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new job anxiety
I just got my work schedule for a new job. The store is having it's grand opening on Thursday. I have my first shift from 5-10. I'm sure the store will be jammed pack. I'm working in the clothing department of the superstore.
Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with the customers? I've never worked in retail before. I know the obvious, like be friendly and work hard, but what can I do to really impress my supervisor and make me relax a little?
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It's pretty easy to deal with customers, When i got my first retail job i just let my coworkers do most of my work for me. then afterwork i'd go to the bar with my friend roy and drink a budlight. It messed me way up. Dont do what i did. I reccomend facing the crowd and going for it.
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Spot one customer that looks very nice and cheery, not someone who is in a hurry or someone impatient. If you can, make that customer the very first person you go to. They'll make you feel safer because you'll be able to feel like you give them good service.
From then on, you'll pick confidence.
Also, as opposed to one person who answered here, I say you shouldn't chat too much with the customers, unless they look like they want to chat. There are two reasons for that: one, there's a risk the customer won't stop chatting and you'll be stuck there, listening. Two, I think most people prefer employees who are efficient, quick and friendly, and don't like people who intrude in their lives.
You can chat a little more once you've gained more experience. Receiving "what the hell do you care" as an answer to a nice question can be a little discouraging.
Good luck!
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Chat with them like they are a friend, maybe comment on the top they are buying and say it's nice, or if there is a child ask if they are looking forward to Christmas, something like that. You don't want to do much more than that, though, and don't let your chatting take up time - just chat while you are packing their bags or something, or the people behind will get annoyed.
There isn't much you can do to relax at first, other than the obvious breathing, but once you have finished your first day, you will know you can do it and be more confident, which will in turn make you more relaxed. And remember that no-one expects amazing things from you on your first day!
Good luck :)
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Just dive in.
Customers value two things: helpfullness and happiness. They like an employee to seem happy, and to give them what they want.
It's your first night, so don't stress out about the helpfullness; you'll learn with time.
As for happy: you don't actually have to be happy. Just have the customer think you're happy. Speak pleasently, smile. It takes getting used to, but it works.
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You'll probably be nervous no matter what you do... if you really start feeling yourself freeze up, straighten! Stores have to be neat and organized with everything folded and stacked all the time.
if you're not too nervous, do the best you can to help customers. Greet everyone you see, and ask what you can help them find today (not just, "can I help you?" that gives them the opportunity to say "no".)
The most important thing is that you're always working, not leaning on a counter or talking to your friends. I've worked several retail jobs and trust me, they're hard to screw up.
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Make sure your nice to the customers, especially in front of your boss be like "How was your day?" and "Thank you for coming!" Stuff like that. Customers are not that hard to deal with, unless your too slow or somebody complains. Dont worry, just be a nice person and it'll work out great. The only way to break nervous-ness is if you practice..so after a while you will be a pro! Have fun=)
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