Helping customers find what they're looking for is a key aspect of a sales associate's job.
Career opportunities in the retail industry are widespread, and aside from needing to have a flare for customer service, the requirements for getting started in the industry are slim. Indeed, formal training and education are not required for most entry-level jobs in the industry, which comprises the nation’s second-largest employer, according to the Retail Industry Leaders Association. But education and certification can be a major asset in the industry, and for those pursuing a career in retail, plenty of educational programs exist.
Types of Jobs
Retail organizations can be large and multifaceted, and as a result, career paths in the industry are extremely diverse. Aside from sales---which is the core function of any retailer---some departments that commonly exist within a retail organization include marketing and advertising, store operations, loss prevention, human resources, finance, merchandise buying and IT.
Entry-Level Jobs
Sales associates, cashiers and stock receivers are common entry-level jobs in the retail industry. In most cases, no formal education is required for these positions. Retailers typically seek out candidates with a passion for working with people, strong communication skills and problem-solving skills, level-headedness and teamwork skills, according to the National Retail Federation.
Retailers specializing in expensive or high-end products, such as jewelry or appliances, often have more stringent hiring standards. For example, they usually require sales associates to have a certain amount of previous industry experience, and in some cases, job candidates must have training or education in the product field in which the retailer specializes.
Management-Level Jobs
A higher level of training and education is often necessary for management-level retail jobs. The National Retail Federation identifies a number of skill areas that are necessary for management and supervisory positions, including skills in sales and service, merchandising, operations, human resources, and administrative and financial accountability. When hiring or promoting to fill supervisory or managerial positions, some retailers favor candidates with a college degree that has provided them with a foundation of knowledge in these areas. Some major retail organizations offer their own training programs for individuals pursuing management-level positions and therefore don’t require candidates to have previous training.
Customer Service Skills
One of the most important skill sets for retail industry workers is customer service. This involves an ability to assess and meet the customer’s needs, educate the customer, and to maintain knowledge and familiarity of the retailer’s products or services, among other capabilities, according to the National Retail Federation. These types of skills are often earned through on-the-job experience, and as a result, many retailers seek out candidates with previous sales or customer service experience, rather than formal training. Some retailers offer their own customer service training programs.
Education
Many colleges and universities offer educational programs in the retail sphere, including programs in merchandising and retail management. In addition, some schools offer business degrees with a specialization in retail management. The National Retail Federation offers several certification programs for retail associates and executives, including programs in customer service, sales and retail management. While these certification programs are voluntary, they provide industry employees with increased knowledge, skills and productivity, and demonstrate commitment to professional growth, according to the Federation.
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