Fulltime Framer
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Fulltime Framer
Company: Michaels Stores
Location: Store - 409 Solomons Island Rd N, Prince Frederick, MD, United States of America
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing
Date Posted: May 23, 2026
Experience Level: Entry-Level to Mid-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
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This role focuses on delivering exceptional customer experiences within a retail environment, specifically specializing in custom framing solutions.
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Responsibilities include building customer relationships, creating memorable framing designs, and ensuring efficient order fulfillment.
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Key operational duties involve maintaining store standards, managing inventory, and proficiently operating point-of-sale systems.
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The position requires a hands-on approach to production, a commitment to quality, and adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Framer," the description emphasizes a broader retail operations role with a specialization in custom framing. The responsibilities extend beyond just framing production to include sales, customer service, and general store upkeep, aligning with a comprehensive retail operations model.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
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Customer Engagement & Sales:
- Build strong customer relationships through personalized design consultations using elevated selling techniques (e.g., Elevated ABC Deliver).
- Actively engage customers to understand their framing needs and provide tailored solutions that drive sales and production results.
- Provide friendly and efficient customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products and offering solutions to enhance their store experience.
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Custom Framing Production:
- Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of quality, precision, and adherence to deadlines.
- Operate framing equipment, including specialized tools like glass cutters and heat presses, safely and effectively.
- Ensure all framing solutions meet established quality and aesthetic standards.
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Store Operations & Merchandising:
- Maintain the ready-made frame department, along with other assigned areas, ensuring visual appeal and optimal stock levels (SISO and Directed Replenishment).
- Contribute to a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment by adhering to all merchandising and housekeeping standards.
- Participate actively in the truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring compliance with truck standards and completion within budget.
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Point of Sale & Omni-Channel:
- Operate the cash register and execute cash handling procedures with accuracy and adherence to company standards.
- Support and execute various omni-channel processes to ensure seamless customer experiences across different purchasing channels.
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Team Collaboration & Compliance:
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Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and internal requirements.
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Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, remaining professional even in challenging situations and promoting organizational values.
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Support company-wide shrink and safety programs through diligent practice and awareness.
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📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, specialized production (framing), and general retail operations. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured sales approach that candidates should be prepared to discuss.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
Experience:
- Experience in a customer-facing retail role is preferred, particularly in sales or service-oriented positions.
Required Skills:
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Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using computer systems for point-of-sale transactions, inventory lookups, and potential design software.
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Basic Measuring Skills: Accurate measurement capabilities are critical for custom framing order specifications.
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Framing Equipment Operation: Ability to safely and effectively operate framing machinery and tools, including a glass cutter.
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Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to build rapport, understand customer needs, and provide solutions in a retail setting.
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Sales Acumen: Capability to engage customers, identify sales opportunities, and drive revenue through product and service recommendations.
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Cash Handling: Experience and accuracy in managing financial transactions via a cash register.
Preferred Skills:
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Retail Experience: Previous work in a retail environment, understanding store operations and customer flow.
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Sales Experience: Demonstrated success in selling products and/or services, with a consultative approach.
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Custom Framing Knowledge: Familiarity with framing techniques, materials, and design principles.
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Merchandising Skills: Ability to maintain attractive product displays and ensure effective store presentation.
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Inventory Management: Understanding of stock replenishment and inventory control processes.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Type of experience" and "Preferred Type of experience" are crucial. While basic skills are required, the emphasis on sales and retail experience suggests that candidates with a proven track record in these areas will be more competitive.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Framing Design Examples: Showcase a range of custom framing projects, illustrating creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail in design and execution.
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Sales Achievement Documentation: If possible, provide examples or metrics demonstrating successful sales performance, customer relationship building, and achievement of sales targets.
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Process Workflow Examples: Illustrate how you approach a custom framing order from initial customer consultation through production and final delivery, highlighting efficiency and quality control.
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Problem-Solving Case Studies: Present scenarios where you encountered a customer challenge (e.g., unique artwork, tight deadline, budget constraints) and how you resolved it effectively.
Process Documentation:
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Consultation to Completion Workflow: Document the steps involved in handling a custom framing order, from initial customer interaction to final product handover, emphasizing quality checkpoints and customer communication.
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Sales Process Integration: Demonstrate how you integrate sales techniques and consultative selling into the framing design process to maximize customer value and sales opportunities.
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Production Efficiency Methods: Outline any personal strategies or methods used to ensure framing orders are produced efficiently and to a high standard, managing time and resources effectively.
📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be explicitly required for this role, candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare examples of their framing work, sales success, and customer interaction strategies. Demonstrating a structured approach to the framing process and sales will be highly beneficial.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
Benefits:
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Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans.
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Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued time off for rest and personal needs.
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Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and skill development.
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Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services.
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Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available, details can be found at mikbenefits.com.
Working Hours:
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This is a full-time position, typically involving 40 hours per week.
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Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with retail operating schedules.
📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and competitive for a retail framing specialist role in the US. The benefits package is robust and includes significant perks like tuition assistance and employee discounts, which are attractive to retail employees.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Retail (Arts, Crafts, and Framing)
Company Size: Large (Over 1,000 employees globally, Michaels operates over 1,300 stores)
Founded: 1973
Company Description: Michaels is North America's largest specialty arts and crafts retail chain, dedicated to inspiring creativity and celebration through a wide array of products and services. They also own Artistree, a custom framing manufacturer.
Team Structure:
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Store-Level Operations: This role is part of a store team, likely reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, with potential direct oversight from a Framing Department Manager or lead.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaboration will occur with fellow sales associates, stock associates, and potentially corporate support for training or operational guidance.
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Customer-Centric Focus: The culture emphasizes a strong focus on customer service and creating positive shopping experiences, with a specialized emphasis on the art of custom framing.
Methodology:
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Customer Relationship Management: Utilizes "Elevated ABC Deliver" to foster strong customer connections and understand needs.
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Process Standardization: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistent execution of tasks, from sales to production and store operations.
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Data-Informed Operations: While not explicitly stated for this role, the broader company likely uses sales data and inventory metrics to inform merchandising and operational decisions.
Company Website: https://www.michaels.com/
📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels positions itself as a destination for creativity. The culture likely balances the fast-paced demands of retail with an appreciation for the artistic and personal nature of custom framing.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level to mid-level position within retail operations, with a specific specialization in custom framing. It offers a solid foundation in customer service, sales, and production within a retail context.
Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or a designated Framing Department Lead. This structure provides direct guidance and oversight for daily tasks and performance.
Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through sales of custom framing services and retail products. Their ability to build customer relationships and deliver high-quality framing solutions contributes to customer satisfaction, repeat business, and positive store reputation. Efficient operations in stocking and merchandising also support overall store performance.
Growth Opportunities:
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Specialization Advancement: Potential to become a Framing Department Lead or Manager, taking on more responsibility for team training, inventory management, and sales performance within the framing department.
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Retail Management Path: Progression into broader retail management roles such as Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager, requiring broader operational and leadership skills.
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Cross-Departmental Roles: Opportunities to gain experience in other store departments, potentially leading to roles in visual merchandising, inventory control, or customer experience management.
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Skill Development: Continuous learning in framing techniques, sales strategies, and retail operations through company training programs and on-the-job experience.
📝 Enhancement Note: The career path within Michaels is structured, allowing for growth from an individual contributor role to leadership positions. The emphasis on both sales and production skills provides a versatile skill set for future opportunities.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The work environment is a public retail store setting, specifically a Michaels store with a dedicated Custom Framing department.
Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Store #409, located at 409 Solomons Island Rd N, Prince Frederick, MD.
Workspace Context:
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Customer Interaction: The environment is customer-facing, requiring constant interaction with shoppers.
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Production Area: The framing shop is a specialized workspace containing tools like a glass cutter and heat press, requiring attention to safety protocols.
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Retail Floor: The general store area requires mobility for assisting customers, stocking shelves, and maintaining displays.
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Climate Control: Public areas are climate-controlled; stock rooms may not be. Some outdoor work may be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or during truck unload.
Work Schedule:
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Full-time position (approximately 40 hours/week).
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Flexible scheduling is required, including nights, weekends, and early mornings, to meet retail operational needs.
📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and requires adaptability. The combination of customer-facing duties, production tasks, and general retail operations means the role is rarely monotonous.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or online screening to assess basic qualifications and interest.
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In-Person Interview: This will be the primary interview stage, conducted at the store location. Expect to meet with the Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager.
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Skills Assessment: You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss your approach to customer service and framing design.
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Situational Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about how you would handle specific customer interactions, sales scenarios, or production challenges.
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Cultural Fit: The interviewer will assess your alignment with Michaels' values, particularly regarding customer service, teamwork, and creativity.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Visual Presentation: If you have a portfolio (physical or digital), ensure it is well-organized and visually appealing. Focus on high-quality images of your best framing work.
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Process Walkthrough: Be ready to verbally walk through your process for creating a custom frame, from initial consultation to final product. Highlight your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
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Sales Impact: If you have sales data or examples of exceeding sales goals, be prepared to discuss them. Frame your contributions in terms of revenue generation and customer satisfaction.
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Tailor to Michaels: Highlight projects or experiences that align with Michaels' brand and customer base, showcasing an understanding of their market.
Challenge Preparation:
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Customer Service Scenario: Practice how you would handle a customer who is unsure about framing options, has a unique piece to frame, or is unhappy with a completed order.
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Sales Pitch: Be ready to articulate the value of custom framing and how you would upsell or recommend premium options.
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Problem-Solving: Think about how you would manage multiple framing orders with competing deadlines or how you would handle a mistake in production.
📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, preparing examples of your framing work, sales achievements, and customer service approaches will significantly strengthen your application and interview performance.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Custom Framing Equipment: Specialized machinery for cutting mats, frames, and glass; assembly tools.
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Glass Cutter: Essential tool for precise glass sizing.
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Heat Press: Likely used for specific mounting or finishing techniques.
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Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, calipers for accurate dimensions.
Analytics & Reporting:
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Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing sales data, and potentially inventory lookup.
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Inventory Management Software: Used for tracking stock levels, managing replenishment, and potentially processing custom orders.
CRM & Automation:
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Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System: While not explicitly mentioned, sales interactions and customer preferences may be logged within the POS or a separate system to facilitate repeat business and personalized service.
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Omni-channel Platforms: Systems that support online orders, in-store pickup, and other integrated customer experiences.
📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with standard retail POS systems and basic computer operations is expected. The core technical skills revolve around the specialized tools and techniques of custom framing.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Creativity & Inspiration: Michaels fosters an environment where creativity is celebrated and encouraged, both in products and customer solutions.
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Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on providing exceptional service and building lasting customer relationships is paramount.
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Teamwork & Respect: Collaboration, mutual respect, and a positive attitude are key to functioning effectively within the store team.
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Quality & Precision: For the framing role, a commitment to delivering high-quality, well-executed products is essential.
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Efficiency & Productivity: Adherence to SOPs and effective time management are valued to ensure smooth store operations and order fulfillment.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-Functional: Framers will work closely with other store associates to ensure a cohesive customer experience, from initial greeting to final purchase and beyond.
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Supportive Environment: The culture encourages team members to support each other, share knowledge, and assist with tasks to meet store goals.
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Feedback Loop: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on performance, processes, and customer interactions is likely encouraged.
📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "fueling the joy of creativity and celebration" suggests a culture that values passion, artistry, and positive customer engagement, balanced with the operational demands of a large retail chain.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing time to engage customers for sales consultations while also meeting production deadlines for custom framing orders can be demanding.
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Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer expectations for design, quality, and turnaround time, especially with unique or complex framing projects.
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Physical Demands: The role requires standing for extended periods, lifting heavy items, and working with tools that require dexterity and care.
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Retail Pace: Adapting to the fast-paced, dynamic environment of a retail store, which can involve fluctuating customer traffic and multiple priorities.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Framing Mastery: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced framing techniques, mat cutting, and design principles through hands-on experience and potential specialized training.
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Sales & Customer Service Skills: Development of consultative selling techniques, customer psychology, and conflict resolution skills.
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Retail Operations Knowledge: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of retail management, inventory control, visual merchandising, and omni-channel operations.
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Career Advancement: Clear pathways for growth into leadership roles within Michaels stores or potentially within the broader company structure.
📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a specialized retail role, but the opportunities for skill development and career progression are significant within a company like Michaels.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe your approach to helping a customer choose the perfect frame for a sentimental item." (Assesses consultative selling, customer empathy, and design sense).
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"How would you balance completing a time-sensitive framing order with assisting a new customer on the sales floor?" (Tests prioritization, time management, and communication skills).
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"Walk me through your experience with custom framing, from initial measurement to final product." (Evaluates technical knowledge, process adherence, and quality control).
Company & Culture Questions:
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"Why are you interested in working for Michaels, specifically in a framing role?" (Assesses motivation, brand alignment, and understanding of the role).
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"How do you stay updated on framing trends or new materials?" (Indicates passion for the craft and willingness to learn).
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"Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a retail team to achieve a common goal." (Evaluates teamwork and collaboration).
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 of your strongest framing projects. For each, explain the customer's need, your design solution, the materials used, and the final outcome.
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Quantify Success: If possible, mention any sales targets met or exceeded, or positive customer feedback received related to your framing work.
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Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate the steps you take from consultation to completion, emphasizing accuracy, quality, and efficiency.
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Showcase Versatility: If you have experience with different types of art, media, or framing styles, be sure to mention or show examples.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of technical framing skills, strong customer service orientation, sales aptitude, and a cultural fit with Michaels' creative and team-oriented environment.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
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Submit your application through the provided application link on the Michaels careers portal.
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Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in custom framing, customer service, sales, and retail operations. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom framing," "customer service," "sales," "measuring skills," and "cash handling."
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Portfolio Preparation: Assemble examples of your best framing work, detailing the project scope, your design process, and the final result. Be ready to discuss these examples during an interview.
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Interview Practice: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to customer service, sales, problem-solving, and teamwork. Practice articulating your experience and skills clearly and concisely.
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Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and product offerings, particularly their custom framing services. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Requires basic computer and measuring skills, with the ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutters. Physical ability to lift heavy boxes, stand for long periods, and use ladders is necessary.