Inventory clerks work in retail stores, warehouses, and supermarkets to stock shelves and keep track of supplies. In some settings, they are responsible for pricing goods and ordering new products when quantities are getting low. Employers generally prefer to hire inventory clerks who hold high school diplomas and have strong math and communication skills. Professional experience in customer service jobs can be helpful in finding work, though people can usually obtain inventory clerk jobs with little or no previous training. A person who wants to become an inventory clerk can improve his or her chances of landing a job by putting together a resume, filling out many applications, and mastering the personal traits needed to succeed in the position.
Careful attention to detail and a friendly personality are needed to become an inventory clerk. Successful clerks have the ability to display items neatly and keep accurate inventory records by applying basic addition and multiplication skills. Some workers hold night shifts, taking inventory and stocking items while stores are closed, but the majority of clerks work during regular store hours. Employers usually expect them to greet customers and offer their help to find certain items, so clerks need to maintain pleasant attitudes and clean appearances.
A person can search online job postings and newspaper ads to find opportunities to become an inventory clerk. After identifying potential employers, he or she can visit stores to fill out applications and submit resumes. An individual can create a thorough, attractive resume using templates found in word processing programs and online job search Web sites. It is important to provide honest information about education, work experience, and personal traits. Many stores will hire new clerks with little or no experience, so long as they are reliable and willing to learn job skills.
An applicant who lands an interview can maximize his chances of being selected to become an inventory clerk by dressing appropriately, showing up on time, and speaking with confidence. By researching a store's policies and floor layout beforehand, a hopeful clerk can show the interviewer that he or she is serious about the job. It is helpful to place follow-up phone calls after an interview to emphasize interest in the position.
Once a person is able to become an inventory clerk, he or she usually undergoes several hours of training with managers to become familiar the details of the position. A new clerk learns how to record available quantities, place items on shelves, and enter pricing information into computers. With experience, an inventory clerk may be placed in charge of contacting distributors to place orders and organize shipping arrangements. A clerk who performs the job exceptionally well may be rewarded with a promotion to a management position within a store.
