Can you introduce yourself?
I'm Ericka Javate, 23 years old. I studied management of financial institutions at De La Salle University. I started working at Zalora in December as an Account Executive handling sales, which was my first job after graduating college. I enjoy my work and at 1 year and 8 months, I'm the youngest account executive in my department.
What makes Zalora unique and what is it best known for?
Zalora is an e-commerce fashion platform, making online shopping convenient, especially during the pandemic. Customers can easily browse and purchase items delivered to their homes. Returns and exchanges are facilitated by our drivers for incorrect sizes. We ensure 100% brand legitimacy through seller verification requirements, even for some luxury items. Plus, we have great customer service.
Can you walk me through a day in your life as an Account Executive at Zalora PH?
On Mondays, we review weekly memos and reports to examine previous week’s performance – wins, losses, areas for improvement to make the current week better. We provide brands sales boosts and support as needed, like preparing campaigns for 8/8 sales event. My role revolves heavily around helping brands scale their business on Zalora through data analysis, problem-solving, building strong relationships as their main contact point. I also secure marketing initiatives to bring mutual value.
What's the coolest thing you've worked on at Zalora?
Getting big brands with us early on, despite my fresh graduate status has been memorable. It taught me a lot about negotiations skills, leveraging support from teammates, and taking extra initiative through online courses. Landing a big partnership within 3 months was a big win for me and the company also it was an invaluable learning experience that gave me confidence.
How did you first find out about the job opening at Zalora?
I applied for Zalora’s internship program to fulfill university requirements. Even though it took a while to hear back, I was patience back then. I eventually got accepted for the intern role in a different department after interviews. Nearing internship completion, my dad suggested checking for full-time openings to maximize potential at Zalora. Fortunately, I found openings that suited my skills and experience.
Can you walk me through Zalora’s application process as an Account Executive at Zalora ?
My insider status expedited things through visibility into application status. After HR basics, the same manager from my intern interviews assessed my capabilities based on familiarity with my work ethic. Conversation flowed smoothly around situational questions. Final director discussion served as a formality. Despite advantage, preparation remains key in presenting an appealing candidacy.
What was the hardest part of Zalora’s application process?
Waiting for Zalora to get back to me was tough. I had other job offers waiting, so it was hard to decide whether to take them or wait for Zalora. My parents advised me to appreciate the offers I had while keeping Zalora in mind.
What's your best advice for students looking to apply to Zalora?
My advice for getting a job at Zalora is to check online openings and apply directly through their website. Also, you need to make sure you meet the requirements. Don't stress too much about it. Check out other job openings too. And don't let nerves stop you from applying – it's just the first step.
What was Zalora’s onboarding like for their new employee?
My training at Zalora was thorough. I spent the first week with one-on-one meetings with account managers from different categories to understand my role and how things work. They made sure I had all the tools I needed before diving into work. Also, the supervisor was helpful for providing additional clarity.
What learning and development opportunities does Zalora offer?
Zalora gives lots of training for the internal tools, system and other essential software to help you do your job well. There are also additional online courses you can take to learn new skills. I did one on negotiational course that helped me with my work.
How is the work-life balance within Zalora?
Working at Zalora gives me a good balance between work and life. I can work from home most of the time, which saves me a lot of time and money. I use the extra time for exercising, maintain my Youtube channel, and visiting family. Some colleagues even undertake passions like boxing and triathlons alongside careers. The work-life structure optimizes focus and productivity within working hours as well.
What are the compensation and benefits look like for an Account Executive at Zalora?
I can't share specifics about salary, but Zalora offers a fair compensation package compared to other companies. If you're not happy with the offer, you can always negotiate when they call you with the job offer. I found the initial amount agreeable. And for the benefit, Zalora helps with home office expenses since most of us work from home. They also cover other work-related costs and they follow all the general rules about employee benefits.
What are your long-term career plans?
Being very satisfied with Zalora so far leaves future options open-ended for potentially staying long-term if growth looks good for continued challenge and progression. I re-assess personal directions yearly through short and long term goal setting. Though I’m still unsure now, remote work unlocks location flexibility that may affect eventual decisions.
What final advice do you have for Zalora applicants?
Thoroughly prepare for interviews by researching company values and preparing talking points. Don’t forget to show genuine enthusiasm for the company. Anticipate and practice answering common interview questions around strengths, weaknesses and introductions using personal stories. Apply to jobs broadly, to increase chances without over-committing. Trust the process and don't forget to take care of yourself along the way!