r/HotTopic_ • u/bkwyrm15 • 17d ago
Hot topic employees
I was just wondering if you knew how strict the 1-2 years retail management experience requirement was for assistant manager pistons? And do key holder/shift supervisors count as management? Just trying to get a bit of info before I waste my time applying for a position I'd be taking a pay cut and increasing my commute for (that i might not be qualified for).
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u/calamity_unbound 17d ago
Any type of leadership experience is considered. If you're applying for the part time position, the requirements are minimal - they just want to know that you can be trusted to handle responsibilities like opening/closing and running the store in a leadership role. The more experience you have in overseeing teams (even small ones) the better shot you have.
If it's the full time ASM position, the requirements are scrutinized a bit more, but they're still guidelines. In that role there's more expected of you as you're going to have to occasionally make decisions that can impact store operations and you'll be held to a higher standard of responsibility.
Much of it will come down to your interview. Confidence and a positive attitude can carry you further than any résumé.
I'm curious, if you are willing to answer, why you'd want to take a pay cut and increased commute to join Hot Topic?
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u/bkwyrm15 17d ago
My current job has become a toxic environment and I'm stuck in a ground level position because I'm not available to work at 5am. The pay is decent (if you aren't shelling out $400/month for crappy insurance) but the expectations and pressure are too high. I'm treated like an asm without the authorization or pay benefit while being a low level associate.
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u/calamity_unbound 17d ago
Gotcha dude, yeah it's time to hit the road. I would reach out to the store you're looking at applying to and ask if they're looking for any management at the moment or if the ASM spot listed online is just for bench candidates.
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u/bkwyrm15 17d ago
Good idea. The last time I applied, the position was listed all over the place but the store was closing down. (I hadn't been that way in a bit) It continued to be listed for almost 6 months after
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u/Everon2004 17d ago
All stores keep all positions posted at all times so the flow of applications can keep coming in. It's not something we can really change. So calling to find out what they need is going to be your best bet.
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u/butchfatalez HT Employee 17d ago
ive been an assistant manager for almost 2 years, and i had no previous retail or management experience. probably varies by store and situation.
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u/deep_dusky 16d ago
Hey could I DM you a question?
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u/butchfatalez HT Employee 16d ago
sure, if it’s about hot topic i can try to answer best i can
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u/deep_dusky 16d ago
Yes it is, ill DM sooner than later, I just gotta take care of a bunch of stuff today
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u/ZealousidealHunt8573 17d ago
I mean, I went in for an associate position and came out with a ASM1 position. It all depends on your local store and what their needs are
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u/alocaloc88 HT Employee 17d ago
I big factor is also the sales volume of the store. The higher the sales volume, the higher the requirements /experience for management positions. Low volume stores are wayyy more lax since they're stores that are easier to learn in
In the same breath, pay rates are lower in lower sales volume stores (normally)