An assistant to an inventory clerk carries a wide range of responsibilities and requirements. In order to become an inventory assistant, you must first be highly-organized and be able to multitask on a daily basis. This kind of job is physically demanding at times, so it is important that you are in shape and are not particularly susceptible to injuries. Generally, most companies that hire stock assistants require a minimum of a high school diploma, although employees holding bachelor's degrees often earn higher salaries. People skills can also play a role in becoming an inventory assistant, even though there is not usually a significant amount of in-person communication involved with customers.
The role of an inventory assistant can vary by employer, but your primary responsibilities will consist of managing products sold to customers. Accepting products, as well as distributing them to the correct destinations, takes a great deal of organization. You will also need to be able to efficiently multitask because the company will likely be working with multiple customers at one time. Depending on the specific business for which you work, you may also play a role in tracking the inventory of other businesses in order to prevent both internal and external product losses.
Unlike an office job, inventory control can oftentimes be physically demanding, so it is important that you are able to lift heavy items and stand on your feet for considerable amounts of time. You do not necessarily have to be in perfect physical shape in order to become an inventory assistant, but you should be prepared to exert a great deal of energy on a daily basis. If you find that the job is too demanding, then you might consider an office setting instead.
Education also plays a role if you want to become an inventory assistant. Many companies require a minimum of a high school degree before they hire stock clerks. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business management, your chances of progressing within the career are improved. Also keep in mind that the salaries for educated clerks are usually higher.
Your communication skills as well as a personable demeanor are other aspects to consider. Although you will essentially work in a company’s backroom or warehouse, you will still be required to talk to customers occasionally. It is important that you are able to communicate to customers professionally when relaying or taking order information. Also, to become an inventory assistant, you must be prepared to handle customer problems efficiently without getting upset or taking matters too personally.