If you have a basic understanding of common home improvement tasks, you may want to consider a career as a Home Depot sales associate. Plus, with a broad range of responsibilities and a lucrative benefits package, this position has a lot to offer to the right candidate. In our article, we will be covering the primary job functions of this position and other relevant details.
Home Depot Sales Associate Job Description & Duties: What Does a Home Depot Sales Associate Do?
Home Depot sales associates are responsible for knowing their area of the store inside and out. From answering customer questions to ringing up purchases for their department, these positions require a great deal of multitasking and strong people skills for ongoing success.
Home Depot Sales Associate Job Duties
The main responsibility of a sales associate is to seek out customers in their work area and make sure they are finding everything that they need. When needed, you will be expected to direct customers to specific areas of the store to find their desired merchandise. In addition, you will often help guide their purchasing decisions when they are unsure. The primary job responsibilities of sales associate at Home Depot include:
- Ringing up customer purchases in your designated coverage area
- Answering any questions customers may have and making proactive recommendations
- Informing customer of additional services, like extended warranty coverage
- Participating in ongoing training that pertains to your area of the store
- Ensuring the work area is free of clutter and other potential hazards
Home Depot Sales Associate Working Hours
In a lot of cases, sales associate positions at Home Depot are part-time only and you can work anywhere from 20 to 30 hours each week. And, at larger stores, full-time openings may become available that average closer to 40 hours.
The shift times for these positions can vary considerably, ranging anywhere from early morning to late nights.
During certain sales events, overtime may occasionally be required. This is particularly true around Thanksgiving, where many stores may have expanded operational hours.
Home Depot Sales Associate Work Environment
The biggest thing you should know about the work environment of Home Depot sales associates is that you will be spending large amounts of time on your feet. If you decide to apply for this position, you should consider investing in a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
In addition, you should also be comfortable approaching people and offering them help. A basic understanding of home improvement knowledge is also extremely beneficial for this position.
A Day in the Life of an Associate at Home Depot
According to Home Depot itself, this is what you can expect to do on a daily basis as a sales associate at Home Depot:
- Provide personal and knowledgeable service to customers
- Work in a fast-paced and exciting environment
- Receive questions from customers about each section of the store
- Be on your feet about 8-10 hours a day
- Learn something new
Home Depot Sales Associate Salary
Most associates at Home Depot start anywhere from $11 to $12 an hour. Previous work experience, as well as knowing a second language, can sometimes improve the starting pay rate slightly.
Besides the base compensation, all employees are eligible for a special employee discount on in-store purchases. Additionally, in the case of full-time employees, you will receive additional benefits like a 401(k,) health insurance, and paid vacation time.
According to PayScale, the average hourly rate for a sales associate at Home Depot is $11.08. Based on salary and bonuses, you can earn between $20,500 and $31,859 per year.
Benefits of Working at Home Depot
Although a sales associate position may not earn you many benefits, you could earn them if you’re full-time, and there’s always the potential to earn a promotion. Home Depot offers what they call the Orangelife Advantage, which encompasses the many benefits that they offer their employees. These include:
Additional Sources of Income
- Paid Time Off and Vacation
- Regular merit increases (performance-based)
- 401(k) savings plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee stock purchase plan
Resources for Healthy Living
- Insurance plans (life, renter’s, home, pet, etc.)
- Medical, dental, vision plans
- Adoption assistance
- CARE solutions for life
Exclusive Deals & Discounts
- Commuter benefits
- Discounts on gym memberships, cell phone carriers, travel, electronics, etc.
- Vacation center with exclusive travel deals
How Easy is it to Get a Job at Home Depot?
According to Stephen Holmes, the Home Depot spokesman, they usually hire about 70,000 people per year. But, most are hired in the beginning of the year. So, it’s a good idea to put in your application then. The Spring season is like Christmastime for Home Depot, as that is the time that many people are looking for home improvement.
Home Depot Values
Another important part of choosing a company to work for is understanding their values. In order to work for a company, it’s a good idea to choose somewhere that has the same values as you. Here is a list of things that Home Depot deeply believes in.
Taking Care of Our People
Home Depot believes that taking care of their employees will greatly benefit them. So, if the employees are unsatisfied, then Home Depot won’t be the best that in can be. They achieve this through growth and advancement opportunities, and making sure that every employee has a voice and is heard.
Excellent Customer Service
Home Depot knows that without their customers, they wouldn’t have a business. So, they strive to meet the needs of every single customer, and provide them with exceptional customer service and knowledge about the products being sold.
Respect for All People
Diversity is valued at Home Depot, and they believe in mutual respect and inclusion.
Building Strong Relationships
Home Depot says that honesty, trust, and integrity are the foundations for a strong relationship. Basically, these strive to meet these each and every day for both customers and employees.
Doing the Right Thing
Home Depot always accepts responsibility for their actions and does not tolerate unethical behavior. They “do the right thing.”
Entrepreneurial Spirit
They encourage all employees to be innovative and creative in meeting the needs of customers, and going above and beyond.
Giving Back
Home Depot believes in giving their time, energy, talent, and resources to the community and society. They organize corporate community involvement through The Home Depot Foundation.
Creating Shareholder Value
Home Depot is sure to uphold their core values in order to use their investment wisely and ensure a profitable company.
Our Final Thoughts on Becoming a Home Depot Sales Associate
A career as an associate at Home Depot can be quite rewarding for individuals who love working with people. Also, you will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including helping customers locate merchandise and guiding them to the best purchasing decision possible. So, to find out more about these types of positions, head over to the Home Depot careers page.
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