Have you ever wandered into Plato’s Closet and thought working there was fun? But you about how old you need to work at Plato’s Closet.
It is an enjoyable retail job with the latest fashions every day and sorting through clothes to find the best pieces.
But before you run in to ask for an application, there are a few things you’ll want to know about Plato’s Closet’s hiring policies.
Mainly, how old do you need to be to work there, and what kind of experience is required?
What Is Plato’s Closet?
For those unfamiliar, Plato’s Closet is a popular retail chain that buys and sells gently used clothing and accessories aimed at teens and 20-somethings.
They have over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. The store has a fun, youthful vibe and carries merchandise from popular brands like Nike, Adidas, Abercrombie, Hollister, Lululemon, and more.
Customers can sell their gently used items to Plato’s Closet and shop for secondhand clothes at up to 70% off retail prices. It’s a win-win for bargain hunters and sustainability!
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How Old Do You Have to Work at Plato’s Closet?
The minimum age to work at Plato’s Closet is 16 years old. This is relatively standard for a retail company, as labor laws restrict how many hours and what kinds of duties employees under 16 can perform.
Some locations make exceptions and will hire 15-year-olds, but this is not common practice.
As a 16 or 17-year-old, you’d be able to work as a sales associate, cashier, or stocker.
But positions like buyer and manager require you to be at least 18 years old. Corporate roles also tend to prefer candidates who are 18+ or who have an applicable college education.
What Kinds of Positions Do They Hire For?
Plato’s Closet hires for both store and corporate positions. In their stores, the most common jobs are:
- Sales associate – Works on the sales floor, greets customers, rings up purchases, handles fitting rooms, and keeps the store neat and organized.
- Buyer – Evaluates and selects which secondhand items to purchase from customers to resell in the store. Knowledge of current styles and trends is essential.
- Assistant manager/manager – Helps manage daily store operations, staff, and inventory. Retail experience required.
At their corporate office, Plato’s Closet has positions in marketing, HR, loss prevention, IT, visual design, inventory, and more. These roles require a college degree or equivalent experience.
Do You Need Prior Experience to Be Hired?
For most in-store positions at Plato’s Closet, no prior work experience is required. They are quite willing to hire teenagers for their very first job. However, having some customer service skills is preferred.
Here are some examples of experience that would be helpful when applying to Plato’s Closet:
- Retail or food service work
- Babysitting, dog walking, tutoring, or lawn mowing
- Volunteering or extracurriculars that involved customer interaction
- Taking a business or marketing class in school
While prior work experience isn’t strictly required, it can give you a leg up on other applicants for more competitive positions.
Knowledge of brands, styles, and trends from your closet and shopping experience is also beneficial.
For managerial roles, 1-2 years of retail, restaurant, or customer service experience is typically required.
Corporate positions may require 1-5 years of relevant work experience in an office environment, depending on the role.
Do They Prefer to Promote From Within?
Plato’s Closet does have a track record of hiring and promoting from within their stores.
It’s not uncommon for a sales associate to move up into an assistant manager or manager position after six months to a year on the job. Long-time employees may also have a chance at corporate openings.
Showing initiative, strong work ethic, leadership qualities, and interest in advancement can help get you noticed for promotions.
Gaining knowledge of store operations in different roles is valued. And pursuing additional education in business, management, or fashion can also equip you for higher positions.
So getting your foot in the door with an entry-level job can potentially lead to career growth at Plato’s Closet. Just make sure to express interest in advancing and being a top performer.
Tips for Nailing the Interview Process
When interviewing with Plato’s Closet, here are some tips to help you stand out:
Dress appropriately: Pick an outfit in Plato’s Closet style – stylish, trendy, and put together. You want to show you understand their aesthetic.
Highlight customer skills: Emphasize any experience interacting with customers, whether at work, school, or in volunteer projects. A good attitude and people skills are critical.
Talk up fashion knowledge: For sales and buyer roles, especially, discuss your interest in fashion and knowledge of current brand names and trends popular with teens/young adults.
Ask thoughtful questions: Inquire about advancement opportunities, training programs, and the work culture. This shows interest beyond just getting a paycheck.
Follow up promptly: Follow up within a week after your interview with a thank you note or email to reiterate your interest.
With preparation and putting your best foot forward, you can ace the hiring process at Plato’s Closet.
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Conclusion
Working at Plato’s Closet can be an excellent first job as a teen. You get exposed to retail operations while earning income – and a discount on cool styles.
With a lively atmosphere and potential for growth, it can kickstart an exciting career path.
So now that you know the requirements around age and experience, you can confidently start the application process.
Visit your local Plato’s Closet or check their website for open positions. With the right go-getter attitude, you could find yourself landing an interview and on your way to your first paycheck.
