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Even though you can now buy that cashmere sweater or leather jacket with just the click of a button, it's good customer service that continues to make "off line" shopping appealing.
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An ideal candidate for a position in retail must possess more than a friendly smile and a knack for selling a product, service or idea. Among other skills and traits, he/she must have a drive to succeed and an eye for detail, as well as an attitude of honesty and camaraderie. Although individual effort and initiative is greatly admired, being able to work well with others is an indispensable asset. It is important to keep in mind that there is an exceptionally high turnover rate in the field of retail. This is why it is essential for employers to find the best of the best: those who have what it takes to get the job and keep it.
The goal of the Retail Sales Job Fit Test is to determine whether an individual possesses the required traits and skills needed to work in this field. The test is divided into four factors, each with their own set of subscales. Below, you will find a description of each subscale and why it is important to the Retail field.
Work Attitude
• Teamwork: Regardless as to whether a person is designated their own department, they must still foster an atmosphere of loyalty, commitment and cooperation. The success of a company is greatly impacted by the camaraderie of its employees, as it is this that brings everyone together to strive for a common goal.
• Comfort with Routine and Authority: Some retail sales jobs aren't as fast-paced and unpredictable as more sophisticated sales markets with higher priced merchandise. In such cases, most tasks that workers will be faced with are fairly routine, as are the shifts they will cover. Therefore, it is very important for employees to be able to adapt well and quickly to the daily grind. In addition, the constant input and presence of management on the sales floor is customary in many companies. Potential retailers must be comfortable being under the authority and supervision of someone else.
• Drive: Ambition and setting goals gives an individual something to aim and strive for, offering them a tasty incentive which pushes them to do their best.
• Comfort with Pressure Sales Tactics: Although some stores do allow their salespeople to use these types of tactics, they are generally frowned upon, and could actually alienate or annoy clients. Whether or not you use these methods of selling is to your discretion.
• Integrity: This scale includes elements of honesty, and the tendency to take responsibility for one's actions. Employee dishonesty is an all-too-common worry for many employers, so this is a highly prized trait.
Interpersonal Skills
• Communication: This is a combination of listening, speaking and insight. Being able to communicate effectively with others is essential when working with the public; after all, it is the lifeblood of sales. Being an active listener is just as important as being a great speaker. Knowing how to read social cues and respond accordingly is also an important skill to have in one's communication repertoire.
• Salesmanship: This involves the ability to persuade, influence and build a rapport with others - all key characteristics of a good salesperson. Although the pressure to sell in retail may not be as hard-driven as it is in more sophisticated markets, the need to make a profit is still important.
• Agreeableness: A friendly and approachable retailer not only provides a much more enjoyable and pleasant shopping experience for clients, but may also be one of the most important factors that makes them want to come back. Remember that in the customer's mind, the attitude of the employees will often be perceived as the entire organization's attitude.
• Conflict Resolution: Dealing with difficult customers (and even co-workers) is a common occurrence in the field of retail. Being able to resolve conflicts in a mature and appropriate manner is extremely important in this work environment. Dealing with dilemmas in such a way allows for effective resolution.
Organization Skills
• Time Management: An ideal retail candidate must be capable of completing his/her tasks in a timely and efficient manner. This involves using the time allotted to finish work, as well as constantly searching for and incorporating new and improved ways to help things run more smoothly.
• Neatness: A clean and organized work environment says a lot about an employee and the company, and greatly influences both reputations.
• Meticulousness: An eye for detail is not only important to prevent unnecessary errors, but also affects the quality of a person's output. Taking that extra time to pay particular attention to the fine details is important for those with their own departments - creating a visually pleasing display can draw a customer to a particular product.
Psychological Strength
• Stress Management: Whether it involves dealing with a long and tiring shift, difficult customers, or simply a very busy workday, it is important for individuals aspiring for a career in retail to be able to cope with an often stressful and active work environment.
• Stress Reaction: Most jobs have at least some degree of stress. In retail, the shopping rush on the day before Christmas would be the perfect example of a high-stress environment. A potential retail employee who is able to deal with stress will not only keep their job but good health as well.
• Self-control: A short temper and lack of patience could result in uncomfortable friction with clients and colleagues. The ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor is crucial in this field.
• Assertiveness with Clients: Although the belief that "the customer is always right" is still an adage that may hold true, it is important for retailers to be assertive enough to hold their ground with difficult customers.
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