Tell me about your experience working in retail.
"I am new to the retail industry but have researched a great deal in regards to customer service and sales. I am currently reading 'Brilliant Selling: What the Best Salespeople Know, Do, and Say' by Tom Bird and Jeremy Cassell. I feel that this book, and my other research, will ensure that I have a strong start with your company."
"My experience in retail spans over ten years. Starting as a floor salesperson, I have worked my way into a Management role, and am now ready to explore District and Regional Management opportunities, such as yours. Over the years I have taken a great deal of training including courses in negotiations, dispute resolution, loss prevention, and recruitment and selection. I am a top sales performer in every role that I take on, and currently, hold the #1 spot in my company for sales performance. I look forward to bringing these same results to your organization."
The interviewer would like for you to bring your experience to life for them. Take a few minutes to walk the interviewer through your overall experience, being sure to highlight any significant wins, your most substantial sales, or other accomplishments that will make you a stand-out candidate. There is no need for you to go more than ten years into your work history unless the experience applies to the role for which you are interviewing.
"I have five years' experience working in retail. Starting with Company ABC, I was a commissioned sales rep, always landing in the Top 3 for weekly sales numbers. For the past three years, I have worked with Company XYZ as an assistant manager. I have seen great success here; however, I am now ready to jump into a full-time store management position."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I am new to the retail industry, but all previous experience work are customer-facing roles, also including payment taking/cash handling/sales promoting tasks that
will ensure that I have a strong start with your company.
Rachelle's Feedback
It sounds like you have a lot of experience that aligns well with the retail industry. When matching your skills to the required skills of the role, be sure to give as many qualifying statements as possible. This approach will take away from the idea that you have little retail experience and put more focus on your transferable skills.
Anonymous Answer
I have experience that includes payment taking and cash handling. As well as sales promoting tasks that will ensure that I have a strong start with your company.
Jaymie's Feedback
Really dive into your experience here so the interviewer can better understand your skills and abilities. What type of retail setting were you employed? How many months or years of experience do you have? What types of customer and sales volumes did you handle? Were there any store goals or KPIs you were accountable for?
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