8 answers
Camilla
Student
Daly City, California
4
Questions
Asked
312 views
What are some hard skills that employers like in the retail industry?
For entry-level positions.
Thanks so much to anyone who answers!
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8 answers
Nicki Cullen
Sales
8
Answers
Maple Grove, Minnesota
Updated
Nicki’s Answer
The retail industry is a dynamic field that greatly values interpersonal skills. These include effective communication, active listening, empathy, and the capacity to address concerns or offer insightful recommendations. If you're engaged in a retail sales role, consider your knack for pinpointing customer needs, highlighting the advantages and value of the products or solutions you're promoting, and your strategy in addressing objections.
Starting your career journey with an entry-level position in retail can be a fantastic stepping stone. It provides you with the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the business, understand the significance of sales, and grasp the overall operations. Wishing you all the best in your job hunt. Remember, every great journey begins with a single step!
Starting your career journey with an entry-level position in retail can be a fantastic stepping stone. It provides you with the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the business, understand the significance of sales, and grasp the overall operations. Wishing you all the best in your job hunt. Remember, every great journey begins with a single step!
Deena Perro
Director of Sales
1
Answer
Brookfield, Massachusetts
Updated
Deena’s Answer
Such a great question. Hard skills are important. The ability to navigate technologies and POS will be critical. Most retailers are willing to provide hands on training in these areas. Where you will really shine is having the desire to learn and grow.
Lack of a soft skills are more often the reason you will struggle. Retailers have to differentiate themselves and often that is through the customer experience. Working on soft skills such as persuasion, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and decision making will make you stand out and provide the largest growth potential over time.
Best of luck!
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Lack of a soft skills are more often the reason you will struggle. Retailers have to differentiate themselves and often that is through the customer experience. Working on soft skills such as persuasion, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and decision making will make you stand out and provide the largest growth potential over time.
Best of luck!
Deena recommends the following next steps:
Nolen Bradburn
1
Answer
Updated
Nolen’s Answer
Basic math skills, hand eye coordination, good work to sleep balance mental health management, merchandising, social networking in a way that benefits your style of art.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4968
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Camilla,
Hi Camilla, it’s great that you’re thinking about hard skills for entry-level retail positions! Employers in retail are looking for individuals who can contribute to the smooth running of the store and provide excellent customer service. Here are some of the most sought-after hard skills for entry-level retail jobs:
1. Customer Service: This is the cornerstone of retail. Employers want employees who are friendly, helpful, and able to resolve customer issues effectively. This includes:
Active Listening: Being able to understand customer needs and concerns.
Problem-Solving: Finding solutions to customer issues, whether it’s a product question, a return, or a complaint.
Communication Skills: Being able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Patience: Retail can be demanding, and customers can be challenging. Patience is essential for handling difficult situations calmly.
2. Sales Skills: Retail is all about selling products, so strong sales skills are highly valued. This includes:
Product Knowledge: Knowing the products you’re selling, their features, benefits, and how they compare to competitors.
Upselling and Cross-selling: Recommending additional products or services to customers to increase their purchase.
Closing Skills: Effectively guiding customers through the purchase process and securing the sale.
3. Cash Handling and POS Systems: Most retail jobs involve handling cash and using point-of-sale (POS) systems. This requires:
Accuracy: Being able to count money accurately and process transactions correctly.
Speed: Being able to handle transactions efficiently to keep lines moving.
Familiarity with POS Systems: Knowing how to use the store’s POS system to ring up sales, process returns, and handle other transactions.
4. Inventory Management: Retail employees often play a role in keeping the store stocked and organized. This includes:
Stock Management: Knowing how to receive, store, and track inventory.
Merchandising: Arranging products on shelves and displays in an appealing and organized way.
Inventory Control: Identifying and addressing stock shortages or overstocked items.
5. Basic Computer Skills: Many retail jobs require basic computer skills, such as:
Email: Communicating with customers and colleagues.
Word Processing: Creating documents and reports.
Spreadsheets: Tracking sales data and inventory.
6. Teamwork and Collaboration: Retail is a team effort, so employers look for individuals who can work well with others. This includes:
Communication: Being able to communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
Cooperation: Working together to achieve common goals.
Flexibility: Being willing to help out in different areas of the store as needed.
7. Time Management and Organization: Retail jobs often involve juggling multiple tasks at once. This requires:
Prioritization: Being able to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
Organization: Keeping work areas clean and organized.
Attention to Detail: Being thorough and accurate in all tasks.
By developing these hard skills, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed in an entry-level retail position. Remember, experience is also valuable, so consider volunteering or taking on part-time jobs in retail to gain practical experience. Good luck with your job search!
God Bless,
JC.
Hi Camilla, it’s great that you’re thinking about hard skills for entry-level retail positions! Employers in retail are looking for individuals who can contribute to the smooth running of the store and provide excellent customer service. Here are some of the most sought-after hard skills for entry-level retail jobs:
1. Customer Service: This is the cornerstone of retail. Employers want employees who are friendly, helpful, and able to resolve customer issues effectively. This includes:
Active Listening: Being able to understand customer needs and concerns.
Problem-Solving: Finding solutions to customer issues, whether it’s a product question, a return, or a complaint.
Communication Skills: Being able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Patience: Retail can be demanding, and customers can be challenging. Patience is essential for handling difficult situations calmly.
2. Sales Skills: Retail is all about selling products, so strong sales skills are highly valued. This includes:
Product Knowledge: Knowing the products you’re selling, their features, benefits, and how they compare to competitors.
Upselling and Cross-selling: Recommending additional products or services to customers to increase their purchase.
Closing Skills: Effectively guiding customers through the purchase process and securing the sale.
3. Cash Handling and POS Systems: Most retail jobs involve handling cash and using point-of-sale (POS) systems. This requires:
Accuracy: Being able to count money accurately and process transactions correctly.
Speed: Being able to handle transactions efficiently to keep lines moving.
Familiarity with POS Systems: Knowing how to use the store’s POS system to ring up sales, process returns, and handle other transactions.
4. Inventory Management: Retail employees often play a role in keeping the store stocked and organized. This includes:
Stock Management: Knowing how to receive, store, and track inventory.
Merchandising: Arranging products on shelves and displays in an appealing and organized way.
Inventory Control: Identifying and addressing stock shortages or overstocked items.
5. Basic Computer Skills: Many retail jobs require basic computer skills, such as:
Email: Communicating with customers and colleagues.
Word Processing: Creating documents and reports.
Spreadsheets: Tracking sales data and inventory.
6. Teamwork and Collaboration: Retail is a team effort, so employers look for individuals who can work well with others. This includes:
Communication: Being able to communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
Cooperation: Working together to achieve common goals.
Flexibility: Being willing to help out in different areas of the store as needed.
7. Time Management and Organization: Retail jobs often involve juggling multiple tasks at once. This requires:
Prioritization: Being able to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
Organization: Keeping work areas clean and organized.
Attention to Detail: Being thorough and accurate in all tasks.
By developing these hard skills, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed in an entry-level retail position. Remember, experience is also valuable, so consider volunteering or taking on part-time jobs in retail to gain practical experience. Good luck with your job search!
God Bless,
JC.
Kim Arskii
Social Media Analyst
144
Answers
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Kim’s Answer
For entry-level positions, employers often look for a combination of hard skills that can directly contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. One of the most important hard skills is proficiency with point-of-sale (POS) systems. Being able to quickly and accurately process transactions is crucial in a retail setting.
Inventory management is another key skill. Understanding how to track stock levels, manage inventory records, and perform stock checks ensures that the store runs smoothly and that customers can find what they need. Additionally, basic math skills are essential for handling transactions, making change, and managing financial records.
Another valuable hard skill is knowledge of merchandising. This involves understanding how to display products effectively to attract customers and maximize sales. Familiarity with retail software, such as inventory management systems and customer relationship management (CRM) tools, can also be a significant advantage.
Employers also appreciate candidates who have basic knowledge of product types and the ability to learn about new products quickly. This helps in providing excellent customer service and making informed recommendations to customers. By focusing on developing these hard skills, you can make yourself a strong candidate for entry-level retail positions.
Inventory management is another key skill. Understanding how to track stock levels, manage inventory records, and perform stock checks ensures that the store runs smoothly and that customers can find what they need. Additionally, basic math skills are essential for handling transactions, making change, and managing financial records.
Another valuable hard skill is knowledge of merchandising. This involves understanding how to display products effectively to attract customers and maximize sales. Familiarity with retail software, such as inventory management systems and customer relationship management (CRM) tools, can also be a significant advantage.
Employers also appreciate candidates who have basic knowledge of product types and the ability to learn about new products quickly. This helps in providing excellent customer service and making informed recommendations to customers. By focusing on developing these hard skills, you can make yourself a strong candidate for entry-level retail positions.
Shandy Reed
Key Account Manager
15
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Shandy’s Answer
Hi Camilla!
Retail is a great industry and a necessity everywhere there are businesses whether in the US or overseas. Hard skills include customer service, conflict resolution, money and cash register management (the ability to count backwards for change in the event a register isn't working or a customer throws you off when giving you change), and Time management are critical for this industry.
Business acumen, the ability to read and write professionally are also important skills for retail and many other industries.
Best of luck!
Retail is a great industry and a necessity everywhere there are businesses whether in the US or overseas. Hard skills include customer service, conflict resolution, money and cash register management (the ability to count backwards for change in the event a register isn't working or a customer throws you off when giving you change), and Time management are critical for this industry.
Business acumen, the ability to read and write professionally are also important skills for retail and many other industries.
Best of luck!
Bonnie Garza
Revenue Sales Operations VP
52
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
Hello Camila, that's an excellent query! The most frequently required skills are fundamental computer abilities and effective communication. However, don't worry about the rest, as most employers are ready to teach and provide additional skills during your work tenure. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Elizabeth Harris
Real Estate Vacation Investment
2
Answers
Largo, Florida
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
I worked in retail at a young age, but in a small store, it taught me so much regarding inventory, supply and demand, and logistics. Most importantly customer service and it was what led me to a successful career in hospitality and sale as well.
If you are able to pin point what kind of retail I highly suggest asking a location close to where you could work and understanding their needs. They will be impressed by such a great question.
Always ask questions when you understand so you are confident and have done your reaearh.
Each retail brand local or big have employee goals so it’s great to know what those are.
Be patient in learning their technology.
Elizabeth recommends the following next steps: