Top Transferrable Skills For Securing a Job in Retail

Thinking about a career change? Maybe you’re looking for a role with more customer interaction, a faster pace, or simply a fresh start. Whatever your reasons, retail could be the perfect fit. But you might be wondering, “Do I have the right skills for a retail job?”

The good news is, many skills from other industries translate surprisingly well into retail. And, you’ll be pleased to know, we see it all the time. Our retail recruitment specialists work with candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, helping them find fulfilling roles in the retail sector. So, if you’re considering a move to retail, don’t underestimate the value of your existing skills.

What are transferable skills?

Transferable skills are those valuable abilities you’ve developed throughout your career, regardless of the specific industry or role. They are the core competencies that allow you to adapt to new situations, learn quickly, and excel in different environments. Think of them as your secret weapon when making a career change. They’re the skills that hiring managers in retail are looking for, even if you haven’t worked a day on the shop floor.

What skills are needed in retail?

No two days are the same – so you’ll need a diverse skillset. While product knowledge and sales experience are certainly helpful, they’re not the only things that matter. Retailers are looking for people who can connect with customers, solve problems, work effectively in a team, and adapt to changing industry demands. Sound familiar? These are all transferable skills that you might have honed in a completely different field.

What skills to put on a CV for retail?

When crafting your CV for a retail role, highlighting your transferable skills is an absolute must. Go beyond listing your previous job duties; highlight the skills you developed and the results you achieved in those roles.

We’d also recommend personalising your CV for different roles – start by comparing your existing CV to the job description of the role you’re applying for, and be sure to highlight any relevant experience and skills you have that the brand is looking for. Need more CV guidance? Check out our Tips on Making Your Retail CV Stand Out.

But which skills are transferrable to jobs in retail? Let’s get into it.

1. Communication

Communication is a universal skill that is applicable to most roles – especially customer-facing jobs. Whether you were a teacher explaining new concepts to a class of teens, a nurse communicating with patients, or a bartender taking orders in a noisy pub, you’ve honed communication skills that are directly applicable to retail.

Conveying information, actively listening to customers, and building rapport is essential in retail, and your experience in other roles has likely equipped you with these abilities.

2. Active Listening

One that goes hand-in-hand with communication: is active listening. Truly understanding what it is that customers want and need is a necessary skill for retail. If you’ve worked in roles where active listening was key, such as counselling, social work, or even managing a busy reception desk, you have a valuable skill to offer. By actively listening to customers, you can identify their needs, offer appropriate solutions, and create a positive shopping experience.

3. Problem-Solving

From resolving customer complaints to handling unexpected stock shortages, retail requires quick thinking and problem-solving. Experience in IT support, healthcare, or even event planning demonstrates your ability to troubleshoot and find solutions under pressure.

Retail brands value employees who can think on their feet and resolve issues effectively, ensuring a smooth customer experience.

4. Empathy and Patience

Dealing with customers all day requires empathy and patience. If you’ve worked in healthcare, social services, or customer support roles, you’ve likely developed these skills to a high level. Understanding customer perspectives, remaining calm under pressure, and offering support are key in retail, particularly when handling challenging situations such as complaints.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration

As the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work – and retail is no exception. Retail is a team effort, requiring collaboration and support between colleagues. Experience in any team-based environment, such as hospitality, construction, or performing arts, demonstrates your ability to work effectively with others. Contributing to a team, sharing responsibilities, and supporting colleagues are essential for creating a positive and productive work environment in retail.

6. Time Management and Organization

Used to juggling multiple tasks, setting priorities and meeting deadlines? You’ve got another set of skills that are necessary for retail. Experience in project management, event planning, or even administrative roles showcases your organisational and time management skills. Retail environments can be fast-paced, and the ability to manage your time effectively ensures that tasks are completed efficiently and deadlines are met.

7. Adaptability and Flexibility

Working in a store can be unpredictable, requiring staff to adapt to changing situations, scheduling alterations and customer demands. If you’ve got experience in hospitality, healthcare or travel, you’ve likely got the ability to handle unexpected challenges and adjust to new situations. Retailers value employees who can think on their feet, adapt to new information and remain calm under pressure.

8. Sales and Persuasion

While not all retail roles are heavily sales-focused, the ability to influence and persuade can be valuable. Experience in marketing, sales, or even fundraising demonstrates your ability to present information effectively and influence decision-making. Even in non-sales roles, the ability to communicate effectively and influence customer choices can contribute to a positive shopping experience.

9. Technology Skills

With the rise of click-and-collect and online shopping, many retail roles now involve using tech – whether that’s POS systems or online ordering platforms. Knowing your way around a computer, and having active experience with using software, POS systems or other digital tools is beneficial, especially if you’re looking at retail head office jobs.

10. Attention to Detail

From accurately processing transactions to maintaining a visually appealing store environment, attention to detail is important in retail. Experience in roles requiring precision and accuracy, such as accounting, editing, or quality control, highlights this skill. Retailers value employees who are meticulous, ensuring accuracy in tasks and contributing to a positive brand image.

Start Your Retail Journey

Ready for a career switch? If you’re keen to leverage your transferable skills and start a rewarding career in retail, we’re here to help. As a leading retail recruitment agency, we specialise in connecting talented applicants with exciting retail jobs. And, having all worked in retail themselves, our team of experts understand the industry inside and out and are on hand to help you land your dream job.

Talk to us today, and let us help you find your perfect fit.