Tag Archives: CEO

Returning to Work in the Retail Sector

Being involved in the retail industry is often a job by default. You start off in a casual or part time position when you turn 16, excited by your first job earning money of your own. Then it’s time for University. But how many people don’t make it that far? Sometimes the opportunity isn’t there for gaining a degree. Whatever the reasons, retail has many success’s in people starting as youngsters and working their way up through the ranks to become CEO, a worthy title to claim. The reasons people start off and stay in retail vary from convenience of knowing the role to being able to work part time suiting children once they’ve had families, It also come with opportunities through trainee program, gaining experience and education all the while being paid for it. When the crunch of losing a job you’ve spent years training for comes, it’s often retail, what some consider a lower level of employment, you return to. Yet retail has an unfair reputation as it sustains millions of people world wide and is one of the most reliable forms of income. Hours in retail may come and go like every other industry but if you look at statistics from Wal-Mart, you’ll understand, based on one company alone, how retail has it’s place in society as stable employment.

Maybe you’ve lost your job, lost your nerve as a return to work applicant, or think you haven’t got the skills it takes to apply for an advertised position. I spoke to a friend who is a Regional Manager in a large company and asked him what advice he would give to those trying to return to work……. Suzanne Beck

The first step for anyone returning back into the work force is to realize that they can add great value to the potential employer even that may not have had recent physical working experience but they have through there own experiences organised, managed other areas of there life and generally they come more balanced, opened minded, non re active and adaptive to the current work place because of these experiences.

In preparation the interviewee needs to think of the following.

-Coming prepared and confident and never assume that they are not good enough for the job as you can never judge or know what they may be looking for

-What they can bring to the job they are interviewing for

-What they are looking for from the employment

Do research on the company by internet but more important were possible in person. (Nothing better than showing you have gone to the workplace)

-Think of the job or role they are going for and bring examples from there experience that can translate. For example a role of the job may be giving instructions to a staff member and translate that to something you have done in your personal life with either kids, community groups or even an event you may have held at home.

At the interview

-Personal presentation is very important but your body signals, attitude and energy levels tell an interviewer more.

-Keep on track and try an answer clearly and concise. If you feel you have not answered the question confirm with the interviewer.

– Be honest when unsure of a question

-Always have questions to ask the interviewer relevant to role

-Try and give confidence to the interviewer that you have long term plans within the role and or company

In my experience of interviewing for staff at all levels of the business the main thing I am looking for is how is this person going to fit into my team and what is the real person like I am talking to. It is not always experience. That is were some people make the mistake when they assume to know what I’m looking for and answer how they think I want to hear the answers. Thinking that to get the job you must have had done the job before and must be experienced in the field. Keep in mind building a team takes all personalities, ages and you may have exactly what is needed for the team you are about to join. If I can not see who you are outside the interview it makes the decision on hiring a lot harder.

I know this is easy for me to say, but just let a bit of your personality show and ensure you talk about yourself not just answering the standard questions. Add words like from my experience, I would, I like and this can open up to a more relaxing discussion and can break down some interview barriers.

I find applicants returning back into the workforce from long periods generally have strong work ethics and if given a chance are long term employees and very productive within the team. They are open minded and always receptive to new ideas and direction. They don’t come with a attitude of I know everything. All you need to do is show that in the interview and more likely the job could be yours.

Dea Noc Advice for returning to work Advice for returning to work

Pros And Cons Of A Federal Auto Industry Bailout

Pro 1: Eco Cars
If the bailout money works the way it is supposed to and pulls the big three out of the hole, good things could potentially come of it. One proposal is that after being saved the automakers could be pushed to manufacture and sell cars that are both good for the environment and economy.

Con 1: Taxpayer Cash
Perhaps the most obvious con, it is no secret that we will all be helping bail these companies out. Although it is still unknown where the money may or may not come from, taxpayer cash will be included for sure. Bloggers, business leaders, and experts are expressing their frustration about this all over the Internet.

Pro 2: Recession Woes
While most are already feeling the effects of a recession on their wallets and gas tanks, it could be a lot worse if something else big happens. Some experts feel not bailing out the big three could result in a much deeper and more severe recession then we are already in. With thousands of jobs connected to the auto companies and stocks across the board, their downfall could have a large effect on our economy.

Con 2: Bankruptcy
One of the only other options for GM and the rest of the big three is to file bankruptcy under chapter 11. It is true that we have already assisted these companies financially this year and it helped them for few months. For this reason, some economists feel another bailout would just be like bailing out a sinking ship that is going to sink no matter what we do. Bankruptcy however, could be their only salvation, and many experts claim that it could be their best option. Michael Levine of the Wall Street Journal claims, the cost of terminating dealers is only a fraction of what it would cost to rebuild GM to become a company sized and marketed appropriately for its market share. Contracts would have to be bought out. The company would have to shed many of its fixed obligations. Some obligations will be impossible to cut by voluntary agreement. GM will run out of cash and out of time.

Pro 3: Prior Success
As history tends to repeat itself, I think it important to consider the Chrysler bailout of 1979. In the mid 70’s while our country was going through a gas crisis, Chrysler refused to stop making their biggest most gas guzzling luxury cars. This mistake led them to requesting a bailout in late 79. However, to the surprise of the watching country, Chrysler came out with the “K-car” that sold like hot cakes and pulled the company out of a financial crisis. Chrysler then paid off their debt to the government 7 years early, and the government made over $660 million in profit from the bailout when all was said and done. Many people claim that if given another bailout, the auto companies could pull themselves out from near bankruptcy, and the federal government could generate revenue as well.

Con 3: Private Jet-setting
Unfortunately, when the CEO’s of the big three traveled to Washington D.C. to request billions from taxpayers early this week, all three CEO’s took private jets with round trip travel costs totaling of over $40,000 per CEO. This ostentatious show of wealth was considered highly disrespectful to the taxpayers about to consider bailing them out and created tons of bad publicity for the potential bailout. If companies are going to get taxpayers money, then we need to know that they are being frugal with it.