Check your retail assistant CV against the job advert
Retail adverts look for friendly, reliable people who can serve, handle money and keep the shop floor right. Here's how to show it, even with little experience.
Start with your advert
Every retail assistant advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:
- Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
- For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
- Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.
Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.
What retail assistant adverts usually ask for
Serving customers
Why they askHelping customers find what they need is the heart of the role.
How to show itSay what kind of store and what you did for customers.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Served customers in a busy [type of store], helping them find [products] and answering questions.
Tills and cash handling
Why they askMost roles include a till, and adverts mention cash handling.
How to show itMention till work, cashing up and any responsibility you were trusted with.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Worked the till and cashed up at close, balancing takings [how often, such as most evenings].
Stock and shop floor standards
Why they askReplenishment, deliveries, date checks and displays keep the shop running.
How to show itList the stock tasks you've done.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Unloaded deliveries, replenished shelves and did [date checks / stock counts / displays].
Selling and promotions
Why they askSome adverts mention sales targets, loyalty sign-ups or upselling.
How to show itOnly use figures you know.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Promoted [offers / loyalty scheme] at the till, [result if known].
Availability and reliability
Why they askRetail needs evenings, weekends and busy seasons covered.
How to show itState your availability clearly.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Available [days and times], including weekends and [seasonal peaks].
Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.
Mistakes that cost retail assistant applications
- Not stating availability, which is often the first filter.
- Generic lines that could describe any shop.
- For first jobs, leaving out school, volunteering or sports that show reliability and teamwork.
Questions
How do I write a retail CV with no experience?
Show reliability and people skills from school, volunteering, clubs or helping a family business, and state your availability.