What To Include On A Retail Resume + Retail Skills

Learn about the important sections, keywords, and skills that should be in a retail resume.

Crafting a captivating retail resume could be the key to landing your next job. A resume isn't required for many entry-level retail positions but is a handy tool to have if you are pursuing a managerial or corporate retail role. A retail resume aims to showcase your skills and experiences and sell yourself as the ideal candidate for whatever position you are applying for.

This article helps identify key elements to include (and not include) in a retail resume, where to get help with your resume, and where to find the best retail jobs.

If you’re ready to land a retail job, start your search on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter makes applying for jobs simple with their 1-Click Apply feature. You can also upload your resume to ZipRecruiter’s resume database so that recruiters and hiring managers who use ZipRecruiter can find you. Get started with ZipRecruiter for free today!

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If you’re an employer looking to hire someone in retail, or any position, check out our list of the best free job posting sites.

What Is Unique About A Retail Resume?

A retail resume isn't that different from other resumes. The primary difference is that it's geared towards someone pursuing a career in retail. Each resume element should sell you as an ideal candidate for the desired position.

In most cases, you can use a chronological resume format that highlights your most recent experiences first and works backward. Consider customizing your retail resume to fit each retail position of interest.

What Should Be Included On A Retail Resume?

You can format your retail resume similar to other resume types. Work to highlight your experience and skillset in each section, using action words and numbers to leave a positive impression on hiring managers and recruiters who read your resume.

A retail resume should fit on one page and include the following information:

Header

Every resume needs a basic header. It tells recruiters who you are and how to contact you for a follow-up call. Your header should include your name, location, email, and phone number.

Summary 

A resume summary is a short section that spotlights your most relevant career experiences and accomplishments. You often have seconds to connect with a recruiter through your resume, and the summary could be the only thing they read.

Aim for three to four simple sentences that showcase your education and very best experiences that help capture the reader's attention.

Work Experience

List relevant work experience in chronological order, beginning with your most recent experiences. Relevant work experience is ideal, but feel free to add other work experiences if they involve transferable skills or you need them to fill out the section. List several bullet points for each position, detailing your duties and achievements using action words and results-based information. Include any internships you've had that help sell you as a qualified candidate.

Education

A retail resume should also include a section for educational experiences. List college degrees earned, beginning with the highest degree earned. Each listing should consist of the college or university name, location (city/state), the years attended, and the degree earned. You can also include your major if it relates to retail work.

Skills

Your skills section will highlight many of the skills learned or displayed through previous experiences related to the desired retail position. This section should include any hard skills related to the role and soft skills that transfer well to retail settings.

What Should Be Left Off A Retail Resume?

Typically a retail resume doesn't need extra sections for certifications, a career objective, or references. There's no need to include a photograph of yourself either. Keep your resume concise, focusing your energy on selling your experience and skills in other sections.

Important Job Skills For Retail Resumes

As mentioned, you should include hard and soft skills in your retail resume. You don't need to list every skill you possess. Narrow it down to the most relevant skills important to prospective employers. Some skills you should consider adding to your retail resume include:

Hard Skills

• Cash handling
• Cash registers
• Commercial awareness
• Inventory
• Loss prevention
• Marketing
• Organization
• Point of sale systems
• Product knowledge
• Promotion
• Purchasing
• Receiving
• Shipping
• Sourcing
• Stock checking
• Upselling
• Visual merchandising
• Window displays

Soft Skills

• Administrative skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer service
• Flexibility
• Friendliness
• Interpersonal skills
• Management
• Multitasking
• Organization
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Time management

Where To Get Help With Your Resume

Now that you know all of the components that make up a retail resume, you may be ready to craft your resume on your own! However, if you still have questions and need extra help, we would recommend working with a resume writing service.

For more information, check out our guide to the best resume writing services.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What should I put on my resume for retail?

A retail resume should highlight education and experience that relate directly to the desired retail position. You should also include a skills section listing hard retail skills and transferable soft skills that speak to your ability as a potential employee.

What skills should I list on my resume for retail?

List hard skills related to your retail experiences like customer service, purchasing, POS systems, shipping and receiving, loss prevention, and inventory. You should also list relevant soft skills that transfer well to a retail setting like customer service, friendliness, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and organization skills.

What skills does working in retail give you?

Working in a retail setting can help you develop valuable career and life skills. Skills you can gain from working in retail include cash management, teamwork, interpersonal communication, multitasking, sales, marketing, and time management.

What is a retail job?

A retail job involves selling retail products to customers in a store, an office, or another retail setting.

The Bottom Line

If you're interested in working in a retail setting either as your next job or a possible career path, spend time creating a retail resume. Gather your personal, educational, and professional information and create a resume that will attract employers and recruiters. Use a  resume writing service if you need assistance with a powerful resume that delivers.

You can find retail jobs and careers using an online job search board like ZipRecruiter. The job site allows you to find and apply for retail jobs for free. You can even post your resume within your ZipRecruiter profile for free.