The role
As a sales associate, you welcome customers on the shop floor and help them find what they need. You explain products, suggest sizes, models or add-ons, and close the sale. You also restock shelves, keep displays tidy, check prices and labels and help with stock counts.
Who is hiring
Fashion and shoe retailers, cosmetics and perfume shops, phone and electronics stores, supermarkets, furniture and home stores and franchise brands in malls hire sales associates. The job is on-site with weekend shifts, and many shops add staff before the holidays and back-to-school.
Background and career path
A degree is usually not required, though a diploma in sales helps, and a friendly manner counts most. Good sellers move up to senior sales associate, department head, assistant store manager and then store manager.