Working at a musical retail store

[clr]

Definitely something I'd like to experience. What should be under your application resume?

[ccso8462]

Previous employment in any kind of retail would be a benefit. Another plus would be knowledge all of the kinds of instruments the store handles. A basic understanding of music is good.

Most important of all is a respectful attitude toward your employer. All the knowledge in the world can not make up for a bad attitude. Be ready to learn. Have a thick skin. Swallow your pride. Be willing to help with anything that needs to be done, including cleaning or janitorial duties.

As a member of the "older" generation I find that the American work ethic has gone the way of the dinosaurs. Those prospective employees that exhibit a good attitude and work ethic will always be in demand, because such things are becoming rare today.

CLR, I hope you don't find my advice offensive, it is meant to help you get a good job and gain promotion within that job. It is applicable in any employment you may find. I may be incorrectly assuming that you are fairly young and this may be one of your first jobs, and if I am wrong please forgive me. I wish you the best of luck in finding a rewarding job in the music industry.

HTH

Carl

[kuzi16]

ccso8462 said:

As a member of the "older" generation I find that the American work ethic has gone the way of the dinosaurs. Those prospective employees that exhibit a good attitude and work ethic will always be in demand, because such things are becoming rare today.

I'm 27 and i seem to be a part of that "older" generation as well. hard work and loyalty can get you a good job and good pay.

i also agree on the "be ready to learn" comment. you can think you know it all but every place runs just a bit different and this different outlook can change everything.


also know the difference between fact and opinion. you may hate the guitar that someone is playing but it could still be a quality guitar. Personality goes a long way in retail so feel free to share your opinion but know that your opinion is that, an opinion.


as far as getting the job... in the interview tell them how long you have been playing music and what instrument(s) you can play. It may sound cliche but if you are going for a sales position, sell yourself. make the employer want to bring you on by being enthusiastic about the store and passionate about music. Show that you know what you are doing and make sure that they know you are willing to learn.
If you dont know what you are doing, Fake it till you make it. ...hey it worked for Aerosmith...


as far as keeping the job:
it may sound stupid but, show up on time. i fire more people for being late than any other reason.
do what you are asked as long as it is reasonable. If you feel it is not reasonable then talk to your boss in private. the other employees don't need to know you think the manager is a jerk. It wont get you anywhere but out the door if you make it known. Be respectful when you don't agree. Disagreements are a part of life. we are all adults Work it out like you are an adult. ...and even though you are hanging out with a bunch of musicians, it is still a professional environment.

a lot of times these jobs are hard to get when you are young. there are a ton of people that want that job because they think it will be fun. There is a large pool for them to draw from. Employers will take someone that already knows what they are doing over someone that is just starting. if they have an "apprentice" position that may be worth your while.

i dont know if thats all good advice but its worked for me in my job.

[ccso8462]

Yes, kuzi, that's ALL good advice. Not bad coming from a "kid"! ;D

[mlrpa]

I'm an assistant manager in a small music chain here in Washington state. I got the gig due to my experience in sales, running an antiques store, and my knowledge in musical instruments. (I've been a guitar tech and performer for the past 20 something years.)

I can't tell you how to get the gig, but I can tell you the most important thing in sales in general. Spend some time with the potential customer.

Talk to them. Find out what style they play, their price range, and what they are looking for. Have them play whatever they want, but make suggestions. (ie: "Yea, the Squiers are nice, but I prefer the Ibanez in the same price range.")

Remember, they might not buy today, but they might tomorrow. And they will remember the salesperson who spent time with them, and listened to them, and was friendly.

[the_uprising]

I once talked to someone in a popular music store about getting a job, and i told him i didn't have much experience in sales. The reality i have had no official experience, but needless to say they were not very intrested in me.

That was always the catch 22 i could never get arround when getting a job. You could lie, and get an interview and not get the job. Or you could not lie and not get an interview.

The past few jobs i have had, i got them because i knew some people that already worked there. And that is the way i have always seen it. It's not what you know, but who. And i suppose it will always be that way...