Sales Associate Job Description
A sales associate is an employee who works in a retail setting. They are tasked with greeting customers, directing them to products, and answering any questions they may have. As the public face of retail companies, sales associates serve an important role in industries such as clothing, electronics, jewelry, and home improvement.
Sales Associate Job Description Template
Our retail store is looking to hire a qualified sales associate to join our staff. Qualified candidates will have previous retail experience, a professional appearance, and the ability to perform high-quality customer service in a fast-paced environment. Candidates who have knowledge of our industry are preferred.
As a sales associate, you will be the public face of our company. This will entail interacting with our customers in a variety of ways throughout your shifts. You will be asked to greet customers, answer their questions, and direct them to the products they wish to purchase.
Sales associates will also be tasked with handling complaints. The best associates are capable of creating positive experiences for customers who might be frustrated by a certain experience. This will require empathy, tact, and complete knowledge of our company’s policies.
This position will also require you to support our sales floor staff with products, signage, and displays. You may also be called upon to operate the cash registers and complete related tasks throughout your shifts.
Sales Associate Responsibilities:
- Superior knowledge of our products and services
- Greet, direct, and engage with customers to provide outstanding customer service
- Empathize with complaining customers and address their concerns
- Salesfloor upkeep, including sweeping, cleaning, product putbacks, and related tasks
- Working with other employees to increase sales
- Cross-selling and up-selling customers
- Operating cash registers, managing financial transactions, and balancing drawers
Sales Associate Requirements:
- High school diploma, Associate’s degree preferred
- Previous experience in a retail setting
- The physical ability to stand for up to eight hours a day and lift products weighing more than 20 pounds
- Superior customer service skills
- Basic math and literacy skills
- Professional appearance and demeanor
Sales Associate FAQ
What tasks does a sales associate do?
Sales associates are commonly asked to fulfill a variety of roles while working in a retail setting. Qualified candidates will be flexible enough to move from role to role fluidly as is often necessary for a fast-paced retail environment.
The main task that sales associates are responsible for is greeting customers as they enter the store and directing them to the items they want. Otherwise, a sales associate may be responsible for operating the cash register, straightening shelves, performing product putbacks, or supporting the other staff members in other ways.
How do I create a sales associate job description that fits my company’s needs?
You are welcome to use our job description template to get started. However, we recommend customizing it as much as possible to reflect the unique needs of your business.
Most importantly, your company should reference the specific kind of product knowledge it’s seeking in sales associate candidates. For example, knowledge of home improvement products and practices would be valuable for a sales associate position at a hardware store.
What should I include in my sales associate help wanted ads?
Your help wanted ads should start with a clear description of the position. Then, include a section that outlines the responsibilities of your sales associate role. Make an effort to identify, list, and highlight the responsibilities of your sales associate role that may differ from a similar position at another retail store.
Finally, your job description should also include information on what you’re looking for in a qualified candidate. This will help your company prescreen its field of applicants to ensure that you only need to review the applications of candidates who are truthfully qualified for the job.
