I work in customer service.

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Anonymous

01/09/21 at 7:53AM UTC

I work in customer service.

I cashier, hang clothing, recover the store. Management changed like a year and 2 months ago. I know this should not affect me but it does alot. I lost my husband 2 years ago, we were married 30 plus years. I also take care of my 80 year old mother. I was told by my boss that I need to put on as he says a different hat when I come to work. There are customer that come in that know me personally ask me about my mother. I will say she is doing ok. My boss told me that I am not to say anything about my mother while I am at work. I said ok. Alot of customers will approach me if they can't find something cause there are no signs in the store of where things are, so I walk to where things are to show them and I am fussed at if I am help the customer find an article of clothing. He says I am talking to much. Seems like I can't win for losing. By the way this place I work for makes me and others want to leave. One other thing I am not real good at doing a resume if someone could help me I would be thankful.

19 Comments

Eve Koopmann Odar

Thoughtful people leader, mom and wife

01/09/21 at 1:23PM UTC

While I can't help you with a resume (not my area of expertise!) I find that googling samples of other peoples resumes really helps you get started in many areas. I would encourage you to do that, build your resume and then start looking! It sounds like you have years of great experience and are just in a bad environment - searching for a good one will increase your overall happiness and enjoyment of life.

Charlotte

104

UK Projects & Operations Manager

01/09/21 at 1:28PM UTC

It sounds to me like you work in 'fast fashion' - lower priced items, with high stock levels. I think what your management team would like from you is less service, more sales & a faster pace of work. You may feel more comfortable working in a different style of store. I went from working in H&M to Ralph Lauren when I worked in retail and it was definitely a much better fit for me, I enjoyed actually being allowed to 'chat' with customers even if they weren't buying, as for Ralph, the emphasis was on great customer care. Best of luck with your current position.

Anonymous

01/09/21 at 6:33PM UTC

I'm afraid your style of customer care is not a fit for where you work. Obviously your manager does not see chatting with the customers as part of your position. You can look for another job or you can find a backroom/warehouse position at your current job that keeps you away from people. Let other people take the lead with customers so you are not fearing for your job.

User edited comment on 01/09/21 at 6:34PM UTC

Anonymous

01/10/21 at 12:01PM UTC

You are not suited to this type of environment. You want to socialize with your customers and share and that is not your role at this store. Your management would like you to stick closer to performing your duties and less interacting with the customers. Perhaps you can develop outside outlets to socialize at. Church, volunteering, book clubs, walking meetings groups, etc. These have been modified for the current restrictions but they still exist and are active. You sound like you need a happier/more active social life so you don't bring that to work. I would hate to see you lose your job because you can't follow your management's job guidelines.

1 Reply

[email protected]

152

01/11/21 at 1:10PM UTC

I think this is very good advice.

Kat

249

FGB VIP - Sharing knowledge, providing support

01/10/21 at 5:14PM UTC

This is not on you. Your style of hands on customer service doesn't match with your new boss. If this has been a consistent issue with your previous boss, you need to find a different place to work. Is there a different store/branch in your current company that you could transfer to with a manager more compatible to your style of service? If not, look for another job. There are lots of companies (higher end retail chains, smaller botiques, bakeries, etc.) that encourage a more hands on approach that are a better fit for you. It doesn't have to be formal resumes to start with either. If there are smaller stores you frequent and enjoy their products, let them know you'd like to work there if they have openings. Follow local stores on social media as they often post openings there before/instead of posting them online. You could look into positions where you're a virtual shopper for online customers. Your approach would be a good fit for that too. There are plenty of resume templates and examples online (including here) to help you get your resume updated and polished. You might send your resume to a recruiter to find more opportunities than you may be able to access on your own. Don't blame yourself for the situation. You have a lot going on and constant stress on the job isn't helping. It's time for change. Good luck with finding new opportunities!

Amy Geffen

203

Plan your job search, overcome your fears.

01/11/21 at 1:25PM UTC

Happy to help you write your resume. Contact me Amy Geffen through Fairy GodBoss to set up a coaching appointment.

Anonymous

01/11/21 at 1:51PM UTC

Dear Anonymous: Your boss is a short-sighted IDIOT! He is so stupid that he doesn't understand that customers come back again and again to a store because of warm personalities like you AND tell others to shop at the store. Translation: you bring AND retain business. But your boss will never understand that. You've got to get out of there. Don't even consider a "backroom/warehouse" job at that hellhole. You would be depressed because you like people. And I wouldn't be surprised if your boss concocted some excuse to fire you from such a non-customer service job. You're too nice and sweet a person to work in a place like that. I'll do your resume for free. I've worked on 5 continents, 43 countries, 34 states and had direct management of hundreds of people as a Dep. Dir. of International Ops so I know how to do a resume--and have--for many people, although that's not my job LOL. I just hate to see nice people be unappreciated. My e-mail address is same as my name at--phonetically spelled--jeemayuhl.

2 Replies

Nancy D. Ransom

Experienced Administrative/Accounting Assistant

01/11/21 at 3:59PM UTC

Christie I so agree!!

Janet L Van Buren-Valencia

RN in Tucson, AZ

01/11/21 at 10:07PM UTC

I entirely agree with you, Christie!

Anonymous

01/11/21 at 2:03PM UTC

Any retailer would be lucky to have someone who can make these connections with the customer that keeps them returning to the store!! Apply to other retailers - most do not require a resume.

Goalsetter869042

Customer Service Manager in essential industry

01/11/21 at 2:12PM UTC

Dear Anonymous, First of all, please do take some time for self care. You are dealing with a great deal in your personal life. I have first hand experience with deep grief. As a retail manager it was very difficult for me to return to the work place after the sudden loss of my son. My customers were , on the most part so kind and concerned, but it made if very difficult to " put on a different hat". Unless you are making a great deal of money at this job, I would say move on. I may be a bit old school, but my business thrives on the personal touch and it works for us. I'm always looking for great sales associates who actually know how to talk to customers. The best of luck to you .

Anna H.

Logistics Contractor in New Orleans

01/11/21 at 2:50PM UTC

Prior to COVID-19, I worked in hospitality for a very large, well-known, international hotel company. Your warmth and approachability is exactly what I would have wanted to see in an associate at my hotel. In fact, if an associate were to NOT stop and personally engage with the guest, and lead them to the place or thing they needed, there would have been retraining. You sound like you would be successful in the hospitality field, so even though the hotel industry is hurting in this pandemic, I'd urge you to keep that kind of a job in mind for the future, if you are still having trouble finding the right fit in the sales world. Your level of commitment to your customer should be nurtured, as should you, as an individual. Best of luck wherever life leads you next!

Flossy

1.04k

Client Solutions Consultant

01/11/21 at 3:24PM UTC

I would encourage you to look for a position at a store like Chico’s. They encourage a personal relationship with clients. I’ve also seen this at other retailers. Please reach out if you need resume help. I’m happy to work with you.

1 Reply

Kimberly Friddle

The geekiest marketer in Houston

01/11/21 at 3:54PM UTC

Flossy, Chico's was just the store that popped into my mind as a possible fit as well! Their staff is always so friendly and helpful!

Kimberly Olmo

118

01/11/21 at 3:33PM UTC

I think being cold and brisk with customers would reflect poorly and display bad customer service! I echo what has been said - I think it’s just a bad fit for you personally at this time and I am sure another place would appreciate your efforts! My best to you!

Janice Ferguson

105

01/11/21 at 4:43PM UTC

You have great customer service skills. Lots of places would love to have an experienced person like you. You take the time to get to know your customers and you treat them like family. I hope you are able to find a place that really appreciates a person like you.

Anonymous

01/12/21 at 2:52PM UTC

Following up on what others have said it does sound like your people and relationship skills are not a fit for this environment and manager. Unfortunately, we live in a data driven world where numbers and accomplishments are valued over soft skills. That said emphasizing your soft skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile will help clarify for yourself and a potential employer what you bring to the table. I will also suggest that the soft skills you've described are necessary in any public facing job so it is worth looking outside of retail into office (reception) opportunities and talking with a staffing or temp agency for help on creating a resume and also with opportunities that might be a better fit.

Pamela Brown Yaeger

132

01/14/21 at 3:44AM UTC

I worked retail fashion many years ago and quickly charmed my customers by listening and leading them to what they wanted. I encouraged them to try other designers, called them at home when something gorgeous came in, and if our store couldn’t meet their needs, I told them which competitors could. My personal life never came up, although some of my older ladies asked to fix me up with their sons. If they were super chatty and we weren’t moving forward on a sale, I offered to treat them to coffee or a smoothie after my shift. Most of my bosses loved that approach, especially when customers called or came in specifically to work with me. I wasn’t on commission so I felt no need to push, but many days I sold tons of clothing. Some bosses were like yours and just wanted to feel powerful. That doesn’t work for you. You thrive in connecting with humans. It’s time to take a break, breathe deeply and treat yourself to an upgrade. Buy a fabulous dress or suit with comfy flats, and get that resume updated so you pop on the page. Do some research on the competition, then go shopping for your next job. You’re newly single, not widowed. You’re excited about connecting with the enormous target market with disposable income, baby boomers. Yet you look forward to helping younger shoppers find the perfect items for their parents, too. You may have caregiving responsibilities with your mom, so look into options there. Perhaps a local program or a kind neighbor can spend time with her and keep her safe and focused. I’m a huge fan of physical therapy for helping people build strength and become resilient. A new haircut and fresh makeup can work wonders. Go get started!