Retail jobs brief - retail sales assistant
As a sales assistant, you are responsible for customer service in retail outlets of all kinds
. This involves everything from dealing with customers and selling goods to handling payments and making sure that the goods are attractively displayed.
Your main task will be to help customers find the products they want. You will also offer advice and answer questions, not just about the store's products and prices but also issues like stock availability or any special promotions that may be running. At times assistants may also arrange ordering and delivery.
In specialist stores, for example a sports goods or computer store, you may need a level of specialist product knowledge. You could also have tasks specific to the type of product the store sells, for example measuring and cutting fabric if it's a fabric store.
In smaller shops, say a local convenience store, your day-to-day jobs will be more varied than a large High Street outlet, and may include activities such as window display and receiving deliveries from suppliers.
Hours and Environment
Basically, you work store opening hours. This usually works out as a 37 or 38 hour week, but is also likely to include evenings and weekends. However, part-time work is now very common and you may work a shift pattern.
You should be aware that sales assistants spend a lot of time on their feet, and may be required to lift and carry items of stock. Many larger stores will provide you with a uniform.
Skills and Interests
You should:
Be ready and able to work within a team.
Enjoy working with the public.
Have a polite, helpful manner.
Be confident and assertive.
Having a smart appearance is a requirement.
Be good with numbers, and able to use modern computerised equipment such as cash tills.
Have plenty of stamina.
Entry
Experience, aptitude and sheer passion are more important in retailing than pieces of paper. There are no minimum academic qualifications required, although it would be helpful to have a good general education. Previous experience of working with the public would also be good, as would knowledge of the activity if working in a specialist outlet.
Training
Training is usually on-the-job and may be linked to relevant NVQs/SVQs. If you work with certain products such as fish or meats, specialist training is provided.
If you are aged 16-24, Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available.
For details see: MAPPs (England); Skillseekers MAPPs (Scotland); National Traineeships MAPPs (Wales); and MAPPs (Northern Ireland).
Relevant qualifications for retailing include:
GNVQ/GSVQ in Retail and Distributive Services
NVQ/SVQ Retail Operations at levels 2, 3 and 4
NVQ/SVQ Sales Delivery at Level 2
NVQ/SVQ at Visual Merchandising Level 2
NVQ/SVQ Distributive Operations Level 1.
Annual Income
Junior or part-time sales assistants are not paid spectacularly, but you should have some valuable perks to offset this, such as discounts and first shot at the Xmas sales. Once you progress in your career pay prospects improve dramatically, with store managers earning up to 70k
Retail jobs brief - retail sales assistant
By: totaljobs
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