Hard skills like inventory management, point-of-sale operation, and product knowledge ensure efficient store operations and customer service.
Big Lots Store Associate Resume Examples & Templates
Looking to stand out as a Big Lots store associate? Our Big Lots store associate resume examples showcase essential skills like customer service and teamwork that will help you get noticed by employers.
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Popular Big Lots Store Associate Resume Examples
Check out our top Big Lots store associate resume examples that emphasize key skills such as customer service, product knowledge, and teamwork. These examples will help you showcase your abilities effectively to potential employers.
Ready to design a standout resume? Our Resume Builder offers user-friendly templates specifically created for retail professionals, making it simple to highlight your strengths in the job market.
Recommended
Entry-level Big Lots store associate resume
What this resume does well:
This entry-level resume effectively highlights the job seeker's ability to boost sales and improve inventory control, showcasing strong skills in customer service and team collaboration. Professionals new to this field should demonstrate their capacity for effective sales techniques and efficient management of store operations despite limited work experience.
Mid-career Big Lots store associate resume
What this resume does well:
This resume effectively showcases key qualifications by highlighting the job seeker's sales achievements and leadership roles. The clear listing of responsibilities demonstrates readiness for advancement, reflecting a strong progression in retail management and customer service capabilities.
Experienced Big Lots store associate resume
What this resume does well:
The work history section illustrates the applicant's strong background in retail, showcasing a remarkable 20% increase in monthly sales targets and a 15% reduction in stock loss. The bullet-point format improves readability, making it easy for hiring managers to assess key achievements at a glance.
Resume Template—Easy to Copy & Paste
Olivia Huang
Milwaukee, WI 53205
(555)555-5555
Olivia.Huang@example.com
Professional Summary
Dynamic store associate with expertise in retail growth, inventory optimization, and customer service. Proven track record of increasing sales and streamlining operations through strategic initiatives. Skilled in training new employees and elevating team performance.
Work History
Big Lots Store Associate
HomeStyle Retail - Milwaukee, WI
January 2023 - December 2025
- Optimized floor plans, boosting sales by 15%.
- Improved customer satisfaction by 20%.
- Trained 5 new hires monthly on product knowledge.
Retail Merchandise Specialist
ShopSmart Solutions - Brookfield, WI
January 2020 - December 2022
- Increased inventory turnover by 10%.
- Decreased stock loss by 30% yearly.
- Implemented promotions that raised sales 25%.
Customer Service Representative
ValueMart - Milwaukee, WI
January 2017 - December 2019
- Enhanced customer retention by 15%.
- Handled 50+ customer inquiries daily.
- Resolved conflicts with a 90% success rate.
Skills
- Customer Service Excellence
- Retail Management
- Inventory Optimization
- Sales Strategies
- Staff Training
- Conflict Resolution
- Product Knowledge
- Merchandising
Certifications
- Certified Retail Operations Professional - Retail Management Institute
- Customer Service Excellence - Institute of Customer Service
Education
Master of Business Administration Retail Management
Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio
December 2016
Bachelor of Science Marketing
Kent State University Kent, Ohio
December 2013
Languages
- Spanish - Intermediate (B1)
- French - Beginner (A1)
- German - Intermediate (B1)
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How to Write a Big Lots Store Associate Resume Summary
Your resume summary is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on hiring managers. It’s essential to showcase how your skills and experiences align with the Big Lots store associate role right from the start.
In this position, you should highlight your customer service skills, teamwork capabilities, and any experience in retail environments. These attributes are important for creating a positive shopping experience for customers.
To better understand what makes an effective resume summary, let’s review some examples that illustrate successful strategies and common pitfalls:
Weak resume summary
I am a dedicated Big Lots store associate with several years in retail. I want to find a position where I can use my skills and help the team succeed. I hope to work in a friendly environment that offers growth opportunities and a good balance between work and personal life.
Why this summary misses the mark:
- Lacks specific details about relevant skills or achievements, making it sound generic
- Emphasizes what the job seeker desires rather than highlighting contributions they can make
- Uses weak language that doesn't convey confidence or unique value to potential employers
Strong resume summary
Enthusiastic Big Lots store associate with over 3 years of experience in retail operations and customer service. Achieved a 20% increase in sales during seasonal promotions by effectively managing inventory and executing strategic merchandising displays. Proficient in POS systems, customer relationship management, and maintaining store visual standards to improve the shopping experience.
Why this summary works:
- Begins with specific years of experience and highlights relevant retail operations
- Includes quantifiable achievement that showcases measurable impact on sales performance
- Identifies concrete skills relevant to the retail environment, demonstrating value to potential employers
PRO TIP
If you're new to the workforce, consider using a career objective to stand out. This approach highlights your goals and enthusiasm, rather than focusing solely on experience. Check out numerous resume objective examples tailored specifically for retail positions to get started.
Showcasing Your Work Experience
The work experience section is the centerpiece of your resume as a Big Lots store associate. This is where you’ll include the bulk of your content, and effective resume templates always emphasize this important section.
This part should be formatted in reverse-chronological order, clearly listing your previous roles. Use bullet points to highlight specific achievements and responsibilities that showcase your skills in retail.
To craft this section effectively, we’ve prepared examples demonstrating what works well and what doesn’t:
Weak work experience
Store Associate
Big Lots – Anytown, USA
- Assisted customers with their purchases
- Stocked shelves and organized products
- Handled cash register transactions
- Maintained a clean store environment
Why this work experience section misses the mark:
- Lacks specific employment dates
- Bullet points are generic and do not highlight unique skills or contributions
- Focuses on basic tasks instead of achievements or metrics that demonstrate impact
Strong work experience
Store Associate
Big Lots – Dallas, TX
March 2021 - Present
- Assist customers in locating products, ensuring a positive shopping experience that improves customer satisfaction by 30%
- Maintain store organization and inventory accuracy, leading to a 15% reduction in stock discrepancies over one year
- Collaborate with team members during seasonal promotions, boosting sales by 20% through effective merchandising strategies
Why this work experience section works:
- Starts each bullet with an action verb to clearly convey the applicant's contributions
- Incorporates specific metrics that demonstrate performance impact, making achievements tangible
- Highlights relevant skills such as customer service and teamwork essential for retail positions
While your resume summary and work experience are important components, don't overlook other sections that also deserve careful formatting. For more detailed guidance on crafting a well-rounded resume, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a resume.
Top Skills to Include on Your Resume
A skills section is important for a strong resume as it allows you to showcase your qualifications at a glance. This section helps employers quickly identify if you possess the necessary abilities for the Big Lots Store Associate role.
For this position, emphasize both customer service and technical skills. Highlight proficiency with point-of-sale systems and inventory management software, while also showcasing communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal abilities that demonstrate your effectiveness in serving customers.
Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are essential for creating a positive shopping experience and fostering collaboration among staff members.
Selecting the right resume skills is important for aligning with what employers expect from applicants. Many organizations use automated screening systems that filter out applicants lacking essential skills for the position.
To ensure your resume stands out, carefully review job postings to identify key resume skills mentioned by employers. Highlighting these relevant skills not only attracts recruiters but also helps you pass through ATS filters effectively.
PRO TIP
Ensure your resume stands out by using our ATS Resume Checker. It identifies more than 30 common mistakes, helping you confidently navigate applicant tracking systems with ease.
10 skills that appear on successful Big Lots store associate resumes
To grab the attention of recruiters, it's essential to highlight the most sought-after skills for Big Lots store associate roles. By showcasing these key abilities in your resume, you improve your chances of making a lasting impression, as reflected in our helpful resume examples.
By the way, here are 10 skills you should consider including in your resume if they align with your experience and job requirements:
Customer service excellence
Team collaboration
Attention to detail
Cash handling skill
Product knowledge
Time management
Problem-solving abilities
Adaptability to change
Effective communication
Inventory management
Based on analysis of 5,000+ retail professional resumes from 2023-2024
Resume Format Examples
Selecting the appropriate resume format is important for a Big Lots store associate, as it showcases your customer service skills and retail experience in a clear and compelling way.
Entry-Level 0 - 2 years
Functional
Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs
Best for:
Recent graduates and career changers with little to no experience
Mid-Career 3 - 7 years
Combination
Balances skills and work history equally
Best for:
Mid-career professionals focused on demonstrating their skills and pursuing growth opportunities
Experienced 8+ years
Chronological
Emphasizes work history in reverse order
Best for:
Seasoned associates excelling in customer service and team leadership
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a cover letter with my Big Lots store associate resume?
Absolutely. Including a cover letter can significantly improve your application by showcasing your enthusiasm and detailing your relevant experience. It gives you the chance to express why you're a great fit for the Big Lots store associate role. For tips on crafting an effective cover letter, consider checking out our resources on how to write a cover letter or using our Cover Letter Generator for quick assistance.
Can I use a resume if I’m applying internationally, or do I need a CV?
When applying for jobs outside the U.S., use a CV instead of a resume, especially in Europe and Asia. A CV provides a comprehensive view of your academic and professional history. Explore our CV examples to see how others have effectively structured their documents, and check out our guide on how to write a CV to learn tips for crafting yours for international applications.
What soft skills are important for Big Lots store associates?
Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential for Big Lots store associates. These interpersonal skills help create a positive shopping experience, foster collaboration among team members, and effectively resolve customer inquiries, leading to stronger relationships and improved service.
I’m transitioning from another field. How should I highlight my experience?
When applying for a Big Lots store associate position, emphasize your transferable skills like customer service, teamwork, and organization. Highlighting these abilities can demonstrate your potential to excel in retail, even if your background is in another field. Use concrete examples from previous jobs to showcase how you can contribute to creating a positive shopping experience.
Where can I find inspiration for writing my cover letter as a Big Lots store associate?
For those applying for Big Lots store associate positions, exploring professional cover letter examples can be incredibly beneficial. These samples provide valuable insights into content ideas, formatting tips, and effective ways to showcase your qualifications. Use them as a guide to create a compelling application that stands out.
Should I include a personal mission statement on my Big Lots store associate resume?
Including a personal mission statement on your resume is recommended. This effectively communicates your values and career goals, especially when applying to companies that prioritize customer service and community engagement. It helps you stand out in a competitive job market.
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