Summer Job --- Sales Associate at a Clothing Store?

Question

I'm 15, I live in Toronto and I have no experience as a sales associate. I do have experience as a cashier though, so should I apply to be a cashier?
Are there a difference between the two?

What stores should I apply at? Abercrombie? AE? Aeropostale? H&M? Old Navy? Anything else?

Also, could people with experience talk about what to put on the resume and what to do in interviews?
Thanks~

PS I think most of these companies accept 15 yr olds, but I'm not sure, and if they don't, I turn 16 in December so I'm pretty sure I can work for the holiday season, right?

Answer 1

I've worked at Aero and Hollister.



My Aero hired at 17. The store blew! The company was very unorganized, the employees were losers and were nothing like me, it was drama filled but not the interesting drama, just the kind that made you mad. The company it's self is very high pressure sales, very unorganized. They will send an e-mail out telling you to do one thing and then send out an e-mail a week later telling you never mind. It was a great discount though. 30% on everything even clearence and once a month 50% off 2 new tops, bottems and accessories.



Hollister was amazing! I loved it so much. though I heard our store was different from most, it was a lot of fun. I haven't worked there for six months, and some of my best friends I made through that store. If you fit the image you'd have a good shot. They hire at 16. If you work there you will be able to make fun of everyone that complains about the music/smell/lighting which makes the day go by quicker. The company is extremeley organized and knows where and what they want to do/go.



I love retail! don't get me wrong. Just work at the store that fits your image and you would enjoy working at or else it will be the worst experience of your life and will ruin retail for you.



The cheaper stores such as Aero, Old Navy draw in a lot of trashy people with shitty kids and parents with zero respect for the clothes you just folded. So if you work at one of those stores, be prepared.



I spent 3 1/2 years in retail, so message me if you want to know anything more specific. I know A LOT about both companies because I spent so much time in both and got near management.

Answer 2

Well, I'm only 14 so here's my advice...





I do believe that there's a difference between sales associate and cashier. A sales associate would walk around the store making sure everybody is pleased, and finding what they're looking for -- you know, those types of people you find in stores. A cashier has to stay at her assigned till and sell items -- I'm sure you know what a cashier does. Hahah.

In my opinion, being a sales associate would be way fun! (I just hate math and could never be a cashier) It also boosts up your social skills. :)



As for your resume, I think you should totally mention your past cashier experience! If you have any rewarding grades or honourable mentions at school, or through other programs, jot those down as well! Your resume should show your personal accomplishments and the tasks you can handle. For example, you have dealt with a diverse customer population, handled customer inquiries and solved billing problems, you are enthusiastic and cooperative, have received %90 averages in math, very social and loves to help people, etc.

Just put things about you! You said you have experience as a cashier, so take a look at your past resume if they retrieved it back to you, and see what elements you added on there that may have got you hired. Make sure it is formally typed as well. Nothing like "hEy ThIs Is My ReSuMeeee? Hyy-re MeH!"

Oh and another smart move would be, don't put anything dumb like "how much does the job pay?", and definatly don't bring that matter up on your interview... let the boss tell you. Also at your interview, act cool and bussiness-like, to show that you have a firm head on your shoulders and know what you are doing!

Dress nice too!



The store you choose to apply for is totally up to you! I find H&M is an atmosphere where people just come and go as they please, though. And if you can take the stronge aromas from Abercrombie, then that could be an option too. A clothing store would be your best bet over all! I really want to say Hollister is a great place to work at, but that is also your choice. First check if the stores are even allowing new employees. Then travel to each one, and see which one you think you would belong into most. It's sorta a personal thing for that matter. But whatever you choose, have fun with the discounts, and your fellow employees. Oh, and good luck! :)



I'm pretty sure some stores would accept you.

Two friends of mine work at the Royal Ashburn golf course down in Whitby, or wherever it is. (haha, I forget. :P) They got hired right away as waitresses, and they're only fifteen as well. So I'm sure you can get in! :)

Holiday seasons are always busy and looking for the most help they can get, so you will definatly be able to work during that time!



Hope I helped! :)

Answer 3

Your best bet is to apply for what you have experience in and are good at. You always have the option of being cross-trained or learning by observation once you obtain the position. Then, if you decide you'd like to switch to a sales associate, you can do so. The difference between the two is simple. A sales associate works the floor, greets and handles customers, tries to sell merchandise and (in most cases) receives commissions for the purchases made on their behalf. Apply at all three stores, if you'd like. Whichever gets you the job I assume. Now, as for the interviewing and resume process. My advice to you would be to download a free resume template from the microsoft office Web site. You can type in "resume templates" in Yahoo! and it should be one of the first links. Customize the resume to your past experience. In an interview, employers want to know that you are what they need. Be yourself. Stay calm and collected and let them know that your experience makes you an asset to their team. Include your punctuality and your willingness to learn. Best of luck! P.S. As some people on here have previously mentioned, due to liability issues, most of the retail stores you have mentioned usually do not hire under 18. And, in regards to the first person's answer of McDonald's, I worked there when I was 16 and you have to be at least 16 for them to look at your application. Majority of places who hire at 15 are: Most (but not all) restaurants like Outback for hostess positions only. Coldstone hires at 15 and Publix hires at 14.

Answer 4

Clothing store