When a retail company employs practices to deter shoplifters from their store in order to prevent fraud and theft, it is called retail loss prevention. Two more terms used for loss prevention are shrink reduction and civil loss recovery.
The lack of jobs and the down economy has brought an up rise in theft. Shoplifting is not as rare as someone may think, and retailers are taking hits day in and day out. The main issue with criminals getting away with shoplifting is that the prices at the stores they are stealing from will eventually rise to make up for the losses they incurred.
Along with the rise in theft, though, comes a new market for jobs.
Those with a criminal justice degree will find themselves in a better position to get the job over somebody who has no college degree. This does not mean that someone without a college education can’t get a loss prevention job, though. The requirement for most retail loss prevention positions is typically only a GED or high school diploma. Good judgment, an ability to pay attention to detail, a confident demeanor, and patience are traits that the typical loss prevention associate has.
If you are looking to get a job in the retail loss prevention field, here are a few tips to ensure you are prepared for your interview:
Over prepare for your interview. Plan out your answers to questions that you know hiring managers ask. They will ask questions like: What is one word that others would use to describe you? What is one thing you disliked and one thing you liked about your last job? Why are you right for this position?
Be clear about what you want to achieve in life. Your resume should directly coincide with your answers to questions about your future. Hiring managers are interested in hearing that you could see yourself having a future at that company. They do not want to hire somebody and six months later, they are ready to move on.
Be confident when discussing your strengths, but not cocky. Hiring managers do not like individuals who are full of themselves. It is an unattractive trait in general. Be prepared and draft your responses before the interview. This will help to make sure you know exactly what to say with a confident tone.
