PRACTICE YOUR PATIENCE

LET’S TALK ABOUT DOING YOUR TIME…

In the fast-paced world of retail, the desire to climb the career ladder quickly can be enticing, especially if you have experienced fast progression within the company you’re working for. However, there's an often overlooked gem in the industry; the value of spending generous time in a position before aiming for the next role. Our angels are ready to discuss why doing your time in a role is crucial, how it shapes your resume, contributes to skill growth, and what to do if you feel your growth has peaked too early.

Credits: Bec + Bridge

How much time is Goldilocks? (just right)

We should first start by saying that every scenario is different, and can depend on your company structure, team size and store turnover. When looking at retail candidates we typically like to see a minimum of 18 months tenure in each role. If you are looking to make the move into a higher role (Cluster Manager or Regional Manager) the tenure we look for can slightly differ based on what the role requires. For support office candidates who are looking to make the move into a higher position, tenures between 12-24 months in a position are ideal. 

The Power of Tenure on Your Resume

In an industry that thrives on innovation and trends, a resume showcasing stable tenures sends a powerful message to potential employers or recruiters. Staying in a role for an extended period demonstrates commitment, reliability, and a willingness to invest time in mastering your craft. It signals that you're not just chasing titles but are dedicated to contributing meaningfully to the success of your team and the company. As recruiters, we often view a series of short-term roles as a red flag, suggesting a lack of commitment or an inability to adapt to the challenges of a position. By spending time in a role, you not only accumulate experience but also convey to future employers that you can weather the storms and contribute to the long-term success of a team.

Skill Growth Through Experience

Retail is a multifaceted industry, requiring a diverse skill set ranging from trend analysis and inventory management to customer service and training & development. The longer you stay in a role, the more opportunities you have to develop these skills in a real-world setting. Spending time in a position allows you to delve deeper into your responsibilities, becoming a master of your craft. This expertise becomes a valuable asset, setting you apart from those who may have rushed through similar roles. Patience in a role often leads to increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities. It's in these moments that you hone your leadership skills, learning to guide and inspire a team effectively. As fashion trends evolve, so does the retail landscape. By staying in a role, you develop adaptability and learn to navigate industry changes. 

Credits: Bec + Bridge

Recognising Early Peaking

Sometimes, despite your commitment and dedication, you may feel that your growth has peaked too early, and you aren’t continuing to develop your skillset in your current role. It's crucial to recognise the signs and take proactive steps to decide what your next move could look like, without jumping too quickly into a higher position when you haven’t done your time. Perhaps assess your current role and pinpoint areas where you feel stagnated. Is it a lack of challenging projects, limited learning opportunities, or a need for more responsibility? Firstly, initiate a conversation with your manager. Express your desire for growth and discuss potential avenues for advancement. Your employer may not be aware of your aspirations, and open communication can pave the way for new opportunities. 

If promotional opportunities within your current organisation are limited, consider diversifying your skill set through a new opportunity with the same title. The Rèlier Angels are BIG supporters of lateral moves. There is a lot to learn and so many opportunities to master your skillset in a new environment, even when you feel your learning has been capped in your current organisation. When you move laterally, you’re exposed to new systems and processes, new customers, team members and of course, new leaders who can guide your development journey and assist you in becoming that master of your trade you know you can be. 

Here are some examples we frequently see in the recruitment space when it comes to doing your time, if you fit into one of these categories… this may be the gift of clarity! 

I’ve just graduated and I’m looking for jobs in my field: 

Congratulations on graduating! We recommend seeking as much entry-level experience as possible in your desired field through internships or real-world experience. The industry has become increasingly competitive over time and companies look for those who bring a high level of qualification alongside a degree. As always, we also highly recommend gaining some experience on the shop floor, as this experience in itself is invaluable when pursuing a career in the fashion space. 

I’ve been a Store Manager for the last 6 months and I’m looking for a Senior Leadership/HQ role: 

The best way to land that senior leadership experience within the retail space is to expand your skillset as a Store Manager. If you’re feeling the itch at the 6-month mark, we recommend exploring a lateral move into a different management position with another company. It may not be that you feel ready to step into such a senior role with a smaller tenure, it may be that you’re not aware of how much else there is to learn! Those in Senior Leadership/HQ positions are diversified in their skillset/experience and have gained knowledge from different roles, teams and businesses. This is what makes them incredible at what they do and how they achieve success for their company.

If you’re specifically looking at Head Office positions, our greatest piece of advice is to lean into your passions. We hear lots of candidates say they want to get into the office but just don’t know what they want to do when they get there. By knowing exactly what type of position or career path you want to achieve in a head office environment, your journey to get there should become far more clear. 

I’ve been in retail leadership for the last 5-10 years and am unsure whether I should pursue a higher leadership role or a role in head office:

Credits: Bec + Bridge

WOW! What an achievement! You should be proud of your long-standing career in this space. Our advice comes down to what you feel your passion is in the retail leadership space. 

If you’re passionate about store success, leadership development and all things profit and loss, then multisite management may be the next role for you. 

If you love training and development, then a training-specific role could fit your next opportunity. If you love your inventory management, cycle counts and numbers, then an operations role could be for you! 

If you love what you do currently and are just looking for something fresh and exciting, a role with a slightly different responsibility could be a great option, such as working for a larger business with a bigger team size or stepping into a different field of the industry with a whole new set of responsibilities. 

I’ve been in my mid-level support office role for the last two years, when should I start to look further to expand my career?

My friend the answer is now. If you feel you have mastered your skillset in your chosen field and have the results to back it up, two years in this role has set you up for success in exploring a more challenging position. If you feel you have more to learn, then a lateral move into a similar role will provide you with a different kind of challenge. 

In the world of fashion retail, patience is not just a virtue; it's a strategic career move. By doing your time in a role, you build a solid foundation, develop a diverse skill set, and position yourself as a valuable asset to employers. Recognising early signs of career stagnation empowers you to take control, whether through open communication, skill diversification, or seeking new opportunities. Ultimately, a well-rounded and patient approach to your career in fashion retail can lead to long-term success and fulfilment. 

Love, 

Team Relier xx