Crafting a well-structured resume is the first step to entering the job market, especially for operational roles such as cashier, packer, and store assistant. These positions are among the most common in supermarkets, department stores, and retail businesses in general, often serving as entry points for those seeking their first job or aiming to re-enter the workforce. Although they don’t require higher education, these roles demand a set of behavioral and operational skills that must be clearly highlighted in the resume. A well-written resume significantly increases the chances of being called for an interview; therefore, it should be clear, concise, free of grammatical errors, and contain only truthful and relevant information.
Personal information should be complete, up-to-date, and well-organized
The first section of the resume should contain personal information presented clearly and directly. This includes full name, age, phone number with area code, a professional email address, and postal address (with city and neighborhood).
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It is also important to ensure that the phone number is always active, as many companies use this tool to contact candidates. This section should be placed at the top of the resume and, preferably, highlighted with an easy-to-read font.
The professional objective should be clear and tailored to the desired position
The “Objective” section is one of the first pieces of information the recruiter will read. Therefore, it’s essential that it is direct and specific. General phrases like “seeking a job opportunity” should be avoided. Ideally, write something like: “Work as a cashier in a retail environment” or “Contribute as a packer in a high-traffic store.” For candidates interested in multiple types of positions, it’s recommended to tailor the objective to each job offer, ensuring it aligns with the job description.
Previous experiences should highlight results and responsibilities
If the candidate has previous work experience, even informal or temporary, it’s important to include it in the resume. Each experience should mention the company’s name, the period of activity (month and year of start and end), the position held, and a brief description of the tasks performed. When describing these tasks, it’s preferable to highlight actions and responsibilities, such as: “greeting customers at the checkout,” “organizing products on the shelves,” or “packing goods according to store standards.” This allows the recruiter to better understand the candidate’s profile and familiarity with retail routines.
Educational background is relevant even at basic levels
Although positions like cashier, packer, and store assistant don’t require a university degree, educational background remains an important element of the resume. It’s appropriate to indicate the highest level of education completed, such as “completed middle school,” “currently in high school,” or “completed high school.” For those still in school, it’s recommended to specify the current year and schedule, for example: “Currently in 2nd year of high school – evening classes.” This demonstrates organization, seriousness in educational pursuits, and helps the recruiter assess the candidate’s availability.
Interpersonal skills valued in customer service
Behavioral skills are highly valued in customer-facing positions. These skills, often referred to as soft skills, should be included in the resume, especially when the candidate lacks professional experience. Among the most sought-after skills are: clear communication, patience, courtesy, listening ability, politeness, and a professional attitude. Listing these attributes in a separate section titled “Interpersonal Skills” or “Behavioral Skills” is an effective way to demonstrate alignment with job expectations.
Examples of valued interpersonal skills:
– Clear and concise communication
– Organizational skills and attention to detail
– Ability to work well in a team
– Proactivity in customer greeting
– Courtesy and empathy towards customers.
Technical knowledge is also an asset
Even for entry-level positions, having basic computer skills or technical knowledge can make a difference. For instance, cashiers often use point-of-sale (POS) systems and should be able to type quickly or handle equipment like barcode scanners and payment terminals. Packers and store assistants benefit from knowledge of stocking rules, organization, and restocking procedures. These skills should be highlighted in a section titled “Technical Skills” or “Additional Qualifications.”
Examples of useful technical knowledge:
● Use of cash registers and point-of-sale (POS) systems
● Basic knowledge of Excel and Word
● Proficiency with payment terminals
● Understanding of stock organization
● Ability to read barcodes
Training and courses complement the background
Taking courses, even short ones, can enhance a resume. Many websites and institutions offer free training in areas like customer service, introduction to retail, professional ethics, or cashier operations. Mentioning these courses in a section titled “Additional Training” shows the candidate is committed to continuous learning. It’s important to include the course name, institution, and year completed. If the course is ongoing, this should also be noted.
The resume language should be clear, objective, and impersonal
The resume should be written in neutral language, with short sentences and without exaggeration. Avoid adjectives like “excellent,” “very good,” or “superior” when describing oneself. There’s no need to use personal pronouns or write in the first person. For example, instead of “I am a responsible person,” write “Responsible for adhering to schedules and tasks.” This type of formulation presents a more professional image and is better perceived by recruiters.
The visual appearance of the resume should be clear and well-structured
The visual aspect of the resume is also important. It should be well-structured, with distinct sections, highlighted titles, and information presented in list format. Avoid decorative fonts, bright colors, or images. The ideal font is a simple one, such as Arial or Calibri, in size 11 or 12, with regular spacing. Using bold only for section titles makes reading easier. The resume can be saved as a PDF to ensure the layout remains intact when sent via email or through job platforms.
Common responsibilities of a cashier
The cashier plays a key role in the customer experience and in managing daily business transactions. Much more than just scanning items with a barcode reader, their responsibilities encompass a wide range of operational and behavioral tasks.
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They must greet customers courteously, ensure payment accuracy, handle cash register equipment, and sometimes manage stressful situations. Good communication, precision, and focus are essential. They are also responsible for checking prices, processing payment methods, and maintaining a clean and organized workstation.
Main responsibilities of a cashier
The cashier’s mission is to ensure fast, efficient, and respectful service to customers. Their tasks include:
● Recording purchases and services in the computer system
● Handling payments by cash, card, or other methods
● Issuing invoices and receipts
● Keeping the register clean and properly verified
● Greeting customers courteously and quickly
● Reporting discrepancies or issues to the supervisor
They play a key role in the smooth running of operations and customer satisfaction, often representing the last point of contact during a purchase.
The responsibilities of the packer go beyond packing
The packer is responsible for packing products carefully, without damaging them, to ensure their safety during transportation. Apart from this main task, they may also assist with other activities in the sales area. Their work contributes to improving the customer experience by preventing damage and facilitating smooth operations. They may also:
● Manage packing materials
● Report defective items
● Keep the workstation clean and well-organized
Vigilance, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential qualities for this role.
Typical tasks of a packer:
● Pack items in an orderly and secure manner
● Assist customers in carrying their purchases
● Gather and organize carts or baskets
● Support the organization of the sales floor
● Report damaged or misplaced products
The surface agent contributes to the overall efficiency of the store
The surface agent (or store assistant) has a versatile role and works across several areas of the store. They support the entire team by:
– Assisting with restocking shelves
– Participating in welcoming and directing customers
– Collaborating on organization and inventory operations
They also ensure the proper organization of shelves, check price labels, and identify restocking needs. Thanks to their involvement, the store remains smooth, pleasant, and well-managed, benefiting both customers and team members.
Responsibilities of the store assistant:
● Restocking products on shelves;
● Organizing stock and displays;
● Assisting with cleaning and maintaining the space;
● Welcoming customers and answering questions;
● Supporting inventory and goods control.
Expected qualities in professionals for these roles
Companies hiring cashiers, packers, or store assistants look for individuals who are reliable, committed, and have good interpersonal skills. Highlighting these qualities in the curriculum vitae can make a difference during the selection process. Demonstrating initiative, handling various situations well, and adopting a respectful attitude are highly valued traits. These contribute to high-quality customer service and a positive work environment.
Valued qualities:
● Punctuality and responsibility
● Speed in task execution
● Attention and concentration while working
● Discretion and ethical behavior
● Desire to learn and advance professionally
Mistakes to avoid when writing a resume
– Do not include false information: this damages the candidate’s credibility.
– The resume should not exceed two pages to remain clear and concise.
– Avoid using casual or overly informal language.
– Carefully proofread to correct grammar or typographical errors.
A well-written resume reflects the candidate’s organization, seriousness, and attention to detail.
How to present references and availability in a resume
Including references in the resume is not mandatory, but if the candidate has solid recommendations, it can enhance their credibility. References should be verifiable, including the name, position, and contact details of the person.
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– Learn how to create an effective resume for positions in supermarkets and distribution centers
– Efficient tips for organizing your routine and working as a supermarket packer and cashier
It is also advisable to mention immediate availability or available working hours (morning, afternoon, or evening) to facilitate the recruiter’s selection process.
A good resume opens doors to the job market
The resume serves as the first contact between the candidate and the company, and it can be decisive in securing a position. Roles such as cashier, packer, and store assistant primarily require commitment, seriousness, and a strong ability to interact with the public. By following the recommendations in this guide, the candidate will be better prepared to stand out, demonstrating professionalism and motivation. A well-structured resume, with clear and relevant information, is the first step toward a successful career in the retail sector.