A sales associate is responsible for selling products or services to customers. They may work in a retail setting, or they may work for a company that sells products or services to other businesses. Sales associates must be able to identify potential customers, build relationships with them, and close sales.
Sales Associate job duties include:
- Greeting customers and ascertaining what each customer wants or needs
- Answering questions about products or the store
- Helping customers try on or fit merchandise
- Describing product features and benefits
- Handling customer complaints in a professional manner
- Stocking shelves with merchandise
- Creating displays of merchandise
- Keeping the sales floor clean and organized
- Bagging merchandise for customers
Sales Associate Job Requirements
Most retail sales associate positions do not require any formal education or certification, although some may prefer applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. Retail sales associate positions typically require at least six months of experience working in a retail environment. Some employers may also require retail sales associates to have basic math and computer skills.
Sales Associate Skills
- Communication
- Listening
- Persuasion
- Negotiation
- Closing
- Prospecting
- Business Acumen
- Building Relationships
- Time Management
- Motivation
- Product Knowledge
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How to become a Sales Associate
The first step to becoming a Sales Associate is to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer candidates who have some post-secondary education, so taking some college courses related to sales would be beneficial. Once you have the necessary education, the next step is to find an entry-level position with a company in the industry you are interested in. Start by submitting your resume to online job boards or contacting companies directly and inquire about open positions. Once you have secured a position, the best way to become a successful Sales Associate is to receive on-the-job training from your employer and to shadow more experienced salespeople. With hard work and dedication, you can develop the skills needed to succeed in this career.
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