We surveyed 64,139 retail salespeople to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical retail salesperson. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a retail salesperson?

Low

High

Working as a retail salesperson typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a retail salesperson?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a retail salesperson typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a retail salesperson?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically not very difficult to find a job as a retail salesperson. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for retail salespeople.

Info

Do retail salespeople work full-time or part-time?

31% of retail salespeople work in full-time roles while 69% work part-time.

Is being a retail salesperson stressful?

Low

High

Stress is not uncommon amongst retail salespeople, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.

Is being organized important as a retail salesperson?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a retail salesperson.

How competitive is the workplace for retail salespeople?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for retail salespeople.

Does being a retail salesperson require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for retail salespeople.

Are retail salespeople allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Retail salespeople rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do retail salespeople have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Retail salespeople tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.

Is being a retail salesperson physically demanding?

Low

High

Being a retail salesperson may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.

Are retail salespeople exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Retail salespeople tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a retail salesperson require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a retail salesperson.

Does being a good retail salesperson require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as retail salespeople.