Need Job Application Advice

Like many folks in my predicament, I had a darn good job last year, but due to the declining growth and budget cuts in my field, my company terminated my position and I was laid off.  I've been on unemployment since and have been trying to find work in my career field and have not been successful. This leads me to look for job positions that I have either never held or haven't done for the better part of 10 years. 

Now I know the job market has changed in the past decade, but I find myself treading on new territory and need some advice. 

I have filled out many general applications for menial retail/food service jobs in my lifetime.  I have sent out countless cover letters and resumes for positions in my career field.  I, however, have never applied for a job at large chain stores. 

Issue one: 
I feel I am qualified for management/supervisor positions, though I have never technically held such a position.  When I read the job descriptions for these positions, it seems like work I can do or would like to do even though it is in a different job setting (ie: not an office setting).  I find myself wondering how I can change up wording on my resume to sound more relevant to these new job positions.  How can I make it sound like being a graphic designer/publication specialist for years equals the qualifications of a retail manager?  What points should I pull from my current resume to sound less "creative" and more appropriate to where I am applying?

Issue two:
These online applications for these large chain stores seem to run you through a series of questions to see if you answer to their satisfaction.  I get this process and most of the questions are pretty common sense.  I strongly agree that it is wrong to steal from a company.  I strongly disagree that it is ok to lie and call off work when I am not sick.  I strongly agree that I should follow all safety rules and procedures.  I strongly disagree that I should bend or break the rules or give less than quality customer service.

Where I get tripped up is when they throw a question at me about choosing to get a supervisors permission first to do a task, or make the decision without the permission if it will improve the task in a shorter time? Another question that confuses me is if I would go out of my way to fulfill a customers needs and put off my own work even if it was urgent I get my task done?  Or how about the ones that ask if I should speak with my supervisor about a change first before discussing it with my team?  I'm worried my answers aren't going to be correct because I know you should follow protocol and chain of command, but are they searching for applicants who are cookie cutter employees or ones who will actually care about their job to try to improve the company? 

I know smaller companies are always looking for improvement and efficiency, but what about these big box chain stores?  Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

I never wanted to work in a factory or labor position, am not smart enough for IT/Engineering/Medical and wanted to get away from Retail/Food Service and the thought of B2B Sales gives me chills.  I like working in an office environment because of the potential to earn a decent wage with benefits.  I never want to do a job because I HAVE to and have no other options.  This new realm of industry is actually new to me and I am trying to boost myself into accepting it.  This is the hardest concept for me because I fought and struggled so hard to learn and earn in my career field as a Creative Designer.  I don't want to give that up, but for now I may have to.  Overall, no matter where I work, I maintain strong work ethics, reliability and am genuine with my integrity.

Thoughts and discussions commence.... Namaste

Sunflower Project Silent Auction

We have some exciting news about the next Sunflower Project!!!

In honor of this past Mother's Day, we are kicking off a special
Silent Auction to wrap up our memorial fundraising efforts for
Brian Walker's mother, Ellen, who passed away. 100% of the  proceeds will go to the Leukemia Research Foundation.


We have currently raised $1344 total! 

 

Up for bid:

One red, original Papa's Tavern tshirt supporting Crystal Bowersox, size XL.

Currently signed by: Crystal Bowersox, Frankie May, Ryan Suzuka, Danny "DJ" Jahns, Mr. Bill Bowersox (Crystal's Dad), Ron "Razz" Rasberry, Tim Stahl (owner of Papa's), Bobby May, Terri May, Ross Thompson (11 yo upcoming star from Papa's), Sista Otis, and Howard Glazer. Crystal got these sigs: Brian Walker and Casey James! (More will be added and I hear from her)

Trying to get to sign: Sully (Manager from the Village Idiot) and any one else I can get that is a part of Crystal's life from the Toledo area. Am I missing anyone?????  
GOOD NEWS!!! Crystal has asked that I mail the shirt to her and she would have Brian sign it and also "probably get a lot of cool signatures on it" for us!!! Therefore I am extending the auction until May 30th or later, depending on when we get the shirt back from Crystal. :)

*UPDATE*
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am extending the Silent auction again. Crystal has the shirt and I wanted to wait til I got it back and show updated photos of the new sigs. Who knows who will be signing it!!! :) Also, BIG THANKS to Ryan Suzuka for taking it back to have everyone sign it at the Green St Fair in Plymouth. Luv U Ryan!!! :) 

Update from Crystal Bowersox: she has been carrying the shirt with her trying to get some big autographs on it! She is working on getting Vince Gill and Melissa Ethridge!!! How exciting!!! Please be patient bidders, thank you!! :)

 

The Rules: 
Auction has tentatively been extended and will end at 8pm on a date to be announced. Just waiting to get the shirt back from Crystal.  The winner will be announced shortly after unless asked to remain anonymous.  This will be a silent auction and the shirt will go to the highest bidder. 
To submit your bid, please send an email to
Michelle at majestikbutterfly@gmail.com.

Help us spread the word to all of Crystal's fans! Please post a link to this page to promote the auction. Thank you and GOOD LUCK!!!

CURRENT HIGHEST BID IS $800!!

____________________
If you feel like you got outbid or still want to donate to the cause, we are still taking donations!
Please send your donations to our
PayPal address at http://bit.ly/dzLBjM
100% of the proceeds will go directly to LRF with printed statements as proof. If given the option, please send as a gift to defray the PayPal fees that are automatically taken out with each transaction.