I was transitioning from another position in retail where I was a key holder. The company was going under and I had just bought a car so I was in panic mode.
I was just shopping at the mall and happened to be looking good so I decided to go into BEBE and check if they were hiring.
ONE TIP NO MATTER WHAT POSITION YOU'RE APPLYING FOR:
Always ask to speak to a manager. If you want to just CHECK if they are hiring, speak to a manager...if you want to turn in your application? speak to a manager. The reason I say this is as a manager I personally gave kudos to those who took the initiative to meet me and personally ask if Im looking to fill positions. THIS is a great way to put a face with the application and can ONLY help you (if you are professional)
Sometimes (ive done it too) I use that moment in meeting you to ask a couple questions...which is like a mini interview! so this is great for both parties.
ANYWAYS, I asked to speak to the manager and the associate kindly went and got her for me. I waited off to the side (you dont want to hover around the cashier area) when she approached me I went and shook her hand while saying "Hi, I know you must be busy so thank you for taking some time to talk to me. I wanted to see if you were looking to fill any positions" She literally looked at me...then my outfit, and said can you fill out an application for me? and Ill go ahead and interview you right now?
I, OF COURSE, was ecstatic! I agreed, and then later stepped into the back area office to start an interview.
She started by telling me she sees I am a key holder, but she didnt have that position available. She followed up with having a sales lead position available and she feels I would be a great fit. She asked a basic question about my job and what I do, and also what my availability is. Took 10 min. and she offered me the job.
I loved that position, I loved the environment and the clothes! 3 months later the GM comes in as routine and has a meeting with the store manager. When he left, she came to me and said the GM would like to offer me a promotion to Assistant store manager. I didnt feel I was ready for such a big responsibility like that. Since the store manager would float to SD location, I would be the one in charge most days! So, she gave me a number...and I told her id think about it.
1 week later the GM came back in, they both gave me a HIGHER offer and told me they really think I can handle the job and that i would be amazing at it. I TOOK IT.
I worked full time for BEBE as an assistant manager. I handled day to day opening or closing procedures, bank deposits, scheduling, daily goals/ meetings for sales team, loss prevention, merchandising, trained, hiring, etc.
It was a lot, but I truly enjoyed it all. You HAVE to be prepared for covering shifts. As a manager working in retail...your employees call out...its just life. last minute call outs probably mean no one can cover....this means YOU cover that shift.This happens, and you have to take it like a champ. I didnt mind bc I loved my employees and I loved working there. NOW if it happened CONSISTENTLY...of course you have to address it.
In the end, I left to work in accounting. Different career....but I was getting older and wanted to try new things.
If you're considering this company, I suggest you give it a try. 40% off retail, benefits (full-time), and a great learning experience for high end clothing.
Good Luck!!!
