Retail Salespersons Go Back to List Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Document management software

Tasks
	Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
	Open and close cash registers, performing tasks such as counting money, separating charge slips, coupons, and vouchers, balancing cash drawers, and making deposits.
	Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.
	Compute sales prices, total purchases, and receive and process cash or credit payment.
	Maintain records related to sales.
	Watch for and recognize security risks and thefts and know how to prevent or handle these situations.
	Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
	Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.
	Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
	Ticket, arrange, and display merchandise to promote sales.

Skills
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
	Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
	Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Knowledge
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
	Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $39,060.00 $18.77  $13.97  $14.29 - $18.44  Bridgeport/Stamford $39,515.00 $19.00  $14.41  $14.74 - $18.85  Danbury $39,204.00 $18.85  $13.84  $14.13 - $18.08  Hartford $38,532.00 $18.53  $13.87  $14.12 - $18.16  New Haven $39,711.00 $19.10  $13.92  $14.19 - $18.54  New London/Norwich $37,808.00 $18.17  $13.81  $14.15 - $17.82  Waterbury $40,301.00 $19.37  $13.77  $14.01 - $18.81  Torrington $38,398.00 $18.46  $13.79  $14.11 - $19.05

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   5695   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as average, and the number of annual openings will offer excellent job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.