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How to Write an Assistant Retail Manager Resume

Your resume format is as important as how you write your resume. This assistant retail manager sample resume demonstrates the best resume layout hacks to follow: 1-inch margins, bullet points and clear resume headings for each of the following sections. 

assistant retail manager resume
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  • Professional header and contact info:

    • Include your name, contact information and a professional email address.

  • Compelling summary statement:

    • A brief resume summary or objective highlighting two or three relevant skills, experience or accomplishments.

  • Relevant skills:

    • Create a dedicated section to showcase hard and soft skills specific to retail work, like customer assistance and payment collection. 

  • Quantified work history:

    • List your work experience in reverse-chronological order, including job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements for each role in a bullet list.

  • Supporting education section:

    • Detail your educational background, mentioning any relevant degrees, diplomas or certificates obtained.

  • Additional sections:

    • You can add resume sections for licenses, certifications, industry memberships or unions, awards, volunteer experience or spoken languages.

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How to Write an Assistant Retail Manager Resume Summary

The resume summary is your first professional pitch. It serves as a concise introduction to your resume and can significantly impact the hiring manager’s decision to keep reading. 

Follow these guidelines to craft a compelling assistant retail manager resume summary:

Keep it concise and impactful:

The resume summary should be a brief paragraph of three to four sentences. Focus on highlighting the most relevant qualifications and accomplishments that align with the specific assistant retail manager role you’re targeting. 

Showcase your expertise:

Emphasize the experience and skills that make you a strong candidate for the assistant manager position. Mention your years of retail experience and your proficiency using point-of-sale (POS) systems, pacifying customer complaints and leading a team to reach target sales goals, plus other relevant skills that set you apart.

Tailor it to the job description:

Customize your resume summary to match the assistant retail manager role requirements you’re applying for. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate that you possess the desired qualifications and understand the position’s needs.

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Good assistant retail manager resume summary example

“Dynamic and results-driven assistant retail manager with over five years of experience in retail management. Adept at optimizing store operations, driving sales growth and enhancing customer satisfaction rates by 30%. Proven ability to lead and motivate teams of up to eight associates, manage inventory efficiently and implement strategic initiatives to achieve business objectives. Strong communication and problem-solving skills with a commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering a positive work environment.”

This resume summary is convincing because it spotlights the candidate’s specific experience and critical skills relevant to the role. It emphasizes customer satisfaction and retail management expertise while showcasing proficiency in in-store operations and teamwork, displaying a well-rounded skill set for the role. 

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Poor assistant retail manager resume summary example

“Assistant retail manager with experience in managing store operations. Skilled in handling inventory, customer service and helping to achieve sales targets. Capable of working in a fast-paced environment. Looking to contribute to a retail team with strong organizational and communication skills.”

While this example includes some relevant skills, it needs to be more specific and include a value proposition that can grab the recruiter’s attention. 

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PRO TIP:

The resume summary works best if you have over three years of experience. Try the resume objective if you’re a first-time job seeker, freelancer or career changer. This alternative introduction pitches your transferable skills and downplays your lack of relevant experience. 

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How to Add Your Assistant Retail Manager Work History

The work history section of your assistant retail manager resume provides an opportunity to highlight your relevant professional experiences and accomplishments. Follow these guidelines to showcase your work history effectively:

Start with your most recent role:

List your work history with your current or most recent position as an assistant retail manager. Include the name of the store, your job title and the dates of employment.

Focus on achievements:

Instead of listing job responsibilities, emphasize your accomplishments and contributions in each role. Highlight any improvements you made to store processes, successful initiatives you led or positive outcomes you achieved. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.

Tailor it to the role:

Highlight experiences directly relevant to the position you’re applying for. Emphasize inventory management, customer satisfaction, problem-solving and other retail skills that showcase your suitability for the role.

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Good assistant retail manager work experience sample

Assistant Retail Manager | Evergreen Outfitters Los Angeles, CA | January 2019 – Present

    • Supervise a team of 15 employees, ensuring high productivity and morale.
    • Implement a new inventory management system to reduce stock discrepancies by 25%.
    • Develop and execute sales strategies that lead to a minimum 15% increase in quarterly revenue.
    • Analyze sales data to identify trends and adjust merchandising strategies accordingly.

This example works because it provides measurable accomplishments that display the candidate’s capacity to drive positive changes and perform their job duties. Including quantifiable metrics, such as reducing stock discrepancies and increasing quarterly revenue, strengthens the impact of their achievements. 

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Poor assistant retail manager work experience sample

Assistant Retail Manager | Evergreen Outfitters Los Angeles, CA | January 2019 – Present

    • Supervise a team of employees.
    • Manage daily operations.
    • Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
    • Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to staff.

This work experience example needs specific details of the candidate’s job responsibilities. Additionally, it would benefit from quantifiable achievements that can make them stand out. 

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How to Write an Assistant Retail Manager Education Section

Careers in retail don’t always require a formal degree. However, include any academic experience that prepared you for the role. Follow these guidelines to present your educational qualifications effectively:

1Start with your highest level of education:

Begin the education section with your most advanced degree. Include the degree type, primary or focus area, institution name and dates of attendance or graduation.

How to list your degree or diploma:

Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA | September 2015 – May 2019

2Highlight specialized certifications and training:

Emphasize any certifications or specialized training that enhance your qualifications as an assistant retail manager. 

How to list your certifications:

Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL) | National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP)
August 2017

3Showcase relevant coursework and research projects:

Mention any coursework or research projects that demonstrate your expertise in retail, customer service or relevant areas of study. This can provide insights into your knowledge and skills in the field.

How to list relevant coursework:

Retail Buying | University of Southern California

  • 30-hour course on the retail buying process, from identifying and negotiating with vendors to pricing and packaging items competitively.

4Include notable institutions or educational affiliations:

If you have attended prestigious educational institutions or are affiliated with reputable sales associations, highlight them to strengthen your resume’s credibility and showcase your commitment to excellence.

How to list your membership association:

Active Member, National Association of Sales Professionals

5Mention professional development activities:

Highlight workshops, conferences or training programs you have attended that are relevant to retail or sales. Include the program name, organization and dates to demonstrate your commitment to staying updated with the latest trends and best practices in the field.

How to list professional development activities:

Dealing With Aggressive Customers
National Retail Association | November 2021

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15 Skills for Your Assistant Retail Manager Resume

We covered how to incorporate soft, hard and technical skills into your resume’s summary and experience sections. Your skills section is the last place to add retail and management skills you’d like employers to know about. Here’s a starting list of skills to consider featuring on your assistant retail manager resume: 

soft skills

Soft skills

soft skills

Hard skills

  • Inventory management
  • Sales analysis
  • Point-of-sale (POS) systems
  • Merchandising
  • Staff training and development
soft skills

Technical skills

  • Retail management software
  • Data analysis tools
  • Scheduling software
  • CRM systems
  • E-commerce platforms
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PRO TIP:

By including a well-rounded mix of resume skills, you can effectively showcase your capabilities and suitability for the role. Remember to tailor your skills section to align with the requirements of the specific position you’re applying for.

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20 Assistant Retail Manager Action Verbs

With the ease of online job boards and professional social media sites like LinkedIn, hiring managers can see dozens to hundreds of applications for a single opening. Unique action verbs and power words can help your resume stand out against the monotony of repetitive resumes. 

  • Analyzed
  • Coordinated
  • Developed 
  • Directed
  • Enhanced
  • Facilitated
  • Generated
  • Implemented
  • Improved
  • Led
  • Managed
  • Monitored
  • Optimized
  • Organized
  • Oversaw
  • Planned
  • Resolved
  • Scheduled
  • Supervised
  • Trained

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Additional Resume Sections

Consider adding the following sections to your assistant retail manager resume based on your specific circumstances and to enhance your qualifications:

  • Certifications:

     Include a separate section to showcase relevant credentials.

  • Professional development:

    Use a professional development section featuring workshops, seminars or educational programs to supplement your education section. 

  • Awards and achievements:

    If you have received recognition or awards for your performance or productivity, include a section to showcase these accomplishments.

  • Volunteer experience:

    Replace or supplement your work history section with a volunteer section if you don’t have experience yet. Use this space to demonstrate relevant skills or attributes, such as organization, discipline and budgeting.

  • Language proficiency:

    Since stores can host a diverse range of employees and customers, multilingual fluency could support your daily responsibilities. 

  • Memberships:

    Let hiring managers know about your membership to retail-specific organizations or unions. 

Use a Cover Letter to Express Yourself

A resume is a concise overview of your skills and experience — a cover letter expands on this foundation. Add a cover letter to share one or two examples of how you excelled in similar roles or how your skills match a company’s needs. Use this sample as a guide, or visit our helpful resources to boost your application.

Assistant Retail Manager Resume FAQ

What is a good summary for an assistant manager on a resume?

A well-written resume summary for a retail assistant manager must showcase the candidate’s top skills and expertise in managing a store and mentoring staff. Here’s an example: 

“Results-oriented assistant manager with over six years of experience optimizing operations and leading teams in fast-paced environments. Proven track record of enhancing productivity by 35%, driving sales and implementing effective strategies to meet business objectives. Demonstrated expertise in staff training, customer service excellence and process improvement. Strong problem-solving skills with a commitment to fostering a positive work environment and achieving operational goals.”

What are the key skills for an assistant manager in retail?

Here are a few critical skills a retail assistant manager should have: 

  • Leadership
  • Organizational skills
  • Effective communication
  • Proficiency in sales strategies
  • Customer service experience
  • Time management
  • Inventory management
  • Problem-solving skills

Should I tailor my resume to each job application?

We strongly recommend tailoring your resume to each job application. Read the job description, identify key skills and requirements, and customize your resume accordingly. Highlight experiences and achievements that directly relate to the position’s specific needs.

Should I include references on an assistant retail manager resume?

It is not recommended that you include references on your resume. Instead, create a separate document with references and provide it when requested.