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"Do you want fries with that?" If that is not what your teenager wants to learn as their first job mantra, then a job in retail might be the place for them to look. The retail job market is great for students needing seasonal employment as well as young people looking for something more permanent.

Besides the traditional job abilities that you learn in any job, such as why it is important to have a good work ethic, (this usually first comes into play firsthand when you have plans and your relief is a no call, no show and then you have to stay over so they can go out and play) and how to take instruction form superiors even if you don't like them (the orders and/or the superiors). You also learn things like how to handle a difficult customer, controlling inventory and how theft affects the company bottom line, and the lowest on the totem pole cleans the bathrooms or sweeps the parking lot, skills that will benefit you in any other line of work in the future.

My first bit of advice to my teenagers about getting a job in retail was to do what they loved and they would be much happier. You just feel more comfortable in an area where you know something about the products as a consumer and are better able to help customers. It will show in your attitude and willingness. The other great thing is most of the time you have that nice little benefit of a discount on things you like. One daughter was very animal oriented, one a fashion diva and one a book worm. Also, our sons were into cars and phones. That meant jobs at the feed store, Ross, Barnes & Noble, T-Mobile and Toyota.

The larger retail store chains often have managerial training for employees' goals of long term employment in their fields. You want to keep this in mind when applying for a retail job to let them know that you are looking for a job with advancement possibilities If you are a student looking for a short term job, be honest, if you are a good worker many places will look forward to having you come back in the seasonal times when they need extra help and the reference is always good to have.

All in all the job options available in retail make it a good place to start your job hunting.
There are many retail stores with may varying hours so there are shifts available all days of the week to fit almost any schedule. Be flexible yourself and you should have not trouble finding a job that suits your talents and abilities.

Happy hunting.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Sanders.
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