The retail industry offers a variety of career opportunities, from customer service roles to management positions, each requiring a unique set of skills. Whether you’re just starting or looking to progress in your retail career, a well-crafted CV can make all the difference. Our guide and retail CV examples will help you highlight your customer service expertise, sales experience, and passion for delivering great service, giving you the edge needed to stand out to recruiters and secure your next role.

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    Retail CV examples

    Ready to take the next step in your retail career? Check out our range of CV examples specifically designed for different retail roles. Browse these examples to find the best format, structure, and key sections that will catch the attention of recruiters and help you stand out in this fast-paced industry.

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    Retail CV templates by experience level

    The retail industry offers a variety of career paths with room for growth and advancement. Many retail workers progress to roles such as supervisors, department managers, or even store directors. Whether you’re just starting out or already have years of experience, your level of expertise will influence the content and tone of your retail CV.

    To help you craft the perfect CV for your experience level, we’ve put together a selection of retail CV templates tailored to three different stages: entry-level, mid-career, and senior-level. Take a look at these examples to see how they vary, and gain insights into how to tailor your own CV to meet the specific needs of your target role.

    Retail CV template with no experience

    Create my CVRetail Cv No Experience

    Should you be at the very start of your retail career journey, your CV should ideally focus on things such as transferable skills, education, volunteering experience, as well as any relevant professional experiences you’ve had that are at least somewhat relevant to the retail job you’re applying for.

    Remember, given that you’re new to the world of retail jobs, you need to be more strategic in how you craft your CV and what sections you emphasise.

    Retail CV template for mid-career level

    Create my CVRetail Cv Samples

    The retail CV example for candidates at the mid-career level is slightly more straightforward. Since you already possess some relevant retail experience and skills needed to advance in the field, all that’s left is to demonstrate them in your CV.

    Retail CV template for senior level

    Create my CVRetail Cv Template

    A senior-level retail CV highlights your extensive experience in the retail industry, your achievements, leadership roles, specialised skills, and a proven track record of success in all your positions.

    View our extensive selection of CV templates and find the right one for your career.

    How to write a retail CV step by step

    This guide will help you create a CV that showcases your retail experience and skills. From your personal statement to your key achievements, we’ll walk you through what to include and how to present it in a way that makes your CV stand out to recruiters in the retail industry.

    retail CV samples

    STEP 1

    Write your personal statement

    Your personal statement is a great opportunity to highlight your retail experience and make a lasting impression on potential employers. Focus on your relevant skills, work history, and enthusiasm for customer service while tailoring the statement to match the specific job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job listing to ensure your CV passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catches the attention of hiring managers.

    Example 1: Retail manager’s personal statement 

    Retail manager with 7 years of experience in marketing and management. Proven track record in meeting short-term and long-term goals. Proficient in cultivating, fostering and leveraging customer relationships.

    OR

    Example 2: Entry-level retail assistant

    A motivated and friendly individual with a strong passion for customer service. Eager to apply my communication and organisational skills in a fast-paced retail environment. Known for my ability to learn quickly, work well as part of a team, and provide exceptional service to customers. Ready to contribute to a dynamic store team and help drive sales and customer satisfaction.

    STEP 2

    Describe your retail work history

    Your work experience section is typically the most checked part of your CV, as it showcases your ability to apply your skills in real-world retail environments. Whether you’ve worked in customer service, sales, or management roles, this section should highlight your achievements and how you contributed to the business’s success. Focus on specific accomplishments, such as meeting sales targets, improving customer satisfaction, or managing inventory, and where possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact.

    Example 1:

    Retail Sales Assistant | RetailMart, London
    January 2020 – Current

    • Exceeded monthly sales targets by 15%, contributing to overall store growth.
    • Provided excellent customer service, addressing customer complaints and improving satisfaction.
    • Assisted with inventory management, ensuring stock was maintained at optimal levels, reducing stock-outs by 20%.
    • Collaborated with team members to implement merchandising strategies that increased product visibility and sales.

    OR

    Example 2:

    Store Manager | Trendy Clothing, Birmingham
    March 2018 – December 2020

    • Managed a team of 10 staff, improving store efficiency and reducing employee turnover by 30%.
    • Achieved a 25% year-over-year increase in sales through new marketing strategies and promotions.
    • Oversaw inventory control, maintained stock levels and reduced waste.
    • Trained new employees on customer service, product knowledge, and store policies, boosting team performance.
    STEP 3

    Highlight your relevant retail skills

    In retail, your soft skills play a vital role. While hard skills like operating POS systems or managing inventory can be trained during your introductory period, soft skills such as communication, customer service, and teamwork are critical in creating a positive shopping experience. These are the qualities that employers look for in candidates to ensure smooth daily operations and customer satisfaction.

    Remember to list skills that align with the job you’re applying for and demonstrate your ability to thrive in a customer-facing role.

    Soft skills:

    • Exceptional communication skills, able to engage with customers and team members in a friendly and professional manner
    • Strong customer service abilities, ensuring a positive shopping experience and resolving customer issues with patience and efficiency
    • Teamwork and collaboration, working well with colleagues to achieve store goals and create a welcoming environment
    • Problem-solving skills, quickly addressing customer concerns and finding solutions to ensure satisfaction
    • Adaptability, staying calm and focused in a fast-paced retail environment and adjusting to changing customer needs
    • Attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in handling transactions, product placement, and store presentation

    Hard skills:

    • Basic knowledge of POS systems and transaction processing
    • Familiarity with inventory management and stock organization
    • Ability to handle cash handling and manage returns and exchanges
    STEP 4

    Showcase your qualifications

    Regarding qualifications, retail roles don’t typically require candidates to have obtained a degree. Many people enter the industry through an entry-level position on the shop floor. Of course, as with other sectors, the level of qualifications you need will also be determined by the direction in which you want to take your career.

    In any case, the education section of your retail CV should highlight relevant qualifications, i.e. those most closely related to the retail role you’re applying for. This approach demonstrates to employers that you understand the job requirements.

    Example of education for a retail CV:

    A-Levels
    Hillside College, London
    September 2016 – June 2018

    • Subjects: Business Studies, Economics, and ICT.

    GCSEs
    Springfield Secondary School, London
    September 2014 – June 2016

    • Subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Business Studies, and Biology.

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