Some people assume that the job of a retail assistant is easy. All they do is go around and make sure everything is in stock, right? Well, that may be one part of the job, but the fact of the matter is that these retail assistants face a myriad of situations that can seriously test their skills. In other words, retail assistants are required to handle multiple tasks and carry out multiple roles, all the while performing up to standards under pressure in a dynamic environment. This is why it is so vital for retail stores to hire the right talents to keep their business running!
So, with that in mind, let’s talk about the core skills you want your retail employees to have to ensure your retail store runs well.
1. Attention to Detail
While most people have a pretty good ability to pay attention to details, retail assistants really have to have this skill down to a fine art. And, it’s not just because retail assistants are expected to ensure the stocks are kept in order and that everything is accounted for. It’s because retail assistants are in the position to notice when something is out of place or has been tampered with. Doing so can avert a possible shoplifting incident or prevent a loss in profits due to theft.
2. Ability to Work Under Pressure
Despite what most people think, retail assistants are not machines. They are very real people with very real emotions, and those emotions can sometimes get in the way if things don’t go their way. This is why it is so important for retail assistants to have the ability to work under pressure. In retail, employees have to work and deal with customers in all sorts of different situations and in all kinds of different moods. A good retail assistant will be adept at dealing with these situations in an effective manner.
3. Ability to Follow Instructions and Learn on-the-go
Retail assistants are not the only people who work in a retail store. There are managers and supervisors who will provide instructions and assign tasks to the retail assistants. If a retail assistant feels that they know better, their ability to follow instructions is called into question. It is imperative that retail assistants are able to follow instructions and work with management to accomplish the set tasks. And, if a retail assistant isn’t able to accomplish these tasks, they’ll need to be able to learn quickly in order to do so.
4. Ability To Stay Patient
Not every customer is always going to be happy with their experience with a retail assistant. That’s just the way it is. But, what defines whether a retail assistant is doing their job well is their ability to stay patient with a customer even if that customer is not happy. If a retail assistant gets frustrated or lets their emotions get the best of them, they are not a good fit for the job. And this is especially true if they let a bad experience with a customer affect the way they treat customers in the future.
Conclusion
Retail assistants are not just there to stock the shelves and keep the store in order. These employees are there to help customers with their needs and, in some cases, even their wants. They are there to serve customers with a positive and friendly attitude, and they are there to make the customers feel comfortable and appreciated. Finally, above all else, they are there to be a good representative of the retail store.
To do all of this, retail stores need to hire the right people. So, be careful who you hire, and put the time and effort needed to hire the right talents for your team! And, if you’re the talent looking to get hired, now you know the skills you need to become better at what you do.
Chimera Recruitment helps retail stores to provide the best experience possible that customers truly love. If you are looking for a retail recruitment agency, work with us today!