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How Old Do You Have to be to Work at Rue21?

Rue21 is a clothing company designed for those who feel like, want to dress like, and embody being 21 years old. It’s also for those of us who still are!

Rue21 is a primary destination for girls and boys looking for the latest fashion trends. Selling accessories, clothing, and casual style apparel in more than 600 stores across the United States. The rapidly growing retail chain is an excellent workplace option for thousands of associates nationwide. 

But How Old Do You Have to be to Work at Rue21?

If the fashion is for 21-year-olds, just as the name suggests, do they also mainly employ 21-year-olds? 

Let’s find out more about the hiring practices and types of job roles at Rue21

The Working Age Limit At Rue21

Generally speaking, rue21 offers several different job roles to people as young as 16 years of age. If you go in for an entry-level position like a cashier, sales associate, or stock associate, you’ll just need to be of age. However, if you are interested in becoming a store safety specialist or training as a manager, then you will be required to have a high school diploma or GED. 

As a rule, Rue21 is looking to hire people with a passion for fashion. They promote equal rights, encourage creativity and innovative thinking, and welcome diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you wish to be a part of this expanding empire, you will have to be 16 years of age.  

“OPEN TO ALL” Inclusivity

Rue21 has partnered with Open to All, a nonprofit campaign to transform America into a fully inclusive country in the workplace and beyond. 

“Open to All’s” mission statement reads, “At a time of deep divisions, we’re joining together from all walks of life and work to build a thriving and inclusive nation where all are welcome.” They joined this innovative company as a Corporate Sponsor and Circle Leader in 2021 and have since made a unique pledge.

Everyone is welcome…

Rue21 promises to be open to employment for everyone because they believe that everyone should be accepted, respected, and welcome. Their pledge includes statements such as “Our power is our community; our customers, associates, and partners. We embrace and promote individuality, and celebrate our differences.” 

Therefore, it doesn’t matter your race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or immigration status. You have as much right to work at Rue21 as anyone else and to be a valued employee, customer, and co-worker. 

Who Is Rue21? It’s All In The Name…

Rue21 specializes in on-trend clothes for boys and girls and is all about encompassing young, hip, fresh, and fashionable street styles. So, it’s all in the name? Indeed it is! The name Rue21 is pretty self-explanatory. The first part of the brand’s name is Rue, which in fact, is the French word for street. Meanwhile, the number 21, as already mentioned, represents the age group the clothing company aims its designs and fashion for.

Who Is Rue21? It’s All In The Name…

 It is said that 21 is the ideal age at which fashionistas are inspired by existing fashions and start to cement their own tastes and styles within the wide world of fashion. Therefore Rue21, as a name and company, encompasses street fashion aimed at discerning, on-point 21-year-old fashionistas. 

What Brands Are Available At Rue21 Brick And Mortar Stores?

Rue21 prides itself on offering a range of in-house brands that they have created, collaborated with, designed, and produced. There are several different labels encompassed under the umbrella of rue, and some of these include:

  • rue21 etc.!
  • CARBON elements
  • RAE
  • true by rue2 
  • Ruebeauty
  • ruebleu SWIM
  • rueDecor
  • rueGuy
  • rue+ brand

In addition to its in-house brands, they also promote many well-recognized and popular brands, including:

  • Champions
  • Playboy
  • Anime
  • HIP HOP
  • The Boondocks
  • HORROR

The Available Job Positions 

As the foothold that Rue21 has in the world grows, more and more stores pop up around the country. In turn, there is a constant need for the retailer to employ more associates to fill these positions at each store. Rue21 is always on the lookout for new talent and seeks motivated workers with a flair for dressing fashionably. Plus, those that excel at delivering superior customer service. 

Rue21 is always looking to fill roles like Sales Associates, Cashiers, Store and Stock Management, Stock associates, and Storeroom Stockers.

The Available Job Positions 

Applying for your first job…

 A lot of these commonly offered positions demand little to no experience and are great for those of us who are looking to enter the workforce for the first time. Meanwhile, others, like a career in management, require an adequate history of working in fashion retail plus a GED. There is also the need for seasonal workers and part-timers throughout the year. 

How To Apply? 

As with most employers, there are a few ways in which a jobseeker can apply to work at a Rue21 store. You can apply directly on the company website, which is the most accurate source for up-to-date job listings. 

You can find everything you need online here at Careers @ Rue21. When you have completed your application online and if your application is selected, someone will contact you to start the hiring process. This method is a must for those pursuing a management career meanwhile, those looking at entry-level positions also have another option…

How To Apply

Applying In Person

It’s a great way to get a feel for the environment and, more likely than not, meet your potential manager and future co-workers. A word of advice? When you apply in person, make sure you are looking and feeling your best. 

Become familiar with the dress code and dress accordingly. Rue21 is all about up-to-date fashion and personal style. So dress to impress, but in a fairly casual, effortless style. Make sure you maintain decorum and arent wearing anything see-through or too revealing.  

Always check your details…

You will fill out a paper application. Make sure your writing is legible and includes as much relevant information as possible. When you’ve completed it, make sure you attach your resume to it and ask to speak to the manager (if you haven’t been talking with him/her already) and hand it over.

Meeting their direct manager during the application allows the job seeker to show their initiative, give personal reasons as towhy they want to pursue the plaement on offer, and make an overall positive impression.

The more flexible, the better…

They will likely take a quick look through the application and ask a few questions like what your availability is or if you have any experience etc. Again this is your chance to emphasize your skills and experience and catch the manager’s attention. Be open to working a flexible schedule, as this might also increase your chances of landing a role there. 

Employee Benefits

If you are lucky enough to get through the interview process and land a job with Rue21, then you are all set to enjoy several perks! Depending on your role and employment status, these comprehensive employment benefits can include things like:

Employee Benefits

  • Competitive Pay Rates for Entry-Level Employees
  • Competitive Salary Ranges for Full-Time Employees
  • Opportunities to Enroll in Savings Programs
  • 401K and Retirement Plans (for eligible employees)
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Assistance and Acess to Programs for Future Planning
  • Personal Development
  • Merchandise Discounts
  • Paid Sick leave and Personal Days
  • Paid Vacation Time

What Else Do I Need To Know About Working At Rue21?

As a Rue21 employee, you will receive all the training for the position you are hired to fill. You’ll be required to regularly complete tasks with other associates to keep up to date with training and how to handle situations. 

Rue21 is notorious for promoting within and wants to see you succeed. Your success means their success! And vice versa! They often start new entry-level recruits who have little to no experience, see great potential, and provide opportunities for growth and moving up into managerial roles in short periods.

Find your nearest store to apply to…

This is a quickly expanding business, and therefore they require people who can roll with the times and thrive in busy and exciting environments. They have multiple stores in most states of the U.S., the most being found in Texas with 64, Georgia with 41, Florida with 33, North Carolina with 32, California with 26, Illinois and Indiana both have 22, and its birthplace, Pennsylvania with 21 stores. 

However, there are a handful of states in which Rue21 has not yet arrived. These include Alaska, Maine, New York, and Rhode Island. Not sure where the most convenient store location is for you? Use this handy Rue21 Store Locator Tool to find your nearest store. 

More On Fashion Employment Options

Working in retail is great when you’re still in school and looking for a weekend job. So, let’s check out a few options starting with our in-depth guide to the Rue21 Application, the DressBarn Application, and the New York and Company Application, as well as the Zara Application and the Ross Dress For Less Application.

In addition, we’ve also included interview guides. So, let’s take a look at our guide to the Forever 21 Application and the most common Forever 21 Interview Questions, followed by the Guess Application and Guess Jeans Interview Questions, and the Levis Application and most frequently asked Levis Strauss Interview Questions in 2023.

If you have a criminal record, please check up on Does Ross Run background Checks and Does Rue21 Do Background Checks before applying.

Final Thoughts

With more than 600 stores in major shopping centers and strip malls across the United States, Rue21 serves as a primary destination for girls and guys who seek fashionable attire. The youngest you can be to apply to work at Rue21 is 16 years of age. 

They are an equal rights employer, a sponsor of the Open to All inclusivity campaign, and have many entry-level roles that can be filled by a teen looking to enter the workforce for the first time. So if you don’t have any experience in working, this is a great place to get started.

All the very best in your new job at Rue21!

5/5 - (41 votes)

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