How to use Linkedin to Promote Yourself in Retail

Forget the tired old saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” In retail, it’s both. And LinkedIn is where those two worlds collide. Whether you’re a seasoned store manager looking for a fresh challenge or a budding retail star climbing the ladder, LinkedIn can be your secret weapon.

As retail recruitment specialists, we know firsthand the power of LinkedIn for connecting candidates with amazing opportunities. So, ditch the idea that LinkedIn is exclusively for suits and C-suite execs. We’re here to show you how to make the most of this platform to boost your retail career.

Why LinkedIn Matters in Retail

Is LinkedIn really relevant for retail jobs? Absolutely! While LinkedIn might seem like the domain of corporate giants, it’s becoming more and more important for retail professionals at all levels.
Aside from being a social media platform, you should also think of it as your online CV, portfolio and networking hub rolled into one.

How can LinkedIn help me find retail jobs?

If you’re searching for a new opportunity, LinkedIn is a great place to start. Here you can connect with colleagues past and present, as well as industry leaders and, of course, retail recruiters like ourselves! Recruiters actively use LinkedIn to search for top talent, so, without a profile, you could be missing out on your chances of being discovered for your dream role.
Connections aside, many retailers post exclusive job openings on Linkedin that you might not find elsewhere. You really never know what opportunities might arise from being active on Linkedin and making a few relevant connections.

Can LinkedIn help me advance in my retail career?

Keen to develop your skills, but unsure if LinkedIn is good for retail? Through LinkedIn Learning, you can access a range of courses to improve your skill set, from customer service to visual merchandising.
We’d also recommend following relevant industry thought leaders, joining groups and staying informed about retail networking events and trends. Think of LinkedIn as your go-to for all things happening in the industry.

How do I build a strong LinkedIn presence for a career in retail?

Whilst we’ve established that LinkedIn is so much more than a standard social media platform, first impressions still count. With that in mind, your headline is your first impression for those landing on your profile, so use relevant keywords such as “Store Manager”, “Visual Merchandiser” or “Assistant Supervisor”.
Also, don’t forget to highlight your career goals and experience. You could add “seeking Store Manager roles in London”, whilst showcasing your personal brand and interests (e.g. “passionate about providing excellent customer service”.

How do I write a strong LinkedIn summary for a retail career?

Recruiters and hiring managers might scroll through your profile for a couple of minutes if not seconds. So, you need to think of your “about” section as your elevator pitch.

In a few concise sentences, highlight your key skills, experience, and career aspirations. Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible, e.g. “boosted store sales by 20% through merchandising strategy”.

What are the best skills to list on LinkedIn for retail?

Don’t be shy about showcasing your retail superpowers! Include skills like:

• Customer Service
• Sales and Negotiation
• Visual Merchandising
• Inventory Management
• Loss Prevention
• Team Leadership
• Communication
• Problem-solving

How can I showcase my retail experience effectively on LinkedIn?

To get the most out of your Linkedin profile, we’d recommend going beyond simply listing your job titles and dates.

Describe your accomplishments and demonstrate the impact you made in your previous roles. As an example, instead of saying “increased sales in-store”, say “increased sales by 15% in six months by implementing a new customer loyalty scheme”.

Who should I connect with on LinkedIn for retail?

Unsure who’s best to connect with? Focus on building a strong, relevant network. This means connecting with a diverse range of people: former and current colleagues, industry leaders and influencers, and recruiters who specialise in retail to increase your visibility for potential opportunities.
Don’t forget to follow brands you admire and engage with their content to show your interest and stay up-to-date on their activities. By actively cultivating your network, you’ll create a support system that’s relevant to you, opening the door to more opportunities.

How can I use LinkedIn to network within the retail industry?

Try to think of LinkedIn as your VIP pass to a retail networking party. But don’t just stand in the corner sipping your drink – join the discussions, share your knowledge and connect with fellow retail professionals.
Love that post about visual merchandising? Drop a like, leave a comment and start a conversation where possible. And don’t forget those virtual events, they’re the ideal place to expand your network.

What kind of content should I post on LinkedIn for a retail audience?

Interested in using LinkedIn to brand yourself? Be the trendsetter by sharing your hot takes on the latest retail tech and the future of in-store experiences. If you’ve got advice for your retail peers, pay it forward and share it on Linkedin.

Last but not least, don’t forget to own your wins! Celebrate your achievements and show everyone what you’re made of.

How can I use LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on retail trends?

Keep your finger on the pulse of the retail world by following industry leaders, your favourite brands and any must-read publications. Don’t forget to follow relevant hashtags too – #retail, #customerservice, #visualmerchandising – they’re some of your go-to’s for industry insights.

Using LinkedIn for Retail Job Hunting

Think of LinkedIn as your personal retail job-hunting HQ. Fire up that job search function and filter by relevant keywords, location, and experience level. You should also follow the companies you’d love to work for, as many will post exclusive openings on their pages.
And, why not drop a message to some retail recruiters such as ourselves? We don’t bite – we’re here to help you find your dream role.

Making Your Profile Shine

To stand out from the crowd, keywords are your ticket. Use them throughout your profile so that your key skills and the roles you’re interested in are easy to spot from the get-go.

If you can get endorsements and recommendations from former employers and colleagues, even better. These are like gold stars for your retail CV.

Getting Noticed by Hiring Managers

Once you’ve optimised your profile, it’s time to make a lasting impression on those hiring managers. Don’t be shy, send them a personalised message expressing your interest in their company. Like, comment and interact with their posts and you’ll be on their radar in no time.

Beyond the Job Search

Wondering how you can use LinkedIn to build your personal brand in the retail industry? It’s simple. Share your expertise, write articles, participate in discussions and offer your valuable insights. LinkedIn is a conversational platform, so participate where you can.

To find mentors (or mentees!) reach out to individuals that you admire, or join groups that focus on connecting mentors and mentees. Or, if you’re looking to freshen up your retail skills, make the most of Linkedin Learning’s library of courses, and follow relevant industry experts to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

Talk to Us

Are you ready to take the next step in your retail career? Optimise your LinkedIn profile, connect with industry experts and start exploring new opportunities today. And if you’re looking for guidance in your job search, talk to us.