Retail CV Examples & How to Write Your Own Retail CV

If you’re eyeing a promising career in the retail sector, creating a standout retail CV is your gateway to success. This article will walk you through expert advice and provide examples to help you craft a compelling CV for retail jobs that showcases your skills and experiences effectively.

This guide will show you:

• A retail CV example that outshines 9 out of 10 other CVs.
• How to write a retail CV that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a retail CV.
• How to describe your experience on a CV for a retail CV to get any job you want.

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Looking for specific CV samples for sales and retail? Read more here:

• Customer Service CV Example & Writing Guide
• Shop Assistant CV Example & Writing Guide
• Retail Manager CV Example & Writing Guide
• Sales CV Example & Writing Guide

You can also check all our professional CV samples for different job types.

Retail CV example

Here’s how to write your own retail CV:

1. Nail the perfect format for your retail CV template

The retail industry is the largest private-sector employer in the UK, providing jobs to nearly three million people. With such high competition for retail roles, your CV needs to capture attention quickly. Correctly formatting your retail CV template can help you stand out and make a strong first impression.

• Start with a clear CV header: Include your name, contact number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Mentioning your city is optional but can be helpful if it aligns with the employer’s location.
• Use a chronological CV format: This is the most popular format in the UK as it highlights your work experience by placing your most recent roles first, which hiring managers prefer.
• Create a professional CV layout: Set page margins to one inch, left-align your text, and use double spacing between sections. This clean and organised structure will make your retail CV easy to read and ensure that key information stands out.
• Choose a professional font: Stick to fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri in sizes 10 to 12 points for the main text, with larger font sizes (14–16 points) for section headings.
• Save your CV as a PDF: This ensures your formatting stays intact across devices. Use a professional filename such as “YourName_Retail_CV.pdf.”
• Keep it concise: A one-page CV template is ideal for entry-level retail roles, while experienced candidates can extend it to two pages if needed.

In a competitive sector like UK retail, following these formatting tips ensures your CV looks polished and professional and is ready to impress hiring managers.

Pro Tip: Skip unnecessary personal details like photos, marital status, or date of birth—these aren’t relevant to your qualifications and could distract from your skills and experience.

2. Grab attention with a retail CV personal statement

A personal statement is like the shop window of your CV—it’s the first thing hiring managers see, and it needs to grab their attention instantly. In just 3–4 sentences, answer these key questions:

• Who are you?
• What can you offer to the employer?
• What are your career goals?

Although this section will be at the top of your retail CV, first finish writing other sections and then use them to create a concise, targeted summary or objective. Tailor it to the job description by highlighting relevant skills and achievements with keywords that match the employer’s needs. 

If you’ve at least one year of experience, write a CV summary that highlights your achievements and showcases how you’ll bring value to the employer.

• Start with your current or most recent job title and mention your years of experience.
• Highlight 2–3 key skills or achievements that align with the job description, such as boosting sales, improving customer satisfaction, or leading successful promotional campaigns.
• Conclude with how your skills can contribute to the employer’s goals.

If you’re a school leaver, student, or someone writing a CV for a retail job with no experience, write a retail CV objective that focuses on your transferable skills, enthusiasm for the role, and knowledge about the company.

• Mention skills gained from education, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that are relevant to retail, such as customer service, numeracy, or teamwork.
• Show passion for the retail industry and the specific role you’re applying for.
• Demonstrate awareness of the company’s values or goals.

A well-written CV introduction will set the perfect tone for the rest of your job application. Now, let’s take a closer look at how to present the details of your professional experience.

Read more: CV Personal Profile: Tips and Examples for 2025

3. Tailor your retail CV job descriptions to stand out

The retail sector is thriving, with sales in Great Britain reaching £517 billion in 2024—a 1.4% increase from 2023. There’s a steady demand for professionals in this field. To get one of the best-paying retail jobs, your CV needs a tailored work experience section that demonstrates retail-related skills.

The work experience section of your CV for retail jobs is critical—it’s your chance to show how your skills and accomplishments align with the role you’re applying for. A generic list of duties won’t cut it. Hiring managers want to see how your experience directly relates to the position they’re offering.

Here’s how to tailor your retail job description:

• Start with your most recent role. List your job title, the company name, location, and dates of employment. Use "present" if you’re currently in the role.
• Incorporate the job title from the listing. Matching the title to what’s advertised can improve your chances with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and show clear relevance.
• Use dynamic action words. Start each bullet point with verbs like managed, executed, or collaborated to make your responsibilities and achievements stand out.
• Focus on achievements, not duties. Instead of listing what you were supposed to do, highlight how you excelled. Use numbers or metrics to provide evidence (e.g., “Increased sales by 15% through effective upselling strategies”).
• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This helps structure your bullet points with accomplishment statements effectively.
• Target your experience to the job description. Highlight skills and accomplishments that align with what the employer is seeking. For example, if the role prioritises customer service, emphasise how you resolved customer complaints or improved satisfaction scores.

Read more: Creating a Perfect CV Structure: How to Set out a Flawless CV

4. Maximise the impact of your education section

While the education section of a retail CV may not carry as much weight as your work experience, it’s still an essential component. Employers want to see it formatted correctly and tailored to highlight relevant qualifications. A well-structured education section can provide an extra edge, especially for school leavers or recent graduates.

Check out these tips on how to make an education section for your retail CV:

• If you’re a school-leaver or recent graduate, include the name of your school, its location, and the years you attended. For A-levels, list the individual subjects, but for GCSEs, mention only key subjects like Maths and English, as employers often view passes in these as essential.
• If you’ve attended university or are currently studying, include the university name, degree title, and years attended. If you haven’t graduated yet, add your expected graduation date.
• For candidates with limited work experience, consider placing the education section before your work history to showcase your academic qualifications.
• Highlight any relevant coursework or academic projects demonstrating transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, or problem-solving, especially for junior-level roles.
• If applicable, include academic achievements, such as scholarships, awards, or leadership roles, to add depth to this section.

Read more: The Best CV Writing Tips & Advice (+ Examples)

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5. Showcase the must-have retail skills employers want

In retail, the right skills can make all the difference in landing the job. Employers want to see a clear, targeted set of abilities that align with their expectations. Instead of listing every skill you possess, focus on those highlighted in the job advert and demonstrate how you excel at them.

How to select retail skills for CVs:

• Refer to the job description and identify the skills the employer is seeking. These are often listed as requirements or desirable qualities.
• Compare the job's required skills with your own. Choose 5–10 key skills that match and are most relevant to the role.
• Include a mix of soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork) and hard skills (e.g., POS systems, merchandising).
• Demonstrate each skill with a brief example or description to show how you’ve applied it in practice. For instance: “POS Systems: Skilled in using mobile and static POS systems, processing online payments, and performing end-of-shift reconciliations.”

Sample retail skills for CVs

• Sales strategies
• Visual merchandising
• Inventory management
• Cash handling
• Product knowledge
• Team collaboration
• Time management
• Customer service skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Active listening skills
• Adaptability
• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills

Read more: CV for a Part-Time Job: Example & Writing Tips

6. Supercharge your retail CV with extra sections

In a competitive job market, adding extra sections to a CV for retail jobs can set you apart from other candidates. These additional elements showcase your unique strengths and highlight qualities that go beyond your work experience.

Take a look at these extra sections to include in your retail CV template:

• Certifications: Mention relevant certifications, such as customer service excellence, retail management training, or first aid. These demonstrate your dedication to professional development.
• Languages: If you speak multiple languages, create a dedicated section. Highlight your proficiency levels, as multilingual skills are a significant asset in retail, especially in diverse customer-facing environments.
• Volunteer experience: Include volunteer work that demonstrates retail-relevant skills, such as organising charity sales or helping in community shops. This shows initiative and community involvement.
• Achievements and awards: Highlight any recognition, such as “Employee of the Month” or sales performance awards. These add credibility to your skills and accomplishments.
• Hobbies & interests: Include relevant hobbies that showcase transferable skills, such as team sports (teamwork), crafting (creativity), or blogging about retail trends (industry passion).

By adding these sections, you’ll create a retail CV that reflects your versatility, dedication, and ability to bring added value to potential employers.

Read more: References on a CV: Is It a Good Idea to Include Them?

7. Pair your retail CV with a job-winning cover letter

A tailored, short cover letter is the perfect companion to a retail CV, helping you stand out in a competitive job market. Many applicants send generic CVs, so a thoughtful cover letter shows genuine interest in the role and the company, giving you a significant advantage.

Here’s how to make a well-written cover letter:

• Start with a professional cover letter format: Match the header of your cover letter with your retail CV for a consistent and polished look. Keep the length to 3–5 concise paragraphs on a single page.
• Begin your cover letter with a compelling opening: Mention the job title and express enthusiasm for the role. Highlight a key achievement or experience that aligns with the company’s needs to capture attention immediately.
• Focus on retail skills and achievements in the body: Demonstrate how your customer service experience, sales achievements, or teamwork skills align with the job description. Use specific examples tailored to the position to show how you can add value to the employer’s team.
• End your cover letter with a strong call to action: Reiterate your interest in the position and express your eagerness to discuss your contribution further.
• Follow up on your application: If you don’t hear back within a week, send a polite follow-up email or make a quick phone call. Persistence can demonstrate your interest and potentially set you apart from other candidates.

By pairing your retail CV with a customised, engaging cover letter, you’ll significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.

Read more: How To Write a Retail Cover Letter: Examples & Tips

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your CV will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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Key Takeaways

A well-written retail CV is your ticket to standing out in the job market. Here’s a reminder of the steps you should follow to create an impressive CV for retail positions:

1. Format your retail CV template professionally.
2. Introduce yourself with a tailored personal statement.
3. Present relevant achievements and experience using active verbs.
4. Outline your educational background effectively.
5. Choose skills for a retail CV and describe how you’ve mastered them.
6. Pick additional sections that can back you up.
7. Match your CV for retail jobs with a personalised cover letter. 

Thank you for reading! Feel free to drop your questions or thoughts about retail CVs in the comments section below.

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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• GREAT.gov.uk, "Retail sector investment opportunities in the UK"
• House of Commons Library, “Retail sector in the UK”
• National Careers Service, “The STAR method”