How to become a sales assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need as a sales assistant.
You could do a Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Retail Skills or a 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
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Apprenticeship
You could do a Retailer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a temporary sales assistant and work at the weekend or in a busy season like Christmas.
You could then apply for a permanent role after getting some experience.
Volunteering
You could volunteer in a charity shop to get some retail skills. This experience could help you to get paid work.
Direct Application
You could apply directly for sales assistant jobs. You might find it useful to have retail or customer service experience.
Some employers might want you to have some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths.
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Career tips
When applying for sales assistant jobs, it might help if you:
- are confident about selling
- have a positive and helpful attitude
- get on well with a range of customers
Some shops, like mobile phone or DIY shops, might expect you to have good knowledge of their products before you apply.