Spotlight on Retail Jobs

Are you currently looking for a job? Maybe you can’t find a full-time job in your field.

Maybe you are a college student need a seasonal job during the summer or over winter break. Have you considered working in retail?

Retail jobs are not the most glamorous, nor do they pay top dollars. And the hours aren’t the greatest either (think: nights and weekends). The advantages of a retail job, however, are that they are readily available — yes, even in this economy. And with night or weekend shifts, you will still have plenty of time to go on interviews and send off resumes for your dream job.

Here’s a look at some of the more common retail positions:

Warehouse workers
Warehouse worker jobs are physically demanding, involving lifting heavy boxes and standing for long periods of time. Warehouse workers stock, move and ship retail goods to satellite stores, other warehouses and direct to customers. Most positions do not require advanced degrees; more important are past experience and a positive attitude.

Retail buyers
Buyers make sure that their retail store is well-stocked and they identify new products for the store to sell. Many buyers travel extensively seeking out the latest and greatest items. Overtime is common, on top of a 40-hour work week, especially when shipments arrive or during buying trips. A college degree, along with on-the-job training, is required for most buyer positions. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average buyer earned a salary of $72,000 in 2004. If you love to shop, this just might be a dream job for you!

Retail Clerks
Clerks and cashiers are the bane of the retail world. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were over 4.5 million retail sales positions in 2006. From teenagers to retirees, clerk positions can be a good fit for workers of nearly any age – and they don’t require a lot of education or training. The pay scale of a retail clerk/cashier is typically in the minimum wage range, although promotions are not uncommon. Most retail clerks work assigned weekly shifts, including night and weekend hours, rather than a typical 9-5 workweek.

Are you are interested in finding a job in retail? Whether as a clerk, buyer or warehouse worker — or perhaps a position in management or corporate relations is more your speed — be sure to check out JobMonkey’s Guide to Retail Jobs.