As the holiday season approaches there is a
buzz in the air about increases in seasonal and sales/retail
type work. Whether you think you’re cut out for sales or not, applying some of the keys of retail can help you in your
job search – KNOW YOUR PRODUCT, KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER AND GOOD MARKETING.
As job seekers you are selling a ‘product’ – YOU! How much do you know about your ‘product’? Self-awareness plays a huge role in whether you feel comfortable selling yourself or not. Developing a strong resume and portfolio gives you the opportunity to think about your skills, experiences and accomplishments. Come into VCCS and speak to a counsellor about what values or interest(s) assessments may help you identify your strengths. A counsellor can also help you create a skills inventory – which is a great way of proving your skills.
Have you ever thought about potential employers as your customer? How much do you know about what they are looking for? It’s important to do your company research and ask questions! Are you ready to answer – “Why do you want to work here?” and “What do you know about our company?”. Consider finding out how old the company is, how big is the company, what are its products/services, who are its customers and major competitors, is there a mission or vision statement, what type of training do they offer, and what type of people excel there. Counsellors at VCCS are more than happy to help you prepare for interviews. Remember to think of your resume, cover letter, portfolio and online profiles as your own personal marketing materials. Make sure to spend an appropriate amount of time and effort customizing your materials to each individual ‘customers’ needs.
Drop into VCCS for help preparing for your next sales pitch!
