Buying Administrator

[shady_jady]

Hi all, Does anyone know of any companies that employ people for this position without a degree? I have searched and searched, and can tell you if I see the words 'Graduate Position' or 'Graduate Training Scheme' one more time, a sledgehammer is going through the computer screen. Uni was never my thing, and I was led to believe work experience was far more valued. However I am finding it virtually impossible to get onto the career ladder without one. So far the only company I have found is John Lewis, who I have an interview with next Monday. I am pinning everything of geting this job, but wanted some other options in case this doesn't happen for me. Plus I know it's never a good idea to focus on something so much, as I'll be heartbroken if I don't get it. Thanks guys!

[Sasha13]

The problem is that buying is so competitive they have to benchmark people somehow. Most companies will ask for a fashion related degree as a way to ascertain whether people are interested in buying for the role or for the perceived 'glamour' of the job.

May I ask how old are you? Would this be your first job? Do you have A' Levels/any other work experience? And what area of the country do you live in?

[shady_jady]

Thanks Sasha.
I understand that it's competative, and they want someone serious about the job. But if they would just give me an interview, I could prove to them how much I want it, and how hard I'd work. I don't even get that far, as my CV is chucked in the bin as soon as they see there's no degree.
I was 20 two weeks ago, so feel I'd be a bit old to go to Uni now (would be almost 21 by the time I start!), therefore almost 24 when I leave. I have 4 A-levels, but this appears to be uselss in this day and age. I live in Hertfordshire and am more than willing to travel to London. Both my Dad and Sister commute there every day, so it is possible. This wouldn't be my first job, I'm currently working as a Travel Advisor, which I understand is nothing to do with Buying, but I'm so willing to learn. There are some similar aspects, in that I have to negotiate with suppliers and Hotel representtives and things. I wish someone would just give me a chance to show that I can do it, degree or no degree.

[Sasha13]

OK.

Tailor your CV so that it shows all the things that you do now that are relevant for a buying role.

While you are hunting for a buying job, can you get a part time job in retail? Even if it's only 4 hours a week it may help.

Have you applied to companies in Herts? Mothercare and TK Maxx (I think) both have Head Offices in Watford, and the competition may be a little less there.

There are also some buying roles here

http://www.questsearch.co.uk/

that do not insist on a degree.

In the meantime, do lots and lots of research on John Lewis and prepare yourself for the interview as well as you can. There are lots of sample interview questions on the internet - look them up and prepare answers to as many as you can. Even if you're not asked these exact questions in the interview, it'll get you thinking about what you've done in the past in order to answer the questions you do get asked in the best way possible.

Also, prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer to show that you are interested in the job.

Lots of luck, let us know how it goes!

[shady_jady]

Thanks Sasha, that is a real help! I'm so nervous, as I feel this job is my one break. I HAVE to get it. I will most definately take your advice, and thanks for the link too, I'll give that a look right now. I have looked into a retail job and applied to several, Topshop, H and M, Marks and Sparks and things and have heard nothing back from any of them. Either I'm useless or over-qualfied. I hope it's the latter!