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Where do you want to work?
Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
$21,780
Average Salary
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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 Retail Specialist
Top Careers After Retail Specialist
Gender
Female
56.1%Male
41.8%Unknown
2.1%Ethnicity
White
78.8%Hispanic or Latino
11.9%Asian
6.8%Unknown
1.8%Black or African American
0.8%Languages Spoken
Spanish
51.6%French
10.3%German
5.6%Mandarin
4.8%Portuguese
4.0%Chinese
4.0%Japanese
3.2%Hindi
2.4%Russian
2.4%Italian
2.4%Dutch
1.6%Hebrew
1.6%Swahili
0.8%Turkish
0.8%Gujarati
0.8%Korean
0.8%Bulgarian
0.8%Hawaiian
0.8%Igbo
0.8%Thai
0.8%Retail Specialist
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
University of Phoenix
17.6%Northern Virginia Community College
5.9%Florida International University
5.1%Liberty University
5.1%University of Alabama
4.4%University of North Texas
4.4%University of Utah
4.4%Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
4.4%University of Central Florida
4.4%Johnson County Community College
4.4%University of Houston
4.4%University of Kansas
4.4%Columbus State Community College
4.4%Kaplan University
4.4%Appalachian State University
3.7%University of Nevada - Las Vegas
3.7%The Academy
3.7%Columbia College Chicago
3.7%Metropolitan Community College
3.7%University of Southern Mississippi
3.7%Majors
Degrees
Bachelors
42.8%Other
29.9%Associate
12.5%Masters
7.3%Certificate
4.5%Diploma
1.8%License
0.6%Doctorate
0.6%Retail Specialist
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
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