Retail jobs are a great way to get started in a customer service career. From handling payments and talking to customers to creating shop displays, a job in the retail sector can help you learn many different skills.
Retail jobs can include working in supermarkets or smaller shops, but one thing all retail roles have in common is delivering good customer service.
What are the different retail roles?
There are lots of different retail jobs you can try:
Cashier
As a cashier, you will scan items for customers, take payments and handle change. You may also help to resolve customer complaints or questions.
Cashiers need basic maths skills and to be able to deliver good customer service.
Sales assistant
A sales assistant’s job can be very varied. Your responsibilities could include stacking shelves, managing shop windows and displays, answering questions from customers, and taking payments at the till.
You will often need to focus on several different tasks at once.
Barista
Baristas work behind the counter in coffee shops and cafés. As a barista, you will greet customers, make and serve hot drinks and take payments.
You will need good customer service skills, as this is a role where you are talking to customers every day.
Personal shopper
As a personal shopper, you will give advice to customers and suggest products to them.
You will need excellent communication skills and the ability to pay attention to people’s needs, as they will rely on you for good advice.
What skills do you need to work in retail?
- Customer service – all retail jobs involve talking to customers, so a friendly customer-focused attitude is important
- Flexibility – retail roles often have very flexible hours, so you may need to be able to work weekends or part-time
- Good communication – you will be talking to both customers and your coworkers often, so you will need to be able to communicate well
- Memory – customers may come to you with questions about different products or where to find things in-store
- Numeracy – many retail jobs involve handling or keeping track of money, so you will need basic numbers skills.
Ready to get started?
If you are interested in retail jobs, we can help you develop the skills, knowledge and experience to get started.
We can even match you with local employers once you are ready to find your new role.
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Get in touch with our recruitment team for access to our job-ready candidates and employee development programmes.
