The position of a Home Depot sales associate may be a good fit for those who have a basic understanding of common home improvement tasks.
This position comes with many responsibilities and a lucrative benefits package, and it has a lot to offer to the right person.
In this article, we will explore the aspects of the job such as duties, requirements, and other important details.
Article Table of Contents
What Does a Home Depot Sales Associate Do
Home Depot sales associates should know their area in the store like the back of their hand.
The range of responsibilities in this position is quite broad, including tasks from answering customer’s questions to ringing up purchases for the department.
Home Depot sales associates should have strong people skills and an ability to multitask.
Responsibilities
The primary task of a Home Depot sales associate is to seek customers in their department and ensure they can find everything they need.
You will have to direct customers to the right area in the store where they can find the merchandise they need.
Besides, you will help guide customers’ purchasing decisions when they are not sure about them.
The main duties of a Home Depot sales associate include:
- Ringing up customer purchases in your department.
- Answering customers’ questions and making recommendations.
- Provide customers with information about additional services, such as extended warranty.
- Taking part in ongoing training related to your department.
- Ensuring that the work area is tidy, clean, and safe, and free of potential hazards.
Working Hours
Most frequently, the position of a sales associate at Home Depot is part-time with a workweek ranging from 20 to 30 hours.
Full-time positions may be available at larger stores, with a 40-hour workweek.
Sales associates work in shifts, which can vary significantly.
The shift may be scheduled at any time from early mornings to late nights.
Some overtime work may be required at the time of sales events.
Mostly, this happens around Thanksgiving, when multiple stores extend their operational hours.
Work Environment
The most significant factor to remember about the work environment at Home Depot is that you will spend most of the time on your feet.
When applying to this position, you may want to look for a pair of comfortable shoes as well.
You should also be comfortable approaching strangers, communicating with them and offering your assistance.
For this position, you also need some basic understanding of home improvement tasks.
Daily Routine of a Home Depot Associate
According to Home Depot, as a sales associate, you can expect to do the following every day:
- Provide knowledgeable and personal service to customers.
- Work in a fast-paced environment.
- Receive and answer questions about all sections of the store.
- Stay on your feet for 8 to 10 hours a day.
- Learn something new.
Salary Details
Commonly, the starting pay for Home Depot associates ranges from $11 to $12 per hour.
With work experience and/or knowledge of a second language, the starting pay can be higher.
Additionally to the base compensation, Home Depot employees can benefit from an in-store discount.
Full-time workers are also eligible for benefits, such as 401k, paid vacation time, and health insurance.
PayScale reports that the average hourly rate for a Home Depot sales associate is $11.08.
The salary and bonuses combined can sum up to the amount of $20,500 to $31,859 annually.
Benefits
While there aren’t many benefits offered to sales associates working part-time, you can always get promoted to full-time positions.
For the full-time employees, there is a benefits package available, which Home Depot calls the Orangelife Advantage.
The package includes the following:
Additional Sources of Income
- Performance-based merit increases.
- Paid Time Off and Vacation.
- 401(k) savings plan.
- Employee stock purchase plan.
- Tuition reimbursement.
Healthy Living Resources
- CARE solutions for life.
- Adoption assistance.
- Medical, dental, vision plans.
- Insurance plans (life, renter’s, home, pet, etc.).
Discounts and Exclusive Deals
- Discounts on gym memberships, cell phone carriers, travel, electronics, etc.
- Commuter benefits.
- Vacation center with exclusive travel deals.
How to Get a Job at Home Depot
Stephen Holmes, the Home Depot spokesman, informs that Home Depot hires about 70,000 people every year.
Mostly, they hire at the beginning of the year.
So, if you want to apply to a position at Home Depot, it’s better to do so at this time.
For Home Depot, the Spring season is like Christmastime.
This is the period when most people are planning some home improvement projects.
Home Depot Values
When you’re choosing a company to work for, it’s also important to understand their values.
It can be an essential factor, so it’s better to choose a company that has the same values as you do.
Taking Care of Our People
Home Depot believes that it’s beneficial for them as well to take care of their people.
So, Home Depot can’t be at its best if the employees are unsatisfied.
They provide growth and advancement opportunities and make sure that every employee has a say and is heard.
Excellent Customer Service
Home Depot knows that they wouldn’t have a business without their customers.
So, they aim at meeting the needs of every single customer and providing them with outstanding customer service and knowledge about their products.
Respect for All People
Home Depot believes in mutual respect and inclusion and values diversity.
Building Strong Relations
Home Depot believes that the foundation for a strong relationship is honesty, integrity, and trust.
They strive to meet these every day both for employees and customers.
Doing the Right Thing
Home Depot always takes responsibility for their actions and never tolerates unethical behavior.
They do the right thing.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
All employees are encouraged to be innovative and creative while meeting customers’ needs, and going the extra mile.
Giving Back
Home Depot believes in giving their energy, talent, time, and resources to the society and community.
They initiate the involvement of the corporate community through The Home Depot Foundation.
Home Depot upholds its core values to use its investment efficiently and ensure a profitable company.
Conclusion
Those who enjoy working with people may find a career as a Home Depot sales associate quite rewarding.
Sales associates are responsible for a wide array of tasks, from helping customers find the necessary merchandise to guiding them to the best purchasing decision.