Retail Salespersons
Did You Know:
- Good employment opportunities are expected because of the need to replace the large number of workers who leave the occupation each year.
- Many salespersons work evenings and weekends, particularly during peak retail periods.
- Employers look for people who enjoy working with others and who have good communication skills, an interest in sales work, a neat appearance and a courteous demeanor.
- Although advancement opportunities are limited, having a college degree or a great deal of experience may help retail salespersons move into management positions.
Industry Areas
- Clothing Stores
- Department Stores
- Building Material and Supplies Dealers
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
- Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
- Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
Overall Kind of Work
Whether selling shoes, computer equipment or automobiles, retail salespersons assist customers in finding what they are looking for. They also try to increase sales by describing a product's featu...
Work Environment
Military
Sales and stock specialists work on land and aboard ships in retail stores, and storerooms.
Status
What is the difference between enlisted and officer?
Enlisted:Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.
Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
Officer
Enlisted
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
2,282 Retail Salespersons in the military
Service Branches
Sales and Stock Specialists work in the following services:
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People: 
Things:
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: 
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure: