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CV · Practical examples

Your tasks say more than your job title

“Worked in sales” shows your sector. Specific tasks show your skills. These examples help you describe your experience for your next application.

All examples are fictional. Only use tasks you actually performed. Figures, responsibilities and skills must match your experience.

Hospitality and service

Starting point: “Worked in a restaurant”

Advised guests, took orders, served food and drinks, processed payments and prepared the service area for the next shift.

Add your actual role and dates. Only mention shift planning or training staff if these were your responsibilities.

Sales and retail

Starting point: “Helped customers”

Advised customers on products, stocked goods, maintained the sales floor, processed payments and assisted with stock checks.

Which products do you know? Did you handle complaints or orders? These details make your experience clearer.

Warehousing and logistics

Starting point: “Worked in a warehouse”

Received goods, checked deliveries against documentation, stored products, picked orders and prepared shipments.

Name warehouse software or equipment you used. Only list a forklift licence if you actually hold one.

Office and administration

Starting point: “Administrative tasks”

Handled enquiries by email and phone, coordinated appointments, updated records, maintained Excel lists and prepared order documents.

Rather than “MS Office”, describe how you used the programs. Distinguish basic knowledge from independent use.

Find your own wording

  1. Collect your tasks. Note what you did in a typical shift or working week.
  2. Choose what is relevant. Read the advert and present relevant experience first.
  3. Be specific. Use verbs such as advise, check, coordinate or prepare. Add what you worked with and for whom.
  4. Check the facts. Are dates, responsibilities and skills correct? Do not invent results.

From CV to cover letter

The CV describes your experience. The letter explains its relevance to the role and your interest in the employer. Choose a real example and a specific link to the job.

Turn your notes into a draft

Upload your PDF CV or enter your roles. Review the free preview and request changes. CV CHF 29; with cover letter CHF 49. One-time payment, no subscription.

Start your free preview

Read more: Structure your CV · Write a cover letter

Reference source: University of Zurich Career Services: CV. Our own illustrative examples; no collaboration with the university. Updated: 3 October 2026.

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Choose the sector that fits the job advert. Find task examples and cover letter advice.