Check your retail store manager CV against the job advert
Store manager adverts want proof that you run a profitable, well-staffed shop. Show the store's size, your team and what you improved.
Start with your advert
Every retail store manager 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 store manager adverts usually ask for
Sales and KPIs
Why they askAdverts ask for a record of hitting sales targets and other KPIs.
How to show itGive the store size or turnover and real results you can stand behind.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Managed a store turning over £[amount] a year; [result against target] in [period].
Leading and developing a team
Why they askRecruiting, rotas, coaching and performance management are core tasks.
How to show itGive team size and something you built in people.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Led a team of [number], including recruitment, rotas and coaching; [number] promoted to [role].
Stock, shrink and availability
Why they askManaging stock loss and keeping shelves full protect profit.
How to show itDescribe what you did and what changed.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Reduced [shrink / waste] by [action], [result if known].
Standards and compliance
Why they askHealth and safety, audits and brand standards matter to area managers.
How to show itMention audits and how you did.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Ran [health and safety / brand] audits and [result].
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 store manager applications
- No store size, team size or results.
- Claiming company-wide results as your own.
Questions
How do I move from assistant manager to store manager?
Show times you ran the store: covering the manager, leading the team, owning KPIs. Use the advert's words for each.