Working Part-Time in a Retail Environment - Pros and Cons

In this economy, many people are looking for second jobs to supplement their income. As someone who has worked in retail for a number of years, I would like to point out the pros and cons of working in retail, for those who never have.

GETTING HIRED

For every part time retail job available, there are probably at least 100 applications a week. To actually get the job, you have to show you really want it. Call back at least once every other day to check to see if they've processed your application, and where you are in the process. Don't call every day. It's annoying, and they'll file 13 your application for that. Be pleasant and professional when you call. Identify yourself and ask politely if they can check on the status of your application, and leave it at that. Don't ask a lot of pointless questions they don't know the answer to, such as when they think the manager will be looking at it. Learn the HR person's name by heart, and ask how she/he is doing today first. If they are not available, leave a message, but don't call back that day. They'll get the message, but if they have nothing to tell you, they won't call back. Remember the three P's, Persistent, Polite, and Professional. Never forget to thank them for their time and tell them you hope they have a nice day. Little things count. Make yourself memorable to them for the right reasons.

INCONSISTENT HOURS

If you are willing to work nights and weekends, you can usually get hired faster. If you're already working a regular day job, these will be the only hours you have available, so that's a plus. Friday nights, Saturday and Sunday are the busiest retail days. In grocery, the stockers work the night before the special go into effect (usually Tuesday or Wednesday nights) resetting displays and stocking specials.