Career Appendix

1
Career Appendix
RETAIL MANAGEMENT A STRATEGIC APPROACH, 10th
Edition
BERMAN EVANS
2
Opportunities in Retailing

• As owner of a retail business
• As a retail employee

3
Ownership

• Three-quarters of retail outlets are sole
  proprietorships
• Many of todays retail giants began as
  independents
• Wal-Mart
• Home Depot
• J.C. Penney
• McDonalds
• Sears

4
Getting Your First Position as a Retail
Professional

• Search for Opportunities
• Prepare for Interviews
• Evaluate Options

5
Searching for Career Opportunities in Retailing

• Do not place all your eggs in one basket
• Be serious and systematic in your search
• Use directories with lists of retailers and
  current job openings
• Rely on the law of large numbers (It may take
  10-20 contacts to get 2-4 interviews)
• Make sure your resume and accompanying cover
  letter highlight your best qualities
• Show your resume to at least one professor

6
Preparing for the Interview

• Adequately research each firm
• Anticipate questions and plan general responses
• Treat every interview as if it is the most
  important one
• Be prepared to raise your own questions
• Dress appropriately and be well groomed
• Verify the date and place of the interview
• Have a pen and pad available to record
  information after the interview is over
• Write a note to the interviewer within a week

7
Evaluating Retail Career Opportunities

• What activities do you like?
• What are your personal strengths and weaknesses?
• What are your current and long-term goals?
• Do you want to work for an independent, a chain,
  or a franchise operation?
• Does the opportunity offer an acceptable and
  clear career path?
• Does the opportunity include a formal training
  program?

8
Evaluating Retail Career Opportunities (cont.)

• Will the opportunity enable you to be rewarded
  for good performance?
• Will you have to relocate?
• Will each promotion in the company result in
  greater authority and responsibility?
• Is the compensation level fair relative to other
  offers?
• Can a good employee move up the career path much
  faster than an average one?
• If owning a retail firm is a long-term goal,
  which opportunity is the best preparation?