Do I need previous retail experience to apply?

No, many retail roles are open to candidates with strong customer service skills gained elsewhere, such as hospitality or volunteering.

Should I mention till and cash handling experience?

Yes, this is a core part of most retail roles and is worth listing clearly if you have done it before.

How do I show reliability on a retail CV?

Mention consistent attendance, covering shifts when needed, or being trusted with tasks like opening or closing the store.

Retail assistant CV example

A strong retail assistant CV shows customer-facing confidence, reliability with tills and stock, and the ability to work well within a team during busy periods. It should give specific examples of handling customers and daily store tasks rather than a generic description of the role.

Jordan Ellis

Retail assistant

jordan@example.com · 07700 900100 · Leeds

Profile

Friendly and reliable retail assistant with experience supporting customers and colleagues in a busy high-street shop. Comfortable working tills, handling stock and keeping the shop floor tidy during peak trading periods. Known for staying calm and helpful when the store is busy.

Experience

Sales Assistant

a busy high-street clothing shop

Served customers at the till and on the shop floor, answering questions about stock and sizing

Restocked shelves and rails, keeping displays tidy and well organised throughout the day

Processed returns and exchanges in line with store policy

Helped set up seasonal window and in-store displays alongside the visual merchandising team

Covered opening and closing shifts, including cashing up the till at the end of the day

Example · fictional candidate · Monogram design · Use this design

Tips for a retail assistant CV

Mention specific tasks such as till work, stock counts or click-and-collect handling rather than just writing 'sales assistant duties'
Highlight any experience working during busy periods, such as weekends or seasonal sales
If you have handled complaints or returns, mention this to show you can stay calm with customers
Include any manual handling or health and safety training relevant to stockroom work
Note your availability for shifts, including evenings and weekends, if the role asks for flexibility

Applying with a cover letter? See our retail assistant cover letter example.