Skills Required for Jobs in Retail
Retail jobs exist in many functional areas, including information systems, human resources, finance and accounting. However, when retail job skills are discussed, the conversation typically centers on skills specific to in-store retail sales and service associate positions. These are the employees who interact at the store level directly with customers. Retail job skills include a combination of soft skills and technical talents.
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Patience
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Patience is a necessary and often overlooked virtue for retail employees. Not all customers are exceptionally kind, and good retail associates have the patience to diffuse tough situations with difficult customers, notes JobBankUSA.com. Service associates typically listen first when a customer shares a complaint. Patience includes hearing out the customer before responding. In a retail environment, it also means taking the time and steps necessary to work through a customer-service issue to a complete and accurate resolution.
Communication Skills
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Communication skills are universally important in many jobs, but Job Bank USA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (in its Retail Salespersons overview at BLS.gov) both specifically mention communication skills as necessary for retail associates. Listening effectively is included. However, retail associates must communicate sales benefits of products and services to better assist customers. They also must explain to customers important information and processes that enhance the customer experience. Explaining ideas, conveying pertinent information and maintaining a generally pleasant and approachable demeanor are all part of good communication.
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Dependability
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Dependability is vital for sustained success in retail. Employers want employees they can confidently rely on and can trust to make important decisions. This is especially true in 21st century retail where employee empowerment is the norm. "Thinking Managers" Edward de Bono and Robert Heller point out in their November 2005 article "Employee Empowerment: Management Giving Power to the People," that companies are allowing employees to make more judgments on workplace matters and customer situations. This is good for both the employee and organization. However, empowerment only works with employees who are knowledgeable and dependable.
Initiative
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One skill that employers often desire from employees, yet feel is commonly missing, is initiative. This is the ability to see beyond specifically defined tasks, to perform better and to find extra things to do when one job is done. College degrees are valued by retailers, but Job Bank USA states that "Motivated and capable employees without college degrees still may advance to administrative or supervisory positions in large establishments." Associates who prove capable of going above and beyond and seeing what needs done without being told are more promotable.
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References
- Photo Credit customer service image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
