Whether they sit behind a cash register… stand at the ready on the car lot… or walk customers through a labyrinth of shelves… cashiers and retail sales workers are the face of many businesses. With more people employed in the field than in nearly any other job in the United States, retail offers workers the chance to learn skills that are essential for almost any workplace. Cashiers greet customers, ring up their purchases, and answer questions. They often handle product returns, sign customers up for rewards programs, and may stock shelves or clean up. Retail salespersons perform cashiers’ duties with an additional focus on helping customers find and choose items to buy. Items range from lumber, jewelry, clothing, books, plants, and electronics to furniture and cars. Sales positions may require specialized knowledge and training. Appliance salespersons, for example, must explain product specifications, financing, and more. Parts salespersons sell spare and replacement parts, especially car parts. They advise customers, take orders, and inventory supplies. Retail sales hours may be full time, though part-time hours are common, and weekends and holidays are often required. A friendly manner and the stamina to stand for long periods are important. In general, there are no formal education requirements for retail sales workers, and most receive on-the-job training. High school education may be required for positions selling more complex items.
What they do:
Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.
On the job, you would:
Receive and fill telephone orders for parts.
Fill customer orders from stock and place orders when requested items are out of stock.
Receive payment or obtain credit authorization.
Business
customer service
sales and marketing
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
looking for ways to help people
talking people into changing their minds or their behavior
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
order or arrange things
notice when problems happen
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Cooperation
Concern for Others
Initiative
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
In the military:
see titles from the Army.
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