Ask me a question!
What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
How did you go about getting your current job?
I was personally invited on board by my family! For roles in the business however we would advertise and go through an interview and selection process. We have also hired in the past on recommendations from colleagues, and also from people dropping in CVs. Our hire company also takes on apprentice mechanics from our local area.
Describe a typical day?
Up early! Open the business and get the shop set up. As we are very central and construction starts early we are busy from 7.30am onwards. The typical day involves ordering stock, dealing with customers, meeting with sales reps, drinking lots of tea, doing a lot of physical work, and learning about the industry! There are enquires all day long about products we have never heard of so there is a lot of research going on all the time, which keeps the brain active and the job very interesting!
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
What are the main challenges?
The main challenges are staying competitive in a highly price sensitive industry and keeping abreast of changes within the industry. The product and method market is constantly changing and evolving, as are industry regulations and laws, which impacts on the range of stock provided to our customers.
What do you like most?
Is there anything that isn't great?
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
I would like to think that I have developed good negotiation skills in the course of my time here. I am also willing to do any job and muck in in every aspect of the business, which has given me great insight into how the different departments, such as deliveries, warehousing, credit control etc blend together to work as a whole. I have had numerous jobs working with the public over the years and as a result have developed good customer service skills.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
What is your education to date?
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
We fully overhauled our business 4 years ago, which was badly needed after 10 long years of recession. This project was about 6 months and during this time our shop was completely redesigned and we increased our range of stock by nearly two thirds. This added greatly to an increase in sales and customers, and widened our customer base to include many local DIY enthusiasts. I would be most proud of myself and our team for this turn around.
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
I would like to think that I have a deep understanding of all aspects of our company which gives me the ability to watch the business as a whole. A good rapport with people and genuine friendliness have helped immensely, builders merchants rely heavily on repeat business and customer loyalty, so you tend to see the same people all the time, so being able to strike up a friendship with customers has gone a long way to making a success of my job.
What is your dream job?
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
Yes it does. It pays well and comes with company perks such as car and travel expenses and a phone. There are opportunities for all staff to progress both through this industry and through our business, once you have a handle on the industry there are worlds of opportunities! Also an added bonus is that builder’s providers close for Christmas! Unlike nearly all other retail stores.
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
I would advise to just go for it and give it a bash! We have a good few staff who have work here for between 25 and 30 years. One of our managers started here when he was 17! In terms of qualities and skills everyone here finds construction interesting and we are all also quite active. For my job in particular a retail background is beneficial and courses in management are a definite bonus!
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
What is your pet hate at work?
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
Learning will never stop in this job and every day is a school day! Which is one of the best things about our industry because it doesn’t leave you much time to get bored! Over the coming years I would like to delve more into the business aspects of our company, for example I would like to take an evening course in accountancy.
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
- Career Development?
- Current Job?
- Education and Training?
- Personal Qualities?
- Advice for Others?