Unlocking Career Growth in Retail: Insights from Farmers' Recruitment Manager

In the competitive world of retail, understanding how to navigate your career can make all the difference. Explore key insights and tips from Zubair, the Recruitment Manager at Farmers, to help you thrive in this dynamic industry.

Imagine writing a book about your career. What's the title and the first sentence?

Zubair: Title: From Aspirations to Achievements: My Journey in Recruitment and HR

First Sentence: What began as a passion for marketing evolved into a fulfilling career in HR, where I've had the privilege of connecting talent with opportunity and shaping the future of organizations.

What is your career journey to now being the Recruitment Manager at Farmers?

Zubair: My career journey to becoming the Recruitment Manager at Farmers has been an exciting and enriching experience. It has been marked by continuous learning, adaptability, and a passion for helping the organization find the right talent.

What advice do you have for job seekers who are struggling to find a role in their preferred industry/specialty?

Zubair: As the saying goes, “Keep on keeping on.” I remember being new to this country back in 2015, and the market conditions were similar to what we are experiencing now. I must have applied for 15 jobs before I got a call for an interview, and the rest is history. Here are a couple of tips that can help you find the right role:
1. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences for each job application. As a recruiter, I love to read a good cover letter that highlights all your achievements relevant to the role you're applying for. This will allow you to stand out from hundreds of applications.
2. Be Open to Opportunities: Sometimes, stepping into a role that's slightly outside your desired specialty can provide the experience and exposure needed to transition later. Be flexible and consider related positions. Although I had an HR background before coming to NZ, I started working as a Sales Assistant. The skills I acquired from that experience were invaluable and helped me progress internally into HR, the job that I love doing.
3. Network, Network, Network: Networking can often open doors to opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.

What opportunities do you see in the retail industry for career growth, and how can job seekers position themselves to take advantage of these opportunities?

Zubair: Retail is more than just serving customers and stocking shelves. I used to think that too until I started working in retail myself—and I’ve never looked back. You can start as a sales assistant and grow your career to supervisory and management positions with clear, structured progression. Retail opportunities extend beyond the store level, with roles in marketing, IT, digital, and HR. This is the path I followed after starting out on the sales floor. The retail industry is dynamic and brimming with great opportunities for growth and development.

If you had a crystal ball, what exciting changes do you see coming in the retail industry and HR over the next 5 years?

Zubair: I think technology and AI will play a huge part in how we service our customers, enabling a more seamless shopping experience along with a significant emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. Companies will invest heavily in automation within HR to improve processes, especially in recruitment, to ensure backend processes are as efficient as possible and provide a great candidate experience. There will be significant investments in employer branding to attract the best talent in the market, giving organizations a competitive advantage. These changes will not only enhance customer and employee experiences but also drive innovation and competitiveness in the retail industry.