Counter Clerks’ job involves interacting with clients who come into a store and answer any questions that they may have. They also keep the store stocked, cleaned and fitted with promotional information.
Counter Clerks are also referred to as Retail or Sales Assistants. They receive good starting salaries and benefits. They may be required to work long hours, holidays, overtime or on weekends, including Sundays

Tasks:

1. To answer customer questions
2. To collect payment for items sold
3. To conduct in store promotion
4. To notify customers of sales and special offers
5. To place orders for products
6. To stock the shelves

Key skills for a counter clerk:

• Teamwork and flexibility
• Stress management and politeness
• Being resilient and approachable
• Communication and arithmetic
• Being responsible and attentive
• Being self motivated and confident
• Being discrete and meticulous
• Following orders and resolving customer problems
• Following health and safety guidelines
• Working and standing for long hours
• Dressing and acting professionally

Average salary (2014):

The United Kingdom: £6.50 per hour
The United States of America: $10.80 per hour
Australia: AU$18.29 per hour

Qualifications and training required:

Formal education is not a requirement to work as a counter clerk. Many of the duties can be learn on the job. They are more valued for their skills, ability to interact with clients and getting a sale. Basic High School diploma, Higher National certificate (HNC), General certificate of Secondary education (GCSE) subjects, and National vocational courses(NVQs) are helpful. For those persons looking to get promoted to higher positions, studying Business, Management, Retail and Sales courses is advised.