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Career Appendix. RETAIL MANAGEMENT: A STRATEGIC APPROACH , 10th Edition. BERMAN EVANS. Opportunities in Retailing. As owner of a retail business As a retail employee. Ownership. Three-quarters of retail outlets are sole proprietorships
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Career Appendix RETAIL MANAGEMENT: A STRATEGIC APPROACH, 10th Edition BERMAN EVANS
Opportunities in Retailing • As owner of a retail business • As a retail employee
Ownership • Three-quarters of retail outlets are sole proprietorships • Many of today’s retail giants began as independents • Wal-Mart • Home Depot • J.C. Penney • McDonald’s • Sears
Getting Your First Position as a Retail Professional • Search for Opportunities • Prepare for Interviews • Evaluate Options
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
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
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?
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?