Retail Sales Associate Job Description
If you really want that retail sales associate job, make sure you understand the qualities and skills an interviewer will be seeking. This can make the difference between a comfortable and confident interview or an awkward and unpleasant interview. Be aware of pay scales associated with this type of work so when it comes to pay negotiation you will know where to start.
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Skills and Responsibilities
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Customer service is key. Customer service skills are top priority for retail sales associates. You need to be able to communicate effectively with the customer as well as with the other sales associates. The retail sales associate will assist customers with locating products in the store and should be able to explain product features and benefits. The candidate will have a thorough knowledge of the products and should be comfortable proactively approaching customers to answer questions they may have about a product. Retail sales associates must understand merchandising, product placement and how to display products to make the customer shopping experience flow seamlessly. An understanding of how consumers think and how they choose between different alternatives like brands and styles will make for a successful salesperson. A retail sales representative must be able to calculate discounts and any promotions as applicable to the purchase price. She must be able to count the morning register to make sure the store has the correct amount of money and change for the day, be able to reconcile the cash register upon closing, handle returns and exchanges on any item, as well as count and track inventory.
Education
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A high school diploma is usually the highest educational requirement for a retail sales associate. However, in recent years due to employers demanding a more skilled workforce, an associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree may be required. Many employers highly value candidates who have completed courses in English, computers or business. In time, an experienced and educated retail sales associate may have opportunities for advancement into supervisory and perhaps even managerial roles.
Many retail stores will have new associate training programs. Length of training can be a few days to several weeks depending on the company and if the products are more technical in nature. Additionally, a retail sales associate may be expected to update her training quarterly or yearly. An associate will also need to stay current on new products and customer reviews of products.
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Work Hours
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The retail sales associate typically must be available to work weekends, holidays and/or extended hours as required. Most retail outlets are open at least six days a week with Saturday being a popular shopping day. Having a flexible work schedule is important. Plan on working some evenings and weekends especially before holidays. Be aware of and be available to attend company meetings as required in addition to your scheduled hours.
Work Environment
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Most retail establishments are clean and well lit. You may be assigned to a workstation and may also be required to use a headset to communicate with other sales associates. A retail sales associate will have the ability to move displays, pick up boxes of product and be able to stand for long periods of time. Retail associates should be able to lift at least 20 pounds and have the capacity to walk the sales floor for several hours helping customers and organizing product and promotional displays while making sure the store is tidy and safe.
Salary
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The hourly wage of a retail sales associate is on average $14. The middle 50 percent of workers earn between $10 and $18 per hour with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $9.50, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $23 per hour. You also may be in a position where you can earn commission on top of your hourly wage.
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References
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