Prior to beginning my career in management, I had a long and varied career as a floor associate. My experience ranged from working at customer service desks and stocking shelves, to becoming a supervisor, so I had extensive experience in different roles and responsibilities.
I started my floor experience working the customer service desk, helping customers with returns and customer service issues. Navigating customer complaints was just the beginning - I developed a keen eye for enhancing customer experiences and putting a positive spin on any situation. After that, I moved onto shelving products and stocking shelves, where I became well-versed in inventory management, stocking speed, and order accuracy. These responsibilities helped to sharpen my attention to detail and ensure accuracy in my work.
I then moved into another customer service position as a supervisor, where I was able to further refine my customer service skills. Here I managed the customer service desk, oversaw returns, and opened and closed the store. Further, I trained and managed a team of associates and general maintained the day-to-day activities of the store.
This wealth of floor experience helped me develop a high-level of operational and customer service skills, which I have been able to parlay into my career in management. It also provided a strong foundation of retail knowledge, which has been incredibly beneficial when working with associates across all stages of their career.
Overall, my floor experience provided me with the important skills and knowledge I needed to approach management with the confidence and expertise necessary to succeed.