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5 Entry-Level Retail Resume Examples for 2024

Stephen Greet

  • Entry-Level Retail
  • Entry-Level Retail 2
  • Entry-Level Retail 3
  • Entry-Level Retail 4
  • Entry-Level Retail 5
  • Entry-Level Retail Resume Writing 101

You’re a helpful and diligent worker with an eye for detail. Shelves are stocked, customer questions are answered, and payments are processed accurately and efficiently with you on the job.   

Have you built a great resume and stocked up on the top skills in your resume to stand out in the hiring process?

Figuring out what skills are most important to include in an entry-level retail resume can be confusing, especially if you don’t have much experience. You can use our ai cover letter generator and entry-level retail resume examples as an easy template to help you stand out in the hiring process.

Entry-Level Retail Resume

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Entry level retail resume example with no experience

Entry-Level Retail 2 Resume

Entry level retail 2 resume example with project experience

Entry-Level Retail 3 Resume

Entry level retail 3 resume example with project experience

Entry-Level Retail 4 Resume

Entry level retail 4 resume example with project experience

Entry-Level Retail 5 Resume

Entry level retail 5 resume example with no experience

Related resume examples

  • Retail Associate
  • Receptionist

What Matters Most: Your Entry-Level Retail Skills & Work Experience

Your resume skills and work experience

Many entry-level retail candidates don’t have much work experience, so you’re probably wondering what skills you can list in this section.

If you don’t have much experience, think about skills you’ve gained from education, school clubs/sports, volunteer work, or any other responsibilities you’ve held that apply to the position. For instance, if you’re applying for a cashiering position, your basic math abilities would be essential to list. 

Here are some of the most popular skills retail hiring managers look for on entry-level resumes.  

9 most popular entry-level retail skills

  • Customer Service
  • Verbal Explanations
  • Basic Computer Skills
  • Teamwork/Collaboration
  • Cash Handling
  • Sales Principles
  • Consumer Products
  • Data Tracking

Sample entry-level retail work experience bullet points

Many entry-level retail candidates also feel overwhelmed with this section if they don’t have much prior work experience. However, just like the skills section, there are still a lot of different examples you can list here. 

For instance, if you volunteered at an animal shelter and managed feeding schedules, that would be a great experience to list, showing your abilities to be timely and organized. 

Additionally, educational experiences like maintaining a high GPA or participating in competitions through school clubs could be great to fill out your resume.

Here are a few samples:

  • Used clear and precise verbal explanations and rebuttals to get 2nd place in a 20-person debate team competition.   
  • Studied diligently about equation variables and the quadratic formula to achieve a 98% overall grade in algebra classes. 
  • Counted and made change for cash payments with 99% accuracy while volunteering at an event ticket booth. 
  • Maintained high levels of communication while working with teammates to effectively run plays throughout the basketball season to achieve 1st place in the division.   

Top 5 Tips for Your Entry-Level Retail Resume

  • Retail hiring managers will want to ensure you can perform tasks accurately, like counting change and tracking inventories. Start things off right by submitting an accurate resume without grammatical errors. 
  • Think of your resume like you’re putting together a school presentation showcasing your top skills . Your teacher would probably ask you to use clear headers, bullet points when possible, and an easily readable font. You should do the same for your resume.    
  • Hiring managers don’t expect you to include every detail about how you accomplished your achievements on your resume. Simply saying you kept inventory of products with 98% accuracy would show many key skills that inform them about your abilities to perform in a retail environment. 
  • Entry-level candidates without much experience will benefit from a resume objective . For instance, you could say you’re a dedicated student with a 3.85 GPA, eager to apply your abilities in a retail position. 
  • An excellent way to make examples stand out is by using numbers. For instance, that could be achieving a 98% score on your team project or keeping your cash drawer organized with no shortages or overages for eight months. 

Try to fill up an entire page with relevant details related to your abilities to perform well in a retail position. If you don’t have work experience, using educational examples, volunteer work, hobbies & interests , and an objective can help fill in more details.    

Most entry-level retail jobs don’t require a cover letter . However, many still state that you can submit one, which can be a good idea if you want to stand out. Leverage a free cover letter builder to include information about why you’re passionate about the organization’s mission or how you’ll apply your teamwork skills to the job’s needs. 

Reverse chronological order is the best fit, which lists your most recent experiences first. Your most recent experiences will be the most relevant to your current customer service and computer skills to show how you’ll perform in retail. 

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How to write a retail resume that gets the job [with tips and examples]

How to write a retail resume that gets the job [with tips and examples]

Ben Temple

Retail is one of the largest employment sectors in North America. Retail businesses hire lots of people, including entry-level employees, but if you want to beat the competition you need to learn how to write a retail resume that makes an impact.

There are many different roles in retail, including:

  • Sales associate
  • Customer service representative
  • Visual merchandiser
  • Retail buyer

Roles like this can be found in several different types of retail businesses, like grocery stores, department stores, electrical retailers, clothing stores, and more. While retail salaries aren’t always the most competitive, retailers often hire for a large number of entry-level positions. This means you will be able to write a great retail resume with no experience.

This guide will discuss:

  • How to write a retail resume
  • Best practices for writing a resume for retail jobs
  • Which sections you need for a retail resume
  • Retail resume examples
  • How to write a resume for retail jobs with no experience
  • #1. Pick a great retail resume template

Using a great retail resume template will boost your chances of landing a job.

Retail hiring managers receive a lot of applications. If you want yours to stand out, your resume must be well-formatted and professional. A messy, difficult-to-read resume would be rejected by any employer.

A good resume template will have readable fonts, clear organization, and a professional design. While you can format these yourself using a word processing software, your easiest option is to use a premade resume template from a resume builder.

VisualCV offers several resume templates that would work great for a retail application. The Corporate or Elegant templates, for example, are stylish but professional, and would make your retail resume look great.

A resume template will do all the hard work for you, so you know exactly where to put your contact information, what fonts to use, and what sections to include.

  • #2. Write a great summary

On a resume, a summary is a short paragraph that features key highlights of your experiences, education, and achievements. It is located right at the top of your resume, near your contact information. This is your elevator pitch to employers, where you can convince them to keep reading the rest of your resume.

Hiring managers receive a lot of resumes. They don't spend much time reading each one, so a resume summary is a great way to grab their attention.

A great retail summary should highlight your:

  • Current job title
  • Level of experience
  • Key achievements
  • Core skills

If you are writing a resume for retail jobs with no experience, you won't have a work history to draw from. Instead, you can mention your education, volunteering positions, or anything else that could suggest that you are responsible and would make a good employee.

Retail resume example: Summary

If you’re having trouble coming up with key qualifications for your summary, try writing it last. If you’ve already written the rest of your resume, you will have a better sense of your experience and what deserves to be highlighted.

Retail resume example: Summary

Customer-focused retail assistant with 3+ years of experience. Quick learner with deep knowledge of consumer electronics specializing in TVs and mobile phones. Finished top of the department sales leaderboard in 2021 and 2022, exceeding sales targets by 20%. Seeking a position at the Apple store to continue my career development.

  • #3. Showcase your retail work experience

Your Work Experience section is the most important part of your retail resume. It's the place to showcase all your previous positions, and the skills and qualifications you developed throughout your career.

When writing your Work Experience section, begin with your current position and list previous jobs in reverse-chronological order. For each job, include:

  • Your job title
  • Your employer
  • The dates you worked in that role
  • A job description listing your duties and achievements

The job description for each role is where you can highlight your best skills and achievements in each role. Think of your most impressive and relevant highlights and responsibilities in each of your past jobs and list them here. When you write each job description, try to use active language like spearheaded , led , and oversaw so it is clear that you are a responsible and reliable leader.

Where possible, you should also include facts and figures to explain your achievements. Saying that you “boosted sales by 20%” is far more impressive than simply stating that you were “responsible for making sales”.

Retail resume example: Work Experience

Work experience.

Sales Assistant Best Buy *July 2020 - Present *

  • Maintained thorough knowledge of all sold products to assist customers in finding the items they need
  • Reduced return rate by 60% below target by ensuring product fit for consumers
  • Exceed annual sales target by 35% through detailed knowledge of consumer goods
  • Opened store and POS systems at the weekends
  • Helped train and onboard new staff and ensure they were up to date on all procedures and policies
  • #4. List your retail skills

Your Skills section is the part of your retail resume where you list the hard skills and soft skills you possess that make you a great employee.

If you've worked in retail for a long time, you'll have picked up a lot of different skills. Deciding which skills to include really depends on the position you are applying for.

To choose your most relevant skills, read through the job description and pick out things the employer wants. They might be looking for competence with a particular point of sale (POS) software, specific product knowledge, inventory management, scheduling, and more. See where your skill set overlaps with the job description and list your best ones.

For a simple Skills section, list your skills in a simple bulleted list. For a little more flair, VisualCV offers a Skills strength rating that showcases your competency.

Retail resume example: Skills

Retail resume example: Skills

  • Customer service
  • Attention to detail
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Information technology
  • Time management
  • KORONA POS and Lightspeed Retail
  • Extensive consumer product knowledge
  • Cash handling
  • #5. Show your education

Your education section could be crucial if you're writing a resume for retail jobs with no experience. Without any work history to show that you are competent and capable, the hiring manager will need to see other qualifications. A strong education can be what it takes to convince them that you are a good candidate.

Of course, limited work experience isn’t the only reason education is important. There are lots of specialist retail jobs that require a degree. Examples include buyers, merchandisers, or management positions.

If you want to emphasize your education, include details like GPA (if it’s high), classwork, or relevant projects. If you've been working in retail a long time, your work experience section will do most of the heavy lifting, and you only need to list your education briefly.

Retail resume example: Education

Associate’s Degree in Retail Administration New York University, New York 2016 - 2019

  • #6. Customize your resume

When you are first learning how to write a retail resume, you might be tempted to make one document and use it for all the positions you apply for. This would be a mistake. Each job is different and requires unique skills and backgrounds.

Customizing your resume for each job is important. You should always read through each job posting carefully and tailor your resume to suit.

For example, if you've been working at an electrical retailer, but you want to transition to a clothing store, there will be specific skills that transfer easily to the new environment. For example, if your ability to troubleshoot hardware may not be that useful, but your familiarity with customer service, POS software, and shift scheduling might be.

Read through the job posting and find the keywords that apply to you. These are the skills that you should emphasize in your resume.

Customizing your retail resume is also a great way to beat the applicant tracking system . An applicant tracking system, or ATS, is an automated tool that scans resumes for specific keywords. If it doesn’t find the right keywords, your resume will be rejected before the hiring manager even sees it. Taking the time to study the job posting and adjust your resume to match it will ensure that you target the right keywords.

  • Tips for writing a retail resume

Now that you’ve worked your way through this step-by-step guide, you should have a great resume ready for applications. But there is always more refining to do. Here are some more tips for writing a retail resume.

Make sure your contact details are correct

Using a resume template will ensure that you present your details in the right format and the right place. However, there are some other things to remember.

First, double-check that the email and phone number you list are correct. You don’t want to miss out on an interview because you gave the wrong details.

Second, ensure you use a professional email. Jokey email addresses will make you look unprofessional and you will be rejected.

If you include links to any online profiles, such as your LinkedIn account or personal website, make sure everything you post there is appropriate for work. One embarrassing picture is enough to end your candidacy.

Highlight your customer service skills

Most retail jobs are customer-facing. Good people skills are an essential part of a successful retail career. When someone comes to a store to ask questions or buy goods, they want employees to be friendly, attentive, and communicative.

There are many different ways to show that you are a people person on your resume. To highlight your customer service skills:

  • Add details about your enthusiasm for helping people in your work experience sections
  • List communication skill or people skills in your skills section
  • If you were part of any groups that involved public speaking, drama, or community engagement, list those experiences in your education section

Demonstrate passion and interest

If you are looking for a role in a specific industry, make sure to show that you are interested in that field. For example, mention your love for fashion if you’re applying at a clothing store. If you are applying for a role in an electronics retailer, discuss your interest in modifying computers. Enthusiasm can go a long way.

  • Retail resume example

Over 10 years of experience in leadership roles within complex retail operations. Experienced in supervising diverse teams and developing challenging programs and assignments. Key expertise in visualizing, designing and executing business process re-engineering and relationship marketing programs. Excellent at researching merchandizing strategies and overseeing the preparation of operational reports and schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Proven multi-tasking capabilities with strong ability to plan, prioritize and manage complex projects under aggressive timelines and controlled project budgets. Strong knowledge of the retail environment.

  • Cash Handling
  • Point of Sale Systems
  • Trend Analysis
  • Sales Operation
  • Team Leadership

Work experience

Store Manager Wal-Mart

  • Drive sales of mobiles handsets, accessories and pre-paid connections by promoting various marketing activities, organizing special promotions, displays, events etc., in and out of the store.
  • Manage inventory and handle complete day to day store operations.
  • Ensure prompt response to customer queries and maintain high-quality customer service pre and post sales.
  • Monitor staff performance and also ensure staff development by conducting regular training sessions on product knowledge and handling customer queries.
  • Report on store performance, new initiatives and other issues pertinent to management.
  • Oversee merchandising throughout the store, in addition to the presentation/ housekeeping of the store.
  • Manage and supervise 30 to 40 personnel, with responsibility for hiring, training, motivating and evaluating.
  • Develop Individual Development Plans to facilitate advancement of high-potential associates.
  • Maintain comprehensive P&L accountability, including administering payroll budgets and accounts payable, overseeing cash office, reviewing and verifying deposits, and reviewing and analyzing P&L statements.

Store Manager The Kroger Co.

  • Administered all day-to-day operations with complete accountability for the attainment of P&L goals.
  • Managed a team of up to 45 personnel, including supervising, hiring, training, motivating and evaluating.
  • Administered payroll budget, accounts payable and cash office, in addition to reviewing and verifying deposits.
  • Created and implemented the sales plan, including setting goals and objectives and analyzing individual sales.
  • Maintained accurate inventory accountability to manage proper stock levels and control shrink.
  • Consistently surpass performance goals regarding sales, inventory, payroll and customer service.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to achieve sales plan, including setting goals and objectives.
  • Supervised all visual merchandising, and oversaw all aspects of cleanliness/housekeeping of the store.
  • Maintained accurate inventory accountability to ensure proper stock levels and control shrink.
  • Achieved award for lowest employee turnover.

Keyholder The Home Depot

  • Modeled and supervised the selling environment, provided consistent coaching on sales training process in order to ensure the highest level of customer service and sales.
  • Ensured exemplary customer service by training associates on excellent clientele development.
  • Executed and designed all window and sales floor displays.
  • Maintained the upkeep of the cleanliness of the store.
  • Ensured that all markdowns were executed prior to store opening, merchandised, and signed accordingly.
  • Responsible for opening and closing duties.

Bachelor of Arts Washington State University

Retail resume example

Community Success Manager & CV Writing Expert

Ben is a writer, customer success manager and CV writing expert with over 5 years of experience helping job-seekers create their best careers. He believes in the importance of a great resume summary and the power of coffee.

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11 Retail Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Now that we’ve seen how essential the retail industry is, retail workers have never been so in demand. if you’re new to retail or looking for your next position, this guide has you covered with everything you need to know to write an effective resume, including sample templates for you to use..

Hiring Manager for Retail Roles

Retail is a demanding and fast-paced industry. If you’re starting out in retail — or looking to move up the chain — you’ll need communication skills, great customer service, and the ability to solve problems on the fly. For those serious about the business, employers are also looking for people with business acumen, cultural awareness, and strong numeracy skills. While many retail jobs are part-time, there’s also an ongoing need for professional, full-time retail workers. You don’t need a specific background or experience to work in retail — soft skills, a good work ethic, and a professional, can-do attitude will get you a long way, especially in entry-level positions. In 2023 and beyond, look out for a growing shift toward online retail and eCommerce as well as emerging trends like machine learning, personalized shopping experiences, and influencer marketing. Technical skills, sales, marketing, and social media savvy will all land you ahead of the curve when it comes to retail positions in the near future.

Retail Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

  • Retail Associate
  • Retail Manager
  • Retail Salesperson / Retail Salesman
  • Retail Sales Manager
  • Retail Pharmacist
  • Store Manager

Jump to a resource:

  • Keywords for Retail Resumes

Retail Resume Tips

  • Action Verbs to Use
  • Related Sales Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 11: Retail Associate Resume Example

Retail associates work in a variety of industries and environments. Typically, they are responsible for the management, sales, and day-to-day operations of a retail store. The retail associate has many tasks they will be responsible for on the average day, including interacting with customers, processing sales, organizing and cataloging inventory, cash and transaction management, upselling, store KPI monitoring and reporting, and more. A retail associate is a great entry-level opportunity for someone with the right skills. To be considered for this role, typically a high school diploma is required, but an associates degree can help you land this role with more ease. Hiring managers will look for someone with previous customer-facing experience, such as prior roles held as a clerk, store officer, or customer support representative. Ideal candidates for this role have superb customer service skills, strong organizational skills, and no issue multi-tasking.

A resume for a retail associate with a degree in business administration and experience as a cashier.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Tips to help you write your Retail Associate resume in 2024

   highlight your ability to connect with customers.

The retail associate is the face of the store and brand. For this reason, it’s important to show what a positive impact you can make on the store’s image. Your resume should highlight any experience you have creating a valuable customer experience, or any customer satisfaction ratings you personally helped improve at prior jobs.

Highlight your ability to connect with customers - Retail Associate Resume

   Showcase your experience using POS software and systems

Most retail stores use point of sale (POS) systems to complete sales and track revenue. It’s important that you understand how to operate a POS system to land this job. Any specific retail software or POS system(s) you are proficient in should be clearly outlined on your resume in the skills section.

Showcase your experience using POS software and systems - Retail Associate Resume

Skills you can include on your Retail Associate resume

Template 2 of 11: retail associate resume example.

Retail associates are front-line sales assistants and the face of any retail store. As a retail associate, you’ll be working with customers as well as processing payments, cleaning, and handling stock. In many stores, you may be responsible for upselling and meeting sales goals, so make sure your resume highlights your soft skills as well as any previous sales or customer service experience.

Retail sales associate resume example template using a resume title and relevant keywords

   Title of resume contains retail keywords

Using the exact title of the job you’re applying for is an easy way to tailor your resume and get past ATS — particularly if you don’t have a lot of experience in a similar role. You can often find similar roles listed under different titles, like Retail Associate, Sales Associate, and Cashier, so make sure to include those keywords somewhere on your resume.

Title of resume contains retail keywords - Retail Associate Resume

   Other projects and qualifications

Listing volunteer work, projects, and short courses is a great way to bulk up your resume — as long as they’re relevant! This is especially true for students and recent graduates, who might not otherwise have a lot of traditional work experience. But don’t just stuff your resume — stick to particularly prestigious awards and qualifications you’re likely to need on the job.

Other projects and qualifications - Retail Associate Resume

Template 3 of 11: Retail Manager Resume Example

As a retail manager, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of a store — think balancing a budget, scheduling shifts, setting sales targets, and motivating a team. There are multiple routes to becoming a retail manager, including working your way up the ladder as a sales associate, transitioning from a management role in a different sector, or pursuing a degree in business or another field relevant to your industry.

Retail manager resume example template showing career growth through job titles and strong action verbs

Tips to help you write your Retail Manager resume in 2024

   shows growth in promotions through retail positions.

When hiring for a management position, recruiters want to see leadership and ambition, which often means steady career progression. If you’ve been promoted to a higher position, simply list both titles under the same company heading. Even without a title bump, you can show growth by listing increased responsibilities in your bullet point achievements.

Shows growth in promotions through retail positions - Retail Manager Resume

   Bullet points feature strong action verbs which stress leadership skills

Leadership is a soft skill, which means you can’t simply list it in your skills section and move on. Instead, demonstrate it by leading with strong action verbs like “managed,” “directed,” and “oversaw.” Including clear metrics, like the size of the team you led, makes your achievements easy for a hiring manager to understand at a glance.

Bullet points feature strong action verbs which stress leadership skills - Retail Manager Resume

Skills you can include on your Retail Manager resume

Template 4 of 11: retail salesperson / retail salesman resume example.

Retail salespeople need a big dose of people skills alongside an awareness of sales and marketing strategies, business trends, and basic software and point of sale (POS) hardware. Retail salespeople need to demonstrate their ability to make a sale and may even work on commission, so make sure to emphasize the times you exceeded sales goals or provided excellent customer service.

Retail salesperson resume example template showcasing relevant skills and metrics

Tips to help you write your Retail Salesperson / Retail Salesman resume in 2024

   numbers and metrics relevant to the retail job title.

When it comes to sales, numbers are key. In other words, quantify your achievements! “Exceeded sales goals” sounds okay, but “exceeded commission goals each week by at least 15%” makes the scope of your accomplishment much clearer. If you have numbers for the amount of revenue you generated, sales you processed, or promotions you upsold — use them.

Numbers and metrics relevant to the retail job title - Retail Salesperson / Retail Salesman Resume

   Good use of skills section to stress retail and client-facing skills

A longer list of skills isn’t always more impressive. Keep your skills section easy for hiring managers to digest by listing only the most relevant hard skills you possess. For retail sales, this means things like POS and operating systems and data entry software. Soft skills, like communication and customer service, should go in your bullet points where you can quantify them.

Good use of skills section to stress retail and client-facing skills - Retail Salesperson / Retail Salesman Resume

Skills you can include on your Retail Salesperson / Retail Salesman resume

Template 5 of 11: retail sales manager resume example.

A retail sales manager is someone who oversees the sales processes and operations for a retail store. Depending on the company, the retail sales manager may oversee just one location or several stores within a region. As a retail sales manager, you will be responsible for overseeing sales within the store, conducting loss prevention strategies, tracking key KPIs, training retail sales associates, and more. To become a retail sales manager, you’ll need a combination of relevant experience and skills. Typically, hiring managers will look for someone with a minimum of an associate’s degree, although adequate experience may substitute for a college education in some cases. It’s extremely important that candidates for this role have considerable client-facing, customer service, and sales experience. Prior roles held as a customer care representative or inside sales representative are preferable.

A resume for a retail sales manager with a bachelor's degree and prior experience as a sales support manager.

Tips to help you write your Retail Sales Manager resume in 2024

   showcase your prior experience training and managing junior employees.

To become a retail sales manager, it’s important to show hiring managers that you have leadership skills. The retail sales manager will be primarily responsible for leading employee training, development, and conflict resolution. As such, it’s important to highlight times where you have successfully managed or trained employees in the past.

Showcase your prior experience training and managing junior employees - Retail Sales Manager Resume

   Highlight any experience you have interpreting sales data

Often, retail sales managers will be asked to track and interpret data about their store’s sales and customer activity. Highlight skills such as sales management, sales forecasting, and data entry on your resume will help you stand out for this role.

Highlight any experience you have interpreting sales data - Retail Sales Manager Resume

Skills you can include on your Retail Sales Manager resume

Template 6 of 11: retail sales manager resume example.

If you have experience in sales and customer service, and great organizational abilities, a role as a retail sales manager might be right for you. The retail sales manager oversees the daily operations of a retail store’s sales department. They typically manage the sales staff, set sales goals, monitor revenue, develop and maintain store budgets, track inventory levels, and train new sales staff. There are many ways to become a retail sales manager. A combination of education and relevant knowledge is ideal. A bachelor's degree in business is preferable for this role, though some organizations may overlook lacking education if the candidate has significant retail sales experience. It’s important that candidates for the role have previous sales experiences, such as prior roles held as retail sales specialists or business development representative. It’s also important that candidates demonstrate the desired skills, such as sales planning, budget planning, inventory management, and people management skills.

A resume for a retail sales manager with a bachelor's degree in business management and prior experience as a general manager of sales.

   Detail any prior experience improving a sales team’s productivity or morale

Retail sales jobs are often transient because they are popular roles among young people. Managing young salespeople is no easy task. The retail sales manager must be knowledgeable in creative techniques to engage and retain their staff - as such, it’s important to highlight the experience you have improving staff morale on your resume.

Detail any prior experience improving a sales team’s productivity or morale - Retail Sales Manager Resume

   Demonstrate your ability to implement sales strategies and incentives

As a retail sales manager, you will be tasked with implementing new strategies to boost sales and revenue. As such, it’s important to detail any experience you have creating and effectively executing new sales strategies or incentives on your resume.

Demonstrate your ability to implement sales strategies and incentives - Retail Sales Manager Resume

Template 7 of 11: Retail Sales Manager Resume Example

Retail sales managers are on the front lines of sales, meaning they will be having more customer interactions than sales managers in other positions. This applicant shows that they have the ability to work with both customers and employees in a way that supports business sustainability.

Retail sales managers should aim to show their ability to meet the needs of both customers and their employees, along with providing basic sales management accomplishments such as improving sales or reducing shrinkage.

   Emphasis on customer relationships

Businesses that are looking for retail sales managers are primarily looking for competent, friendly faces that will be able to handle any situation that arises for customers on the sales floor (or off of it). This applicant does that by referencing their focus on fostering “a positive customer experience”, attaining over 96 percent customer satisfaction with their team, and expanding the customer account base by 35 percent, to highlight a few instances. To demonstrate that you have an affinity for building and maintaining constructive customer relationships, you should aim to emphasize customer- or client-centered accomplishments at your past positions.

Emphasis on customer relationships - Retail Sales Manager Resume

   Interpersonal skills are indicated through achievements

While all sales managers can be expected to have a degree of interpersonal skills, retail sales managers generally need to have the ability to keep both their customers and their employees happy. In this resume, the applicant includes several accomplishments that give the impression that they have a solid ability to work with others. As examples, they list how they were among the few who received a teaching fellowship at their university, as well as their work to develop a project that led to 85 percent employee retention. If you want to show hiring managers that you care for others in a way that elevates their performance, provide data points that support it.

Interpersonal skills are indicated through achievements - Retail Sales Manager Resume

Template 8 of 11: Retail Sales Manager Resume Example

Retail sales managers should aim to show their ability to meet the needs of both customers and their employees, along with providing basic sales management accomplishments such as improving sales or reducing shrinkage.

Template 9 of 11: Retail Pharmacist Resume Example

A retail pharmacist is someone who approves, fills, and manages prescriptions. They may work at a privately owned pharmacy or for a corporate chain pharmacy. These professionals are responsible for receiving incoming scripts, filling them, ensuring medication is up to code, educating patients on their medication, and more. To land this role, you will need a relevant educational background. A degree in pharmacology or biology is most desirable. Moreover, you will need adequate internship experience and/or certifications to become a retail pharmacist. Apart from looking for the right education and technical skills, hiring managers will also be looking for someone who has customer-facing experience and strong organizational skills.

A resume for a retail pharmacist with a degree in pharmacy and experience as a drug safety associate.

Tips to help you write your Retail Pharmacist resume in 2024

   research the qualifications needed to become a retail pharmacist in your region.

Different states will have differing requirements to become a retail pharmacist. Some states may require a high education degree or particular licensing. It’s important to research your state's educational requirements to become a retail pharmacist and ensure you meet the necessary qualifications.

Research the qualifications needed to become a retail pharmacist in your region - Retail Pharmacist Resume

   Highlight your knowledge of drug safety

Retail pharmacists have the important responsibility of informing the public about the drugs they are prescribed. On your resume, you should highlight your ability to identify drugs with potential for abuse or misuse and highlight any experience you have effectively explaining complex pharmaceutical topics to an array of audiences.

Highlight your knowledge of drug safety - Retail Pharmacist Resume

Skills you can include on your Retail Pharmacist resume

Template 10 of 11: retail pharmacist resume example.

Retail pharmacists work in a retail environment, rather than in a hospital or healthcare setting. As a retail pharmacist, you’ll be responsible for dispensing prescriptions, counselling patients and providing advice on health and medication, and managing your store. This might include managing other staff, monitoring inventory, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, which means your resume needs to emphasize both hard and soft skills.

Retail pharmacist resume example template using a resume summary to highlight accomplishments

   Focused on retail pharmacy

When applying for a specialized position like pharmacy, it’s best to include only your most relevant experience on your resume. If you don’t have a long work history, it’s okay to include more general retail experience, but ideally, you should focus on your experience as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician. If your degree is more relevant than your experience, list your education first.

Focused on retail pharmacy - Retail Pharmacist Resume

   Use a resume summary if appropriate

A resume summary isn’t just helpful for career changers — it can quickly contextualize your experience and highlight your top achievements. In your resume summary, include one or two of your most impressive accomplishments as well as a quick overview of the size of any teams you’ve led or the environments in which you’ve previously worked.

Use a resume summary if appropriate - Retail Pharmacist Resume

Template 11 of 11: Store Manager Resume Example

As a Store Manager, you're the backbone of a retail outlet - the linchpin holding everything together. From managing inventory to mentoring employees, your role is cross-functional and dynamic. Recently, companies are seeking store managers who are not just operations-savvy but also familiar with digital tools for inventory management and sales analytics. So, when you're crafting your resume, it's crucial that you not only highlight your past achievements but also illustrate your adaptability and potential for growth. More than just experience, your ability to lead and motivate a team towards meeting sales targets is highly valued. Include specifics about your leadership approach and the results it has yielded. Consider this a narrative of your professional journey; it's about your adaptability, leadership, and your command over retail fundamentals.

A concise and focused resume showcasing a Store Manager's digital literacy and team leadership achievements.

Tips to help you write your Store Manager resume in 2024

   showcase digital literacy.

In the modern retail space, digital tools are increasingly important. Add a section about your familiarity with inventory management software, POS systems, and other retail-specific digital tools. Show your willingness to learn and adapt to technological advances.

   Emphasize on leadership and team management

As a Store Manager, you're responsible for the team’s performance. Highlight instances where you've successfully managed a team, resolved conflicts, or improved staff performance. Metrics showing improved team performance under your leadership can make your resume stand out.

Emphasize on leadership and team management - Store Manager Resume

Skills you can include on your Store Manager resume

As a hiring manager who has worked with top retail companies like Walmart, Target, and Macy's, I've reviewed countless resumes for retail positions. The following tips will help you create a strong resume that stands out to recruiters and hiring managers in the retail industry.

   Highlight your customer service skills

Retail jobs heavily rely on excellent customer service skills. Make sure to emphasize your ability to interact with customers and provide top-notch service.

Instead of simply listing 'customer service' as a skill, provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated this skill in your previous roles:

  • Assisted an average of 50 customers per day, addressing their concerns and providing solutions
  • Maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 95% based on feedback surveys
  • Resolved customer complaints efficiently, resulting in a 20% increase in repeat customers

Bullet Point Samples for Retail

   Showcase your sales achievements

Retail employers value candidates who can drive sales and contribute to the company's bottom line. If you have sales experience, make sure to highlight your accomplishments using specific numbers and metrics.

  • Consistently exceeded monthly sales targets by 15% on average
  • Generated $50,000 in additional revenue through upselling and cross-selling techniques
  • Ranked as the top sales associate for three consecutive quarters

Quantifying your achievements helps recruiters understand the impact you've made in your previous roles and how you can contribute to their organization.

   Include relevant retail skills

When listing your skills, focus on those that are most relevant to the retail industry. Some examples include:

  • Point of Sale (POS) system proficiency
  • Inventory management
  • Visual merchandising
  • Loss prevention
  • Product knowledge

Avoid listing generic skills that don't specifically relate to retail, such as 'Microsoft Office' or 'teamwork'. Instead, prioritize skills that demonstrate your ability to succeed in a retail environment.

   Tailor your resume to the specific role

Retail positions can vary greatly, from sales associates to store managers. Make sure to tailor your resume to the specific role you're applying for.

For example, if you're applying for a visual merchandiser position, emphasize your experience in creating attractive displays and arranging products. On the other hand, if you're applying for a store manager role, focus on your leadership skills and ability to manage a team.

By customizing your resume for each role, you demonstrate to the hiring manager that you understand the specific requirements of the position and have the relevant skills and experience to excel in it.

   Demonstrate career progression

Hiring managers appreciate candidates who have shown growth and progression in their careers. If you've held multiple positions within the retail industry, highlight how you've taken on increasing levels of responsibility over time.

Sales Associate, ABC Retail (2018-2020) - Consistently met and exceeded sales targets - Provided excellent customer service, resulting in high customer satisfaction ratings Assistant Store Manager, ABC Retail (2020-Present) - Managed a team of 15 sales associates - Implemented new inventory management system, reducing stockouts by 30%

By showcasing your career progression, you demonstrate your ability to adapt, learn, and take on new challenges within the retail industry.

   Highlight relevant certifications and training

If you have completed any certifications or training programs relevant to the retail industry, make sure to include them on your resume. This can include:

  • Customer service training
  • Loss prevention certification
  • Product knowledge training
  • Sales techniques workshops

Including these certifications and training programs demonstrates your commitment to professional development and your dedication to excelling in your retail career.

Remember, only include certifications and training that are directly relevant to the retail industry and the specific role you're applying for. Avoid listing irrelevant or outdated certifications that don't add value to your application.

Writing Your Retail Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. include your full name and contact details.

Your header should include your full name, phone number, and email address. Make sure your email address is professional - avoid using nicknames or numbers. You can also include a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one.

Here's an example of a well-formatted header:

  • 555-123-4567 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

Avoid cluttering your header with unnecessary details like:

  • 123 Main St, Anytown USA 12345
  • 555-123-4567 | [email protected] | johnsmith.com | @johnsmith | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith | facebook.com/johnsmith

2. Skip the full address

In the past, including your full mailing address was standard on resumes. However, in today's digital age, it's no longer necessary and takes up valuable space. Instead, just include your city and state if you're applying for local retail jobs.

For example:

John Smith Seattle, WA 555-123-4567 | [email protected]

Avoid including your full street address like this:

John Smith 123 Main St Seattle, WA 98101 555-123-4567 | [email protected]

3. Highlight your retail specialization

If you specialize in a particular area of retail, consider including it as a subtitle under your name. This quickly communicates your expertise to hiring managers. Some examples:

  • John Smith Retail Manager | Fashion & Apparel
  • Jane Doe Sales Associate | Consumer Electronics

However, avoid getting too specific or wordy with retail job titles, like:

  • John Smith Retail Sales Supervisor and Visual Merchandising Coordinator
  • Jane Doe Customer Service Representative specializing in Troubleshooting Technical Issues for eCommerce Retailers

  Summary

A resume summary is an optional section that highlights your most relevant qualifications for the job you're applying for. While it's not a must-have on your resume, it can be beneficial if you're changing careers, have extensive experience, or want to provide additional context not covered elsewhere in your resume. However, avoid using an objective statement, as it's outdated and focuses on what you want rather than what you can offer the employer.

When crafting your retail resume summary, focus on showcasing your skills, experience, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your impact and value. Keep it concise and objective, avoiding buzzwords and soft skills.

How to write a resume summary if you are applying for a Retail resume

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Retail resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Retail Resume Summary Examples , or Retail Resume Objective Examples .

1. Highlight your retail expertise

Emphasize your retail background and the specific areas where you excel. Consider including:

  • Years of experience in the retail industry
  • Types of stores or products you've worked with
  • Key responsibilities and skills (e.g., customer service, sales, merchandising)

Example of a strong retail resume summary:

Accomplished retail professional with over 5 years of experience in high-end fashion boutiques. Skilled in delivering exceptional customer service, driving sales, and creating visually appealing product displays. Consistently exceeded sales targets by 20% and received multiple Employee of the Month awards.

2. Tailor your summary to the job

Customize your resume summary to the specific retail position you're applying for. Review the job description and identify the key requirements and skills the employer is looking for. Then, incorporate those elements into your summary.

For example, if you're applying for a retail management position, your summary might look like this:

Dynamic retail leader with 8+ years of experience managing high-volume stores. Proven track record of building and motivating teams, implementing effective sales strategies, and optimizing store operations. Increased annual revenue by 15% and improved customer satisfaction scores by 25%.

In contrast, a generic summary that fails to target the specific role might read:

Experienced retail professional seeking a challenging position in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication and organizational skills. Committed to delivering excellent customer service.

3. Showcase your unique value proposition

Use your resume summary to highlight what sets you apart from other candidates. Focus on your most impressive achievements, skills, or experiences that are relevant to the retail position.

For instance, if you have a track record of successfully training and mentoring new hires, you could mention:

  • Trained and mentored 15+ new sales associates, resulting in a 95% retention rate and improved team performance

Or, if you have experience with visual merchandising and store displays, you might include:

  • Created engaging product displays that increased foot traffic and sales by 10%

Avoid using generic or overused phrases that don't offer any unique value, such as:

  • Team player with strong communication skills
  • Detail-oriented and organized

  Experience

Your work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you show hiring managers how you've applied your skills to make an impact for your previous employers. In this section, we'll break down all the components that go into writing a strong work experience section for a retail resume, including how to select the right experiences to showcase, and how to write about them effectively.

1. Focus on your most relevant and recent retail experiences

When selecting which experiences to include on your retail resume, prioritize positions that are most relevant to the job you're applying for, and are within the last 10 years. If you're applying for a sales associate role, focus on previous retail sales positions.

Avoid listing every job you've ever had. Instead, curate your list intentionally:

  • Sales Associate, ABC Clothing Retailer, 2019-2022
  • Cashier, XYZ Department Store, 2018-2019

Older or less relevant positions, like a high school summer job or a non-retail position, can be left off. Keep your work experience focused on what matters most for the role at hand.

2. Use strong action verbs to describe your retail accomplishments

When writing about your retail experiences, start each bullet point with a strong action verb that showcases the skills you deployed. Instead of writing passive descriptions like:

  • Responsible for assisting customers on the sales floor

Use powerful action verbs to make your contributions clear:

  • Greeted customers and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance in selecting products
  • Managed cash register and processed up to $10K in transactions per shift

Other great verbs for retail: sold, merchandised, stocked, resolved (customer issues), operated (POS system). Show what you did, not just what you were responsible for.

3. Quantify your retail accomplishments with metrics

Numbers speak louder than words on a resume. Whenever possible, quantify your retail achievements to give hiring managers a concrete sense of your capabilities:

  • Exceeded sales goals by 20% for 6 consecutive months
  • Cross-sold an average of $50 in additional products per customer
  • Managed up to 5 associates per shift in assistant manager role

Not every bullet needs a number, but aim to include at least 1-2 per position. If you don't have access to exact metrics, estimates are okay too. Even general numbers like "Assisted 50+ customers per day with product selection and recommendations" are impactful.

4. Highlight your career progression and promotions

Showing advancement and increasing responsibilities in your retail career is a great way to catch a hiring manager's eye. If you've been promoted, make that clear:

Sales Associate, ABC Retailer, 2018-2022 Promoted to Senior Sales Associate in 2020 Trained and mentored 5 new sales team members Served as point person for escalated customer service issues

If your job title didn't change but your role grew, you can still show that progression:

Cashier, XYZ Store, 2019-2022 Began as cashier and was cross-trained to assist in merchandising, inventory, and customer service Stepped up to open and close the store as needed

Showing you've earned additional responsibilities and skills tells potential employers you'll be an engaged, growth-oriented team member.

  Education

The education section of your resume is an important component, especially if you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience. When applying for retail jobs, it's essential to highlight your relevant educational background and any coursework or training that may be applicable to the role. Here are some tips to help you craft an effective education section for your retail resume.

1. List your education in reverse chronological order

Start with your most recent degree or educational program and work backwards. This format allows hiring managers to quickly identify your highest level of education and any recent accomplishments.

Here's an example of how to list your education in reverse chronological order:

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, ABC University, Graduated: May 2023
  • Associate of Arts in Marketing, XYZ Community College, Graduated: May 2021

2. Include relevant coursework and projects

If you are a recent graduate or have completed courses that are directly applicable to the retail industry, consider including them in your education section. This can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.

However, avoid listing every course you've taken. Instead, focus on those that are most relevant to the retail job you're applying for, such as:

  • Retail Management
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Sales Techniques
  • Visual Merchandising

3. Highlight relevant certifications and training

In addition to formal education, include any relevant certifications or training you have completed that may be valuable in a retail setting. This can include:

  • Customer Service Certification
  • Point of Sale (POS) System Training
  • Loss Prevention Training
  • Product Knowledge Workshops

These certifications and training programs demonstrate your commitment to professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.

4. Keep it concise for senior-level positions

If you are a senior-level professional with extensive work experience in the retail industry, your education section should be brief and to the point. Hiring managers will be more interested in your professional accomplishments and skills.

Here's an example of what not to do:

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, XYZ University, Graduated: 1995 Relevant Coursework: Creative Writing, British Literature, American Literature, Poetry

Instead, keep it concise and focus on your degree and the institution:

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, XYZ University

Action Verbs For Retail Resumes

Every retail position is public-facing to some degree, which means you should emphasize your ability to communicate, influence, and work as part of a team. If you want to highlight your business finesse, choose action verbs like Influenced, Promoted, and Recommended. If you’re aiming for a leadership position, action verbs like Motivated and Trained are ideal. For more ideas, check out our comprehensive list of resume action verbs . Leading with action verbs means your resume is focused on accomplishments, not duties — hiring managers are far more interested in knowing how many customers you successfully upsold than what areas of the store you cleaned. Remember that, at its core, retail is sales-oriented, which means that numbers are your friend. The more detailed you can be when listing your achievements, the more likely it is that your resume will wind up on the “yes” pile.

Action Verbs for Retail

  • Recommended

For more related action verbs, visit Sales Action Verbs .

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Retail Resumes

Skills for retail resumes.

The skills you’ll want to list on your resume will depend on what type of retail you’re applying for — an experienced retail manager, for example, will need a very different skill set from an entry-level retail associate. In general, though, most retail jobs will call for a lot of soft skills — things like communication, problem solving, and customer service — that don’t belong on a skills list. Instead, highlight these skills through your bullet points, including metrics where you can to make the achievement more objective. You can list hard skills in the same way, or in a separate skills section. When it comes to hard skills, you’ll want to figure out which ones hiring managers are likely to be scanning for. Our list of top resume skills and keywords has analyzed over one million job descriptions to pull out the most relevant keywords recruiters and ATS are looking for.

  • Store Management
  • Merchandising
  • Sales Management
  • Retail Sales
  • Marketing Strategy

Customer Service

  • Inventory Management
  • Business Planning
  • Trend Analysis
  • Business Development
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Business Strategy
  • Sales Operations

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Retail Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

Skills Word Cloud For Retail Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Retail job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

Top Retail Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

How to use these skills?

Other sales resumes.

Picture of a resume for a retail buyer role, emphasizing negotiation, procurement, and analytical skills.

Sales Manager

Regional Sales Manager resume featuring leadership and sales achievements.

  • Business Development Resume Guide
  • Account Manager Resume Guide
  • Account Executive Resume Guide

Retail Resume Guide

  • Sales Manager Resume Guide
  • Sales Associate Resume Guide
  • Operations Manager Resume Guide
  • Supply Chain Resume Guide
  • Real Estate Agent Resume Guide
  • Sales Engineer Resume Guide
  • Copywriter Resume Guide
  • E-Commerce Resume Guide
  • Advertising Resume Guide
  • SaaS Resume Guide
  • Merchandising Resume Guide
  • Fundraising Resume Guide
  • Buyer Resume Guide
  • Director of Sales Resume Guide
  • Hotel Manager Resume Guide
  • Sales Coordinator Resume Guide
  • Engagement Manager Resume Guide
  • Sales Executive Resume Guide
  • B2B Sales Resume Guide
  • Sales Leader Resume Guide
  • VP Sales Resume Guide
  • Relationship Manager Resume Guide
  • Retail Associate Resume Example
  • Retail Manager Resume Example
  • Retail Salesperson / Retail Salesman Resume Example
  • Retail Sales Manager Resume Example
  • Retail Pharmacist Resume Example
  • Store Manager Resume Example
  • Tips for Retail Resumes
  • Skills and Keywords to Add
  • All Resume Examples
  • Retail CV Examples
  • Retail Cover Letter
  • Retail Interview Guide
  • Explore Alternative and Similar Careers

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retail resume with no experience

StandOut CV

Retail Job with no Experience CV example

Andrew Fennell photo

Are you looking for a job in retail but worried your lack of experience is holding you back? Well, with a carefully crafted CV, you can still secure yourself that interview.

But if you’re not sure where to start, that’s OK too! We can help.

In this guide, we’ll teach you how to sell your skills like they were products with our writing guide and retail job CV example for those with no experience.

CV templates 

Retail Job No Experience CV example

Retail Job No Experience CV 1

This is a good example of a Retail CV without experience which contains all of the information that a hiring manager will need to be impressed, and presents it in a well- structured, easy-to-read format.

Take some time to study and understand this CV, and refer to it throughout the writing of your own CV for best results.

CV builder

Retail Job No Experience CV structure & formatting

The format and structure of your CV is important because it will determine how easy it is for recruiters and employers to read your CV.

If they can find the information they need quickly, they’ll be happy; but if they struggle, your application could be overlooked.

A simple and logical structure will always create a better reading experience than a complex structure, and with a few simple formatting tricks, you’ll be good to go.

How to write a CV

How to format your CV

  • Length: Whether you’ve got one year or three decades of experience, your CV should never be more than two sides of A4. Recruiters are busy people who’re often juggling numerous roles and tasks, so they don’t have time to read lengthy applications. If you’re a recent graduate or don’t have much industry experience, one side of A4 is fine.
  • Readability : To help busy recruiters scan through your CV, make sure your section headings stand out – bold or coloured text works well. Additionally, try to use bullet points wherever you can, as they’re far easier to skim through than huge paragraphs. Lastly, don’t be afraid of white space on your CV – a little breathing space is great for readability.
  • CV design: Don’t waste time adding fancy designs to your CV. It generally adds no value to your application and may even end up distracting recruiters away from the important written content.
  • Photographs: Profile photos or aren’t a requirement for most industries, so you don’t need to add one in the UK – but if you do, just make sure it looks professional

Quick tip: Creating a professional CV style can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. To create a winning CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of their eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV formatting tips

CV structure

As you write your CV , work to the simple but effective structure below:

  • Name and contact details – Pop them at the top of your CV, so it’s easy for recruiters to contact you.
  • CV profile – Write a snappy overview of what makes you a good fit for the role; discussing your key experience, skills and accomplishments.
  • Core skills section – Add a short but snappy list of your relevant skills and knowledge.
  • Work experience – A list of your relevant work experience, starting with your current role.
  • Education – A summary of your relevant qualifications and professional/vocational training.
  • Hobbies and interests – An optional sections, which you could use to write a short description of any relevant hobbies or interests.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what you should include in each section of your CV.

CV Contact Details

Contact details

Tuck your contact details into the corner of your CV, so that they don’t take up too much space. Stick to the basic details, such as:

  • Mobile number
  • Email address – It should sound professional, such as your full name.
  • Location -Just write your rough location, rather than your full address.
  • LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – If you include these, ensure they’re sleek, professional and up-to-date.

Retail Job No Experience CV Profile

Your CV profile is basically a short introductory paragraph, which summarises your key selling points and highlights why you’d make a good hire.

So, write a well-rounded summary of what you do, what your key skills are, and what relevant experience you have.

It needs to be short, snappy and punchy and, ultimately, entice the reader to read the rest of your CV.

CV profile

CV profile writing tips:

  • Make it short and sharp: Recruiters have piles of CVs to read through and limited time to dedicate to each, so it pays to showcase your abilities in as few words as possible. 3-4 lines is ideal.
  • Tailor it: No matter how much time you put into your CV profile, it won’t impress if it’s irrelevant to the role you’re applying for. Before you start writing, make a list of the skills, knowledge and experience your target employer is looking for. Then, make sure to mention them in your CV profile and throughout the rest of your application.
  • Don’t add an objective: Career goals and objectives are best suited to your cover letter , so don’t waste space with them in your CV profile.
  • Avoid generic phrases: Clichés like “ blue-sky thinker with a go-getter attitude” might sound impressive to you, but they don’t actually tell the recruiter much about you. Concentrate on highlighting hard facts and skills, as recruiters are more likely to take these on board.

Example CV profile for Retail Job No Experience

What to include in your retail job no experience cv profile.

  • Summary of experience: To give employers an idea of your capabilities, show them your track record by giving an overview of the types of companies you have worked for in the past and the roles you have carried out for previous employers – but keep it high level and save the details for your experience section.
  • Relevant skills: Make your most relevant retail key skills clear in your profile. These should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for – so make sure to check the job description first, and aim to match their requirements as closely as you can.
  • Vital qualifications: Be sure to outline your relevant retail qualifications, so that anyone reading the CV can instantly see you are qualified for the jobs you are applying to.

Quick tip: If you are finding it difficult to write an attention-grabbing CV profile, choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All profiles are written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

Underneath your profile, write a core skills section to make your most relevant skills jump off the page at readers.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points of your relevant skills.

Before you do this, look over the job description and make a list of any specific skills, specialisms or knowledge required.

Then, make sure to use your findings in your list. This will paint you as the perfect match for the role.

Core skills section CV

Vital skills for your Retail Job No Experience CV

Customer service – highlighting experience of working with the public to resolve queries and encourage them to purchase products.

Fundraising – highlighting experience of managing projects such as taking responsibility for organising and holding an event or running a fundraiser.

School choir national competitor – highlighting achievements such as competing in or winning a competition.

Captain of the school netball team – evidencing experience of leading others to achieve a goal.

IT skills – evidencing use of key technologies and software programs.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder has thousands of in-demand skills for all industries and professions, that can be added to your CV in seconds – This will save you time and ensure you get noticed by recruiters.

Your work experience section

Now that recruiters have a good overview of your skills and abilities, you need to jump into the detail of your career history.

Give them a more thorough insight into what you can do by creating a detailed list of your relevant experience.

Start with your current role, and work backwards through all the relevant positions you’ve held. This could be freelance, contract or voluntary work too; as long as it’s related to the role you’re applying for.

Work experience

Structuring each role

Whilst writing your CV, it’s essential to look at it from the eyes of a recruiter.

If they’re met with giant blocks of text which are impossible to navigate, they might get frustrated and skip onto the next CV.

Instead, make use of the 3-step structure shown below, to give them a pleasant reading experience.

Role descriptions

Begin with a summary of your role, detailing what the purpose of your job was, who you reported to and what size of team you were part of (or led).

Key responsibilities

Follow with a snappy list of bullet points, detailing your daily duties and responsibilities.

Tailor it to the role you’re applying for by mentioning how you put the target employer’s desired hard skills and knowledge to use in this role.

Key achievements

Round up each role by listing 1-3 key achievements , accomplishments or results.

Wherever possible, quantify them using hard facts and figures, as this really helps to prove your value.

Sample job description for Retail Job No Experience CV

Supported the Action Aid Cancer Charity Shop to fundraise by going door to door for contributions, raising over £600 for the charity within 12 weeks.

Responsibilities

  • Actively engaged members of the public at their homes, advocating for the Action Aid Cancer Charity’s work
  • Sourced long term, committed donations
  • Maintained high standards in both the quantity and quality of new donors recruited
  • Maintained the highest professional standards at all times with regards to both the Action Aid Cancer Charity and door to door fundraising as a whole

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education and qualifications section

Next up, you should list your education and qualifications.

This can include your formal qualifications (a degree, A-Levels and GCSEs), as well as sector-specific retail qualifications and/or training.

While school leavers and recent grads should include a lot of detail here to make up for the lack of work experience, experienced candidates may benefit from a shorter education section, as your work experience section will be more important to recruiters.

Hobbies and interests

Although this is an optional section, it can be useful if your hobbies and interests will add further depth to your CV.

Interests which are related to the sector you are applying to, or which show transferable skills like leadership or teamwork, can worth listing.

On the other hand, generic hobbies like “going out with friends” won’t add any value to your application, so are best left off your CV.

Writing your Retail Job No Experience CV

When putting together your Retail CV when you have no retail experience, there are a few key points to remember

Always tailor your CV to the target role, even if it means creating several versions for different roles.

Additionally, remember that the structure and format of your CV needs just as much attention as the content.

Good luck with your job search!

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4 Resume Mistakes to Avoid When You Don’t Have Much Experience

  • Irina Cozma

retail resume with no experience

A good resume can set you apart and help you land that interview.

Understanding the common mistakes job candidates make on resumes, and how to overcome them, can set you apart from your competitors. The first mistake is including irrelevant work experience. Instead, only add roles that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. The second is customizing your resume. While it’s in your benefit to adjust your resume to better match the job description, over-tuning your resume for every application can be a waste of time — and end up slowing down your search. This is especially true if you’re focused on securing a particular position that has a standard job title like “marketing coordinator” or “sales associate.” The third is overdesigning your resume. Recruiters only spend a few seconds scanning it, so keep the format simple and straightforward. The fourth is coming off as a novice. For example, don’t use an ancient email address — update it to something that sounds more professional, and give your resume a specific name so it’s easier to identify.

Resumes. Love them or hate them, you will probably need one when you apply for a job. The resume has a specific tactical role to play in your search — to get you the interview. You need to make sure it checks a few boxes to do that work because, even if you take advantage of your network, sooner or later, you will need to share your resume with the hiring manager.

  • Irina Cozma , Ph.D., is a career and executive coach who supports professionals to have better career adventures. She coached hundreds of Fortune 500 executives from global organizations like Salesforce, Hitachi, and Abbott. Irina also coaches startups and the Physicians MBA at the University of Tennessee. Download her free career guide to help you prepare for your next career adventure.

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COMMENTS

  1. 6 Retail Resume Examples & Writing Tips for 2024

    PDF is great for opening resumes in your browser to get ideas as you write your own. Here are all the above resume examples in PDF: Retail resume. Entry-level resume. Retail manager resume. Walmart resume. Pharmacist retail associate resume. Retail cashier resume.

  2. 9 Real Retail Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

    No matter your experience or title, these 9 retail resume samples will help you land a job in 2024. Resumes. AI resume builder. Build a better resume in minutes. Resume examples. 2,000+ examples that work in 2024. Resume templates. 184 free templates for all levels. Cover letters.

  3. Retail No Experience Resume Examples and Templates

    Good Retail No Experience Resume Example - Header Section. Patricia L. Webb, Montezuma Creek, UT, Phone number: +1-555-555-5555, Link: linkedin/in/pt-webb. Make sure to add a professional looking email address while writing your resume header. Let's assume your name is John Doe - here is a formula you can use to create email addresses: f ...

  4. How to Make a Resume With No Experience (With Examples)

    Here's how to write a resume when you have no formal work experience, step-by-step: Build My Resume. Our free-to-use resume builder can make you a resume in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you. 1. Choose the best format and style for your resume.

  5. How to Write an Entry-level Retail Resume

    Pro Tips for Writing an Entry-level Retail Resume. Keep your resume concise. Keep your resume to a single page, especially if you don't have much experience. Only include the most relevant information; don't ramble to fill space. Highlight two key skills: sales and customer service.

  6. Retail Resume Examples + Skills & Experience for 2024

    Examples of Retail Resume Objectives. RIGHT. Hard-working retail associate, skilled in POS tech and inventory management. Seeking to increase sales and customer loyalty at ABC. Built volunteer retail experience at XYZ as cashier and restocker, receiving management commendation for excellent customer communication.

  7. 5 Entry-Level Retail Resume Examples for 2024

    Sample entry-level retail work experience bullet points. Many entry-level retail candidates also feel overwhelmed with this section if they don't have much prior work experience. However, just like the skills section, there are still a lot of different examples you can list here. ... Top 5 Tips for Your Entry-Level Retail Resume. Proofread ...

  8. Retail Sales Associate Resume: Samples and Guide

    Here are the key elements of a resume to include: Header: include fitting contact information. Summary: give a glimpse of your experience, with in-store achievements. Experience: work skills and retail accomplishments into your work history. Education: yes, this matters in a resume for retail sales associate jobs.

  9. Retail Resume Examples with Skills & Job Description

    Resume Objective Retail—No Experience Good example Personable and customer-focused PR student at UCLA (GPA 3.7) with a knack for wildlife photography. Eager to support the Electro Superstore team as a sales assistant, and deliver great customer experience. Extensive product knowledge of 5+ mainstream photography equipment systems (bodies ...

  10. How to write a retail resume that gets the job [with tips ...

    Finished top of the department sales leaderboard in 2021 and 2022, exceeding sales targets by 20%. Seeking a position at the Apple store to continue my career development. #3. Showcase your retail work experience. Your Work Experience section is the most important part of your retail resume.

  11. Retail Resume Examples

    Retail Resume Examples. Many jobs in the retail industry require excellent customer service and teamwork skills. When writing your resume, highlight your results and accomplishments in these areas rather than listing tasks you've performed. If you're pursuing a management position, you may want to surface your ability to motivate and lead others.

  12. How to Make a Resume With No Experience (+Examples)

    But first: Here's a job-winning formula for a good resume profile: Start with a personality trait that says you're a great employee, such as "dedicated," "goal-oriented," "personable," etc. Follow with the desired job title, field of study, or education level, e.g., "third-year BBA student" or "personal assistant.".

  13. How To Write a Great Resume With No Experience

    The goal of a first job resume is to demonstrate your value as an employee and show employers why hiring you would benefit their company: 1. Review the job description. Carefully review the job description and note any specific skills you have or requirements you can fulfill.

  14. How to Write a Sales Associate Resume with No Experience

    Here's an example of a resume for a sales associate role for a candidate with no prior experience in this position: Maarten Lacombe 416-555-5555 | [email protected] | Toronto, ON Professional Summary Highly motivated and energetic individual with a strong desire to develop a successful career in sales. A quick learner with excellent ...

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  16. 11 Retail Resume Examples for 2024

    Years of experience in the retail industry; Types of stores or products you've worked with; Key responsibilities and skills (e.g., customer service, sales, merchandising) Example of a strong retail resume summary: Accomplished retail professional with over 5 years of experience in high-end fashion boutiques.

  17. Best Retail Resume Examples for 2024 (Template & Free Guide)

    Cashier. Visual Merchandiser. Retail Supervisor. To excel in the retail industry, retail professionals should possess excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills. Our retail resume examples will help you highlight these skills effectively.

  18. Retail Sales Associate Resume Examples & Writing Guide

    Lead by example through a positive attitude and tireless work ethic. 2. Add hard numbers to your work experience section. Unless you're searching for your first job, chances are you already have experience that's relevant to working as a retail sales associate.

  19. How to Make a Resume With No Experience: Examples & Tips

    How to format a resume with no experience: Follow the reverse-chronological order (i.e. put the most recent info up top). Add section headings to make your first-job resume easier to navigate. Use professional-looking fonts that are easy on the recruiter's eyes. Stick to the 11-12pt size range for regular text.

  20. Entry Level Part Time Sales Associate Resume Examples

    [email protected]. Professional Summary. Friendly high school graduate with strong customer service and point of sale experience looking for part time sale associate job. Good organizational skills adept at working with customers of different types and maintains a positive attitude around difficult customers. Core Qualifications. Customer Service.

  21. CV example for Retail Job (with no Experience) + guide

    Retail Job No Experience CV example. CV templates. This is a good example of a Retail CV without experience which contains all of the information that a hiring manager will need to be impressed, and presents it in a well- structured, easy-to-read format. Take some time to study and understand this CV, and refer to it throughout the writing of ...

  22. Retail Resume Examples: Applying for a Retail Job

    Below is an example of a retail resume: John Dunn. 123 Smith St. Richmond 3121. [email protected]. 0411 123 456 Objective I am an experienced retail sales assistant looking to further my skills by stepping into a managerial retail role. Experience Sales Assistant.

  23. 4 Resume Mistakes to Avoid When You Don't Have Much Experience

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    Business. Your business resume should be structured cleanly, use formal colors, and be loaded with professional achievements. The following business resume examples show you how it's done. Human Resources (HR) 6. Entry Level HR Resume. HR Business Partner Resume. HR Coordinator Resume. HR Generalist Resume.