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Do you think working retail is an easy job? Are you confused about what professionalism is in a store front setting? Are you working in a retail situation because it’s an easy job to get? If you think you have just landed an simple job that anyone can be hired for, you are mistaken about what is involved.

The job skills required to be hired for a retail job will be different depending upon what you are expected to sell. If you are in a store front setting, you are expected to come to work dressed for the job. Obviously if you work in a paint store, you will be wearing different clothes then if you work for a jeweler. Depending upon what you are selling will depend on your job training. However, there are a few things that are universal regardless of the retail outlet.

The behavior between you and the consumer is extremely important. Your professionalism is essential. When you work in a storefront you need to understand that anyone can walk into the establishment at any time and you need to look and sound professional. Greeting the prospective customer is important. Whether there is one other person in the store or twenty, each person needs to be acknowledged. Each person also needs to know that you will be approachable should they have any questions. Your tone of voice and body language will help to convey that. So it is important that you have good posture, a friendly voice and a smile.

When the consumer walks in the door, or anytime they are in the establishment, what they shouldn’t hear is a personal conversation you are having on the phone, or with someone else in the store. Business is business, personal is personal and only business should be discussed at work. As a professional in retail you should not be shouting in conversation across the store. When someone is being helped by a fellow employee, do not interrupt unless asked for your opinion.

In some stores the employee is paid a commission as well as an hourly wage. The idea is to encourage workers to learn their product and be on their toes to help the customer. The more you sell, the more you take home on your pay check. Unfortunately what happens in this situation is that workers are accused of taking other employees sales. This is an uncomfortable situation and you will undoubtably be on both ends of this, throughout your time at this job. The professional thing to do is to be honest to your co-worker and ask them to split the commission. This may work, or may not, but if you don’t clear this up you will not enjoy your job. And who wants to shop in a store where employees are at each others throats?

As a professional working in retail keep in mind that you have agreed to be hired for a set wage. You were given a job description and you accepted the job. Months or years into your work and you may feel like you work too hard for the amount of money that you are now being paid. You could take a longer lunch and not do the job well. If you are a good worker, you will discuss this with your employer, in private.

A professional does not gossip or discuss their employer with co-workers. There will also be no need to talk to others about how much money you are being paid. If you need to make a larger wage simply discuss this with your boss and make a decision as to whether you will stay with your job, or find a new one.

Realize when going into a retail job that not all workers will behave in a professional manner. It is not up to you to correct them, but it is your job to act appropriately when at work. Put your best foot forward, and act like the employee you want to talk to, when you walk into the store as a consumer.

By: Suzanne McPherson

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