About the job: Overall employment of retail sales workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average for all occupations. However, turnover is high among retail salespersons, which means there will be a large number of job openings. This, combined with the large size of this occupation, should result in good job prospects for qualified workers.
Where will you work: At retail stores or auto car dealers
What will you do: Retail sales workers help customers find products they want and process customers’ payments. There are two types of retail sales workers: retail salespersons, who sell retail merchandise, such as clothing, furniture, and automobiles; and parts salespersons, who sell spare and replacement parts and equipment, especially car parts
How to Become A Sales Associate: Typically, there are no formal education requirements for retail sales workers. Most receive on-the-job training, which usually lasts a few days to a few months.
Although retail or parts sales positions usually have no formal education requirements, some employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent, especially employers who sell technical products or “big-ticket” items, such as electronics or cars.
Job skills / requirements:
- Customer-service skills. Retail sales workers must be responsive to the wants and needs of customers. They should explain the product options available to customers and make appropriate recommendations.
- Interpersonal skills. A friendly and outgoing personality is important for these workers because the job requires almost constant interaction with people.
- Math skills. Retail sales workers must have the ability to calculate price totals, discounts, and change owed to customers.
- Persistence. A large number of attempted sales may not be successful, so sales workers should not be discouraged easily. They must start each new sales attempt with a positive attitude.
- Selling skills. Retail sales workers must be persuasive when interacting with customers. They must clearly and effectively explain the benefits of the merchandise.
Industry: Customer service, retail
Minimum age: Generally 16+
Expected wage: $14 / hour.
Similar name: Sales Representative, Sales Person, Sales Clerk, Customer Assistant
Related jobs: Cashier, Customer Service Representative
O-NET Online Reference
41-2031.00 – Retail Salespersons
41-2022.00 – Parts Salespersons
Most Hiring Sales Associate
Companies that mostly hire Sales Associate are:
Most Hiring Minors (Under 18) as a Sales Associate
The minimum hiring age of a Sales Associate is generally 14 years old, yet the minimum age specified in job postings as a Sales Associate is 14 years old, varied by locations.
- Can 12-13 work as a Sales Associate? No, minors under 14 may not work for an employer, except in family business. Learn more Child Labor
- Can 14 year olds work as a Sales Associate? Yes, there are companies that hire 14 year olds as a Sales Associate
- Can 15 year olds work as a Sales Associate? Yes, there are companies that hire 15 year olds as a Sales Associate
- Can 16 year olds work as a Sales Associate? Yes, there are companies that hire 16 year olds as a Sales Associate
Companies that tend to hire minors as a Sales Associate are:
Companies That Hire Teens as a Sales Associate
The following is a list of 655 companies that have and may be actively posting job vacancies as a Sales Associate to which teenagers can submit job applications.
1-20 of 655
Sales Associate Jobs for Teens
58,599 jobs found
Brand Representative - Seasonal Sales Associate (18+)
Altar'd State - Las Vegas, NVMust be 18 years of age. Assists in the construction of merchandising and window displays. Adheres to loss prevention practices and is aware of and reports…
4 hours agoRetail Sales Associate (16+)
Big Bear Mountain Resort - Big Bear Lake, CAMust be at least sixteen (16) years of age. Achieve established sales goals while maintaining knowledge of current merchandise.
3 hours agoSales Associate (18+)
Break Time Convenience Store - Jefferson City, MOIn addition, Break Time employees must be 18 years of age with legal authorization to work in the United States.
38 minutes agoRetail Sales Associate (16+)
Big Bear Mountain Resort - Running Springs, CAMust be at least sixteen (16) years of age. Achieve established sales goals while maintaining knowledge of current merchandise.
3 hours agoSales Associate/ Stylist ***no weekends or nights**part time (16+)
Maurices - Grand Rapids, MIAt least 16 years of age. While the primary responsibility of a Sales Associate is to deliver excellent customer service and build wardrobes; sales associate…
3 hours ago