Just got a job in a department store, and it's all I wanted for this year. A JOB! So it's definitely a happy new year for me. This is also my first job, so I thought I'd ask here what your idea of a retail job starter pack is. Happy to get unserious, fun comments too :P

Congrats! Try to put a positive spin on everything, learn what you can and think outside the box. Treat the business as your own and you might go further than you ever thought. Goodluck!

This is really awesome to hear. I have been looking for sevearl months now and can't seem to find anything. Really hoping that changes this year though.

That's great news, congratulations! If it's your first job the main thing is to show that you're eager to learn whatever you need to know. Just pay attention and don't be afraid to ask questions. And just enjoy the atmosphere. Every workplace has its own culture, so just be personable and meet your colleagues and enjoy the experience. It's work, but it's not all work.

Always ask questions, show initiative if you've finished your tasks, ask for more, greet customers if you see them and offer them assistance, be easy on yourself. There will be a lot of little things to learn, and you will learn them as you go. Tell managers you're available if you are part time and want more hours. If you're on the register, take your time counting money. The most important thing I have learned over the years is listen to the customer. If they come to you upset, listen to them, understand and empathize with their issue, and do everything you can to fix it. Sometimes, that may take a supervisor or manager, but that is okay. That took me years to learn because it would upset me when customers would scream at me or call me names, but I finally figured it out. Don't take it personal! If I can get them to calm down a little bit, we will fix this, and there's nothing more satisfying than that, to me anyways. Congratulations!!

Definitely have fun! You have a job to do to make money, but don’t let it make you. Enjoy your time, get your work done and don’t let it take over your life.

My first job was in retail. It gives you work experience, if it's not something you want to do long term. You can always look for a job in a different sector. Just keep this job if your going to look for another job somewhere else. Make sure you secure other employment before quitting. It's a tough market out there. I am assuming worldwide.

Congratulations!! Definitely learn all that you can. Try to be as flexible as you can with the schedule, that looks good to management