O*NET-SOC 41-2031.00

Retail Salespersons

Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 2 – Some preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresSome previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Persuasion2.B.1.c3.8808/2018
Active Listening2.A.1.b3.7508/2018
Service Orientation2.B.1.f3.7508/2018
Speaking2.A.1.d3.7508/2018
Negotiation2.B.1.d3.508/2018
Social Perceptiveness2.B.1.a3.508/2018

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.34.008/2018
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.13.8808/2018
Speech Clarity1.A.4.b.53.6208/2018
Speech Recognition1.A.4.b.43.6208/2018
Problem Sensitivity1.A.1.b.33.1208/2018
Information Ordering1.A.1.b.63.008/2018

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.Core9108/2018
Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.Core9108/2018
Compute sales prices, total purchases, and receive and process cash or credit payment.Core8808/2018
Prepare merchandise for purchase or rental.Core9008/2018
Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.Core9108/2018

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Enterprising6.0811/2023
Conventional5.0411/2023
Realistic3.311/2023
Social2.9811/2023
Artistic2.0911/2023
Investigative1.011/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 2

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.