Hot Tip -- by Kathy Jarrel

There is a popular song out now, based on a columnist's advice to a graduating class. This inspired me to ask an experienced Human Resources representative what advice she would give to youth considering work in retail. Carol Gordon, Human Resources representative for the Bay, would offer the following:

Choose a positive attitude. Be courteous, dependable and productive. Come on time, neat and clean for an interview, and for every shift you work. Know yourself... both the skills you have to offer, and what you want to work on. Know the reasons why you want to work in retail, and why you chose that particular store. Think of what the store needs from you, and anticipate the needs of customers.

Don't turn down temporary, seasonal employment; this can be that all important ''foot in the door'' to prove your stuff. Take advantage of training opportunities; many people start in retail as a temporary stop gap, then find themselves in a management position with the store twenty years later. Be kind to everyone, and kind to your back. Lift properly when moving merchandise. Be up front about the hours you are available; the retail world often fits very well with a student's schedule. But trust Carol on this... choose a positive attitude, be courteous, dependable and productive.