Comparisons of Two Jobs at True Value

Human Resources: Job Analysis/Job Description

The jobs of Retail Sales Associate and Inbound Stocking and Receiving Associate at True Value were compared and analyzed. They are somewhat similar in job skills and educational requirements, though the requirements and duties diverge at different points. Using information from YouTube, the U.S. Department of Labor and journal articles, job descriptions were written and are believed to be compliant with state and federal requirements.

Compare two job positions and perform job analysis of each

The "Undercover Boss" episode chosen was "Undercover Boss -- True Value" (Lenyu, 2014). The President/CEO went undercover as a new sales associate to work with an experienced sales associate and as a new inbound stocking and receiving associate to work with an experienced inbound stocking and receiving associate. The True Value web site was no help in comparing and analyzing the two jobs because there are no positions open for either job.

A True Value Sales Associate is a retail sales associate who: helps customers choose products by explanations, demonstrations and recommendations; keeps the shelves stocked and orderly, prepares sales displays, and may ring up sales by using a cash register, a barcode scanner, a calculator and/or a credit card machine (Lenyu, 2014). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is no formal education requirement; however, some employers prefer a high school education (United States Department of Labor, n.d.). Required skills for the job include: strong communication skills; ability to work well with other people; courteousness, efficiency, personal tidiness, knowledge of basic math and basic computer technology (United States Department of Labor, n.d.). As of 2012, retail sales workers earn $21,410 per year or $10.29 per hour and job opportunities for these positions are expected to increase by 10% between 2012 and 2022 (United States Department of Labor, n.d.).

In contrast, an "inbound stocking and receiving associate" does not have as much direct customer contact; rather, he/she receives, unpacks, inspects, stores and distributes merchandise, materials, equipment and related items from the stockroom, warehouse or storage yard to fill merchandise shelves, racks and tables within the store and/or to fill direct customer orders. he/she may also mark the prices on merchandise and set up sales displays in the store (United States Department of Labor, n.d.). Many employers require that these employees be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or an equivalent and be able to perform basic bookkeeping in order to perform inventory control. The skills required for the job include: the ability to lift heavy objects, bend and stoop; the ability to operate machinery and equipment such as scanners, pallet trucks and dollies; basic organizational and office skills, including some computer skills, data entry skills, word processing skills and inventory tracking skills; good customer service skills and team-working skills; sometimes a valid driver's license and a clean DMV record; sometimes need to be bonded (United States Department of Labor, n.d.). The job growth is not encouraging, as so much of inventory is becoming automated, though they are often considered entry level positions with opportunities for advancement. This position paid on average $22,050 or $10.99-hour in 2012 (United States Department of Labor, n.d.)

b. Method of collecting information for job analysis

Information for the job analysis of sales associate and inbound stocking and receiving associate were obtained by viewing the "Undercover Boss" YouTube video, reading statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Labor's handbook, and one-on-one discussions with both sales associates and stock/inventory clerks at a local Home Depot. The job titles of other employees did not exactly match those at true value but it is believed that they are more attractive in order to make employees happier and likelier to stay in their jobs (Smith, Spring 2004).

c. Create a job description from the analysis

i. Retail Sales Associate

1. Duties:

A Company X sales associate: helps customers choose products by explanations, demonstrations and recommendations; keeps the shelves stocked and orderly, prepares sales displays, and may ring up sales by using a cash register, a barcode scanner, a calculator and/or a credit card machine. his/her responsibilities are to:

Help customers their purchases by explaining products, discounts and special offers, giving product demonstrations and recommendations;

Strive to meet or exceed personal and team sales goals;

Keep sales floor shelves stocked and orderly;

Prepare sales displays;

Close sales transactions by use of the cash register, barcode scanner, calculator or credit card machine.

2. Knowledge and Skills.

Strong communication skills;

Ability to work well with other people;

Courteousness,

Efficiency,

Personal tidiness,

Knowledge of basic math;

Knowledge of basic computer technology

3. Educational Qualifications and Experience

High School Diploma or GED preferred;

1-year prior experience preferred.

4. Salary

$10.29 per hour.

ii. Inbound Stocking And Receiving Associate

1. Duties

A Company X Inbound Stocking and Receiving Associate he/she receives, unpacks, inspects, stores and distributes merchandise, materials, equipment and related items from the stockroom, warehouse or storage yard to fill merchandise shelves, racks and tables within the store and/or to fill direct customer orders. he/she may also be required to mark the prices on merchandise and set up sales displays in the store. his/her responsibilities are:

Receive merchandise, materials, equipment and related items for the stockroom, warehouse or storage yard;

Unpack, inspect and store merchandise, materials, equipment and related items from the stockroom, warehouse or storage yard;

Keep accurate inventory of merchandise, materials, equipment and related items;

Distribute merchandise, materials, equipment and related items from the stockroom, warehouse or storage yard to fill merchandise shelves, racks and tables within the store;

Fill direct customer orders;

Mark the prices on merchandise and set up sales displays in the store as required

2. Knowledge and Skills

Ability to lift heavy objects, bend and stoop;

Ability to operate machinery and equipment such as scanners, pallet trucks and dollies;

Basic organizational and office skills, including some computer skills, data entry skills, word processing skills and inventory tracking skills;

Good customer service skills, including strong communication skills, courteousness and efficiency;