Communication, leadership, teamwork: the top skills retail recruiters want from graduates

Retail is all about customer service so it's no surprise that effective communication and leadership qualities are highly valued.

Retail recruiters have lists of skills and attributes they look for when assessing applicants during the application process for graduate schemes – whether you are interested in a buying, store management, finance or e-commerce role. Here, recruiters from John Lewis Partnership , Enterprise-Rent-A-Car , McDonald’s and Argos give you their tips on how to convince them that you have what they need.

You can also check out our targetjobs guide to the top retail skills for your CV .

Show that you can contribute to a retailer’s commercial success, says John Lewis Partnership

To get a graduate job in retail, you need to show that you are commercially aware. Retailers want graduates ‘who can really contribute to commercial success,’ says Becky Wareham, resourcing strategy manager at John Lewis Partnership. ‘This is all about implementing or influencing something – big or small – which really makes a difference to the overall profit, success and/or reputation of the business.’

How do you show you can do this? ‘You need to understand the climate the business is operating in, the challenges it faces, who the competitors are and what they are doing,’ says Becky. ‘You also need to consider why different retailers are successful and know what’s going on in the wider economy. Read company websites, news websites and journals such as the Financial Times and follow organisations via social media channels.’

It’s also worth thinking about how you have contributed to the success – commercial or otherwise – of a business or project. This could be in your part-time job or as part of an extra-curricular activity (such as deciding on ticket prices for a society/faculty ball).

Communicate confidently and openly to impress retail recruiters, says Enterprise Rent-A-Car

’In any retail environment, you will be asked to work with others – colleagues, the general public and business partners – and you will need to listen to them and work with them to get the job done,’ says Donna Miller, European HR director at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. ‘Understanding how to adapt your own style and language to suit others is critical in delivering impactful messages. It’s imperative that you get your message across confidently and openly. You can inspire others to act based on your style.’

How are your communication skills judged? Your communication skills will be assessed in your application form and throughout the interview and assessment centre process. Assessors will look at how you express your ideas and how you act in group exercises. Are you able to put others at ease? How persuasively do you communicate your ideas? Are you able to change your approach if the situation calls for it?

Demonstrate that you could be a future leader, says Argos

In some graduate roles, such as retail management, you will need to call on leadership skills immediately – but even if you have your sights set on another role, all retailers are looking for their graduates to be future leaders of the business. ‘Developing your leadership skills and being able to convey them during the selection process is essential,’ confirms Lisa Bradley (now Steel), HR manager at Argos .

How to demonstrate your leadership potential? ‘Holding key roles in clubs, societies or group projects shows your commitment to developing your leadership skills,’ says Lisa. However, bear in mind that leadership calls upon many other skills, such as the ability to build relationships, solve problems and set priorities.

Creating a good team ethos is good for you and customers, says McDonald’s

'In retail, employees will always be working as part of a team regardless of the size of the business,’ says Nicky Ivory, HR officer at McDonald’s Restaurants Limited. ‘If you’re working on the shop floor it’s vital to have a good team ethos, both to support each other and to create a good atmosphere for customers. Additionally whatever your role in the business, you need to be able to understand the needs of other teams and work well across functions.’

How do you impress recruiters with your teamworking skills? Partly your teamworking skills will come across in your application form and interview answers. ‘Before applying, analyse your relevant experiences,’ suggests Nick. ‘You need to be specific about your role and achievements to demonstrate this skill convincingly.’ At assessment centres, recruiters will observe how well you interact with others and behave in group tasks.