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Hungry for a new challenge? Satisfy your appetite for learning and career development at the same place you shop for your weekly groceries.
Not long ago, the only jobs available in supermarkets were those for cashiers and stockers. Nowadays, walk into a store in any major supermarket chain and you'll experience a village in action, requiring the work of a diverse group of personnel to cater to the growing demands of harried consumers. And if you're concerned about job security, consider that "everyone needs to eat," says Bill Mattimore, recruitment specialist for Schenectady, New York-based Price Chopper Supermarkets.
Joan Hillsten, national training and communications director for Austin-based Whole Foods Market, says consistent industry growth is fueling the chain's plans to open 20 new stores over the next year.
If you're still wondering how you might use your unique skills and talents in the grocery business, consider this basket full of opportunities described by industry insiders.
Creative? Make Treats
If you enjoy working with your hands and creating scrumptious treats, you may find yourself drawn to bread making and cake decorating. These jobs have been largely moved from off-site bread-making warehouse operations to the front of the store. Candidates who enjoy showcasing their talents and pleasing consumers will surely take pleasure in delighting customers with their creations.
Jump-Start Your Culinary Career
Food preparation is growing rapidly in this industry, as time-starved customers look for ready-to-eat meals. If you've always dreamed of but didn't graduate from culinary school, consider getting started in the prepared-food section at your local supermarket.
At Whole Foods Market, in-store chefs provide customers with a lively selection of warm and appetizing meals. In addition to food-prep personnel, most supermarkets need people to provide fresh meat and fish to their customers. Pat Shewchuk, employee-relations and employment manager for Springfield, Massachusetts-based Big Y World Class Markets, points out that job opportunities in food preparation are no longer limited to just serving food. "Our seafood department cooks up fish and chips, and our pizza department makes pizzas from scratch," Shewchuk says.
Pharmacy, Home-Delivery and Day-Care Staff Wanted
Pharmacy clerks and technicians are in demand, as well as drivers for home deliveries, says Price Chopper's Mattimore.
Moreover, if you have experience caring for children, staff positions in on-site day-care centers, like Price Chopper's Half-Pint Club, are worth pursuing.
Ingredients for Success
If you have the right mix of can-do attitude and the desire to interact with the public, you can go far in this industry. "Initiative goes a long way at Whole Foods Market, where there are many career paths available," says Hillsten.
Hiring managers also look for candidates who can work flexible schedules. "Our stores are open evenings, weekends and holidays," says Mattimore. "In some locations, we are open 24 hours a day."
No Experience Necessary
No experience? No problem. Companies like Big Y World Class Market offer on-the-job training, computer-based training and classes at their own in-house universities.
Working for a supermarket chain can be more fulfilling than you might imagine. A number of today's supermarket managers and executives, including Shewchuk, started their careers by bagging or ringing up groceries. "Some people think they are coming to get a job to hold them over, but soon find out their job is also a career opportunity," Shewchuk says.
