Occupation AtlasParts Salespersons
O*NET · 41-2022.00
Parts Salespersons
Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.
43 more
Automotive Parts Clerk (Auto Parts Clerk) · Automotive Parts Counter Associate (Auto Parts Counter Associate) · Automotive Parts Counter Person (Auto Parts Counter Person) · Automotive Parts Counterperson (Auto Parts Counterperson) · Automotive Parts Handler (Auto Parts Handler) · Automotive Parts Salesperson (Auto Parts Salesperson) · Automotive Parts Specialist (Auto Parts Specialist) · Commercial Parts Professional · Electronic Parts Salesperson · Merchandising Assistant · Parts Advisor · Parts Associate · Parts Back Counter Man · Parts Clerk · Parts Consultant · Parts Coordinator · Parts Counter Associate · Parts Counter Clerk · Parts Counter Person · Parts Counter Rep · Parts Counter Representative (Parts Counter Rep) · Parts Counter Salesperson · Parts Counterman · Parts Counterperson · Parts Person · Parts Professional · Parts Puller · Parts Rep · Parts Representative (Parts Rep) · Parts Runner · Parts Sales Rep · Parts Sales Representative (Parts Sales Rep) · Parts Salesman · Parts Salesperson · Parts Specialist · Parts Tech · Parts Technician (Parts Tech) · Retail Parts Professional · Sales Assist · Sales Assistant (Sales Assist) · Sales Specialist · Salesperson · Wholesale Parts Salesperson
Compare with another occupationCompare with Opticians, Dispensing
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 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
RCERealistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic5.64
- C Conventional5.12
- E Enterprising3.83
- S Social1.96
- I Investigative1.60
- A Artistic1.00
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.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (50%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (30%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (27%)
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.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- PersuasionImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Service OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.4Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- NegotiationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- InstructingImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Equipment SelectionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- RepairingImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.3Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
19 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Receive payment or obtain credit authorization.Importance 4.7
- Receive and fill telephone orders for parts.Importance 4.6
- Fill customer orders from stock, and place orders when requested items are out of stock.Importance 4.6
- Assist customers, such as responding to customer complaints and updating them about back-ordered parts.Importance 4.6
- Locate and label parts, and maintain inventory of stock.Importance 4.6
- Prepare sales slips or sales contracts.Importance 4.5
- Read catalogs, microfiche viewers, or computer displays to determine replacement part stock numbers and prices.Importance 4.4
- Determine replacement parts required, according to inspections of old parts, customer requests, or customers' descriptions of malfunctions.Importance 4.4
- Examine returned parts for defects, and exchange defective parts or refund money.Importance 4.3
- Manage shipments by researching shipping methods or costs and tracking packages.Importance 4.3
- Mark and store parts in stockrooms, according to prearranged systems.Importance 4.2
- Place new merchandise on display.Importance 4.1
Show the other 7
- Maintain and clean work and inventory areas.Importance 4.1
- Advise customers on substitution or modification of parts when identical replacements are not available.Importance 4.0
- Discuss use and features of various parts, based on knowledge of machines or equipment.Importance 3.9
- Demonstrate equipment to customers, and explain functioning of equipment.Importance 3.8
- Measure parts, using precision measuring instruments, to determine whether similar parts may be machined to required sizes.Importance 3.7
- Pick up and deliver parts.Importance 3.6
- Repair parts or equipment.Importance 3.5
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.4Level 5.7
- Sales and MarketingImportance 4.1Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Administration and ManagementImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- AdministrativeImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- English LanguageImportance 3.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
Show all 33
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- MathematicsImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- MechanicalImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- TransportationImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PsychologyImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- DesignImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- GeographyImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.6Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- ChemistryImportance 1.5Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- PhysicsImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 3.9
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Information OrderingImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.4Level 2.9
Show all 52
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- OriginalityImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- MemorizationImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Static StrengthImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- StaminaImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Response OrientationImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
- Rate ControlImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Night VisionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
Show all 41
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Processing InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
13 toolsSoftware 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.
In demand (5)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Wordhot
- Inventory control system software
- Inventory management systems
Hot (4; 3 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- SAP software
Other tools (4)
- Customer information databases
- Inventory tracking software
- SmugMug Flickr
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
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.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Opticians, Dispensing
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.8, Science +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Counter and Rental Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion −0.9, Speaking −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Cargo and Freight Agents
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion −0.9, Operations Analysis +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Order Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection −1.1, Equipment Maintenance −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Dental Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion −1.3, Science +1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Retail Salespersons
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection −1.1, Equipment Maintenance −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Average difference 0.3 points · Science +1.3, Persuasion −1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Occupational Therapy Aides
Average difference 0.3 points · Persuasion −0.9, Equipment Selection −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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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.