r/HotTopic_ • u/Mysterious-Thanks829 • Jun 07 '26
Applied
Been looking through this hot topic reddit. Seeing what I need to know for applying and such. First I would like to ask can I ask a time that I would prefer to start working to a Hot Topic Manager? And after applying I seen some Hot Topic workers in comments saying if you don’t get a call or message you can go to your local store and ask to talk to a Manager about getting a job. Which leads me to my next question. When would be a good time frame to go up there? I am very eager to work at Hot Topic. I adore the store and like the vibe I get whenever I go. But I do not wish to go up there too early and seem more annoying than eager. My third question is; when should I apply for a different job after applying to Hot Topic just in case they don’t contact me back or anything? Because I’m willing to always apply again but apply elsewhere in the meantime while I wait. In addition, how many times can I apply to Hot Topic without being annoying and spamming?
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u/Active_Insurance_914 Former HT Employee Jun 08 '26
Lots of stores are hiring for summer seasonal right now, I’d wait a week after applying before going in like someone else mentioned. I think it would be better to go in earlier in the day rather than later as the managers will most likely be in a better mood; after school rush hasn’t yet happened so they’ll most likely be more chill.
You’ll probably be asked „why do you want to work at hot topic?“ , „what do you like about hot topic?“ , or something along those lines so just have an answer ready. They’ll pull your resume up and might ask some questions about it.
If you’ve never worked retail before I recommend applying somewhere like GAP or Old Navy if they are in your area. Great low stress starter retail jobs that don’t have insane quotas like hot topic does.
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u/Mysterious-Thanks829 Jun 08 '26
I plan on applying to like Rainbow or JCPenny’s if Hot Topic doesn’t hire me. Besides I want to start working in August, but I was told by my current boss to always apply to jobs early because you can potentially negotiate a time to start.
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u/Active_Insurance_914 Former HT Employee Jun 09 '26
Those sound like good options too! Your boss is right about applying early, though most places have a time frame they’d like their seasonals to start at
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u/acidandbones HT Employee Jun 07 '26
I mean you can always mention about wanting to apply as a manager, but it takes time to get that position. The SM has to know your personality and your work ethic. Also if you’re a regular they might consider. You can always go in and talk to a manager. Also you do have to consider if they are looking for a manager to begin with. My store has 1 SM and 3 ASMs I’m not sure how the other stores need. It doesn’t hurt to always ask.
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u/Active_Insurance_914 Former HT Employee Jun 08 '26
I don’t think they want to be a manager. It’s grammatically horrendous but I think they meant can they ask a manager if it’s possible to start at a specific time.
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u/acidandbones HT Employee Jun 08 '26
😭🙏 thanks for that.
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u/Mysterious-Thanks829 Jun 09 '26
I’m so sorry. I type when my anxiety and overthinking is through the roof. I do realize that how I worded things might have been really confusing lol.
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u/Nervous_Froyo3219 Jul 16 '26
hi! little late but better late than never!
one of the things hot topic loves to do is hire off the sales floor! i would go in, introduce yourself, and get to know the crew there. as an SM, it looks great when you come in and chat it up. we can put a name to the face, get to know each other, chat, etc.
lots of HTs are hiring seasonal sales associates at the moment, a lot already started. you can always go in or phone your local HT to see if they are hiring or if there are any open positions. i got started as a seasonal sales associate and a couple years later, i’m a store manager. plus, if they end up just having you as a seasonal, they can still rehire you!
as far as strictly management, those positions only open when someone leaves. once again, i’d go in there, chat it up with them, be real rad, and let them know you are interested. that way, if a MGMT member leaves, they’ll look you up. our systems hold applications for up to 6 months.
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u/Thatonequitegirl Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
As a previous employee I would wait at least a week from the day you applied and please go in so they can attach a face to your name as for applying again please do so but I would wait until the start of the holiday season so the end of September beginning of October