More than 15 million people work in retail, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and a recent CareerBuilder survey
found that 33 percent of retail employers are likely to hire seasonal
help this summer. Considering the high employment numbers, along with
varying education requirements, on-the-job training and transferable
skills, a job in retail can be the start of, or next step in, a strong
career path.
Here is a look at the skills you acquire in retail, advancement
opportunities within the industry and similar occupations to which
retail workers can apply their skills.
Skills gained from working in retail
From
customer service to sales, retail workers have hard and soft skills that
can be transferred to other jobs in the retail industry or a different
sector. When you're putting together your résumé or preparing for an
interview, build upon the skills that you've gained while working in
retail. The BLS names some of the important qualities workers in retail
possess, including:
- 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.
- People skills: A friendly and outgoing personality is important for these workers, because the job requires almost constant interaction with people.
- 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 merchandise.
Advancement opportunities within retail
If
you're not interested in leaving the retail industry, or if you're
looking for an advancement opportunity within your current company, know
that there's room to move up. The BLS notes, "Retail sales workers
typically have opportunities to advance to managerial positions. Some
employers want candidates for managerial positions to have a college
degree.
"As sales workers gain experience and seniority, they often move into
positions that have greater responsibility and may be given their
choice of departments in which to work. This opportunity often means
moving to positions with higher potential earnings and commissions. The
highest earnings potential usually lies in selling 'big-ticket' items --
such as cars, jewelry, furniture and electronics. These positions often
require workers with extensive knowledge of the product and an
excellent talent for persuasion."
Similar occupations and career options
When
looking to what's next in your career, there are a variety of jobs at
which you can apply the skills you've acquired in retail. Here are some
examples:
Customer service representatives*
interact with customers on behalf of an organization. They provide
information about products and services and respond to customer
complaints. Some also take orders and process returns.
Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $30,460
Information clerks
provide administrative and clerical support in a variety of settings.
They help maintain records, collect data and information, and respond to
customers' questions or concerns.
Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent, though some employers prefer some education beyond high school.
Median annual pay: $29,990
Insurance sales agents
help insurance companies generate new business by contacting potential
customers and selling one or more types of insurance. An agent explains
various insurance policies and helps clients choose plans that suit
them.
Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $46,770
Real estate brokers and sales agents
help clients buy, sell and rent properties. Brokers and agents do the
same type of work, but brokers are licensed to manage their own real
estate businesses. Sales agents must work with a broker.
Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $42,680
Sales engineers
sell complex scientific and technological products or services to
businesses. They must have extensive knowledge of the products' parts
and functions and must understand the scientific processes that make
these products work.
Entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Median annual pay: $87,390
Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents
connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. They sell securities
to individuals, advise companies in search of investors and conduct
trades.
Entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Median annual pay: $70,190
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives
sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government
agencies and other organizations. They contact customers, explain
product features, answer any questions that their customers may have and
negotiate prices.
Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent; some industries may require a bachelor's degree
Median annual pay: $56,620