A backroom associate organizes inventory and product shipments for retail. To be successful, backroom associates need many skills, such as physical fitness and artistic thinking. If you’re a backroom associate or applying for backroom associate positions, it may be beneficial to learn about how to improve your skills and make them stand out. In this article, we explore the responsibilities and skills of backroom associates and how you can showcase your skills in your job search.
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What is a backroom associate?
A backroom associate is a retail employee who works primarily in the store’s backroom, receiving shipments of goods. They distribute merchandise from the storeroom to the sales floor. Though a backroom employee spends most of their time managing products, they may spend some time on the sales floor answering customer questions and assisting sales staff members.
The backroom associate position is typically entry-level, but prior experience in retail or warehouses can be helpful. Most employers require that candidates have a high school diploma or equivalent. Since backroom associates manage high-value goods, most employers conduct several background checks before hiring for the position.
What does a backroom associate do?
A backroom associate processes and unloads the store inventory merchandise. Depending on the store and the type of merchandise, backroom associates may use heavy machinery like forklifts and inventory control software to organize and label the products. They also maintain the organization and cleanliness of the backroom to ensure the safety and well-being of all staff.
Some stores have extensive inventories to manage, and shipments of merchandise may arrive multiple times daily. Backroom associates check shipments for accuracy, ensuring the store receives all items they purchased. They then stock these items and monitor for defective or expired merchandise, reporting defective items and pulling them from the shelves. They may also place orders for supplies, attend store meetings and design item displays.
Top eight backroom associate skills
These are the eight skills most successful backroom associates have:
Physical fitness
Because backroom associates need to lift and move heavy merchandise, it’s important for them to be physically fit. Backroom associates understand and follow proper lifting techniques to stay healthy and avoid injury. For example, a backroom associate arrives at work and moves boxes of laundry soap from one end of the storeroom to the other. Then, they lift the laundry soap and place it on the shelf in the correct spot. Before finishing, they must fold the boxes and carry them all to the recycling area.
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Thinking critically to solve problems is essential for a backroom associate to be successful. Backroom associates manage large volumes of information and items every day, and occasionally issues arise they need to resolve. For example, a backroom associate is stocking shelves before the store opens when they realize the previous shift mislabeled several items. The associate determines it may take far too long to re-label the product themselves, so they ask for the help of other backroom associates. Together, they’re able to finish it quickly and return to their original tasks.
Time management skills
Daily operations in retail backrooms are busy, and associates usually manage many tasks. Time management is imperative for associates to ensure they can complete their work efficiently. For example, a backroom associate knows that they have two shipments of goods arriving and that they need to stock more items on the sales floor before the shipments come. By working with other associates and prioritizing customer-facing tasks, the associate can finish before the shipments arrive, completing all tasks before the end of their shift.
Customer service abilities
Though backroom associates spend most of their time working with inventory, there are situations where they may interact with customers. It’s important for associates to provide excellent customer service by being helpful and kind. For example, a backroom associate is trying to find a sales associate to inform them that a product is out of stock. While looking for the sales associate, a customer approaches the backroom associate and asks for the same item. The backroom associate explains the product is currently out of stock and offers to help place an online order for the customer.
Safety observation and adherence
Associates operate machines and move and lift heavy products, so strict adherence to safety protocols is very important. It not only keeps the associate safe but influences a workplace atmosphere that values the safety and wellbeing of the employees. For example, a backroom associate feels lightheaded while unloading supplies in the backroom. They immediately stop operating the forklift and take a break, drinking plenty of water and stretching. Once they feel clear-headed again, they return to their task. By avoiding operating equipment when impaired, the associate ensures the safety of all backroom staff.
Close attention to detail
Backroom associates need to notice defective or expired items so they can remove them from the shelves or return them to the supplier. Close attention to detail allows the associate to assess the merchandise they’re managing accurately. For example, a backroom associate is unloading a shipment of stuffed animals for a promotion. Upon inspecting the shipment for issues, the associate realizes the stuffed animals all have the wrong color and logo. By identifying the problem immediately, the associate can notify their manager, who contacts the supplier and requests the correct items so they arrive on time for the promotion.
Excellent communication skills
Like other retail staff, backroom associates work with many other employees, and they communicate information about inventory and which items are in stock. Effectively articulating to others allows them to promote an efficient and consistent work environment. For example, a backroom associate realizes their Monday morning shipment is running late. They identify the key issues this may cause and quickly notify the manager so they can contact the shipping company and inform staff on how to adjust.
Artistic thinking
Backroom associates stock the merchandise, and sometimes they need to arrange the items aesthetically to help them sell. An artistic view can be helpful for backroom staff. For example, a backroom associate works at a boutique furniture and decor store and has just received a shipment of new end tables. To show their best qualities, the associate arranges the end tables with other furniture and decor pieces. This highlights the end tables and makes them more appealing to customers.
How to make backroom associate skills stand out
If you’re interested in getting a job as a backroom associate, you’ll want to make sure your most relevant skills stand out. Here are some ways you can do that:
1. Emphasize backroom associate skills on your resume
When crafting your resume, highlight your most relevant backroom associate skills. Consider the skills listed in the job posting, and the skills you have, and focus on the area where they overlap. If you have experience in retail or warehouse work, consider discussing the skills you gained during your time in those positions.
2. Showcase backroom associate skills in your cover letter
If the position you’re applying for requires a cover letter, use the body of the letter to showcase your applicable skills. Focus on qualities like attention to detail, time management, and customer service, and explain how you developed and used them in your previous positions. If possible, try to use figures that communicate the positive impact you had. For example, you might say, “I designed displays that allowed products to sell 10% faster.”
3. Discuss backroom associate skills in your job interview
Showcase time management by arriving early to the meeting and attention to detail by presenting yourself professionally. You can also use your interview to show your communication skills. Make eye contact with the interviewer, employ active listening skills, and display confidence.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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