Something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately through my conversations with candidates is how quickly we decide whether an opportunity is or isn’t for us.

We all have preferences.

The brands we love. The shopping centres we want to work in. The title we think should come next. The businesses we’ve heard amazing things about and the ones someone once told us to avoid. And yes, we’re probably all guilty of heading straight to Glassdoor to see what everyone else has to say! I know I have been.

There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want. In fact, I think it’s incredibly important.

But sometimes our preferences become so fixed that we rule out an opportunity before we really understand what it could offer us.

Look beyond the brand

I’ll often speak with candidates looking for better development, stronger leadership, more responsibility or genuine career progression.

But when an opportunity comes up, the first reaction can be:

“What brand is it?”

“Where is it?”

“I’ve heard they’re not great to work for…”

Those things matter. Location matters. Brand connection matters. Culture absolutely matters - but it’s also worth remembering that what a ‘great culture’ looks and feels like can be different for everyone.

A career opportunity is also about:

· Who will you be working for and what can you learn from them?

· What new experience will this add to your resume?

· Will the size, volume or complexity of the store challenge you?

· Is there genuine progression, and what does that actually look like?

· Will this move take you closer to where you ultimately want to be?

Do your own research

Retail is a small world, and we naturally listen to people we trust.

But someone else’s experience with a business won’t necessarily be yours.

Different store. Different leader. Different team. Different time in the business.

Listen to feedback, absolutely - but give yourself the opportunity to form your own opinion too.

Progression isn’t always about the title

Career progression doesn’t have to be perfectly linear.

Sometimes moving into a larger store, stronger leadership team, more complex business or better development environment can add more to your career than simply chasing the next title.

Ask yourself: “What am I going to learn here that I don’t know today?” And remember, exploring an opportunity and staying curious doesn’t mean accepting the role - it simply gives you the information to decide whether it’s right for you.

Meet the leader. Visit the store. Ask questions.

· Why is the role available?

· What does success look like?

· How do you develop your people?

· Where have previous team members progressed?

· What are the challenges within the store or business?

Then decide whether it’s right for you.

Know your non-negotiables and trust your instincts - but leave some room for curiosity.
Because sometimes the opportunity that moves your career forward isn’t the brand, title or location you originally had in mind.
It might just be the one you nearly didn’t explore.

If you’d like to connect with Sharna, please email Sharna@thetalentmill.com.au today.

By Sharna Vantarakis // Edited By Shannon Parsons

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