Customer service, communication and management are the top three most mentioned skills in retail job ads, a LiveCareer analysis of recent job postings and resumes found. Job seeker resumes mention management and customer service to a sufficient degree, but they fall far short on communication skills.
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Communication skills are of chief importance in a tight retail labor market shaken by a shift to online retail.
The ability to communicate with customers, coworkers and managers is essential in a world in which COVID-related safety precautions remain a part of everyday life and job seekers face increased competition.
LiveCareer pinpointed the skills listed most often in job ads, including the precise wording of each skill.
This data-based approach reveals the terminology employers expect to see on retail applications, and can help guide job seekers in refreshing their resumes.
Top hard, soft and remote work skills that will help you land retail jobs
We analyzed job ads for a wide range of retail positions, including cashiers, store managers, retail sales associates and stockers. Here are the skills that rose to the top.
Soft skills
- Communication
Found in 48.95% of retail job ads
Look for words like communicate, articulate, voice and talk through. - Customer service
Found in 48.25% of job ads
Look for the phrase customer service, help customers and assist clients. - Management skills
Found in 34.62% of job ads
Look for words like manage, oversee, conduct, supervise and direct. - Safety conscious
Found in 26.57% of job ads
Look for words like safely, hazard and secure. - Flexibility
Found in 24.48% of job ads
Look for words like adaptable and flexible schedule. - Leadership
Found in 24.13% of job ads
Look for words like lead, plan, mentor and coach.
Hard skills
- Training
Found in 24.48% of job ads
Look for words like instruct, teach and train. - Driving
Found in 21.58% of job ads
Look for words like drive, delivery and driver's license. - Cash management
Found in 12.39% of job ads
Look for words like money handling and collection. - Point of sale (POS) software
Found in 11.19% of job ads
Look for the acronym POS, or Point of Sale.
Remote work skills
- Project management software like Teamwork (found in 4.76% of job ads) and Monday (found in 23.68% of job ads).
An experienced retail sales associate resume example
How to add skills to your resume
Read the job description, understand what the employer is seeking and use the exact wording of the skills listed in the job posting.
1. Weave a few important critical soft skills into your summary statement.
Example one: Store manager
Results-driven retail management professional determined to exceed company sales goals. Successful at leveraging financial and marketing education to make smart purchasing and merchandising decisions. Forward-thinking in addressing and resolving concerns, optimizing policies and providing excellent customer service to promote loyalty and drive sales.
Example two: Retail sales associate
Reliable sales associate offering top-notch sales expertise, customer service skills and relationship-building strengths. Dedicated to welcoming customers and providing comprehensive service. In-depth understanding of sales strategy, merchandising techniques and proper cash management.
2. Create a separate skills section. Make sure to include both hard and soft skills.
Example one: Cashier
- Cash management
- POS systems
- Customer service
- Product upselling
- Stocking and replenishing
- Bagging and packaging
Example two: Retail sales associate
- Cleaning procedures
- Product displays
- Product and service sales
- Customer service
- Store merchandising
- Inventory planning
3. Lace skills throughout top achievements in your work experience section.
Example one: Retail Manager
- Controlled store inventory and reviewed cash handling and operations reports.
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
- Effectively allocated tasks during high-traffic times to keep operations running smoothly and employees focused.
Example two: Cashier
- Restocked, arranged and organized merchandise in front lanes to drive product sales.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items and join reward programs to promote loyalty, satisfaction and sales numbers.
- Checked prices for customers and processed items sold by scanning barcodes.
How to grow this skill set
Employers are going to want to see you continuing to build your retail skills. There are many options available to you, including:
- There is no shortage of online sales courses to help you polish your resume. Search Udemy, Coursera or edX to see what's available, or look for a course that will enhance your skills in communication, customer service and management.
- Look for certifications offered by organizations in your field. The National Retail Federation Foundation, for example, has RISE Up, a training and credentialing program to help retail sales associates build their skills.
- Education yourself on what you sell. Before your interview at Best Buy, learn more about electronics. Before your first day at H&M, get acquainted with their products and how they position their brand in the market.
