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Getting a job as an optical assistant entails being able to present your qualifications, personal skills, and work experience in an impactful and compelling manner that draws attention to your unique strengths. To assist you in this complex process, we have created a free optical assistant CV template to help you format and write up a compelling CV that lands you an interview and possibly an optical assistant job.
Our step-by-step guide will help you compile each section with the best resources and advice, including:
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Sample optical assistant CV
Albert Hamilton
21 Guild Street, London EC2A 7TA
07912345678
Albert.Hamilton@example-example.co.uk
Professional summary
Reliable Optical Assistant promotes commitment to accuracy and quality. Safety-focused problem solver with strong aptitude for troubleshooting and repair. Quickly assesses components to identify and correct defects. Strong hand-eye coordination and mechanical skills.
Work history
February 2018 – Current
Optic Centre – London
Optical Assistant
- Lens care education
- Performed frame repairs and adjustments for customer comfort.
- Advised customers on spectacle and sunglass choices based on prescription, style and budget to encourage repeat business and guarantee satisfaction.
February 2013 – January 2018
OptiGlass – London
Optical Assistant
- Assisted with dilating patients or using eye medications when directed by optometrist.
- Performed ancillary testing when ordered by optometrist and thoroughly explained procedures to patients.
- Conducted pretest procedures to gather data before exam and make eye appointments more efficient and productive.
Skills
- Health insurance claims
- Bifocal lenses
- Frame repairs and adjustments
- Eye drop administration
- Depth perception testing
- Vision test booking management
Education
London College London – 2015
NVQ Level 3 Optical Retail Skills
What is the best format for your optical assistant CV?
Choosing the correct format for your CV can be challenging with the number of examples available on the web. However, getting the best CV formats that recruiters prefer is pretty simple. Reverse-chronological is the most common format to use. This means starting with your most recent work history and qualifications.
After your contact details and personal statement, your work history will make up the main body of your CV. That’s complemented by sections on your skills and education to tick the remaining boxes.
Optical assistant roles often require experience. However, submitting a skills-based CV may be appropriate if you don’t have this. This highlights transferable skills learned in other jobs and is typically suitable for entry-level roles. In this instance, the skills section comes after your personal statement.
How to write a CV for a optical assistant
When applying for an optical assistant job, you need to include a range of information such as education, skills, and work history. However, knowing how to write a CV is essential so you have everything relevant to the job you’re applying for.
This guide shows you how to make the best first impression. Below you’ll find:
- How to add contact details to your optical assistant CV
- Optical assistant CV personal statement
- Optical assistant CV work experience
- Great skills to add on your optical assistant CV
- Optical assistant CV education
How to add contact details to your optical assistant CV
At the top of your CV sits the contact details. This is an important section, as it provides the information that recruiters need to contact you. It’s easy to get right, but there are a few things to include for clarity. This includes:
- First name and surname
- Address and postcode
- Mobile number and/or landline
- Work-appropriate email address
Example of contact section for an electrician apprentice CV
Melanie Wood
15 Anyroad Anytown Anycounty
AT66 8UU
01234 555344
melwood@anymail.com
Optical assistant CV personal statement
An important part of your CV is the personal statement. This offers the opportunity to tell recruiters about your skills, experience, and background in a few sentences. Our advice on writing your personal statement is:
- Write in the third person – it helps recruiters understand what you offer
- Keep it brief, 3-4 sentences is plenty
- Use positive words such as “positive”, “patient”, and “flexible.”
- Detail skills and achievements such as industry recognised awards
- Highlight expertise if relevant
Example of personal statement for an optical assistant CV
A confident, experienced, and self-motivated optical assistant with six years of experience working in fast-paced retail settings. In-depth knowledge of the techniques and instruments used in routine eye examinations, coupled with outstanding organisational and administrative skills. Possess business awareness and a clear understanding of the best retail practices in healthcare environments.
OR
Experienced optical assistant of six years. Able to supervise teams and coach newly qualified optical assistants in line with the current industry standards and in-house sales targets. Committed to professional development and to providing first-class customer care. Now seeking to develop managerial skills further and tackle new challenges with a supervisory role in the public sector. Willing to relocate.
Optical assistant CV work experience
Relevant work experience is an important element to add to your optical assistant CV. This section details your aptitude for the job and shows recruiters how well you may fit into the role. After all, you wouldn’t want someone inexperienced taking care of your eyes!
Starting with your most recent role, include the below details:
- Start and end date
- Job title, employer and location
- Include 3-6 duties per job role
There’s often a lot to include in this section. But ensure you keep the details concise and structured to fit everything in. It’s also helpful not to overlap duties from one role to another. Recruiters want to see the breadth of your work history. For example, if you have experience undertaking initial assessments before an eye examination, perhaps include your assisting with frame selection in another. The more information you can pack in without writing too much, the better.
Example of work experience for a optical assistant CV
Senior Optical Assistant | Eye See, Any City, June 2013 – Present
- In charge of coordinating and implementing an effective customer care strategy across five optical clinics.
- Developed a new in-house training scheme and mentored newly qualified optical assistants.
- Responsible for ordering new supplies and for weekly stock control.
Optical Assistant | Bright Side, Any City, May 2010 | May 2013
- Assisted customers during the eyewear selection process at a busy high-street optician.
- Provided chair-side support to senior optometrists during consultations and eye examinations.
- Provided admin support to the reception team.
Great skills to add on your optical assistant CV
A day in the life of an optical assistant is varied. So, having relevant skills to fit into the job well is essential. In addition, transferable skills learned in previous positions showcase your ability to do the job well and give employers an idea of your ability to handle a range of situations.
Some example of CV skills to include:
Essential skills for a optical assistant
- Excellent communication
- Customer service
- Sales aptitude
- Digital skills
- Adaptability
Desirable aptitudes to set you apart
- Well presented
- Confident and friendly
- Willingness to learn
- Ability to work under pressure
- Eye health knowledge
Optical assistant CV education
A general standard of education is typically required for optical assistant positions. Qualifications such as GSCEs are accepted. However, the grade level is not always necessary as long as candidates show aptitude and skills for the role.
When writing your qualifications, there are a few details to include. Start with your most recent education level first and list:
- School, college, university or training provider
- Year of qualification
- Level of qualification, for example, GCSEs, NVQs
- Subject or course title – you don’t need this for high school courses
Example education section for a optical assistant
Example College, Anytown, 2006-2008
Level 3 Diploma in Optical Retail Skills
Any College, Anytown, 2004-2006
A levels: Maths (A) English (B) Biology (A) Science (B)
Optical assistant CV tips
Write a cover letter if required
Some opticians will ask for a cover letter included in the application. This is a chance to showcase your optical assistant abilities and experience in a more detailed fashion. Cover letters should consist of more information on your knowledge, skills, and education – the perfect chance to show how your experience relates to optical assistant duties if you haven’t held the position before. You can also include relevant achievements and industry awards if needed, such as an employee of the month award as an optical assistant.
Keep your CV concise
It’s tempting to write everything in your CV to show off your skills for the job, whether that’s customer service from a job in sales or optician knowledge from your studies. However, recruiters don’t have time to shift through long applications. Write one or two pages and keep it concise. Bullet points and clear structuring also make it easy to read.
Use consistent fonts and headings
Formatting your CV is just one way to make it stand out. Another element to consider is the font and headings. Keep these clear and consistent. Don’t use unprofessional fonts or fancy typeface. All the headings should match in size and ensure section blocks have consistent spacing – to avoid your CV looking like a Snellen eye chart!
Read the job description and person specification thoroughly
Your optical assistant CV should be relevant to the job you are applying for. So, it’s essential to read the job description and get a feel for the type of work you’ll be doing. Tailoring the content to the role will help recruiters determine how you’ll transition into a new job.
Add relevant transferable skills
Highlighting your skills is an integral part of your CV. However, be sure to keep them relevant to the job. As an optical assistant position may not require formal qualifications, it’s vital to detail how your previous experience suits the role. Transferable skills such as communication skills, problem-solving and attention to detail are just some of the factors that could help your application.
Include relevant training awards and certificates
The role of an optical assistant is varied, and having relevant industry awards can show recruiters your passion and willingness to learn. For example, if you hold a retail management skills certificate, include this as it details your aptitude for progression. If you have relevant eye health certifications, also include this in your education section.
Your optical assistant questions answered
What is the role of an optical assistant?
Optical assistants primarily work in opticians or eye health clinics. This role is varied and involves working with the public. Common duties include:
- Booking eye examination appointments
- Helping customers choose frames and lenses
- Conducting initial eye health screenings
- General customer service
- Retail shop duties such as cleaning
What skills does an optical assistant need?
Optical assistant must show a range of skills for this role, including:
- Positive attitude
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Ability to handle a busy retail environment
- Natural sales approach
What qualifications are needed to be an optical assistant?
For an entry-level optical assistant role, a general standard of education is required. For example, good grades in Maths and English will help you in many areas of the job. However, many employers look for candidates who are willing to learn and show aptitude and skills suited to the position.
How can I be a good optical assistant?
Becoming a good optical assistant comes down to an individual’s attitude and approach to work. Using your skills learned in other roles and having a willingness to learn new things will help you throughout your career. In addition, as every day is different, being a good optical assistant means you need to be adaptable, flexible, and tactful, especially when dealing with the public.
Make your optical assistant CV crystal clear
Want to make sure your CV passes the recruiter’s eye test like our CV examples? Our online builder has a choice of CV templates to give you a head start with the right design and structure. You can then fill your CV with top-rate content written by professionals, specifically for optical assistant applicants.
