What's the likelyhood of being hired with no retail experience?

[AudreyNicole]

Be brutal. What are the chances of being hired on at MAC without retail experience? The majority of my work experience has been in the HR setting, so I have always dealt with people, but in a different way than if I were selling to them. I mean really, unless waiting tables counts, I don't have retail experience. Should I even bother? I guess I am hopeful because I have come across several MA's that seem to have little retail and product knowledge, and they are working there.... What do you think?

 

[claresauntie]

What is the worst possible result of you applying? That they say, "sorry, but you don't have enough experience in retail." Is that really that horrible? No! You ought to try it!

For the record, I just got hired a few months ago and I haven't been in retail for over 10 years. Just take your personality and your mad makeup skills, and see how it goes....

 

[MisStarrlight]

I had 2 weeks retail experience when I was hired....

 

[AudreyNicole]

Well, that definately makes me feel better! Did you submit a resume or portfolio or just fill out an application? I don't really have a portfolio started yet, although it's on my to-do list

 

[MisStarrlight]

resume & application

90% of MAC artists that I know do NOT have a portfolio so don't stress it really, unless you are in a very competitive market (but even then, I'm in NY, so....)

 

[giz2000]

I had NO retail experience when I went to work for MAC...and I had no portfolio at all...go for it!

 

[Trashionista]

Ditto. I have no retail experience and I got hired. Although, I do have close to 10 years of Makeup experience. I say you go for it!