Why do you want to get into retail?
"I want to be in retail at this time because the work, location, and hours are a perfect fit for me while I complete my 4-year arts degree. I like the flexibility offered in a retail environment and the fact that every day will be different. I do not enjoy a 9-5 job where I am sitting in a cubicle. I want to be walking around, helping people, and making sales!"
"I started working in retail out of an interest in sales. The hours work well for me, and I like the social aspect of the job. As a retail manager, it is very satisfying to train people newer to their careers, and help them to create healthy work habits from the start."
The interviewer would like to understand what is driving you to a career in retail. Perhaps the hours are great for your personal situation, or you have a genuine passion for sales and customer service. Whatever your reasoning, be sure to show the interviewer that you have a real interest in working for them and their store.
"I want to be in retail because I love being in a fast-paced, customer-service based role. It's a thrill to help and meet so many different personalities in one day!"
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
1.brand-product-easy to sell 2.customer service passion 3.flexibility-work life balance 4. every day is different with new challenges 5.engage and walk around to help people and make sales
Rachelle's Feedback
These are all wonderful reasons to get into retail and sales. It seems you are very enthusiastic about the potential ahead of you within retail. When you form a full interview response, I recommend taking these ideas and being more conversational with them. I've provided an example for you below.
"I am excited about a career in retail for many reasons. First, this company's brand and product will be easy to sell because...(do you love the product? Is it highly popular?). Second, I have a genuine passion for customer service. I like to help people...(give some reasons why you enjoy customer service with examples of how you are helpful to customers). A job in retail will offer me flexibility in my schedule and a healthy work-life balance. This is important to me because...(why is flexibility/balance important to you?). In retail, every day is different with new challenges. For instance...(give an idea of how you believe your days will differ in this role). I enjoy engaging with others and walking around, helping customers, and making sales...(it may be nice to discuss sales targets and your sales skills, too)."
Anonymous Answer
I like meeting different personalities. I don't know a lot of people so it's nice to be able to work a job like this where I'm able to interact with others. I feel retail has helped me improve my communication skills.
Jaymie's Feedback
Great! If you have long-term career goals in retail, feel free to share those in your response as well.
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