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Where do you want to work?
Deal with People
Make Decisions
Repetitive
$29,590
Average Salary
Typically, there are no formal education requirements for retail sales workers. Most receive on-the-job training, which usually lasts a few days to a few months.
EducationAlthough retail or parts sales positions usually have no formal education requirements, some employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent, especially employers who sell technical products or “big-ticket” items, such as electronics or cars.
TrainingMost retail sales workers receive on-the-job training, which usually lasts a few days to a few months. In small stores, an experienced employee often trains newly hired workers. In large stores, training programs are more formal and usually conducted over several days.
During training sessions, topics often include customer service, security, the store’s policies and procedures, and how to operate the cash register.
Depending on the type of product they are selling, employees may be given additional specialized training. For example, salespersons working in cosmetics get instruction on the types of products the store offers and for whom the cosmetics would be most beneficial. Likewise, those who sell computers may be instructed on the technical differences between computer products.
Because providing exceptional service to customers is a priority for many employers, employees often get periodic training to update and refine their skills.
AdvancementRetail sales workers typically have opportunities to advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some employers want candidates for managerial positions to have a college degree.
As sales workers gain experience and seniority, they often move into positions that have greater responsibility and may be given their choice of departments in which to work. This opportunity often means moving to positions with higher potential earnings and commissions. The highest earnings potential usually involves selling “big-ticket” items—such as cars, jewelry, furniture, and electronics. These positions often require workers with extensive knowledge of the product and an excellent talent for persuasion.
Important QualitiesCustomer-service skills. Retail sales workers must be responsive to the wants and needs of customers. They should explain the product options available to customers and make appropriate recommendations.
Interpersonal skills. A friendly and outgoing personality is important for these workers because the job requires almost constant interaction with people.
Math skills. Retail sales workers must have the ability to calculate price totals, discounts, and change owed to customers.
Persistence. A large number of attempted sales may not be successful, so sales workers should not be discouraged easily. They must start each new sales attempt with a positive attitude.
Selling skills. Retail sales workers must be persuasive when interacting with customers. They must clearly and effectively explain the benefits of the merchandise.
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Parts Specialist
Top Careers After Parts Specialist
Gender
Male
74.5%Female
24.3%Unknown
1.2%Ethnicity
White
78.9%Hispanic or Latino
13.6%Asian
5.7%Unknown
1.3%Black or African American
0.5%Languages Spoken
Spanish
82.7%French
2.9%Mandarin
1.4%Hmong
1.4%Japanese
1.4%Cherokee
1.0%Carrier
1.0%Portuguese
1.0%Chinese
1.0%German
1.0%Polish
1.0%Vietnamese
0.5%Shona
0.5%Cheyenne
0.5%Igbo
0.5%Russian
0.5%Thai
0.5%Kurdish
0.5%Cantonese
0.5%Italian
0.5%Parts Specialist
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
University of Phoenix
20.3%Universal Technical Institute
20.0%Ashford University
5.1%Liberty University
4.6%Kaplan University
4.4%University of Northwestern Ohio
3.8%The Academy
3.6%Ferris State University
3.3%Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
3.1%Central Texas College
3.1%Greenville Technical College
3.1%American InterContinental University
3.1%Illinois Central College
3.1%University of Alabama
2.8%University of Arizona
2.8%Hinds Community College
2.8%University of Louisiana at Lafayette
2.8%Northern Virginia Community College
2.8%Glendale Community College
2.8%Baker College
2.6%Majors
Degrees
Other
42.0%Bachelors
22.0%Associate
20.0%Certificate
7.9%Diploma
3.9%Masters
3.3%License
0.6%Doctorate
0.3%Parts Specialist
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
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