Why is it so hard to get a job in retail?

[MisterPresident]

[rant]
I've been going to Staples, CompUSA, Hollywood Video etc. etc. about 7 in all looking for part-time work. I only bothered to apply to the ones that had "now hiring" signs plastered on every door and register. I filled out the applications. Didn't hear anything from anyone. So I decide to go back and speak with the hiring manager.

Usually they hadn't received my application. So the ask for my name to look it up. Still nothing for several days. I call one of them back "All our positions are filled" WTF I had been referred there by an employee who said the store was grossly under staffed -- he was running a department after 2 days of training.

The thing that's really upsetting is the fact most of the employee's know nothing of their respective departments. Seriously. Anyone who's been to Worst Buy knows what I'm talking about. If anything, I've learned "I'll pass this on to my manager" probably means "You seem competent... can't let you get hired"

Oh and the employment surveys are a laugh riot. Example question:
"In general, I think it's ok to steal small things from my employer"

Strongly Agree?
Agree?
Disagree?
Strongly Disagree?

I think I'll stick with being a full-time student, hotdealing and selling crap on ebay.

[/rant]

UPDATE: Manager from Hollywood said she'd call back in 2 days. After 5, still nothing, so I call her asking what's up.

"Your application went through, but the score wasn't high enough for me to offer you an interview"

Guess they think I'd steal all their movies and bark at customers. Maybe make the other employees look bad too.

 

[FleshLight]

You're a bit late in the summer job rush.

 

[Engineer]

Because all the people laid off from manufacturing jobs in the US now work in retail or service jobs? (true)

 

[chambersc]

you obviously don't understand that they don't look at your application UNLESS YOU CALL THEM UP A FEW DAYS AFTER AND SAY "hey, im blah and i filled an application out. any news?" you mean you didn't know...your a$$ better call somebody!

 

[Krk3561]

I had the same problem and gave up. I ended up getting an internship so it all worked out ok.

 

[MisterPresident]

Originally posted by: chambersc
you obviously don't understand that they don't look at your application UNLESS YOU CALL THEM UP A FEW DAYS AFTER AND SAY "hey, im blah and i filled an application out. any news?" you mean you didn't know...your a$$ better call somebody!

Seems a little backwards doesn't it.... To me an application indicates a desire for employment.

 

[mi xiao]

anyone can work in retail (ouch) so it is hard to get a job in it.
soo many people looking for jobs.

it is really hard looking for a job, but i always found being persistant helped get retail jobs.

i hope i never have to look for a job again.

edit: an application means you want the job. but calling and persistance means you want the job more, while standing out above other people who aren't "trying as hard to find a job."

 

[MisterPresident]

Originally posted by: mi xiao
anyone can work in retail (ouch) so it is hard to get a job in it.
soo many people looking for jobs.

it is really hard looking for a job, but i always found being persistant helped get retail jobs.

i hope i never have to look for a job again.

anyone can... I don't know. It seems knowledge of the products would be essential and is lacking for many.

 

[MisterPresident]

Originally posted by: Krk3561
I had the same problem and gave up. I ended up get an internship so it all worked out ok.

Yeah I was supposed to work at a software firm I had previously interned for... but was stupid and waited too long.

 

[RMSistight]

Originally posted by: chambersc
you obviously don't understand that they don't look at your application UNLESS YOU CALL THEM UP A FEW DAYS AFTER AND SAY "hey, im blah and i filled an application out. any news?" you mean you didn't know...your a$$ better call somebody!

Exactly. That shows to employers you are persistant and really want the position. Unless they are desperate, they normally DON'T call you, you have to call them.

You should get a part time job at like an office place or inventory for some other company. I currently work for Wintec Industries in the inventory department.

My hours are from 1 to 6 or 6:30pm. Sometimes I leave at 5:30. It usually depends on the workload. I love the job because the hours are low and flexible. I would love to have 8 hours for the summer, but they can't supply it. The good part is that I plan on working during the school year and sometimes I don't even have to show up to work. After talking to some co-workers, it feels like freelance work...as long as you tell them in advance, you can take whatever days off...haha

 

[Koing]

Do you have any 'retail' experience?

It is tough to get a part time retail job now a days.

Good luck.

Koing

 

[virtueixi]

Keep at it, I was in the same situation as you after filling out 30 + appz and you know what? Found one nice manager and got the job on the spot.

 

[Yossarian]

Originally posted by: MisterPresident
[rant]
Oh and the employment surveys are a laugh riot. Example question:
"In general, I think it's ok to steal small things from my employer"

Strongly Agree?
Agree?
Disagree?
Strongly Disagree?

[/rant]

it's a fringe benefit.

 

[Baked]

Too ugly and might scare off the customers?

 

[LordMorpheus]

Originally posted by: FleshLight
You're a bit late in the summer job rush.

thats all it is. Try it again next year. The turnover is so high you'll find a job if you really look (I work at CC).

 

[DarkManX]

retail managers dont like hiring people of the street, they like referals from current employeers. try to find someone u know that works retail.

 

[MisterPresident]

Thanks for the tips. I'm stubborn as hell and I'll be back in the strip malls in no time.

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: MisterPresident
Thanks for the tips. I'm stubborn as hell and I'll be back in the strip malls in no time.

the best advice ever:

When in doubt, whip it out.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: Yossarian

Originally posted by: MisterPresident
[rant]
Oh and the employment surveys are a laugh riot. Example question:
"In general, I think it's ok to steal small things from my employer"

Strongly Agree?
Agree?
Disagree?
Strongly Disagree?

[/rant]

it's a fringe benefit.

:evil:

 

[fbrdphreak]

If you apply online, fill out the app and GO INTO THE STORE 48 hours later during prime business hours; between like 10am and 3pm. Don't bother between like 12pm-2pm. Find a MANAGER who is in charge of hiring ppl. Talk to them. Introduce yourself. Tell them that you applied and are interested in such & such position. BE DRESSED NICE

If you apply in person, do all the above but ask if you can see the hiring manager. Ask them questions about the position, hours/responsibilities/etc. That shows that you are interested & motivated. Again, be nicely dressed.

Its not their fault, you're not doing something right.

And yes, this is a bad time. Wait about 2 weeks and they'll be hiring more. BBY should be hiring now, they're getting ready for tax free weekend & back to school.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: DarkManX
retail managers dont like hiring people of the street, they like referals from current employeers. try to find someone u know that works retail.

Or befriend someone you see working at a place. Schmooz 'em up real good. Watch sporting events with them, order pizza, talk about what a loser\bitch their ex is. Then, when you're ready, go out to dinner, and right after they set down the main course, BAM, the old fork in the eye.

 

[MisterPresident]

update

 

[Tu13erhead]

Ah, the joys of working retail. Brings back some fond memories...NOT

 

[bigrash]

Originally posted by: Tu13erhead
Ah, the joys of working retail. Brings back some fond memories...NOT

yup, same here...been there, done that! no way am i going back to retail.

 

[rocadelpunk]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: DarkManX
retail managers dont like hiring people of the street, they like referals from current employeers. try to find someone u know that works retail.

Or befriend someone you see working at a place. Schmooz 'em up real good. Watch sporting events with them, order pizza, talk about what a loser\bitch their ex is. Then, when you're ready, go out to dinner, and right after they set down the main course, BAM, the old fork in the eye.

that was....interesting.