How Do I Become an Order Selector?

An order selector keeps track of a business’s inventory. As such, he or she is responsible for the storage, reception, and distribution of products and other company materials. In general, the individual aiming to become an order selector will seek work in warehouses or other storage facilities of retail outlets and manufacturing companies. Order selector training will typically occur on the job with no specialized education required. Certain abilities will be useful, however, such as physical fitness, familiarity with electronic and mobile machinery, and a detail-oriented personality.

Individuals who become an order selector will primarily move and categorize items, and certain skills will help proficiency in these areas. A keen eye for detail is perhaps the most important aptitude an order selector can possess. Every item under a company’s ownership must be properly labeled and stored when it arrives. Products may be classified in any number of ways, from size and color to product type. Order selectors must move this process along smoothly and diligently keep records and checklists of every cataloged item.

In addition, order selectors must oversee the safety and maintenance of products under their supervision. This requires carefully moving items and ensuring that no items were damaged in delivery processes. Many items may be heavy, so reasonable fitness levels will help. Transporting items to and from storage areas often requires knowledge in operating special lifting and moving equipment like pallets and forklifts. Products must also be electronically tagged, so aptitude in operating electronic labeling equipment and computer databases is essential in many positions as well.

A prospect wishing to become an order selector should view himself or herself as a first line of defense in customer service. These individuals help maintain product quality, and they are the final assurance that a customer receives the exact product that was purchased. Further, they help replace items returned due to customer complaints. Since order selection is often a team effort, an amiable and customer-service-oriented personality is ideal. With experience and the right attitude, an order selector may advance into a management or inside sales position.

On-the-job training often drives the process to become an order selector. An ability to work under more experienced leadership and follow orders is thus desirable. In general, the employee who will become an order selector will not need any advanced education. Graduation from a high school level program can typically provide the basic mathematical and language-oriented order selector requirements.

During your job search, you should peruse traditional and online classified advertisements. Typical job titles that might encompass order selector duties include warehouse assistant, warehouse clerk, and stocker. You might also visit local warehouses or retail outlets such as clothing and department stores to ask about available opportunities.