How to Write a CV that Gets Noticed by Saudi Employers: A Guide for Retail, Hospitality, and Service Professionals

Service industry and hands-on positions value practical experience and specific technical skills. Your CV should highlight:

Practical Skills First

• List concrete skills relevant to the position at the top of your CV
• For retail: inventory management, POS system experience, visual merchandising
• For construction: equipment operation, safety certifications, specific technical skills
• For hospitality: customer service, food handling certificates, reservation systems

Example: Rather than simply stating "Worked as a sales associate," specify "Operated NCR point-of-sale system, managed inventory of 500+ items, and handled daily cash reconciliation of 5,000+ SAR."

Physical Capabilities

For jobs requiring physical labor, employers need to know you can handle the work:

• Mention relevant physical abilities when appropriate (lifting capacity, standing for long periods)
• Include any safety training or certifications
• Note experience working in relevant conditions (outdoor work, night shifts, etc.)

Reliability Indicators

Employers in blue collar and service industries value reliability above almost everything else:

• Perfect or near-perfect attendance records
• Long-term employment with previous employers
• Willingness to work flexible hours or shifts

Personal Information Section

In Saudi Arabia, it's standard and expected to include:

• Your full name
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Marital status
• Religion (optional)
• A professional photo (dress professionally even for blue collar positions)
• Iqama status and number (for expatriates)

Language Skills

Clearly state your language proficiency, especially Arabic and English:

• Be honest about your level (basic, conversational, fluent)
• For retail and hospitality roles, mention any additional languages
• Specify if you can read/write as well as speak

Contact Information

• Include your mobile number with the correct country code
• Use a professional email address
• Consider adding your neighborhood or general location in Riyadh (or your city) - this helps employers looking for staff close to their location

Using Vague Descriptions Instead of Concrete Achievements

• Don't use generic corporate jargon for practical, hands-on roles
• Avoid vague statements like "responsible for customer satisfaction"
• Instead, use concrete examples: "Served 70+ customers daily with a 95% satisfaction rating"

Missing Location Information

• Many employers, especially in retail and service industries, want workers who live nearby
• Mention your general residential area (you don't need to give your exact address)
• Note if you have your own transportation or if you rely on public transit

Ignoring Certifications and Vocational Training

• Include all relevant certificates, even if they seem minor
• List vocational training programs you've completed
• Include safety certifications or specific equipment training

For Retail Positions:

WORK EXPERIENCE

Sales Associate, Al Othaim Mall - Riyadh (Eastern Neighborhood)

January 2023 - Present

- Operate cash register and process 80+ transactions daily

- Arrange product displays and replenish merchandise

- Assist 50+ customers daily with product information and purchasing decisions

- Maintain 99% attendance record and willingness to work evening shifts

For Construction/Maintenance:

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

- 5+ years experience in residential electrical maintenance

- Certified in Safe Work Practices (CITB)

- Experience with both preventative maintenance and emergency repairs

- Capable of lifting 25kg and working in confined spaces

- Willing to work on-call for emergency situations

For Hospitality/Food Service:

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Kitchen Staff, AlBaik - Riyadh (Northern Branch)

March 2022 - February 2025

- Prepared food items according to strict quality standards

- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen area according to food safety regulations

- Handled high-volume periods serving 300+ customers during peak hours

- Received Employee of the Month recognition twice for reliability and efficiency

One of the most effective strategies is customizing your CV for each job:

1. Read the job posting carefully and note specific skills mentioned
2. Rearrange your skills section to prioritize those most relevant to this specific job
3. Use similar terminology to what's in the job posting
4. If the job is in a specific location, emphasize if you live nearby or have reliable transportation

When applying through online platforms like Opus:

• Use a simple, clean format that displays well on mobile devices
• Save your CV as a PDF to maintain formatting
• Use a filename that includes your name (e.g., "Mohammed_Ahmed_CV_Retail.pdf")
• Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and easily visible
• Include your neighborhood or general location to help employers looking for local staff

With commute times in Riyadh averaging 53 minutes during rush hour, employers increasingly value staff who live nearby. This leads to better punctuality, less fatigue, and lower turnover rates.

On your CV, consider:

• Mentioning your general residential area
• Noting your typical commute time to different parts of the city
• Highlighting if you have reliable transportation
• Indicating willingness for specific shifts that align with your location

Before submitting your CV:

• Have someone else review it for errors
• Ensure all dates and contact details are accurate
• Check that your skills are clearly stated and relevant to the position
• Verify that your location information is included
• Confirm that your availability and shift preferences are clear

Once your CV is ready, focus on finding opportunities close to home. Using location-based job platforms like Opus can help you find positions that minimize commute time while maximizing your chances of getting hired.

Visit opus.sa to find jobs near your home and submit your newly optimized CV to employers looking for candidates just like you.

Looking for more job search tips specifically for retail, hospitality, and service positions in Saudi Arabia? Visit the Opus blog regularly for advice tailored to help you find the perfect job close to home.