Why Working in the Retail/Service Industry is SO Valuable

I’ve said it before & i'll say it again: the skills you gain while working in the service/retail industries are REAL skills 👏

If you’ve spent any significant amount of time in a service/retail job 🍔👚—you’ve learned how to deal with people and work with a team, and that is a serious skill that can be translated into ANY industry.

People always ask:

🙋 “Erin, what should I include on my resume.”

My answer?

👩🏼‍💻 “Anything relevant and nothing more!”

Sure, don’t include this if you already have ENOUGH other relevant experience. 🤷🏼‍♀️

But people are quick to think their service industry/fast food/target cashier/etc. jobs are irrelevant just because they don’t exactly align with a corporate job—but that’s not necessarily the case!

All you need is a little sparkle ✨ & 🔎 perspective.

❌ did you “wait on tables”?

✅ No! You “Successfully managed an average of 35+ tables per shift consistently achieving high degrees of customer satisfaction.”

Here are more valuable skills to consider:

1. Effective Communication 🎙️:

Service and retail jobs require constant interaction with customers and colleagues, meaning you’re fostering excellent communication skills. Skills like active listening, empathy, and the ability to convey information clearly and diplomatically.

2. Customer Service Excellence 👍🏻:

Dealing with a wide range of customers teaches patience, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, something you probably know all too well. You've learned how to address customer concerns effectively, turning negative experiences into positive ones, an incredibly useful skill in the corporate world.

3. Time Management ⏰:

Service and retail workers often juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, from serving customers to restocking shelves. Not only does this require strong time-management skills but also the ability to prioritize tasks efficiently.

4. Adaptability 🌱:

Retail environments are dynamic, with customer preferences and demands constantly changing. You’ve probably become adaptable and quick-thinking, learning to thrive in fast-paced situations.

5. Empathy and Understanding 💜:

Interacting with diverse customers exposes you to various backgrounds and perspectives. This helps cultivate empathy and a better understanding of different cultures and lifestyles.

6. Problem Solving 🧮:

Every day brings new challenges, from resolving customer complaints to handling inventory issues. This kind of work makes you a resourceful problem solver, able to think on your feet.

7. Sales and Persuasion 🛍️:

Retail workers often engage in upselling and cross-selling. So whether you realize it or not, you’ve honed in on your persuasion and salesmanship skills, which are valuable in various career paths.

8. Teamwork ✋🏼:

Service and retail roles emphasize collaboration, meaning you’ve learned to work effectively with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

9. Conflict Resolution 💥:

Handling customer complaints and disagreements among colleagues teaches you to mediate conflicts and find amicable solutions.

10. Attention to Detail 🖊️:

Precise attention to detail is vital in roles like visual merchandising and cash handling, ensuring accuracy in tasks and transactions.

11. Leadership Skills 📢:

Many retail workers have opportunities to take on leadership roles or supervise teams. This nurtures leadership qualities and the ability to motivate others.

12. Financial Literacy 💸:

Managing cash registers, processing transactions, and handling store finances enhances your financial literacy and responsibility.

13. Multitasking 🏁:

Service and retail workers become adept at multitasking, balancing diverse responsibilities without compromising quality.

14. Resilience 🌟:

Coping with high-stress situations and demanding customers fosters emotional resilience and the ability to remain composed under pressure.

15. Networking 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼:

Building relationships with customers, colleagues, and industry professionals can lead to valuable networking opportunities.

Seeeeeeee…you worked hard 😮‍💨 don’t downplay it.

You got this!! 👏

If you need help looking for a new job, I invite you to join my Career Workshop Intensive, a 4-part program designed to help you get a job you love ASAP. 🌈