Sales Assistants (General)

Sales Assistants (General) sell goods and services, such as food, clothing, hardware, household appliances, office supplies and cosmetics, in retail and wholesale establishments.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Determining customer requirements and advising on product range, price, delivery, warranties and product use and care
  • Demonstrating and explaining to customers the establishment's goods and services
  • Selling food, beverages, clothing, footwear and other personal and household goods and services
  • Accepting payment for goods and services by a variety of payment methods and preparing sales invoices
  • Assisting with the ongoing management of stock such as product inventories and participating in stocktakes
  • Stacking and displaying goods for sale, and wrapping and packing goods sold

Key values of workers in Sales Assistants (General)

  • Support

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Top skills required for workers in Sales Assistants (General)

  • 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.

  • Service Orientation

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Social Perceptiveness

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Negotiation

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.