How to build a highly professional sales associate resume?

As a sales associate, there is no doubt that you are vital to any retail company. You are first to assist customers, answer their questions about products and recommend appropriate solutions.

On top of it, you constantly learn about new product features and keep visual merchandising of the store to a high standard. You may even go above and beyond to drive sales and recommend ways to improve it.

Sounds tempting? Do not miss the chance to land the job you fancy just because your resume does not look professional. 

This guide will help you create highly effective CV sections that will impress any hiring manager.

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

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1. How to create a captivating professional summary for your sales associate resume?

The key is to show that you possess something that other candidates lack.

Not only should you demonstrate that you will bring to the table what your prospective employer expects, but you should also be able to exceed their expectations.

Does it sound like a tough nut to crack? The following useful tips will help you make your professional profile stand out before you say “POS”.

• Highlight your experience in retail sales. If you are applying for an entry-level position, target your summary to your transferable skills needed for your role.
• Briefly mention your most significant duties.
• Include achievements and quantify them whenever you can.
• Always customize your profile to the job posting you are applying for. 

2. What are the best sales associate skills to put on your CV?

You will definitely need to equip yourself with such superpowers as organization, stress-resilience or patience.

Is there anything else that retail companies are looking for in sales associate resumes?

To get a first-hand answer, we asked Sergio Alarcon, General Manager of a successful distribution company in Panama, Grupo Gilar, who closely cooperates with 150 retailers. There are ten soft skills and four hard skills that he identifies as fundamental for a sales associate role:

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3. How to effectively list work experience in your sales associate resume?

When it comes to describing past work experience, many applicants commit the same mistake. They simply try to mention as many job responsibilities and associated tasks as they can.

Well, if the point was to overwhelm a hiring manager with unnecessary information and make their head spin, then you would certainly succeed.

Be relevant and concise. Always refer back to the job posting. At the end of the day, it is all in there.

Let’s take a look at the following requirements from a job posting:

What will you be doing?

• Greet customers in a cordial manner.
• Use extensive footwear knowledge to advise our customers and encourage them to buy.
• Work with the rest of the team achieving sizable sales.
• Maintain visual merchandising in excellent condition, taking into consideration our guidelines.
• Assist customers in store and via phone.
• Manage inventory levels and restock shelves.

Now when you know what will be expected from you, you can wisely select related duties and achievements in your past roles.

Remember to use a reverse-chronological order and employ impactful language.

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4. How to best list education in your sales associate CV?

Even if a job posting does not necessarily mention your diploma as a needed qualification, never underestimate the education section.

Should you have less work experience, it is recommendable to introduce your related coursework or academic achievements besides just listing your school name.

5. How to correctly include additional sections in your sales associate resume?

There are many additional sections you could use in your CV to your advantage. How to, however, select the most suitable ones?

The answer may, once again, lie in how relevant they are to your sales associate position.

There are various retail sales certifications your resume may shine with, but let us not shut out such sections as volunteering activities or interests. If you, for instance, fancy volleyball, it may perfectly imply your teamwork abilities.