How to List Retail Skills on a Resume: Best Skills and Examples

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Creating a great resume for a retail position involves listing great customer service and problem-solving skills. You should also add skills that show your ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments. Knowing where and how to put retail skills on your resume can help you stand out from other candidates. This article shows you the best retail skills to put on your resume, how to add them and how to improve them.

Why employers want to see retail skills on a resume

Retail positions are high-pressure, multipurpose jobs. They require dynamic, adaptable employees who have a diverse set of skills, including retail-specific skills like customer service and teamwork abilities. 

These skills are necessary for various retail jobs, including buyer, store manager, retail sales merchandiser, retail manager, retail buyer, retail associate, cashier and more. Listing retail resume skills not only shows an employer that you have these skills but also provides specific examples of how you use them in real-life situations. 

How to list retail skills on a resume

Use these steps as a guideline for listing your retail skills on your resume: 

1. First, keep your skills relevant to the required skills listed in the job posting

Customize each part of your resume for the particular position you are applying for. Carefully read the job description to determine which skills are relevant to the position. For example, if the job description lists attention to detail as a skill needed, try to add it to your resume. 

2. Second, list your strongest skills first

Take time to think and list the skills you have gained over time. Compare your list with the skills necessary for the retail position you are applying for and identify your strongest skills that align with the role. 

3. Third, divide your retail skills into a subsection

Select three or four skills, or create a ‘Retail Skills’ category to act as a subheading. This makes your skills section look visually appealing and organized. 

4. Fourth, show examples of your skills

In your work history section, you can give specific examples of how you use your retail skills. For example, if you want to demonstrate your problem-solving skills, a work history detail could be, ‘Suggested new storage method that reduced time spent finding goods, increasing customer satisfaction.’

5. Fifth, organize your bullet points

If you have a ‘Skills’ section longer than two or three bullet points, make sure they’re in a logical order. Add your best skills at the top, or you could list the skills that most closely align with those in the job description. 

To stand out among other candidates, you want a resume that is easy to read and clearly identifies your skills. You can list your skills and provide specific examples to showcase how you can apply them to an open position.

Best retail skills to add to a resume

You can include these retail resume skills:

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are traits and behaviors you rely on when building relationships and communicating with others. They can help you during the interview process, and assist you as you advance in your career. Sometimes referred to as  ‘people skills,’ these skills often combine how you handle personal interactions in social situations and your innate personality traits. 

In the workplace, strong interpersonal skills can help you navigate day-to-day tasks, complexity and change. Examples of interpersonal skills include teamwork, dependability, motivation, patience, active listening, flexibility and empathy. 

Communication skills

Communication skills allow you to give and receive various types of information, including feelings, ideas and events happening around you. There are several ways to communicate, including phone conversations, social media, email and in-person interactions. Other communication skills include empathizing, speaking, listening and observing. 

Customer service skills

Customer service skills are behaviors you use when interacting with consumers. This can include greeting customers as they enter the store, assisting them in locating items and answering any questions they may have. Customer service skills can also include following up with customers about their shopping experience and troubleshooting any problems they may have encountered during their visit. 

Leadership skills

Leadership skills are one of many soft skills employers value. These skills are important throughout your career and usually incorporate various communication abilities and personality traits. Leadership skills help you motivate others on your team to complete tasks, stay on schedule and achieve goals. 

Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills help you handle unexpected or stressful situations. Employers look for individuals who can consider these situations and identify solutions while remaining calm. Problem-solving skills include team-building, dependability, creativity, analysis, decision-making, research and active listening.  

Computer skills

Almost every job requires some level of computer skills, with many employers looking for candidates with intermediate to advanced level abilities. You should be able to use computer applications and programs like specific POS systems and Microsoft Office. Typical computer skills can include email, social media, spreadsheets and analytics. 

Many of these skills are closely related, meaning you may be able to group the skills you have so they’re logical on your resume. 

How to improve retail skills

Here are some ways you can improve your retail skills:

1. First, ask a coworker or manager for constructive feedback

It can be challenging to evaluate your own retail skills, so ask someone you trust for their honest opinion. Knowing areas you need to improve on can help you identify skills to focus on.  

2. Next, establish SMART goals

Many retail skills are ones that develop over time, and you can improve them with practice. This can include greeting each customer as they enter the store, asking questions to assist them better or learning how to develop social media campaigns. Goals can help you create a plan for improving skills and know when you have achieved it. 

3. Finally, attend relevant classes or workshops

There are various in-person and online classes, seminars and workshops that can assist you with improving many skills. These workshops may include open discussion, written assignments and practicing real-life scenarios.