8 of 9

Write now Article Tools

Nowadays, it seems anyone right off the street can land a retail sales job. You go into a store and try to find someone to help you (depending on the store you enter), and most of the time sales clerks are doing stock work. This is mostly due to the efforts of a retailer to cut back on hiring. The sales position immediately turns into a multi-level position, where you are doing display work, stock, and cashiering all in one. This can be expected, as companies admire individuals who multi task. As you progress through your work you'll find how easy it is to accomplish your work efficiently on a day to day basis.

Having worked in retail, from specialty stores (musical instrument chains) to big box department stores, I can tell you that landing the job is not rocket science. You only need present yourself as you would in any interview for a job. In my case I presented myself as if I were interviewing for a career (and it actually was a career for me). The difference is you display a strong understanding of what is needed for the bottom line, satisfying the customer. Questions may come up of how you would handle angry customers, which you will undoubtedly encounter at one time or another. There is always a standard answer to that, Oh, I would smile and do such and such', but when you are in that position your reaction is totally different (because you don't know what you'll do). My advice is cool heads prevail'. Simple as that. When they hire you, you immediately are seen as a representative of that company. What you do reflects on the way consumers view that company. If you can't handle short tempers, annoyed patrons, and crying babies, then you have no business catering to the public. It is extremely important to have some kind of understanding of human behavior, and to maintain your sales persona in order to complete the sale.

If you haven't had sales training before, do as I did. Read books on sales techniques. Sam Walton of Walmart fame wrote a nice book on sales technique, as did several other top sales specialists. Do not consider these volumes to be a little over the top for the position you are seeking. The difference between you and some other sales candidate will be that you are more knowledgeable, provided you retain the information that you gathered from those books. Companies often hire workers who just fill positions, are present but never really helpful when it comes to making the sale. They are useful when the customer already knows what he/she wants, but lack the techniques to maneuver sales from people who are undecided. Knowing the technique is the key to spotting customers who need, as opposed to wanting things. Having the technique is also a way to draw attention to yourself as being an asset to the company you work for. Your skill level in that area will almost always land you a higher paying position in that company (as it did for me), because you have shown the dedication to your craft.

Whether you are just now seeking a sales position, or you are already in the position and want to improve, it is important to remember one thing in order to be happy and successful. It is a time worn statement that will always ring true. Treat everyone as you, yourself would want to be treated. It really works.

Learn more about this author, Kenneth Myers.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Landing retail sales jobs?
We want to hear your view. Write now!