Sales Associate Review

As a Senior Sales Associate, I given more responsibility, this included opening and closing tills, as well as making some manager level decisions such as refunds. I still continue as a Sales Associate selling on a day to day basis, but having this added level adds something new to the experience.

Having worked at Harrods it has solidified the level of service that is expected in a place like this, going forward should I ever leave the business, I will always carry that level of service and what is expected of me that I was taught at Harrods. I have learnt many new skills as well thanks to the Learning and Development team that operates within the company. As well as running their own session they also liase with outside organisations that specialise in different areas, and teach these to members of staff within Harrods.

I thoroughly enjoy the Retail Academy (School Leaver Program) that is run by Harrods. By being able to experience different areas of the business within such a short time it really shows you what goes on within the company and outside it as well with multiple companies operating under the Harrods name.

I feel that being on the Retail Academy, it really makes me feel valued as an individual from the company, this comes from management as well as other areas of the business, by coming in with a fresh pair of eyes it lets others see things from a different view point and can allow for changes to be trailed and see how they work out.

The contents of the program is had been planned out very carefully and ensures that we get the most out of our time on the course, however I think that there is still some tweaking to be done in regard to the order that some of the activities and sessions that we have come in. This is coming more from my intake in 2015 however I think that from feed back from both the 2015 and 2016 intake, I think that this has all been rectified looking ahead for 2017.

The amount of support that you get from the company is huge. With multiple people in varying area to ensure how you are getting on and looking at your development is really satisfying and reassures you about the progress you make and what is possible for you to do within the company.

The answer to this can also be found in 6a. The amount that the company supports its staff is huge. With constant opportunities and people to give advise on your career moves and plans it is very much an incentive to stay. I haven't heard of another place that focuses so much on career development for their team.

The salary that we get is very competitive and exceeds the average level of pay for someone in our position in other companies. As well as bonuses of commission from our sales the company pays very well, and for someone starting the program at 18/19 the amount that they get paid is huge. In terms of how that translates into the living costs then that depends on the individual, I'm fortunate enough to not pay a huge amount in expenditure which leaves me with a good expendable income, however I cannot speak for everyone as we all have different circumstances.

The company has many events that go on out side of the company, there are exercise classes that are run for our wellbeing, as well as opportunities to do voluntary work for the local area, currently there is a small group of Harrods employee's that are raising money for the NSPCC who are doing a trek across the Great Wall of China. The company also provides social activities such as the Winter Ball which happens every year before Christmas as well as many awards ceremonies that are managed by members of staff for examples of excellent service or by meeting a certain requirement set by the company.

Yes

Harrods is a one of a kind place to work for. Some of the things that you hear and experience you won't find anywhere else. For so much to happen under one roof makes working in Harrods somewhere enjoyable and something to be proud of.

One thing that I would advise is making sure that your CV is a good reflection of yourself, but also contains experience or the know how behind that role you are going into and then seeing how that would fit into a roll found at Harrods. Make sure you show that you have the passion and commitment to uphold what Harrods stands for, and if you get to the assessment stage you show the enthusiasm that they are looking for.