How to become a Retail Sales Associate

Typically, there are no formal education requirements for retail sales associates. Some employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent, especially employers who sell technical products or "big-ticket" items, such as electronics or cars.

Most retail sales associates receive on-the-job training, which usually lasts a few days to a few months. In small stores, an experienced employee often trains newly hired workers. In large stores, training programs are more formal and usually conducted over several days.

Retail sales associates typically have opportunities to advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some employers want candidates for managerial positions to have a college degree.