How to Write a Retail Manager Resume That Gets You Hired

A retail manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a store. Common responsibilities involve everything from supervising employees to monitoring sales transactions, checking stock, and tweaking store displays. All of the store's employees report to the manager, while the retail manager reports to a district or general manager.

The job of a retail store manager requires regular in-person interaction with both employees and customers, so if you like working with other people, you're likely to enjoy this role. To secure this position, you will need to present a polished, professional resume that highlights the skills needed to succeed in this job.

The guide below explains what qualities make a great retail manager and details how to create the perfect resume that will make employers take notice. We’ll also show you an example of a retail manager’s resume.

Retail managers work in stores selling anything from cars to books, clothing, or electronics. The manager will spend most of their time on the floor, ensuring employees are performing to their maximum ability and customers' needs are being met. They may also have an office in the back of the store, where they take care of any paperwork.

The duties of a store manager vary depending on the retail environment. For instance, a retail manager at an auto dealership will have different duties from a retail manager at a clothing store. That said, the position generally will include the following tasks:

• Hire and train new retail associates, overseeing retention and turnover
• Oversee the performance of existing sales staff
• Motivate staff to provide top-quality customer service and meet their sales quotas
• Assign tasks to sales staff and prepare staff rosters
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the sales team
• Address complaints from customers if sales associates are unable to resolve them
• Create and manage retail store budgets
• Inventory control to ensure items are restocked as needed
• Be proactive about loss prevention
• Prepare reports for general or district managers regarding sales, inventory, etc.

A retail manager's hours can be irregular and depend on the store's opening hours. Longer shifts may be required on weekends or public holidays, for example, or on days when new stock arrives and needs to be inventoried. Hours may also peak around the busy holiday season.

You don't need a formal education to work as a retail manager. That said, certain degrees can prove beneficial, including accounting, fashion management, business administration, or marketing. The National Retail Foundation also offers certifications in retail management.

While some employers may request educational credentials, you can often secure a retail manager role on the basis of work experience and the right skill set. Here are some of the qualities that make for a great retail manager:

• Leadership skills. You are the employees' primary point of contact and need to be able to act as a leader while you train them, supervise them, resolve disputes, and more.
• Communication. Retail managers interact with employees and customers every day. They need to have solid verbal communication skills.
• Customer service. Often, the manager will be called to resolve customer disputes or answer questions that a retail sales associate can't handle. You must have great customer service skills and remain calm even when dealing with irritated customers.
• Patience. Dealing with the needs of employees and the demands of customers can be difficult. The environment can also be stressful, for example, during the holiday rush. Patience is a valuable asset.
• Ability to delegate. Retail managers oversee a team of sales associates and need to be able to assign tasks to different workers based on the task's priority and each worker's skill set.
• Problem-solving. When issues arise in the store, whether it's a customer shoplifting or an employee not showing up to work, the retail manager has to take control.
• Adaptability. The retail industry is constantly evolving and retail managers must adapt accordingly. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, stores had to find new ways to keep customers and employees safe.

If you think a retail manager job is right for you, it's time to start the job hunt!

Before you start looking, narrow down what you want in a job. Determine whether you want to work full or part time, if you want to work in a specific industry (like fashion or automotive sales), and whether you want to stay in your current location or are willing to move for the right retail manager job.

With this information, you can start searching for fitting opportunities. Here are some of the different ways you can find a job:

• Apply to retailers directly. This is probably your best option if you have a specific industry in mind.
• Search online. You can use online databases like Joblist to find positions online.
• Temp agency. If you want to work part time or try a short-term retail manager gig to see if it's the right fit for you, a temp agency can help.

It's time to create a retail manager resume that will get you hired. Your resume should highlight relevant education, qualities, and skills, like those highlighted above. Also, read the job description and pinpoint traits each business is looking for. Highlighting these in your resume can help improve your odds of getting hired.

There are three ways you can organize your resume: chronological, functional, or a combination of both. A chronological resume provides a history of your years of experience in reverse chronological order. A functional resume opens with relevant qualifications, followed by sections for education, work history, and skills. A combination resume combines these two formats. Check out our guide to resume styling to know which option works best for you.

Here's a resume template providing an example of a chronological retail manager resume. It's clearly organized, focused, and sufficiently detailed without being too lengthy. Remember, recruiters thrift through hundreds of resumes; provide bullet points to captivate their interest. They can get more details in the interview.

Don't forget that you'll have to accompany your resume with a cover letter explaining why you want the job and what makes you right for it. If you need help, check out these cover letter writing tips. With guides to build your cover letter and resume, Joblist aims to make the job-hunting process faster and easier for you.

You can also use our platform to find your dream retail manager job! Check out the search page to get started.