Why Working In Retail Is A Good Way To Break Back Into The Workforce
If you have been out of the workforce for a while, getting back in can be tough. You may be applying for higher-level jobs like the positions you held in the past, but to no avail. Hiring teams often are opposed to hiring people who have been out of work for a while. A good way to break back into the workforce is to first look for a retail sales job. Here are a few reasons why this strategy works well.
Retail Jobs Are Abundant
Especially around the holiday season when people start shopping furiously, retailers are often looking for employees. It is relatively easy to find jobs to apply to, and you can apply to several within a few days, giving you more chances to get hired. Most retail job applications are not overly complicated, so you won't spend hours on a single application, only to never get that call for an interview. With so many jobs available, you also have choices. You can apply to work anywhere from a women's clothing store to a toy store.
Hours Tend to Be Flexible
Retail stores are usually open many hours — not just from 9:00 to 5:00. As such, they need employees around the clock. You can work with the employer to design a schedule that works for you. This may leave you some time in the day to attend school and brush up on your skills so you can eventually move on to higher-level positions. You may also be able to arrange to be home when your kids get off the bus, and so forth.
You'll Develop Skills
Even though it is fairly easy to get a job in retail, these jobs do teach you a lot of skills that you can market to future employers. You will learn how to interact with customers, how to stay organized, and how to juggle several tasks at the same time. This helps you "beef up" your resume, making you a more appealing candidate to future positions.
You'll Stay Active
These days, so many jobs have you sitting at a desk all day, every day. In retail, there may be some sitting at a cash register, but you'll also be active throughout the day. You may have to stock shelves, place clothing on racks, and walk around helping customers. Overall, this is good for your health and will help keep you moving!