Warehouse and retail are two industries that offer many employment opportunities. But which one is the best fit for you? In today’s blog, we discuss the differences between these two types of jobs to help you make an informed decision.
Warehouse Jobs: Skills and General Requirements
With more and more companies adopting e-commerce, the warehouse industry has gained new relevance.
If you are interested in finding a job in the warehouse industry, it’s important to display skills such as:
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Time management
- Leadership
- Planning
- Documentation skills
- Communication
- Computer literacy (for some positions)
- The ability to stand and move for extended periods of time (for some positions)
As for the general requirements to break into the warehouse industry, these may vary depending on the position. For entry-level jobs in the warehouse industry, you are not usually expected to have previous education or experience.
For management positions, on the other hand, you are usually required to have some years of experience working in a warehouse or, alternatively, a degree in business or logistics. As in any other industry, any additional qualifications or credentials you bring to the table can be a huge plus.
Retail Jobs: Skills and General Requirements
While we live in an increasingly digital world, retail jobs are still an interesting area of employment.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “about 557,200 openings for retail sales workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.”
Those looking to venture into the retail industry should make sure to hone the following skills:
- Active listening
- Sales skills
- Communication
- Customer service
- Organization
- Time management
- Basic computer literacy
- Flexibility
- Ability to advise shoppers
Most retail positions do not require formal education, although companies that sell particularly expensive items may prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma or GED.
Warehouse Jobs vs Retail: Which Is the Best Fit for You?
Now that you have a clear picture of the skills and requirements for each type of job, it’s time to answer the question: warehouse jobs or retail jobs?
Generally speaking, if you have strong interpersonal skills, a retail job may be the best alternative. On the other hand, if you are organized and not intimidated by physical work, a warehouse position could be the best fit.
Another factor to keep in mind is that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects stronger growth for warehouse jobs compared to retail (About 941,100 openings each year over the next decade for “hand laborers and material movers” compared to 557,200 openings per year in the retail industry)
However, the answer will depend on your skill set, personal preferences, and previous experience.
If you are interested in warehouse jobs, be sure to check out our previous posts about this topic:
- Career Growth With Warehouse Jobs: What You Need To Know
- How to Become a Warehouse Supervisor
- 50 Warehouse Job Interviews and How To Answer Them
Looking for a Job? Driven Talent Can Help!
Whether you are an employer looking for the ideal candidate to fill a position or a job seeker trying to take the next step in your career in the warehouse industry, Driven Talent is here to make things easier.
Contact us today by telephone (657-533-2980), through our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram), or fill out the contact form to learn more about our services and our philosophy.