✨ Fill and validate PDF forms with InstaFill AI. Save an average of 34 minutes on each form, reducing mistakes by 90% and ensuring accuracy. Learn more

Retail sales associate resume: the 18 best tips

January 16, 2023 · 3 min read

You're a retail warrior, selling things and looking for a company that offers you career advancement, holidays off, great benefits, & a stellar culture.

A retail sales associate resume should showcase a candidate's ability to provide excellent customer service, make sales, and have a strong understanding of the products or services they are selling.

When creating a resume for a retail sales associate position, it is important to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Here are some tips for creating a strong resume:


1. Tailor your resume to the specific position and company you are applying to. Use keywords from the job listing in your resume.

2. Include a summary or objective statement that summarizes your relevant skills and experiences.

3. List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each job, include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a list of responsibilities and accomplishments.

4. Highlight any relevant sales experience, such as meeting sales goals or building relationships with customers.

5. Include any relevant education, such as a degree in marketing or business.

6. List any relevant skills, such as customer service, product knowledge, or computer skills.

7. Use a professional format and font, and proofread your resume for spelling and grammar errors.

8. Consider adding a skills section or additional sections such as certifications, awards, or volunteer work if they are relevant to the position you are applying for.

9. Make sure your resume is optimized for Applicant Tracking System (ATS) if the company you are applying to use it.

10. Consider including a professional headshot, if it's not prohibited by company's policy or company culture.

11. Emphasize your communication and customer service skills, as these are essential for success in a retail sales role.

12. Include any experience you have working in a team environment, as retail sales often involves working with other associates and managers.

13. Highlight any experience you have with product knowledge, as being able to answer customer questions and make recommendations can be a major asset in a retail sales role.

14. Showcase any experience you have with visual merchandising or creating attractive displays, as this can be important in a retail setting.

15. If you have experience working with specific brands or products, make sure to mention that, as it can be beneficial for the employer.

16. Include any language skills you have, as this could be beneficial for a retail sales role.

17. If you have experience working with a specific type of customer, such as luxury goods or children's clothing, make sure to mention that, as it can be beneficial for the employer.

18. Include any relevant volunteer or community service experience you have, as this can demonstrate your commitment to customer service and teamwork.


Remember to highlight your key selling points and tailor your resume to the specific requirements of the job listing.


Following these tips can help you create a strong and effective resume that will help you stand out as a retail sales associate candidate.

by Eugene Smirnov

Was this helpful?