Help! Applying for a SA job...

[Zappy]

I''m applying for a job at a jewelry store and it''s time for me to attach a cover letter and resume! I need some advice as to what I should put in my cover letter to show that I am qualified for the job. The application itself might be a turn off for the hiring manager because I show no experience in jewelry or sales/retail. I do, however, feel I am just as qualified as someone with a year or two experience in sales because I love jewelry and have done my share of pricescope lurking!

So if you were in my position, what would you mention in your cover letter/resume? If you were in charge of hiring, what would convince you that I am good enough for a job?

Thanks

 

[rierie26]

If you have experience in customer service or working with people (even volunteer work), I would highlight that. I''ve found that every job I''ve gotten (which spans a wide range of industries, including retail), they really stressed that they were looking for someone who was comfortable working with a diverse group of people.

 

[Zappy]

Thanks, Kitcha. I'll have to mention the social benefits of working in a restaurant. What I am also wondering, though, is how I can show that I have knowledge about jewelry. I think the cover letter is a good chance to mention something about it, but I'm not sure what to mention and how to word it.

Should I mention that I am familiar with the different grading labs, diamond shapes (and how they look on different hands), 4 c's, and metals? This is where I have an advantage over someone else that could be applying for the same job that has had experience in sales, but has no clue about diamonds, gems, and jewelry in general. I guess I'm not sure how far in depth I should go into explaining my knowledge.

 

[Zappy]

Bump

 

[rierie26]

Date: 2/2/2010 2:00:27 AM
Author: Zappy
Thanks, Kitcha. I''ll have to mention the social benefits of working in a restaurant. What I am also wondering, though, is how I can show that I have knowledge about jewelry. I think the cover letter is a good chance to mention something about it, but I''m not sure what to mention and how to word it.

Should I mention that I am familiar with the different grading labs, diamond shapes (and how they look on different hands), 4 c''s, and metals? This is where I have an advantage over someone else that could be applying for the same job that has had experience in sales, but has no clue about diamonds, gems, and jewelry in general. I guess I''m not sure how far in depth I should go into explaining my knowledge.

I''d mention it in your cover letter. I''ve seen some cover letter examples online that highlight the person''s interests as they related to the job. Good luck!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

One thing to keep in mind is most chain jewelry stores are selling inferior products and the more you know, the more likely you are to tell them more than they want you to tell customers. I was in a store and the guy, get this, told me that an F I1 that was excellent cut was better than an H SI1 ideal cut because it simply looks better.

It didn't even make any sense. Also, the I1 was $200 more than the ideal cut (I found online) but he said it was a better deal because my ACAs didn't look all that great.

He insulted them twice over! Said my AGS F colored earrings were "darker" than the IGI F stones they had so I shouldn't even consider the ACA I was looking at online. The manager listened and approved his comments.

You need to explain that you're open minded to all grading labs that particular store works with and will respect that store's perspective. Unfortunetly, you'll be compromising the info you have gained here.

Is the store a chain store?

 

[lilyfoot]

Date: 2/2/2010 12:23:26 PM
Author: MC
One thing to keep in mind is most chain jewelry stores are selling inferior products and the more you know, the more likely you are to tell them more than they want you to tell customers. I was in a store and the guy, get this, told me that an F I1 that was excellent cut was better than an H SI1 ideal cut because it simply looks better.

It didn''t even make any sense. Also, the I1 was $200 more than the ideal cut (I found online) but he said it was a better deal because my ACAs didn''t look all that great.

He insulted them twice over! Said my AGS F colored earrings were ''darker'' than the IGI F stones they had so I shouldn''t even consider the ACA I was looking at online. The manager listened and approved his comments.

You need to explain that you''re open minded to all grading labs that particular store works with and will respect that store''s perspective. Unfortunetly, you''ll be compromising the info you have gained here.

Is the store a chain store?

Yep, I have to agree. I would actually be scared to sound too knowledgable (if it is a chain or "maul" type of store).

Good luck, Zappy, and keep us updated!

 

[jet2ks]

Keep in mind that it is a sales job first and a jewelry job second. I can't speak for the person doing the hiring, but when I was managing a sporting goods store and had the choice between someone with good people skills, but no sports background and someone who was knowledgable about sports, but somewhat lacking in people skills, I picked the first every time and was never disappointed. Some of my best employees had been waitresses, because they knew how to pay attention to detail, were able to relate to each customer on an individual basis, and most likely had experience calmly dealing with unhappy customers. A person can learn about the merchandise, but it is impossible to teach an outgoing, friendly personality.

I would make sure to highlight any jobs/experiences you have had interacting with the public and mention that you have a strong interest in jewelry and are eager to learn more. Too many details without experience to back it up can make someone come off as a know-it-all. If and when you get an interview, then you will be able to expound on your knowledge.

 

[Zappy]

Thanks everyone! I''m definitely going to tone down on the knowledge...I wouldn''t have thought of it that way. It''s sad that as a sales associate they would want me to know LESS upon being hired

Maybe I could simply mention that I am familiar with the different grading labs without mentioning anything bad about any of them? And also that I am familiar with color and clarity (since they don''t seem to be big on "cut").

Yes, it is a chain store. I wish I could work in a more respectable store, but I think that I stand more of a chance to get hired in a chain right now. Maybe I''ll move on to a better store after some SA experience (assuming I get hired).

I''m off to work on my cover letter now. Wish me luck!!! And thanks again for your advice!
Any further thoughts are still welcomed

 

[jewelerman]

Date: 2/2/2010 8:26:27 PM
Author: Zappy
Thanks everyone! I''m definitely going to tone down on the knowledge...I wouldn''t have thought of it that way. It''s sad that as a sales associate they would want me to know LESS upon being hired

Maybe I could simply mention that I am familiar with the different grading labs without mentioning anything bad about any of them? And also that I am familiar with color and clarity (since they don''t seem to be big on ''cut'').


Yes, it is a chain store. I wish I could work in a more respectable store, but I think that I stand more of a chance to get hired in a chain right now. Maybe I''ll move on to a better store after some SA experience (assuming I get hired).


I''m off to work on my cover letter now. Wish me luck!!! And thanks again for your advice!

Any further thoughts are still welcomed

Don''t tone down your knowledge.Its Important to know everything you can about a product(and you never stop learning about the trade... gems,jewelry,metals,manufacturing,cutting,history,mining,design ect.)But what is really important is knowing when and how to use the knowledge.Ive interviewed,hired and trained people for many different type of jewelry stores, and the first things I look for is product knowledge,sales experience, likability and professionalism.Remember that not all jewelry stores in malls are bad(ive had both good and bad professional experiences in mall stores.Ive also been helped by sales associated in stores like Cartier and Tiffany & Co. that need professional training in presenting both themselves and their jewelry!)Good luck!

 

[Zappy]

Date: 2/4/2010 12:26:15 AM
Author: jewelerman

Date: 2/2/2010 8:26:27 PM

Author: Zappy

Thanks everyone! I''m definitely going to tone down on the knowledge...I wouldn''t have thought of it that way. It''s sad that as a sales associate they would want me to know LESS upon being hired

Maybe I could simply mention that I am familiar with the different grading labs without mentioning anything bad about any of them? And also that I am familiar with color and clarity (since they don''t seem to be big on ''cut'').



Yes, it is a chain store. I wish I could work in a more respectable store, but I think that I stand more of a chance to get hired in a chain right now. Maybe I''ll move on to a better store after some SA experience (assuming I get hired).



I''m off to work on my cover letter now. Wish me luck!!! And thanks again for your advice!


Any further thoughts are still welcomed

Don''t tone down your knowledge.Its Important to know everything you can about a product(and you never stop learning about the trade... gems,jewelry,metals,manufacturing,cutting,history,mining,design ect.)But what is really important is knowing when and how to use the knowledge.Ive interviewed,hired and trained people for many different type of jewelry stores, and the first things I look for is product knowledge,sales experience, likability and professionalism.Remember that not all jewelry stores in malls are bad(ive had both good and bad professional experiences in mall stores.Ive also been helped by sales associated in stores like Cartier and Tiffany & Co. that need professional training in presenting both themselves and their jewelry!)Good luck!

Thanks for replying, Jewelerman! I had my first interview today! I will get called sometime next week to come in to a second interview, and I guess that one is the important one. In the words of the manager, this first interview was just to make sure I "showed up wearing clothes and have the ability to speak English".. soo that makes me nervous. He brought up the fact that I have no sales experience a couple times but said that I seem eager to be trained, so I still get a chance I suppose. What kinds of questions should I expect of my second interview? I do know that it will be a different manager next time. I was advised to bring a few questions about the store and job when I show up. One example he gave me is asking how long the company has been around. I just don''t know what to ask...

More importantly, I don''t know how to respond when my lack of sales experience is brought up again. Jewelerman, if you were interviewing someone without sales experience (but 2 years of food service) like me, what kind of comments would convince you to give that person a shot?

 

[MissMina]

I am a nurse and got a job in marketing for which I had no experience by showing the interviewer that nursing requires many "people skills"and that I had been "selling" patients on their course of treatment etc. The same could be said for food service.I''m sure you dealt with all sorts of people helping them to choose
a delicious meal. Just substitute diamonds for surf and turf. Oh and "food service" calls up to me images of lunch ladies in hair nets. Maybe you could think of a better title? Just my dos pesos.
Sending clouds of dust for your next interview

 

[jet2ks]

Date: 2/5/2010 4:18:41 AM
Author: Zappy

Thanks for replying, Jewelerman! I had my first interview today! I will get called sometime next week to come in to a second interview, and I guess that one is the important one. In the words of the manager, this first interview was just to make sure I 'showed up wearing clothes and have the ability to speak English'.. soo that makes me nervous. He brought up the fact that I have no sales experience a couple times but said that I seem eager to be trained, so I still get a chance I suppose. What kinds of questions should I expect of my second interview? I do know that it will be a different manager next time. I was advised to bring a few questions about the store and job when I show up. One example he gave me is asking how long the company has been around. I just don't know what to ask...

More importantly, I don't know how to respond when my lack of sales experience is brought up again. Jewelerman, if you were interviewing someone without sales experience (but 2 years of food service) like me, what kind of comments would convince you to give that person a shot?

Now is the time for your knowlege to come up! I wouldn't worry too much about the first interview, it is just a screening process to weed out the people who look good on paper, but can't live up to it IRL. Obviously, you passed. The second interview is where they start to try and find the right person for the job. Depending on how many people they are looking at, there is sometimes a third interview with the final two or three candidates.

As far as lack of sales experience, as MissMina said, just focus in on any time you have had to help people make a decision, especially about spending money. A great example is add-ons. If there is any experience you have adding to a purchase ( "Which dessert would you like to finish off your meal? The apple pie is delicious" ) that would be a great example. If you can sell add-on items to one customer, you will be able to sell the insurance policies and other add-ons at the jewelry store.

Also, you will be able to use the time when you ask questions to highlight some of your jewelry knowledge, as well as asking about the company as a whole. i.e. "Which independent labs do you use to grade the diamonds, and why do you use those particular ones? Are we able to get loose GIA graded diamonds for a stock setting if a customer asks for one?" Try to keep the questions more broad, but still indicating that you have knowledge of jewelry, gemstones and precious metals. For the company information, you can also ask about average length of employment (longer terms generally indicate a company that is well founded and good to work for), opportunities for advancement (if you are interested in that--it shows that you are looking at a career, not just a job and that you are ambitious), and policies & benefits.

Good luck.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 2/5/2010 4:18:41 AM
Author: Zappy

Thanks for replying, Jewelerman! I had my first interview today! I will get called sometime next week to come in to a second interview, and I guess that one is the important one. In the words of the manager, this first interview was just to make sure I 'showed up wearing clothes and have the ability to speak English'.. soo that makes me nervous. He brought up the fact that I have no sales experience a couple times but said that I seem eager to be trained, so I still get a chance I suppose. What kinds of questions should I expect of my second interview? I do know that it will be a different manager next time. I was advised to bring a few questions about the store and job when I show up. One example he gave me is asking how long the company has been around. I just don't know what to ask...

More importantly, I don't know how to respond when my lack of sales experience is brought up again. Jewelerman, if you were interviewing someone without sales experience (but 2 years of food service) like me, what kind of comments would convince you to give that person a shot?

Do you know which labs they use to grade their diamonds? Find that out and read up a bit!

Good luck.

ETA - also, do you have a jewelry loop? If not, get one and practice with it. That way you'll look like a "pro" around customers. The tweezers too. Knowing how to handle those will be more impressive to customers.

 

[jewelerman]

If you have been a server then you have alot of customer service skills that just need to be translated to words that relate to sales.Ive worked for stores that love hiring people with serving skills because they are professional,can multi-task,polite ,attentive and have to sell the product that is on the menu.They also know how to connect with thew customer.Go to the store web site and learn as much as possible about the lines they carry.If the question comes up tell them about how you have had to sell in your job as a server and give great customer service!

 

[Zappy]

Thanks everyone! I will definitely take all of your advice with me to my next interview. I''m going on Monday! The manager said that I have to take a personality test...not looking forward to that because I will over think everything and assume they are trick questions.

I asked the manager if I will talk to a lady (he told me I would during the 1st interview) and he said I will for a bit, but that this is all formality because he already made up his mind. Sounds promising!! I will keep you all updated

 

[jewelerman]

so...did you get the job.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Zappy did:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/update.136690/