Can I get a retail job with no experience?

Yes. Most shop-floor, checkout and stock roles train you on the job. Employers look for reliability, a friendly manner and clear availability more than experience.

What age can you work in a shop?

Many supermarkets and high-street shops hire from 16, and some take younger part-timers within children's employment rules. Roles involving selling alcohol or late-night work may need you to be 18. Always check the employer's careers page.

What are retail online assessments?

Many big retailers ask you to complete a short online questionnaire, often a situational judgement test, showing how you would handle everyday customer situations. Answer honestly and choose responses that put the customer and safety first.

How much do part-time retail jobs pay?

The legal minimum is £8.00 an hour at 16–17, £10.85 at 18–20 and £12.71 at 21+ from April 2026. Some large retailers pay one rate to all ages, so compare adverts.

First jobs, retail

How to get a part-time retail job with no experience

Shops and supermarkets are one of the easiest places to get your first job. Here's how to find the roles, pass the online test and stand out without experience.

The short answer

Apply directly to local supermarkets and shops, make a one-page CV that shows you're reliable and good with people, practise the online customer questionnaire, then follow up in person. No experience is needed for most checkout, shop-floor and stock roles.

Step by step

1
Pick 5–10 local shops
List supermarkets and shops you can reach easily, then check each careers page for roles and minimum age.
2
Write a one-page CV
Use school, clubs, volunteering and helping at home as evidence of customer service and reliability.
3
Practise the online assessment
Think about how you'd help a confused customer, handle a queue or report a safety issue.
4
Apply and follow up
Apply online, then pop in on a quiet weekday to introduce yourself to a manager.
5
Prepare for a short interview
Have two examples ready of being helpful and dependable, and know your available hours.

Turning school into customer-service evidence

Group projects: working in a team and meeting deadlines.
Clubs, sport or volunteering: turning up on time, every time.
Helping at events or open evenings: talking confidently to adults.

Put these into our first CV template or read writing a CV with no experience.

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FAQs

Can I get a retail job with no experience?: Yes. Most shop-floor, checkout and stock roles train you on the job. Employers look for reliability, a friendly manner and clear availability more than experience.
What age can you work in a shop?: Many supermarkets and high-street shops hire from 16, and some take younger part-timers within children's employment rules. Roles involving selling alcohol or late-night work may need you to be 18. Always check the employer's careers page.
What are retail online assessments?: Many big retailers ask you to complete a short online questionnaire, often a situational judgement test, showing how you would handle everyday customer situations. Answer honestly and choose responses that put the customer and safety first.
How much do part-time retail jobs pay?: The legal minimum is £8.00 an hour at 16–17, £10.85 at 18–20 and £12.71 at 21+ from April 2026. Some large retailers pay one rate to all ages, so compare adverts.

Sources: GOV.UK minimum wage rates, GOV.UK child employment, National Careers Service: retail assistant. Last reviewed 20 October 2026 by the Shine careers team.

More help: teen jobs, minimum wage by age, first CV template.