Job-hunting in jewelry industry—but no prior experience?

HopefulGem · **Joined:** Sun Jul 05, 2020 3:00 pm **Posts:** 17

How hard is it to find a job if you’re an outsider coming in?

I’m still very much a newbie—still taking online GIA classes, and my line of employment is in a completely unrelated field. I tried applying to a reputable family-owned jewelry store recently but never heard back.

Any advice on how to present yourself (in person and on paper) to a potential employer when you’ve had no experience in the jewelry industry or retail? I try to emphasize that I’m willing to learn.

In the meantime, I put in a request for a (virtual) career counseling session through the GIA Career Center. We’ll see how that goes.

Dioptase · **Joined:** Thu May 28, 2009 4:13 am **Posts:** 190

What kind of job are you looking for?

Barbra Voltaire, FGG · **Posted:** Mon Feb 15, 2021 11:40 pm

You'll be fine.
These are very strange times. Not too many retail opportunities...not too many retail stores needing to hire on with more employees with this Covid stuff.
You might not want to work in a retail environment until this pandemic goes away.

Kyriakin · **Joined:** Mon Feb 08, 2016 2:25 pm **Posts:** 15

HopefulGem wrote:

How hard is it to find a job if you’re an outsider coming in?

I’m still very much a newbie—still taking online GIA classes, and my line of employment is in a completely unrelated field. I tried applying to a reputable family-owned jewelry store recently but never heard back.

Any advice on how to present yourself (in person and on paper) to a potential employer when you’ve had no experience in the jewelry industry or retail? I try to emphasize that I’m willing to learn.

In the meantime, I put in a request for a (virtual) career counseling session through the GIA Career Center. We’ll see how that goes.

If you wouldn't be adverse to living in Thailand, maybe get in touch with AIGS.

If you have an additional skill that might be useful to them (i.e. design, photography, writing, etc.), you might be able to get in there, and avoid the retail grind.

HopefulGem · **Joined:** Sun Jul 05, 2020 3:00 pm **Posts:** 17

Dioptase wrote:

What kind of job are you looking for?

I think any role that would allow me to get more “hands on” with gems/jewelry, so to speak. Anything that would allow me to learn.

I’ve looked into GIA’s Career Center online...from what I see there (and on Google), there aren’t really viable opportunities near me at this time.

And to Barbra re: the pandemic—yes, you might be right.

HopefulGem · **Joined:** Sun Jul 05, 2020 3:00 pm **Posts:** 17

Kyriakin wrote:

If you wouldn't be adverse to living in Thailand, maybe get in touch with AIGS.

If you have an additional skill that might be useful to them (i.e. design, photography, writing, etc.), you might be able to get in there, and avoid the retail grind.

Hi, thanks for the idea, but at this point in my life, I’m not looking to relocate.

Are you working in Thailand yourself?

Dioptase · **Joined:** Thu May 28, 2009 4:13 am **Posts:** 190

HopefulGem wrote:

Dioptase wrote:

What kind of job are you looking for?

I think any role that would allow me to get more “hands on” with gems/jewelry, so to speak. Anything that would allow me to learn.

I’ve looked into GIA’s Career Center online...from what I see there (and on Google), there aren’t really viable opportunities near me at this time.

And to Barbra re: the pandemic—yes, you might be right.

I assume you are in the US? The majority of jobs offers will probably be more sales related in jewelry stores. Retail sales might not be the greatest thing in the world...but after all you will have to start somewhere.

Last year was absolutely horrible for the trade, but once the travel restrictions are lifted and gems/jewelry shows restart, I think you should visit them. Chat with people and start to make some friends in the trade. This business is all about relationships, even more so than the stones themselves.
The initial lack of connections will be your biggest hurdle, and the main reason why so many young gemological graduates fail to get in.

Good luck!

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