BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasRetail Salespersons

O*NET · 41-2031.00

Retail Salespersons

Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.

Also called Art Dealer · Art Objects Salesperson · Auto Dealer · Automobile Accessories Salesperson · Automobile Salesman · Automobiles Salesperson · Automotive Salesperson · Bakery Clerk
123 more

Bargain Table Clerk · Beauty Advisor · Beauty Consultant · Beauty Counselor · Boats and Marine Supplies Sales Representative · Books Salesperson · Car Dealer · Car Salesman · Car Salesperson · China and Silverware Salesperson · Cigarette Seller · Clothier · Clothing Consultant · Commission Sales Associate · Corsets Salesperson · Cosmetic Consultant · Cosmetic Counselor · Cosmetics and Toiletries Salesperson · Coupon Redemption Clerk · Curtains and Draperies Salesperson · Customer Assistant · Dairy Clerk · Department Store Salesperson · Design Consultant · Drapery Counselor · Drapery Estimator · Dry Goods Clerk · Electric Motors Salesperson · Fashion Consultant · Fitting Room Associate · Floor Clerk · Floor Coverings Salesperson · Flowers Salesperson · Flying Squad Salesperson · Food Sales Clerk · Furniture Salesperson · Furs Salesperson · Garden Consultant · General Hardware Salesperson · General Merchandise Salesperson · Haberdasher · Home Planning Consultant Salesperson · Horticultural and Nursery Products Salesperson · Hourly Sales Staffperson · Household Appliances Salesperson · Infants' and Children's Wear Salesperson · Jewelry Salesperson · Layaway Clerk · Leather and Suede Apparel and Accessories Salesperson · Meat Clerk · Meat Hostess · Men's and Boys' Clothing Salesperson · Men's Furnishings Salesperson · Menswear Salesperson · Merchandise Coordinator · Merchandising Assistant · Merchandising Service Associate · Millinery Salesperson · Musical Instruments and Accessories Salesperson · New Car Salesperson · Orthopedic Shoe Fitter · Orthopedic Shoes Salesperson · Pet Supplies Salesperson · Pets and Pet Supplies Salesperson · Pets Salesperson · Phonograph Records and Tape Recordings Salesperson · Photographic Supplies and Equipment Salesperson · Pianos and Organs Salesperson · Platform Attendant · Retail Associate · Retail Clerk · Retail Sales Associate · Retail Sales Clerk · Retail Sales Consultant · Retail Sales Representative · Retail Sales Specialist · Retail Salesman · Retail Salesperson · Retail Salesworker · Retail Stocking Associate · Retail Store Associate · Sales Assistant · Sales Associate · Sales Attendant · Sales Clerk · Sales Consultant · Sales Person · Sales Professional · Sales Representative · Sales Specialist · Sales Support Associate · Salesman · Salesperson · Seasonal Retail Associate · Seasonal Sales Associate · Sewing Machines Salesperson · Sheet Music Salesperson · Shoe Clerk · Shoe Fitter · Shoe Salesman · Shoe Salesperson · Shoes Salesperson · Shop Girl · Shop Worker · Sporting Goods Salesperson · Stamp Redemption Clerk · Stamps or Coins Salesperson · Stereo Equipment Salesperson · Store Associate · Store Clerk · Store Team Member · Surgical Corsetier · Toy Consultant · Toy Trains and Accessories Salesperson · Trailers and Motor Homes Salesperson · Used Car Salesperson · Wallpaper Consultant · Wardrobe Image Consultant · Wig Sales Consultant · Wigs Salesperson · Women's Apparel and Accessories Salesperson · Women's Apparel Salesperson · Yard Goods Salesperson

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code ECR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Flight Attendants

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ECREnterprising · Conventional · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • E Enterprising6.13
  • C Conventional5.17
  • R Realistic3.20
  • S Social2.96
  • A Artistic1.98
  • I Investigative1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma19%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent64%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate2%
  • Some College Courses1%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%
  • Bachelor's Degree4%
Related work experience
None (40%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (44%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Persuasion3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Service Orientation3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Active Listeningbasic3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Negotiation3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Social Perceptiveness3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Monitoringbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Writingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Active Learningbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23

Tasks

14 core · 10 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.4.8
  2. Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.4.7
  3. Compute sales prices, total purchases, and receive and process cash or credit payment.4.6
  4. Prepare merchandise for purchase or rental.4.6
  5. Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.4.5
  6. Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.4.5
  7. Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.4.3
  8. Ticket, arrange, and display merchandise to promote sales.4.3
  9. Demonstrate use or operation of merchandise.4.3
  10. Exchange merchandise for customers and accept returns.4.2
  11. Inventory stock and requisition new stock.4.2
  12. Watch for and recognize security risks and thefts and know how to prevent or handle these situations.4.1
Show the other 12
  1. Place special orders or call other stores to find desired items.3.7
  2. Clean shelves, counters, and tables.3.7
  3. Maintain records related to sales.4.6
  4. Open and close cash registers, performing tasks such as counting money, separating charge slips, coupons, and vouchers, balancing cash drawers, and making deposits.4.4
  5. Prepare sales slips or sales contracts.4.3
  6. Estimate and quote trade-in allowances.4.2
  7. Bag or package purchases and wrap gifts.4.1
  8. Help customers try on or fit merchandise.4.1
  9. Sell or arrange for delivery, insurance, financing, or service contracts for merchandise.4.0
  10. Estimate quantity and cost of merchandise required, such as paint or floor covering.3.8
  11. Rent merchandise to customers.3.3
  12. Estimate cost of repair or alteration of merchandise.3.2

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Sales and Marketing4.54.5Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Customer and Personal Service4.34.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.73.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Administration and Management3.02.9
  • Administrative3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Mathematics3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Psychology2.92.9
  • Computers and Electronics2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
  • Education and Training2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Communications and Media2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Public Safety and Security2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Economics and Accounting2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Production and Processing2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Telecommunications2.11.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Design2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Law and Government2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Transportation2.01.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Engineering and Technology1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Mechanical1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Fine Arts1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Foreign Language1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Geography1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Therapy and Counseling1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Philosophy and Theology1.5—
  • Building and Construction1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Chemistry1.4—
  • Food Production1.4—
  • Physics1.4—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Biology1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Oral Comprehension3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Speech Clarity3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Problem Sensitivity3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Information Ordering3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
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  • Written Expression3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Category Flexibility2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Fluency of Ideas2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Originality2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Selective Attention2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Memorization2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Time Sharing2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual Speed2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Trunk Strength2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visualization2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Far Vision2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Finger Dexterity2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Flexibility of Closure2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Auditory Attention2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Speed of Closure2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Control Precision2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Manual Dexterity2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Multilimb Coordination2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Stamina2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Depth Perception1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic Strength1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Static Strength1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Explosive Strength1.50.8
  • Reaction Time1.50.5
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.50.5
  • Rate Control1.40.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.40.4
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.74.9Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Selling or Influencing Others4.44.5Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Getting Information4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.92.9
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.73.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.62.9
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
Show all 41
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Working with Computers3.52.5Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.12.6
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing Information3.12.8
  • Thinking Creatively3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.02.1Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.02.9
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.92.7
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.82.6
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Developing and Building Teams2.81.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.82.0Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Training and Teaching Others2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.91.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.90.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.6
  • Telephone Conversations4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.2
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.2
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.2
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.1
  • Spend Time Standing4.1

Technology

80 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (25)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Apple macOS
  • Apple Safari
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Eclipse IDE
  • Facebook
  • Google Docs
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Salesforce software
Show the other 1
  • SAP software
Other tools (55)
  • Advanced Retail Management Systems Retail Pro
  • American Precision Instruments Regit
  • ASI Point of Sale
  • Attitude POS itive AccuPOS Retail
  • Bibase 4POS Retail
  • Blink
  • CAP Automation SellWise
  • Comcash ERP
  • CompuTant CounterPoint
  • CyberMatrix
  • Data entry software
  • Database software
  • Datasym SYMFINITE
  • Exact business software
  • EZ Software Solutions
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Gift registry software
  • Google Drive
  • Google Meet
  • GroupMe
  • Handheld computer device software
  • IBM Notes
  • Infocorp Computer Solutions $mart System
  • Infocorp Softwear/POS
  • Inventory management systems
  • iQmetrix RQ4 Retail Management System
  • LinkedIn
  • LOB RetailPoint
  • Logisoft Positive Pos System
  • ManageMore Cellular Manager
  • Master Merchant Systems Music Store
  • MicroBiz
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Millennium Software Atrex
  • Plexis Software Plexis POS
  • Point of sale POS bookstore software
  • Point of sale POS parts and services software
  • RiscStation POSSum
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • Sage 50 Accounting Software
  • SBS Keystroke
  • Semicron Systems
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Social media sites
  • Softpedia ShopInvo
  • System3 POS software
  • The General Store
  • The Retail Solution
  • TokenWorks Magnetic Card Reader
  • True North Computer Retail Plus
  • VeriFone PC Charge Pro
  • Vigilant
  • Visual Retail Plus
  • WinMan SureSell
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Counter and Rental Clerks
  2. Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers
  3. Stockers and Order Fillers
  4. Demonstrators and Product Promoters
  5. First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers
  6. Cashiers
  7. Parts Salespersons
  8. Customer Service Representatives
  9. Telemarketers
  10. Order Clerks

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.