New Jobs for Retail Workers

New Jobs for Retail WorkersNew Jobs for Retail WorkersThe retail sector announced 41,201 job cuts in the first two months of 2019. This is 92 percent higher than in the first two months of 2018, according to a report by Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, Inc., a global outplacement and executive coaching firm. (2019 February Job Cuts U.S. Employers Announced 76,835 in February). What are workers who have made their living in retail jobs to do? If you work in a storeand lose your job, is it prudent to look for a new job in a similar establishment? While you might be able to find one, you have to ask yourself how long you will be able to hold on to it. Rather than hopping from job to job at one failing retailer after another, a mora productive option is to transfer your skills to other occupations and industries that have more promising job outlooksand prospects. You will also want to utilize your strengths, which, as a retail worker, are excellent interpersonal, listening, and verbal co mmunication skills. Consider the following careers that also require those attributes, but require limited training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies them as Bright Outlook occupations due to the large number of job openings the government agency predicts they will have over the next several years. Bartender Job DescriptionBartenders take and fill customers drink orders. This usually includes preparing cocktails- mixed alcoholic beverages- but may also include making mocktails which are mixed non-alcoholic drinks. They also pour wine and beer, check customers identification for proof they are of legal drinking age, process payments, and keep bar areas neat and clean. Training Requirementsfruchtwein employers provide on-the-job training to bartenders, but some will only hire those who have completed a course at a bartending, vocational, or technical school. Programs are typically just a few weeks long. Job Outlook and ProspectsThe BLS predicts employment will grow by just 2 percent between 2016 and 2026. This is slower than the average growth for all occupations, but job prospects will be very good because of the turnover in this field. Median Hourly Wages $10.84 (combination of salary and tips) Waiters and Waitresses Job DescriptionWaiters and waitresses, also called servers, takefood and beverage orders from customers in restaurants. They pick up the food from the kitchen and deliver it to the tables. They answer questions about the menu and may recommend particular dishes. Finally, they calculate bills and receive and process payments. Training RequirementsWaiters and waitresses get on-the-job training from their employers. Some restaurants also provide classroom training where they teach proper serving techniques. Job Outlook and ProspectsEmployment is expected to grow by 7 percent between 2016 and 2026- about as fast as the average for all occupations. There will be plenty of job openings thanks to the number of people who regul arly leave this field. Median Hourly Wages$10.47 (combination of salary and tips) Barista Job DescriptionBaristas work in specialty coffee shops. They prepare and serve coffee, other beverages, baked goods, and sandwiches. Training RequirementsEmployers provide on-the-job training to baristas. Job Outlook and Prospects Employment is expected to grow by 14 percent between 2016 and 2026. This is faster than the average for all occupations. Many job openings will be available. Median Hourly Wages$10.74 Customer Service Representatives Job DescriptionCustomer service representatives take orders, resolve complaints, and answer questions from customers. fruchtwein of their interactionstake place over the phone, by email, or through live internet chat. Training RequirementsMost jobs require only short-term on-the-job training. Job Outlook and ProspectsBLS forecasts indicate that employment will grow by 5 percent between 2016 and 2026- faster than the average for all occupations. Jo b prospects will be good. Median Hourly Wages$16.23 Medical Assistants Job DescriptionMedical assistants, depending on where they work, perform clinical and administrative tasks in physicians offices. They greet patients, record medical histories and vital signs, and make appointments. Training RequirementsSome employers will provide on-the-job training, but many will only hire job candidates who have completed post-secondary education. Job Outlook and ProspectsEmployment is expected to increase by 29 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be good, especially for those with certification and familiarity with electronic health records. Median Hourly Wages $16.16 Receptionists Job DescriptionReceptionists greet visitors, schedule appointments, and direct telephone calls to the proper recipients. Training Requirements Employers provide on-the-job training to receptionists, but some will only hire candidates who have experience using word processing and spreadsheet applications. Job Outlook and ProspectsThe BLS predicts employment growth of 9 percent between 2016 and 2026, as fast as the growth for all occupations. Job prospects will be good, especially in the healthcare industry. Median Hourly Wages$14.01 Concierge Job DescriptionProvides personal services to hotel guests, apartment building residents, or workers in an office building. Training RequirementsMost employers provide training to new hires. Job Outlook and ProspectsAt 11 percent, employment growth is predicted to be faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. New jobs should be plentiful. Median Hourly Wages$14.61 Personal Care Aides Job DescriptionPersonal care aides provide non-medical services and companionship to individuals who are ill, elderly, or have disabilities. They clean, cook, and drive. Training RequirementsTraining is usually done on-the-job. Job Outlook and Prospects Employment growth is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations 41 percent from 2016 to 2026. Job prospects will be excellent. Median Hourly Wages$11.55 Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2017 and Occupational Employment Statistics, 2018 National Center for O*NET Development, O*Net Online, 2019.