It seems like technology is increasingly making the retailer's job that much easier. We all know that with the internet, social media, smartphones, and the like, the future of retail is forever changing.
But is it a good thing? What does it mean for those searching for jobs in retail? It's hard to find the answers to these questions.
Many articles discuss how retailers are using "data" (both online and in store) to "read" and "measure" customer satisfaction and customer needs.
They want to reach a phase in the customer experience where they know, just by looking at you, what you want and need. Not only will they know what you want and need, they will know exactly how to give it to you.
A couple of weeks ago I got professionally fitted for some new running shoes at one of my local retailers. They have been named, consistently, one of the best sports apparel stores in the area. I was curious to see what all the hype was about.
Now, I wouldn't say these retail employees read my mind, but I would say they were incredibly knowledgeable about their products and their customer base. They knew what "type" of customer frequented their store and how to offer them the right products.
The simple "How can I help you" question told them a lot about their potential customer from the start and allowed them to move forward. I, for example, told them that I needed new running shoes. So then the employee proceeded to ask me questions about my running, asked to see my shoes, looked at my feet etc.
In just a brief encounter he had learned everything he needed to know about me. That day I bought some running shoes and a few other odds and ends. The next week I went back and bought some running socks. I'm sure I'll be there again at some point in the near future.
So maybe data can help improve the customer experience. It would seem counterintuitive for that sports retailer to hire someone who had absolutely no interest in running or sports. Especially since they are a smaller store, specialized in such products, and have to maintain their reputation.
When retailers analyze this kind of data they are also analyzing, in a sense, their future employees. During interviews, and while reading resumes, they are trying to glean what kind of person you are. They ask themselves: Will you fit into our image? That's why things like research and real, genuine interest in what you do are important.
Prove to the company that you are no ordinary job seeker. You know what the customer wants and how to give it to them before they even walk in the door. Before the interview, ask yourself this question: Can you read minds?
By: Samantha Taylor
Samantha is a Boston, Massachusetts native. Her studies have taken her from Ohio to England, and then Spain. She has lived abroad for more than 4 years. Currently, Samantha lives in North Carolina with her husband. She is a writer for Nexxt and contributes to one of its many blogs: retailgigsblog.com . In her spare time she loves to run and is training for a marathon. Check out her blog at: rcpforhealth.blogspot.com.
Samantha is a Boston, Massachusetts native. Her studies have taken her from Ohio to England, and then Spain. She has lived abroad for more than 4 years. Currently, Samantha lives in North Carolina with her husband. She is a writer for Nexxt and contributes to one of its many blogs: retailgig
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