I want to start as a sales associate in one department store. Need experience?
Asked by LMH
For example I would love to work for Macy's, Dillards or any other department store. I never was a sales associate but it's my dream to work in a department store and hopefully one day I can go up to managment department. Do I need experience in sales to get started? How much they pay for sales person? I have some experience in IT as a managment assistant. Thank you!

Best Answer:
The key in sales is to ask questions, be pleasant and engaging, and help people find answers/solve their problems. If you are engaging and helpful and approachable and professional and presentable.....you have what it takes. Show from your references and work history that you are reliable, trustworthy, helpful, work well in a team, work well independently...Show in your interview porcess that you are passionate about what you do and who you are, and that you want this kind of job. You understand that it is about knowing the products and asking questions about people and making people feel comfortable at the store. You are engaging, dress classy contemporary, make yourself up in the same vane... They all pay differently, but you can make good money at it. I would earmark 10 department stores in your area, drop by during slow hours professionally dressed, ask to see the manager, and hand your resume to them in person. Tell them what you want to do, and ask them when a a good time would be to follow up with them about opportunities in the department. Perhaps they need seasonal help, or help during an upcoming sale or event.... They may ask you to follow up with HR or be otherwise dismissive, but don't take it personnally. They may be busy. Just smile politely/genuinely and thank them for their time. Ask for their business card so you can follow up. Write follow up letters to everyone you spoke with and touch base with them at the beginning of April, July, and October. You should, of course, go through the process of HR. After dropping off your resume to the manager(s), you will probably be directed to HR. Ask to take home the application; tell them you are in a rush, but want to get this back to them completed asap. When you are home, take your time and fill the application thoroughly and completely. When you drop off your application with your resume, thank them for their time and ask them their name, and the manager's name so you can send them follow up thank you letters. This may sound over the top, but it should make an impression and get you in the door for an interview, where you will be able to close the deal and get the job!

As far as I know, you don't need any experience for these jobs, but they generally don't pay very well. It will probably be easier to get a job during the busy seasons (holidays and summer) and gradually work your way up to a management position.
Answered by xylogirl20

No you don't need experience they hire almost anyone. I say this because I work for a Large Department Store for 7 years. It is a little harder to get into Management for that you need some Merchandising experience. The key to these jobs is customer service and people skills. They don't pay much either just wasn't for me I now own my own business with Mary Kay and would never go back to working for someone else so it's hard for me to be objective sorry
Answered by Sandra D