Train

RETAIL SALES

HOSPITALITY

Retail sales associates are the first people a customer meets when they enter a store. They are expected to cultivate good relationships with customers in order to achieve sales goals and represent the store in a positive manner to ensure good public relations and recurring business. They also assist customers with choices and help answer any questions about the business or a product.

Career Details

Skills

Students in Retail Sales are trained in the following subject areas:

Selling merchandise and providing ongoing sales support.
Learning about different products and services to explain their use to customers.
Meeting customer needs and requests.
Gaining a customer’s trust and commitment.
Developing and implementing a sales follow-up plan.

Career Options

Most Retail Sales graduates go to work for retailers who sell merchandise, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, and cars. Retail salespersons spend most of the workday on their feet, greeting customers and helping them find and purchase the products or services they want. Retail salespersons work full time or part time and may often have weekend and/or evening shifts.

Requirements

Before entering the program, students must:

Complete six months’ full-time work experience in addition to training.
Meet age requirements that vary by state.
Have good hearing and vision.
Pass a physical examination.
In good standing with employer, school, or training program
Complete the core curriculum with passing scores on all written and performance tests.
Meet basic academic requirements in math and reading.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete the core curriculum with passing scores on all written and performance tests.
Meet basic academic requirements in math and reading.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete the core curriculum with passing scores on all written and performance tests.
Meet basic academic requirements in math and reading.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Be at least 18 or 21 years old. (varies by state)
Complete the core curriculum with passing scores on all written and performance tests.
Meet basic academic requirements in math and reading.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Have a clean criminal record. (varies by state)
Provide two references (e.g., career technical training instructor and work-based learning supervisor).
Complete the core curriculum with passing scores on all written and performance tests.
Meet basic academic requirements in math and reading.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete the core curriculum with passing scores on all written and performance tests.
Meet basic academic requirements in math and reading.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Have a valid driver’s license or no barriers to receiving a license while enrolled.
Have a clean driving record.
Complete the core curriculum with passing scores on all written and performance tests.
Meet basic academic requirements in math and reading.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Credentials

As a Job Corps student, you will have the opportunity to earn credentials in your training area that may lead to greater employment opportunities, higher wages, and promotions.

Students who complete a program in the Hospitality training area can earn nationally recognized credentials from organizations such as:

American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)
National Restaurant Association
ServSafe®, the national standard in hospitality and culinary arts training and credentialing.

Many graduates also gain a state-issued license.

Retail Sales Numbers to Know

$21K

National average earning potential for this career

18+

Months to complete career training program

Expectations

While on the job, you will be expected to display the following traits at all times:

Attention to detail
Cooperation
Dependability
Independence
Integrity
Problem-solving skills
Attention to detail
Concern for others
Dependability
Following directions
Integrity
Stress tolerance
Attention to detail
Concern for others
Dependability
Integrity
Stress tolerance
Communication skills
Honesty
Organizational skills
Persistence
Physical strength
Quick decision-making skills
Attention to detail
Concern for others
Dependability
Integrity
Professionalism
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Cooperation
Dependability
Integrity
Attention to detail
Communication skills
Dependability
Listening skills