High School

Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates for most sales positions. Such subjects as English, speech, and mathematics provide a good background for these jobs. Many high schools and two-year colleges have special programs that include courses in merchandising, principles of retailing, and retail selling.

Postsecondary Training

In retail sales, as in other fields, the level of opportunity tends to coincide with the level of a person's education. In many stores, college graduates enter immediately into on-the-job training programs to prepare them for management assignments. Successful and experienced workers who do not have a degree might also qualify for these programs. Useful college courses include economics, business administration, and marketing. Many colleges offer majors in retailing. Executives in many companies express a strong preference for liberal arts graduates, especially those with some business courses or a master's degree in business administration.

Other Education or Training

The National Retail Federation offers classes and other continuing education opportunities. Topics include customer service, management issues, sales training, purchasing, store operations, merchandising, and marketing. The Retail Design Institute offers workshops and seminars that educate participants about industry trends and developments in retail store design. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

The National Retail Federation Foundation offers the following voluntary designations to retail workers who successfully pass an assessment and meet other requirements: retail industry fundamentals, customer service & sales, and the business of retail: operations & profit. Contact the foundation for more information.

Other Requirements

Most states have established minimum standards that govern retail employment. Some states set a minimum age of 14, require at least a high school diploma, or prohibit more than eight hours of work a day or 48 hours in any six days. These requirements are often relaxed during the holiday season.

Any sales experience you can obtain will be a plus. Get a job at clothing or department stores to gain experience in the retail industry. Contact stores in your area to learn more about opportunities.

The retail sales worker must be in good health. Many selling positions require standing most of the day. The sales worker must have stamina to face the grueling pace of busy times, such as weekends and the Christmas season, while at the same time remaining pleasant and effective. Personal appearance is important. Salespeople should be neat and well groomed and have an outgoing personality.

A pleasant speaking voice, natural friendliness, tact, and patience are all helpful personal characteristics. The sales worker must be able to converse easily with strangers of all ages. In addition to interpersonal skills, sales workers must be equally good with figures. They should be able to add and subtract accurately and quickly and operate cash registers and other types of business machines.