18th April 2008
27th February 2008

Hello and Welcome!
18th April 2008

It’s been a hectic month and we have seen a couple of big moves in the retail field over the past month. If you’re thinking of joining them, our CV Doctor has some more words of advice for potential job-seekers;

“Sorry if this seems like an odd question, but what should I wear to an interview? A friend of mine has recently got a job and they went to their interview in jeans!” – Kirsty – Discount Footwear Retailer

“As a general rule, companies are still looking for a professional look at interview. Unless instructed otherwise by either the company or your agency, I would recommend going in full business dress. That said, a lot of companies like people to go dressed matching the company brand. For most companies, their brand is all about being smart and professional (hence the suited and booted approach). But if your going for an interview with a fashion retailer, it may be worth altering your dress to match the companies target market. Above all though, ask. Your consultant will be able to help and advise on this, and if you get it wrong, you may ruin your chances as soon as you walk through the door”.

“I need to prepare a SWOT before my interview. I’ve done a few before, but have you any advice?” – DB – High End Electrical Retailer

“This is a great question. A good SWOT is crucial as it will remain with your interviewer after you’ve left. Just to re-iterate, a SWOT is a (usually written) report on the store/company you are interviewing for. It is called SWOT as it focuses on the following 4 areas:

Strength
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats

When you are preparing it, look at each category with the following hints:

Strengths

• Strengths will be internal or external and are always currently Existing.
• Strengths will include areas that the Store is good at doing and should be encouraged and developed.
• Strengths may be consistent across all areas of the Store or may exist in part of the Store only and therefore need to be expanded throughout the store.

Weaknesses

• Weaknesses will be internal or external and are currently Existing.
• Weaknesses will include areas that the Store is not so good at doing and need to be improved.
• Weaknesses may be consistent across all areas of the Store or may exist in part of the Store only and therefore need to be expanded throughout the store

Opportunities

• Opportunities will be internal or external and will be potential, not currently existing.
• Opportunities will include things that the District can take advantage of and develop into Strengths.
• Opportunities may be consistent across all areas of the Store or may exist in part of the Store only and therefore need to be expanded throughout the store.

Threats

• Threats will be internal or external and will be potential, currently not existing.
• Threats will include things that will damage the Store’s performance or that will become Weaknesses
• Threats may be consistent across all areas of the Store or may exist in part of the Store only and therefore need to be expanded throughout the store.

Couple of big hints as well. Remember to do the SWOT with your job in mind. If you’re going for a Deputy Manager job, suggesting that the company change their logo will not be useful. Also, when you bring the report to your interview, make sure that you invest in a decent folder to carry it in. There is no point wasting your hard work by folding it in your jacket pocket!

“I’ve got a question about a question!!! I always panic when people say “do you have any questions” at the end of the interview. I know I shouldn’t ask about sick pay etc. but what should I ask? Should I ask about salaries?” – Laura – Optical Retailer

What I always advise my candidates is that when you ask a question at interview, you’re actually saying 2 things;

1. I’d like to know the answer to this…
2. This is what is most important to me and how I decide if this job is right for me and if I am right for this job

If you ask about sick-pay, you’re essentially telling them that you have a lot of days off sick and need to make sure you’re covered!! Use the questions at the end of the interview to further “sell yourself”.

Try to have a good 5 to 6 questions prepared before the interview. If you only prepare 1 or 2, you are risking the possibility that  the questions may get answered during the natural flow of the conversation.

If you are struggling to think of questions, look at it from 2 different areas:

LITTLE PICTURE QUESTIONS

These are questions about the job itself (emphasizing your commerciality and understanding of the role);

• What is the store turnover?
• How many staff?
• What particular challenges is the store facing?
• What are you looking for the successful person to achieve 3-6-9-12 months down the line?

BIG PICTURE QUESTIONS

These are questions about the company (emphasizing your passion and commitment to the job):

• What is the training process?
• Future opportunities?
• TALK TO THE INTERVIEWER! What do they enjoy? What attracted them to the company?

Remember, these questions are important. It’s your last chance to influence the mood of the interviewer before they make their decision.

In the words of Porky Pig T-t-t-t-t-t-that’s all folks.

If you have any questions, don’t forget to email advice@detail2retail.com

27th February 2008

Hello and Welcome!

Here at Detail2Retail.com we will be providing the very best advice and help in everything you need to secure that perfect job.

This could be from how to write the perfect CV, to how to negotiate a shorter notice period without burning bridges.

If you have any burning questions, then either ask any of the Consultants at Detail 2 Retail, or email me – “The CV Doctor” at advice@detail2retail.com and I will publish a selection of questions in time for the next newsletter.

A few questions asked this week include:

“I was contacted by one of the Headhunters at Detail2Retail. How did they get my name?” Chris – Deputy Manager, Leading Phone Retailer

“As well as advertising our roles, Detail2Retail also takes advantage of our connections in the industry to get recommendations about great managers out there that perhaps hadn’t started looking for a new role… yet. You will have been recommended, in confidence, by someone else who we are currently helping find a new role. Headhunters are worth listening to though, as it could be a great opportunity.”

“I have an assessment centre coming up soon through you and I have been told there is an “organisational exercise”. Have you any additional pointers on how to deal with this?” – Simon – Leading DIY Retailer

“These can be varied, but one example could include, a package of business related memos and paperwork that you are asked to prioritise them. There is little advice that can be given as these vary considerably. Read through all the information quickly once and then pull out the obvious priorities. Look at key dates and times, look at the titles of the people who have sent you information and bear in mind their position in the business. Are there any large projects which rely on your contribution, if your piece is late how will this impact on the overall success of the project?”

“I have been with my current employers for 20 years. I know I am bored. That said, I have become so “comfortable” that I don’t think I can go for a new job – my friends all work here and I don’t want to go into something and not like it. Is this a common thought?” – Claire – Clothing Manager

“Honestly? It is a very common thought for people who have been in a role for a long time – especially if it is their only major employer.

That said, by taking things into account such as salary, work/life balance, company culture and training, you will be able ensure your next move gives your career the boost it sounds like you need. Your friends will remain your friends whether you work with them or not! It will also make you more marketable in the future as you will be a stronger retail manager, as opposed to just a “Company X” Manager.

If it doesn’t live up to expectations, then your previous employer will probably take you back anyway providing you leave professionally!

The important thing is that you are not satisfied in your role, then go for something new. You only have one career, don’t waste it doing something you find boring!”