Merchandisers are usually hired by manufacturers to interface with retailers of their products. The retail sales merchandiser works closely with retailers and maintains stock, places signage and develops promotions which enhance sales of the product. Merchandisers may work with any type of product including clothing, beauty supplies, home furnishings and even appliances. They are responsible for educating the retailer’s employees about the product they represent and for maintaining a good relationship between the manufacturer and the retailer.
About Sample Merchandiser Resumes
Although a four year college degree is preferred for merchandisers, there are no requirements for formal education and previous experience in similar positions may suffice. A resume detailing education and previous job experience and training is essential to a merchandiser. It is recommended that you review sample merchandiser resumes online for visual guidance when it comes to writing your own. These samples can suggest the best format and the type of information that should be included in a successful resume.
How to Write a Merchandiser Resume
Since a college degree is preferred, the names and addresses of any educational institutions which you attended should be listed with any degrees or certifications which you earned. Many employers accept on the job training or experience in similar jobs in lieu of formal education, so the names and addresses of all former employers with your job titles and responsibilities should be included in your resume. Related jobs would include account management, advertising and wholesale distribution.
Memberships in professional and community organizations are also part of a complete resume and a list of personal and business references with their contact information should be included. Most employers require references and including them in the resume saves everyone’s time. Merchandisers must have basic computer skills and knowledge of business software to track sales volume, manage stock and create reports.
Merchandiser Job Description
Merchandisers must travel and handle merchandise, so they should be able to lift and engage in a considerable amount of physical activity. Merchandising is not a 9 to 5 job and overtime is often necessary, particularly on weekends when retailers have their busiest sales days. The ability to communicate effectively with clients and their employees is essential and it is the merchandiser’s responsibility to educate store employees and to create enthusiasm for the product. Store displays, product placement and planning retail promotional campaigns are all duties which fall to retail merchandisers.
Merchandiser Salaries
Retail merchandisers had a median salary of about $27,000 per year in 2010. Salaries for retail merchandisers were reported to be about 60% lower than the average salaries for all jobs in the United States. Geographical location and experience have an effect on salary, but the average starting salary for a retail merchandiser was below $20,000 per year.
The job growth rate for merchandisers is predicted to be at about the average growth rate of all jobs in the United States or 12%. Since most retail merchandisers are young, under 30 years of age, attrition will allow most aspiring merchandisers to find employment in this field. There is fierce competition for higher paying jobs and those with college degrees in business have the best opportunities.
