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Retail sales assistant: CV and cover letter examples

2 fully written cover letters, a ready CV with a placeholder portrait and practical tips – open the example and replace the details with yours.

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Cover letter examples

Each example is written for a different starting point. Borrow the structure, not the sentences – your own examples and numbers are what make a letter work.

1First retail jobEntry level

Ellie Robinson
3 Lake Road
Keswick CA12 5BX
089 99998 693 · ellie.robinson@example.com

Northern Trail Outdoor
Graham
12 High Street
Keswick CA12 5AB

DD Month YYYY

Application for the position of Sales assistant (part-time)

Dear Ms Graham,

I spend most weekends on the fells, so when a friend needs boots or a waterproof, I am the one they ask. I would like to bring that enthusiasm to your shop floor.

I have two years of Saturday work in a café, where I ran the till, handled cash at closing and dealt with queues out of the door in summer. I am quick to learn product details and happy to tell a customer honestly when a cheaper option is the better choice.

I can work weekends and school holidays and up to 20 hours during term. A trial shift would suit me any Saturday.

Yours sincerely,

Ellie Robinson

Enclosures
CV

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2Experienced sales assistantExperienced

Daniel Hughes
9 Warwick Road
Carlisle CA1 1DH
0221 4710 899 · daniel.hughes@example.com

Hartwell Electricals
Retail Park, Unit 7
Carlisle CA1 2NP

DD Month YYYY

Application for the position of Senior sales assistant – home appliances

Dear Sir or Madam,

You do not sell a washing machine on price; you sell it by asking how many people live in the house and what they wash. Seven years in electrical retail have taught me that, and it shows in my low return rate.

I advise on large and small appliances, arrange deliveries and installations and handle warranty claims with manufacturers. Last year I became responsible for ordering in my department and training two new colleagues.

My current store closes at the end of the year. I am flexible with shifts and would welcome an interview.

Yours faithfully,

Daniel Hughes

Enclosures
CV
Reference

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All people, companies and contact details in the examples are fictional.

CV example

A complete CV for the role – with an illustrated placeholder instead of a photo.

Preview of the CV of Ellie Robinson in the Modern design
Read the CV as text

Ellie Robinson

Sales assistant

3 Lake Road, Keswick CA12 5BX · 089 99998 693 · ellie.robinson@example.com

Placeholder portrait: replace it with your photo in the editor, or remove it.

Work experience

  • 06/2024 – present
    Café assistant (Saturdays)
    The Old Mill Café, Keswick
    • Till and cash-up
    • Customer service at busy times
  • 2023
    Volunteer, charity shop
    Lakes Hospice Shop, Keswick
    • Sorting stock, window displays

Education

  • 2019 – 2026
    Secondary school and sixth form
    Keswick School, Keswick

Training

  • 2025
    Food hygiene certificate

Skills

Customer service, Cash handling, Outdoor equipment knowledge, Visual merchandising, Teamwork

Languages

English (Native), German (A2 – elementary)

Interests

Fell walking, climbing

Use this CV template

Good to know

Your application in three steps

  1. Add your own photo – or none

    The example uses an illustrated placeholder. Replace it under “Choose photo” in the editor, or remove it: in the UK, US and many other countries a CV photo is not expected.

  2. Replace the details

    Name, contact, jobs, skills: everything is filled in and can be overwritten field by field.

  3. Save as PDF

    The PDF is created in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, no account needed.

What employers look for

Retailers want people who enjoy helping customers, keep the shop floor tidy, handle cash accurately and stay friendly in the Saturday rush. Mention products you know, sales you have made and any responsibility you have taken on.

  • Friendly, confident service on the shop floor

  • Accurate cash handling and till experience

  • Stock work: deliveries, replenishment, stock counts

  • Product knowledge for the store

  • Weekend and holiday availability

Tips for your application

Do

  • Show product knowledge for that shop.
  • Give numbers if you have them.
  • State your availability clearly.

Don’t

  • Say you “love people” without an example.
  • Leave weekends unclear.
  • Criticise previous customers.
Typical interview questions

Prepare a short, honest example from your own work for each one.

  1. How would you approach a customer who is just browsing?
  2. What would you do if your till was short?
  3. Tell us about a time you went beyond what was expected.
  4. Which of our products do you know?

Salary expectations

If the advert asks for your salary expectations, give an annual gross figure or a range you have researched – through pay scales, salary surveys from public sources or people who do the job. If it does not ask, leave pay out of the letter; it will come up in the interview.

Frequently asked questions
Should I hand my CV in at the shop?

For independent shops, yes – at a quiet time, with a short note. Chains usually ask you to apply online, but a friendly visit can still help.

Should I put a photo on my CV?

It depends on the country. In the UK, Ireland and the US a photo is usually left out to avoid bias, and many employers prefer CVs without one. In Germany and some other countries it is common but optional. If you use one: recent, friendly, plain background, dressed as you would be on a good day at work.

Can I copy the example letters?

Yes, they are free to use. But recruiters read a lot of letters – one with your own examples, numbers and a real reason for choosing this employer will always do better. Use the examples as scaffolding and write the sentences yourself.

Is my data stored anywhere?

No. The CV and the letter are created in your browser. Nothing is stored unless you switch on “Save the draft” in the editor – and then only on your device.

Related jobs

Finish your application

Cover letter and CV as PDF, certificates added, all in one file – small enough for any job portal.