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What does a Sales Associate do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

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

Related: Top Sales Associate Skills: Definition and Examples

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.

Related: Sales Associate Resume Example

Related: Sales Associate Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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