What do I need to do?

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Hi all,

I was made redundant after very long service in my last job, so I'm really out of touch.
I've had a little break and now need to get a job.
I don't want to go back to what I was doing before and felt retail would be right for me. I want to be out in the public and mingling with different people, even though I know it can be tough!
I've got absolutely no experience of retail and so far I've offered to volunteer in a charity shop for experience.
Should I do any sort of training as well?
I've had people say to me that they've retaken some basic skills like maths and English but at the time I didn't really ask where they did this! Is there a way of updating basic qualifications?
Also, my CV is very specific to one area of work and on applications they ask you what you previously earned.
I'm looking for a complete change so it's all irrelevant so how do I explain this clearly on my CV?
I'm very out of touch!

I work in retail management, and have been responsible for hiring many sales assistants (assuming that you mean general retail jobs, not management etc).
Personally, I find that 99.9% of the reason I hire someone is their personality, not their skills. The only thing that may put me off is if there was very, very low attainment in maths, but it would have to be a complete lack of numerical comprehension to be worrying. Anything skills based in retail can be taught in a day, but if someone doesn't smile at me then I'm not going to give them the job!
Things that are attractive:
Flexibility- unfortunately a lot of retail work involves covering shifts and people who have no flexibility are less attractive to us.
Enthusiasm- I'm still shocked by how miserable people are when applying for jobs, I will only hire people that seem like they want to work here!
Experience- If you can do some volunteer work in a charity shop, that's fantastic, they do teach some great techniques. If not, just be honest. I've hired plenty of people with no retail experience that have been great!

Learn Harrow deliver lots of free training including a 'Be You' personal development training for women going back to work or changing their career. Try giving them a call to see if you can get a place ‭020 8901 2691‬

Just realised you might not be local - this website is good for tips on CVs etc
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/