Store owner Wendy Friedman looks over a rack of clothing at Biscuit General Store in Halifax. Ms. Friedman, who's been running the clothing boutique for over 10 years, says she takes the business side seriously but still tries to have fun. (PETER PARSONS / Staff)

By STEVE PROCTOR
Business Editor

FUNKY CUTS and droll patterns mingle with the trim and chic in Biscuit General Store on Argyle Street.

Wendy Friedman has been running the eclectic Halifax clothing boutique for over 10 years and her vivacious personality is reflected in the stock.

"We always want there to be a sense of humour and whimsy," said Ms. Friedman, shaking her waves of red hair. "I want the store to be a place that's really just about people having a good time."

The 43-year-old has been involved in the fashion business since she was a teenager, working in showrooms or with designers. She said she has encountered her share of sales people infused with attitude, and that's something she avoids when hiring staff.

"I think you have to have some enthusiasm and it can't just be about making money," she said. "I'd only be happy in a place where everyone would be welcome, even with all their quirks and idiosyncrasies."

Ms. Friedman said she takes the business side seriously but still tries to have fun in the meantime.

Most importantly, she said anyone in sales has to stand behind their product.

"I think in order to succeed in the fashion retail business you have to be passionate about what you do, no matter what it is that you're selling," she said. "If you're not taking an interest and believing in it, I think you're doomed."

WHAT DO THEY DO?
Sales and service supervisors look after and coordinate a number of staff and activities for government, health care or business.

They prepare schedules, assign duties and establish and implement operational procedures. Supervisors maintain records and prepare progress and budget reports. They may be required to hire and train new staff, and select and purchase equipment.

WHO WORKS IN THIS JOB?
Supervisory, organizational, leadership and effective communications skills are essential. You must be observant, responsible, and able to enforce rules and regulations. As a supervisor, you will be required to resolve problems and address the concerns of unhappy customers. Services, product lines and sales methods may change frequently and you must be prepared to keep informed and adapt. Due to the widespread use of computerized inventory systems in sales and service industries, computer proficiency is an important skill.

Seventy per cent of sales and service supervisors have at least a high school education or equivalent.

Over 30 per cent have a post-secondary certificate or diploma. This is a young occupation, with an average age of 37. One in 10 works part time and six out of 10 are women. There is little self-employment in this occupation.

WHERE DO THEY WORK?
Annapolis Valley 11 per cent Cape Breton 13 per cent Halifax 45 per cent North Shore 17 per cent Southern N.S. 14per cent

WHAT TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE ARE REQUIRED?
Occupations in this category usually require high school completion and experience in the areas being supervised.

For example, laundry and dry cleaning supervisors are required to have experience operating a dry cleaning or laundry machine.

Previous retail sales experience, e.g. as a retail sales clerk, cashier, telemarketer, or door-to-door salesperson, is usually required to become a retail supervisor.

Food service supervisors are required to complete a certificate or diploma program in food service administration or a related discipline.

For employment in health-care institutions, membership in the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management is preferred. Executive housekeepers, who direct and control the operations of housekeeping departments within hotels, hospitals, and other establishments, may be required to obtain a diploma in hospital management or hotel management. Extensive experience as a cleaning supervisor may substitute for formal academic requirements. Cleaning supervisors must have previous experience as light-duty cleaners, janitors, or industrial cleaners.

Other service supervisors, such as tour guide supervisors, may be required to complete college courses related to the areas supervised and have experience in the field.

You may also find courses or programs in retail­ing or marketing helpful to secure supervisory positions in sales.

WHAT ARE THE WORK PROSPECTS?
Sales and service supervisors work in the service economy, which is experiencing some of the greatest growth of all economic sectors in Nova Scotia, in both rural and urban areas. The creation of new consumer centres has added to this growth and created demand for sales and service supervisors.

The vast majority of people in this group work as retail trade and service supervisors. This workforce is relatively young, and retirements will not contribute significantly to job openings in the coming years. Turnover can be high in these occupations, particularly for lower-paying positions. Annual incomes will depend upon many factors, including the product or service, industry, location, qualifications, and the number of staff being supervised. Little employment growth is expected for dry cleaning and laundry supervisors. This may be attributed to the high incidence of self-employment in this occupation, where many supervisors are also the owners of these facilities.

Outlook: Good
Employment in 2005: 7,890
Estimated average number of job openings for new workers: 340
Earnings in 2005: Hourly wages averaged $10.50, with a maximum of $21.75

JOBS IN THIS OCCUPATION
Department store supervisor, food service supervisor, hotel executive housekeeper, laundry supervisor, reservations supervisor, sales supervisor, telemarketing supervisor.

For information, or to explore over 300 other careers in Nova Scotia, visit the Education Department's Career Options website: novascotiacareeroptions.ca

On the Job is a weekly feature looking at career opportunities in Nova Scotia. Past columns are archived at www.jobspress.com