What to Say When Walking Into a Store Looking for a Job
Sometimes the best way to find a new job is to just get out there and start pounding the pavement, applying in person to retail stores that are hiring. If you're shy or uncomfortable around others, or if you've never looked for a job before, you might not know exactly what to say when you walk into a store looking for a job.
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First Impressions
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First impressions are important when you are looking for a job, and your appearance can say a lot about you before you even open your mouth. Before walking into a business looking for a job, make sure that you look professional and clean-cut. Get a haircut if you need one, and make sure your hands and nails are clean and well-groomed. Wear clean, appropriate clothes. You don't necessarily need to get dressed up in a suit and tie, but don't walk into a store wearing torn jeans and a grubby sweatshirt if you want to make a good impression and land a job.
What to Say
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When you walk into the store, introduce yourself to the customer service representative at the service desk, or the person working behind the counter, and ask if you can talk to someone about a job. If you know for sure that the business is hiring --- you saw a sign in the window, or an ad in the newspaper --- mention those and that you would like to apply. Ask to speak to the person listed in the ad if appropriate. When you meet the manager or person in charge of hiring, introduce yourself again and tell him that you want to apply for a job. In some cases, you may not actually meet the person in charge of hiring. In that case, you might be given an application to fill out, or sent to a computer to fill out an online application. No matter what happens, be polite and thank everyone you speak to for their time.
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Interviews
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In some cases, especially with small, independent stores, you might get an interview for the job on the spot. Be prepared to talk to the manager immediately, and answer questions about your experience and qualifications. Allow time for this in your job-hunting schedule; you don't want to miss out on an opportunity because you can't talk to the manager right away. Answer the manager's questions honestly and completely, and always be polite. If you do not get an interview right away when you turn in your completed application, politely ask when the manager will be making a decision and if you can follow up in a few days.
Prepare in Advance
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Prepare your resume before you start pounding the pavement looking for a job. In a tough job market, many well-qualified applicants may be applying for jobs they may not normally apply for, and you need to make yourself stand out. Even if you have limited work experience, type up a professional-looking resume listing your education, experience and skills. Also prepare a list of references, with their contact information. This information will help you fill out job applications. If you have this information ready when you walk into a store, even if the store is not hiring or doesn't have applications available, you can leave a copy of your resume behind.
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References
- Photo Credit help wanted image by Tom Oliveira from Fotolia.com
