have worked retail jobs in the past may not remember the industry fondly or even see our jobs as anything more than a high school starter job. 

We also have a perception of professionalism that is grounded in appearance. We may not have fancy suits and office buildings, but I guarantee we work harder than those that do, with professional standards just as high. I see wearing jeans and a polo to work as a perk, but some may be unable to overcome their superficial definition of professionalism. 

Finally, it’s about who they interact with when they visit stores. This goes back to not fully understanding the work that goes into maintaining a store and upholding a brand image. Many people only have experience with cashiers when they’re shopping, and they don’t realize there is an entire team in the backroom busting their ass to get the merchandise to the floor. Or employees working around the clock to clean up their mess in order to meet the standards that other customers expect.

The common factor here is a faulty sense of what we do and what it takes to run a store. Hopefully these tips can help convince anyone that we are professionals and our jobs are just as meaningful as theirs. 

Know Your Business

Store sales volume, department sales, and comparable sales are all insights every retail worker should be aware of and understand. If you’re not, ask your supervisor! I love sharing this kind of intel with my team because it makes them more engaged with their job and helps make our work center feel more like a team. Aside from making you a more effective employee, these numbers can be jaw dropping to the common folks who don’t realize just how much money retailers make. Rather than just stating you are a department manager for a retailer, express that you oversee X percent of your store sales or the equivalent amount in what is likely millions of dollars per year. Business ownership is an attribute retail executives value, and it can seriously blow away someone who doesn’t realize just how much money retailers are cranking out.

Know Your Value

Whether it’s the products you merchandize, service you provide, planograms you set, talent you develop, or just the laughs you give your coworkers, each employee adds value to the store in their own unique way. Ask your supervisor for feedback; what you’re doing right and where you can improve. Feedback is the most effective tool you can use to improve your performance at work and better understand your value as an employee.

Use comparable sales to gauge the monetary impact of your performance. It is seriously impressive to interview a candidate who knows their impact and can speak to it with concrete numbers. Single digit growth can equate to millions of dollars for retailers, and knowing that you’re part of the reason behind those gains can give you the confidence to impress anyone!

Use Experiences

Who doesn’t remember going into Target as a kid and feeling like you’ve hit the lottery when you walk out of the place with a bag of the saltiest (and best) popcorn on the planet. So what if you feel like you just work at the cafe? You’re making memories that last people a lifetime! 

Brick and mortar retailers often hold a special place in their customer’s hearts, and its employees are completely responsible for that perception! Draw those connections and let whoever you’re speaking to know that you uphold that brand and make the shopping experience special. 

Careers After Retail

So, what if you feel like you can’t overcome this stigma? Or, more likely, you just don’t want to spend the rest of your life working retail? Thankfully, the skills you acquire from a retail job can be help you succeed outside of the retail bubble!

Customer Service

Any company looking to be successful today needs to have strong customer service representation, and retail experience is an excellent starting point. Banks, hospitals, insurance companies, and so many other businesses need workers to look out for their customers and keep them coming back.

Although I’m sure many are looking to escape retail because of the customers, professional customer service interactions are typically far more pleasant than your typical return at a retailer. Great interactions with customers can be genuinely fulfilling, and potential employers will recognize that no one knows how to make a situation right for a customer like you! Furthermore, customer service jobs can be a great entry point to kick start a career in a field you may be passionate about.

Sales

Sales positions can be an excellent fit for former retail employees. If you’ve been in the game long enough, chances are you have developed an expertise in whatever products your store sells, and you can answer just about any question about these products. Giving customers the right information and closing sales is something retail workers do every single day, even if they don’t realize it. Companies know you may not have that extensive knowledge of their product. But if you find something you’re interested in, you can build that knowledge base up in no time, and potential employers will know you already have the experience to succeed!

Fulfillment and Warehouse Operations

If you really want to get out of the service side of the industry, you may be an excellent fit for a fulfillment position. Online shopping continues to be the preference for consumers, and the demand for quick shipping and efficient supply chains means there is no shortage of jobs in this sector.

There are plenty of jobs in this sector including order selectors, packers, and inventory managers. The supply chain industry has an excellent outlook, and there will be plenty of room for upwards mobility and growth if you opt to make the switch.