Retail Loss Prevention Specialists

Most employers prefer to hire retail loss prevention specialists with two or more years of prior experience in a retail store. Employers often provide on-the-job training, particularly to entry-level specialists, which may last two or three days or several weeks. The job requires strong observational skills and an understanding of the the types of behavior that can be considered suspicious. Loss prevention specialists must remain alert on the job, always aware of what customers and employees are doing. Strong communication skills are also important for keeping store managers, employees, supervisors, and other protective service workers informed of their activities and observations. Specialists are critical thinkers who take the time to listen closely to what people are saying, which helps them gather information in their investigations. They have good judgment and decision-making abilities. People who do best in this type of work are detail oriented, self-controlled, able to stay calm in highly stressed situations, and are honest and ethical.