Retail Resume Examples
Find helpful step-by-step guidance and retail resume examples that make it easy to create a job-winning resume in a few simple steps.
Retail Resume Examples
Cashier
Popular Examples in the Retail Space
Retail Sales Associate
Floor Supervisor
Assistant Store Manager
Checkout Operator
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Table of Contents
Retail Resume
- Best Buy Associate Resume
- Body Shop Manager Resume
- Cash Application Specialist Resume
- Cash Handler Resume
- Cash Management Manager Resume
- Cash Office Assistant Resume
- Clothing Sales Associate Resume
- Convenience Store Clerk Resume
- Counter Attendant Resume
- Customer Experience Manager Resume
- Customer Service Team Leader Resume
Retail Cover Letter
Get Expert Writing Recommendations for
Your Retail Resume
Our Resume Builder provides retail-specific text suggestions from our certified resume writers. These prewritten text options simplify the writing process, so you can craft a customized retail resume quickly and get the interview you want.
The key is being able to show employers which skills and experience you’ll bring to your next retail role. Here are some examples of content our builder might suggest for a retail resume:
- Assessed sales reports to identify and enhance sales performance.
- Assisted up to 100 customers per day in locating items in store.
- Increased sales 12% by offering advice on purchases.
- Stocked merchandise every day, clearly labeling items and arranging according to size or color.
- Increased product appeal and customer experience by interacting directly with customers.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store’s visual appeal.
- Answered customer telephone calls to provide information about store policies.
- Processed POS transactions, including checks, cash, and credit purchases.
- Opened and closed store 5 days per week.
6 Do’s and Don'ts for Writing a Retail Resume
As you write your retail resume, follow these expert writing tips:
- DO draw attention to your customer service skills. Detail ways your outgoing and friendly nature make a good impression and help you succeed in resolving customers’ complaints.
- DO indicate if you have a flexible schedule. Some retail jobs require nontraditional hours, such as weekend or overnight shifts. A potential employer may prioritize your application if you show that you are willing to work less-desirable shifts.
- DO illustrate your achievements through data and metrics. Don’t just say that you increased revenue by suggesting relevant add-ons in your last role. Use real numbers to quantify your results. For example, mentioning that you were able to upsell customer purchases by an average of 15 percent will pack a punch.
- DO list the languages you speak. Most employers require retail associates to speak fluent English, so it’s a good idea to point this out. If you are bilingual or multilingual, include this information on your resume, especially if you are applying to a store where customers likely speak multiple languages.
- DON’T forget about your physical qualifications. Many retail jobs require extensive walking, lifting, and bending. Make sure to include a complete list of these abilities on your resume, especially if the job description mentions them.
- DON’T downplay any relevant experience. Even if your past experience wasn’t in retail, including examples of how you provided exceptional customer service in past roles is valuable. Experience processing customer transactions in a restaurant or efficiently packing bags at a local market shows you have transferable skills.
- DON’T forget to include your relevant education. List the highest level of education you have completed. If you have a relevant degree, such as a BA in Merchandise Management, be sure to list it. If not, showcase your participation in retail-related activities such as fundraising, ticket sales, and event preparation.
- DON’T leave out your achievements. In your work experience section, make sure to point out accomplishments such as Employee of the Month awards, positive customer reviews, and record-breaking sales statistics.
Consider These Skills for Your Retail Resume
Many recruiters nowadays are using computer programs called applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan submitted resumes to weed out unqualified candidates. An ATS looks for certain phrases and keywords, typically outlined in the job ad, to determine if a candidate has the required qualifications.
When you’re applying for a retail position, the chances are good that an ATS will read your resume before a human does, especially if you are applying for a job at a large retail store that’s part of a national or international brand. The key to getting your resume past an ATS is using the right language to describe your skills and work experience.
LiveCareer’s Resume Builder makes it easy by suggesting sought-after skills for the retail industry. Here are some suggestions the builder might make for a retail resume:
- Upselling items to customers.
- Stocking and restocking shelves.
- Mental arithmetic for handling cash transactions.
- Arranging holiday and sales displays in stores.
- Salesmanship.
- POS operation.
- Accepting returns and processing refunds.
- Answering customer questions and recommending products.
- Product knowledge.
- Merchandising.
Retail Resumes for Every Professional Level
This resume for an entry-level retail position uses a functional resume format to draw attention away from her limited work experience and toward her relevant professional skills, including customer assistance, organization, and attention to detail. She also uses the Professional Skills section to convey concrete examples of how she used each skill in action during previous jobs.
Another plus for this candidate is the inclusion of real-world metrics (e.g., 50 customers, 10 fitting rooms) to showcase her contributions to previous employers. To bolster her relatively short career history, she has included her work as a library volunteer because it was a customer-facing role.
Build My Resume
In this mid-level resume, the candidate uses a combination resume format to focus hiring managers immediately on his skills, which include training, friendly customer assistance, math skills, and cash handling. In addition, his work history shows a clear progression in customer service positions, culminating in his current role as a lead cashier. This resume example also includes several impressive metrics, such as handling hundreds of dollars in cash, training several new cashiers, and interacting with nearly 100 customers every day.
Build My Resume
This resume for an executive-level position showcases the candidate’s quick advancement through retail jobs by using a chronological resume format. Her impressive career history provides proof of the qualifications stated in the Skills section, including team leadership, strategic selling, merchandising, and problem-solving. The Professional Summary also focuses on essential qualities for a retail executive, including experience with inventory management, operations, and promotional planning. The candidate clearly indicates her enthusiasm for high-end fashion, which could help her application stand out to hiring managers in luxury boutique establishments.
Build My ResumeMore retail resume samples
Find resume examples for your desired retail career. Get access to expert writing recommendations, do’s and don’ts and everything you need to write a perfect resume.
Resume Success Stories
Statistics and Facts About Retail Jobs
Education Requirements for Retail Roles
Many entry-level and mid-level retail sales positions don’t require college degrees because employers provide on-the-job training. A few of those job titles include:
- Car salesman
- Fitting room attendant
- Checkout operator
- Sales associate
- Cashier
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*Net
Management positions in sales often prefer candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree. A few of those job titles include:
- Assistant store manager
- Department manager
- Store manager
- Shift manager
- Floor supervisor
Sources: BLS, O*Net
Median Annual Salary by Experience
Sources: O*Net, DataUSA, BLS
Gender Diversity
| 0% | 30% | 60% |
|---|---|---|
| Retail sales employees in entry-level roles | 50.9% | |
| Male workers | 49.1% |
Source: DataUSA
Most Common Retail Industries
| 0% | 10% | 20% |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing stores | 12.7 percent | |
| Department and discount stores | 12.6 percent | |
| Car dealers | 8.38 percent | |
| Building material and supplies | 7.94 percent | |
| Electronics stores | 5.84 percent |
Source: DataUSA
Retail Job Growth
Statistics indicate the overall number of available retail sales jobs will likely decrease by 2 percent over the next 10 years, including for these job titles:
| Retail salespersons | 2% decline | |
|---|---|---|
| Parts salespersons | 1% decline | |
| Cashier | 4% decline |
However, projections show a 5 percent increase in opportunities for sales managers over the same time period:
| Advertising managers | 6% increase | |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing managers | 6% increase | |
| Promotions managers | 6%increase | |
| Sales managers | 5% increase |
Sources: BLS, DataUSA
Popular Retail Job Titles
- Car salesman
- Cashier
- Customer service representative
- Store manager
- Customer assistant
- Stock clerk
- Sales associate
- Floor supervisor
Highest Paying Retail Industries
| 0k | 60k | 120k |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing | $100,988 | |
| Specialized Design Services | $96,859 | |
| Computer Systems Design | $85,828 | |
| Drugs and Chemical Products Wholesalers | $77,762 |
