Sales Associate Job Description Template

This sales associate job description template includes the typical job functions, responsibilities, and requirements of a sales associate position. With this information, you can start building a job ad to attract the best candidates. Rather than copying and pasting this template, however, you should work with your hiring managers to tailor the template to your organization’s needs.

To learn more about how to use this template, check out our guide. For more information about writing effective job descriptions, read here.

Work with your hiring managers to customize this job description according to your company’s vision for the position.

The sales associate is responsible for selling our products and services while also taking great care of our customers. Responsibilities include helping with sales, dealing with customer inquiries, merchandising, and maintaining the sales floor’s cleanliness, products, signage, and displays.

Sales associates are the public face of our brand and an important part of our customer experience. They should be dedicated to providing a high-quality experience for customers—greeting them on arrival, assisting them with purchases, returns, refunds, and resolving complaints.

The best sales associate has a combination of empathy and tact needed to turn frustrated customers into happy customers while following company policies. The ideal candidate will also be proactive about learning, continuously updating their knowledge of company products, services, and policies.

Be sure to review these items and make any changes needed in order to match what a sales associate will do in your company.

• Greet customers in a friendly and polite manner
• Assist customers in the store and on the phone
• Respond to questions, direct customers to merchandise within the store, and provide excellent customer service
• Educate customers about current promotions
• Maintain superior knowledge of products and services
• Contribute to team's daily sales goals
• Monitor inventory levels and restock shelves as needed
• Stamp, mark, and tag prices on merchandise
• Maintain the orderliness of the sales floor
• Operate cash registers, take payments, and issue receipts

Adjust these requirements to reflect the experience and skills your organization is seeking in a sales associate.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Enthusiastic, friendly, and energetic with a genuine desire to provide outstanding service
• Basic understanding of sales principles and customer service practices
• Proficiency to read, write, and effectively communicate with customers, coworkers, and management
• Available to work a variety of hours (may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts)
• Ability to work as part of a team and take independent initiative without direct supervision
• Basic math proficiency
• Physically able to move, stand, reach, and grab for two consecutive hours or more (may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb ladders)
• High attention to detail
• Demonstrated selling skills
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance