Sales assistant

You can learn some of the skills you need for this job by doing a:

• Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Retail Skills
• Level 3 Diploma in Retail Skills Sales Professional

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could get into this job through a retailer intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could apply for permanent jobs after getting some experience from:

• a temporary job in a store at Christmas
• a weekend job

Getting experience volunteering in a charity shop could lead into paid work.

You can apply directly for jobs. Employers may ask for some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. Retail or customer service experience will also be helpful.

Career tips

It will help if you:

• are confident about selling
• have a positive, helpful attitude
• can get on well with a wide range of customers

Some stores, like mobile phone or DIY shops, may expect you to have good knowledge of their products before you apply.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• be over 18 to sell alcohol and other restricted goods

In this role you could:

• serve and advise customers
• unpack and sort new stock deliveries
• arrange goods in displays and on shelves
• rotate and replace stock
• promote products
• take cash and card payments and make sure the till balances
• deal with customers wishing to return items, refund payments and log details manually or electronically
• meet sales targets
• keep the store clean and tidy

You could work at a store, in a stock room, at a garden centre or at a garage.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and crowded.

You may need to wear a uniform.