If you’re working in retail but are looking for something new, have you ever considered a job in recruitment? You already have more of the skills needed to succeed than you might think.
Recruitment is fast-paced, rewarding, and gives you the opportunity to earn based on your performance—without the unsociable retail hours. If you thrive on working with people, hitting targets, and problem-solving, this could be the perfect career move for you.
Here are seven skills you’ve already developed in retail that will help you succeed in recruitment.
1. Sales
In retail, you’re constantly selling—whether that’s recommending products to customers or upselling at the checkout. With a job in recruitment, the same principles apply.
If you’re working with candidates, you’ll be “selling” job opportunities by explaining why a role is right for them. If you’re working with clients (the companies hiring), you’ll be selling your recruitment services, showing them why they should trust you to find the best talent.
The ability to influence and persuade is key in both industries, and if you’ve been successful in retail sales, you’ll have a strong foundation for recruitment.
2. Customer service and relationship building
A job in retail has likely taught you how to handle different personalities, deal with difficult customers, and maintain professionalism at all times. That experience is invaluable in recruitment.
As a recruiter, you’ll be speaking to candidates and clients every day, helping them navigate challenges, and building long-term relationships. Strong interpersonal skills will help you stand out—and make your job easier.
3. Resilience
Let’s be honest—working in retail isn’t always easy. You’ve probably had customers walk away when you’ve tried to help or had a tough day where nothing seems to go right.
In recruitment, not every candidate will get the job, and not every client will say yes to your services. The key is resilience. If you can bounce back from a bad shift in retail, you can handle a tough quarter in recruitment. The best recruiters keep pushing forward, learning from setbacks, and staying motivated.
Read more: How to get a job in recruitment with no experience
4. Multitasking and time management
Retail is all about juggling different tasks—serving customers, managing stock, handling complaints, and keeping everything running smoothly. A job in recruitment is no different.
You might be managing multiple job roles, speaking to several candidates, and arranging interviews all at once. Being able to stay organised and responsive is crucial. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, recruitment will suit you down to a T.
5. Adaptability
In retail, things don’t always go to plan. Customers change their minds, stock runs out, and last-minute issues pop up. You’ve learned to think on your feet and find solutions.
Recruitment is full of unexpected challenges. A candidate might drop out of a role at the last minute, or a client may change their hiring requirements. The best recruiters stay calm under pressure and adapt quickly to keep things moving. Those who are adaptable and able to go with the flow certainly reap the rewards!
6. Working to targets
If you enjoy the thrill of hitting sales targets in retail, you’ll love recruitment.
Recruiters work to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as the number of calls made, CVs sent, and interviews booked in any given week. The difference? With a job in recruitment, your performance directly impacts your earnings. The better you do, the more commission you can make. If you’re competitive and target-driven, this is where you’ll thrive.
Read more: How to build a personal brand as a recruiter
7. Negotiation
Working in retail has probably prepared you for tough conversations—handling price disputes, dealing with unhappy customers, and negotiating refunds.
In recruitment, negotiation is a key skill. You’ll be discussing salaries with candidates, agreeing fees with clients, and sometimes mediating between both parties to find a deal that works. If you’re confident handling these situations in retail, you’ll find recruitment a natural fit.
Ready for a job in recruitment?
If you’re looking for a career that rewards hard work, offers great earning potential, and builds on the skills you already have, recruitment could be the perfect next step.
Explore our current recruitment opportunities or send us your CV and we’ll get in touch!