Retail Salespersons

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.96
Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.92
Maintain records related to sales.90
Compute sales prices, total purchases, and receive and process cash or credit payment.89
Prepare merchandise for purchase or rental.89
Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.88
Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.87
Open and close cash registers, performing tasks such as counting money, separating charge slips, coupons, and vouchers, balancing cash drawers, and making deposits.86
Prepare sales slips or sales contracts.84
Demonstrate use or operation of merchandise.83
Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.83
Ticket, arrange, and display merchandise to promote sales.82

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Inventory stock and requisition new stock.81
Exchange merchandise for customers and accept returns.81
Estimate and quote trade-in allowances.80
Bag or package purchases and wrap gifts.79
Help customers try on or fit merchandise.79
Watch for and recognize security risks and thefts and know how to prevent or handle these situations.77
Sell or arrange for delivery, insurance, financing, or service contracts for merchandise.74
Place special orders or call other stores to find desired items.69
Estimate quantity and cost of merchandise required, such as paint or floor covering.69
Clean shelves, counters, and tables.68
Rent merchandise to customers.57
Estimate cost of repair or alteration of merchandise.56

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Persuasion72
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Active Listening69
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.
Service Orientation69
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking69
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Negotiation63
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Social Perceptiveness63
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking53
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Learning50
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension50
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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Writing50
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing47
Teaching others how to do something.
Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving44
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Learning Strategies41
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics41
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Management of Personnel Resources35
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Management of Financial Resources28
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control25
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring25
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis25
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting19
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operations Analysis13
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Sales and Marketing88
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Customer and Personal Service84
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language67
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administration and Management51
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mathematics51
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administrative50
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Psychology47
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Computers and Electronics44
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training42
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Communications and Media36
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Public Safety and Security34
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Economics and Accounting32
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

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Production and Processing31
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Telecommunications26
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Design25
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Law and Government24
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Transportation24
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Engineering and Technology22
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Sociology and Anthropology22
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Personnel and Human Resources21
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Mechanical20
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Foreign Language19
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Medicine and Dentistry19
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Fine Arts18
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Therapy and Counseling16
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Geography15
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Philosophy and Theology12
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Building and Construction11
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Chemistry10
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Food Production9
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Physics9
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
History and Archeology7
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Biology4
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Problem Sensitivity53
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Information Ordering50
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision50
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Comprehension50
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning47
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Fluency of Ideas47
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

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Inductive Reasoning47
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Originality47
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Memorization44
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Mathematical Reasoning41
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility41
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed38
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Trunk Strength38
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visualization38
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Far Vision35
The ability to see details at a distance.
Finger Dexterity35
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness31
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Flexibility of Closure31
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination25
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Depth Perception22
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Dynamic Strength22
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Extent Flexibility22
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Static Strength22
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Explosive Strength13
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Reaction Time13
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Speed of Limb Movement13
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Rate Control10
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public93
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Selling or Influencing Others85
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Getting Information77
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships75
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems72
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates66
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events65
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge64
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Working with Computers62
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Handling and Moving Objects61
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others61
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People59
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings58
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work54
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Processing Information53
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Thinking Creatively52
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Assisting and Caring for Others51
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others50
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Performing General Physical Activities50
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Controlling Machines and Processes49
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others47
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization46
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Developing Objectives and Strategies46
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Developing and Building Teams45
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Analyzing Data or Information44
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards44
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Documenting/Recording Information43
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information43
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Training and Teaching Others41
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Scheduling Work and Activities40
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coaching and Developing Others38
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials38
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing Administrative Activities35
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates33
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others32
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources22
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment22
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment22
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment21
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Staffing Organizational Units14
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment11
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Social Orientation87
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Optimism69
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Dependability66
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cooperation63
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Perseverance59
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Empathy54
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Achievement Orientation53
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Confidence52
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative51
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Attention to Detail50
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Self-Control50
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Integrity47
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

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Adaptability39
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Stress Tolerance39
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Sincerity36
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Leadership Orientation27
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity21
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Intellectual Curiosity16
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation15
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Cautiousness2
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Enterprising86
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional70
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic37
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Social33
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic16
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Investigative0
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others89%
- Contact with others most of the time11%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day88%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important64%
- Very important31%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day90%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important50%
- Very important43%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day71%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Never12%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important43%
- Very important38%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day78%
- Never19%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom35%
- Some freedom44%
- Limited freedom13%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually46%
- More than half the time18%
- About half the time34%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results47%
- Important results18%
- Moderate results28%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day59%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%

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E-Mail
- Every day62%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Never24%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)16%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)55%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)19%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually26%
- More than half the time43%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time19%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive39%
- Highly competitive17%
- Moderately competitive32%
- Not at all competitive12%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important37%
- Very important16%
- Important27%
- Fairly important12%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important34%
- Very important14%
- Important32%
- Fairly important12%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom29%
- Some freedom22%
- Limited freedom21%
- Very little freedom17%
Time Pressure
- Every day20%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week50%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually27%
- More than half the time15%
- About half the time24%
- Less than half the time11%
- Never23%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never15%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility12%
- High responsibility21%
- Moderate responsibility30%
- Limited responsibility15%
- No responsibility22%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually19%
- About half the time24%
- Less than half the time33%
- Never18%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours38%
- Less than 40 hours53%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility13%
- High responsibility23%
- Moderate responsibility12%
- Limited responsibility24%
- No responsibility27%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Never44%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day32%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never43%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious11%
- Serious15%
- Fairly serious30%
- Not serious at all34%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day29%
- Never63%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never50%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated11%
- Moderately automated28%
- Slightly automated25%
- Not at all automated36%
Spend Time Sitting
- About half the time29%
- Less than half the time30%
- Never33%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never53%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time20%
- Less than half the time50%
- Never23%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never60%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never62%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day12%
- Never74%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time62%
- Never33%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never74%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never52%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never69%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day13%
- Never83%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never65%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never73%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never81%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never80%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time45%
- Never55%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never90%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time19%
- Never77%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)15%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)85%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never92%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never91%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all94%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Less than high school diploma
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
Database software, FileMaker Pro, Gift registry software, Microsoft Access
Word processing software
Google Docs, Microsoft Word
Point of sale POS software
iQmetrix RQ4 Retail Management System, Plexis Software Plexis POS, The General Store, TokenWorks Magnetic Card Reader
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, SmugMug Flickr
Operating system software
Apple macOS, Handheld computer device software, Microsoft Windows
Internet browser software
Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook, LinkedIn, Social media sites
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks, Sage 50 Accounting
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft SharePoint
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Oracle PeopleSoft, SAP software
Customer relationship management CRM software
Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce software
Instant messaging software
Blink, GroupMe
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Development environment software
Eclipse IDE
Video conferencing software
Google Meet
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign
Video creation and editing software
YouTube
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Google Drive
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Human resources software
Exact business software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Inventory management software
Inventory management systems

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Gather customer or product information to determine customer needs.
Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
Recommend products or services to customers.
Maintain records of sales or other business transactions.
Process sales or other transactions.
Set up merchandise displays.
Calculate costs of goods or services.
Answer customer questions about goods or services.
Review laws or regulations to maintain professional knowledge.
Reconcile records of sales or other financial transactions.
Prepare sales or other contracts.
Advise customers on the use of products or services.

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Demonstrate products to consumers.
Explain technical product or service information to customers.
Monitor inventories of products or materials.
Purchase stocks of merchandise or supplies.
Estimate costs or terms of sales.
Assist customers with product selection.
Package materials or products.
Monitor work areas to provide security.
Arrange delivery of goods or services.
Sell products or services.
Clean work areas.
Arrange services or reservations for patrons.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology