The manager thinks you would be great = excellent chance of getting the job! Ethnicity won't exclude/ include anyone for employment. Large corporations do not discriminate. Period. Some biz's have a "look", style, or "type". Hooters: would never say 'We only hire attractive, 20's females, who look great in our shorts/tank top'. But that is who they hire. So be it.
As far as major clothing stores; each has a theme. Bebe sales staff = 20's - 30's, who wear Bebe well, have a sense of style and represent the store. Abercrombie & Fitch = 20's cool guys who love A & F. You "LOVING the Hollister brand" = you are what Hollister wants/needs in a sales associate!
Here's what they want:
Energetic. Willing to learn. One who can think on their feet. Calm & pleasant demeaner. They want to know you will represent their company well. Clean, well groomed, and together. Honesty and straightforwardness is a plus. One who's willing to learn =emphasize that. Confidence.
Say:
"I'm looking forward to being a team member of Hollister, I love the brand, and I'm a people person. I'm a hard worker and always on time. I'm always so appreciative when a shop has well-trained, helpful sales staff..it's my goal to make customers happy".
Refer to being part of a team during the interview. Be prepared. Maintain eye contact. Shoulders straight. Take initiative.
Refer to your desire to work in a 'team'. They will appreciate that. Biz's don't want self-run-riot-types. They aren't that type of place. Maybe a used car dealership wants an aggressive, competitive salesman..but not a clothing store.
If they ask if anyone has Q's; hold off on anything like "How much do we make?", "Do we get a vacation"?, or anything such as "..I need to tell you that I have cheerleading 3 days a week, and I go out with my bf on Sat's..so I can't work those days".. (very bad!) Tell them you're available for any shift they have. Offer to be available 'on-call'. Express your desire to be there as much as possible, because you're interested in learning the ropes, you want to feel comfortable with the register, etc.. They'll fill you in re: pay, when you're paid, shift length, lunch, etc., once you're hired = not necessary to ask those types of Q's at the interview.
Express how much you enjoy (and are very good at) organizing, cleaning, staying even tempered, and you enjoy being able to resolve other people's issues.
Show respect to your potential new Manager by looking directly at him/her when they speak. Referring to them by "Mr." or "Ms.". Look enthused. Don't furrow your brow if they say something like "..everybody..we want you to know that nobody gets holidays off..so if you need 4th of July off, if you're hired..we'll have a problem". Nod in agreement.
Be EARLY. Some believe that if one isn't 15 mins early = they're LATE. Don't run in at the last second = bad. Look prepared and unfrazzled. Take a run in the a.m. = it will release all jitters/nervousness. No strong cologne, make-up or jewlery. Dress the way the current staff dresses. Look like you ALREADY work there.
Look the Manager in the eye and shake his/her hand. Say "I want to thank you, Mr. Blooper, for considering me as one of your sales team members, I look forward to hearing from you soon". <SMILE> and go. (don't hang around and shop).
Bring a resume but take the time to jot down your personal info (phone #, email address, school info., etc.) Have it handy so you can refer to it for the application. Have references. (not family, unless you work for family) = any adult who can vouch for you. If you've ever worked/volunteered part-time, include that. Have 3 references (& contact info). They may not need your resume (you'll likely have to fill in the standard app) but bring it anyway w/a paperclip to attach to the app = looks good = prepared = professional.
PS
Don't talk about being 'light or dark skinned' to anyone there. (that goes for when you get the job). Hollister doesn't want a sales associate who views life in that manner. No company does. Try your best to delete that way of thinking from your mind = not politically correct. Keep a positive attitude. Be straightforward = you'll do great!
Good luck but you don't need it.
Answered By: tuesday - 5/31/2012 |