A shift manager is responsible for overseeing employees and facility going-ons when a senior manager is not present. Like other managers, when in charge the shift manager is responsible for a variety of tasks, from delegating duties to staff members to assisting customers with issues and complaints and managing the daily activities and costs of the business. Overall, they ensure a safe and healthy work environment when the general manager is not present and track the quality of customer care and of the project deliverables.

Summary. We reviewed real candidate profiles to learn the best path to become a shift manager. We'll guide you through the education, experiences, and skills hiring managers look for in a shift manager.

  • Most companies require a shift manager to have a high school diploma degree in a related field, such as business or general studies.

  • It's important to have relevant work experience, with typical job requirements ranging from 1-2 years in related fields.

  • Common job titles before becoming a shift manager include cashier, sales associate, and crew member.

  • Hiring managers expect a shift manager to have soft skills such as business skills, leadership skills, and organizational skills.

  • Once you have all the required skills and experience, it takes an average of less than 1 month of job training to become a shift manager.

  • Getting a certification as a ServSafe Alcohol will help you to earn more as a shift manager.

How to become a Shift Manager in 6 steps:

  • Step 1: Explore shift manager education
  • Step 2: Develop shift manager skills
  • Step 3: Complete relevent training/internship
  • Step 4: Get shift manager certifications
  • Step 5: Research shift manager duties
  • Step 6: Prepare your resume
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Key Steps To Become a Shift Manager

  1. Explore Shift Manager Education

    If you're interested in becoming a shift manager, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 31.2% of shift managers have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 2.0% of shift managers have master's degrees. Even though some shift managers have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

    Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a shift manager. When we researched the most common majors for a shift manager, we found that they most commonly have business, general studies and criminal justice.

    Shift Manager Degrees

    High School Diploma

    34.3 %

    Bachelors

    31.2 %

    Associate

    21.4 %

    Shift Manager MajorPercentages
    Business26.80%
    General Studies8.70%
    Criminal Justice7.60%
    Psychology6.60%
    Other Degrees50.30%

  2. Develop Shift Manager Skills

    It'll be a good idea to develop shift manager skills before applying for a job. Here are some skills commonly requested in shift manager job descriptions:

    SkillsPercentages
    Cleanliness34.54%
    Inventory Management13.01%
    Management10.38%
    Leadership4.93%
    Customer Service3.33%

  3. Complete Relevent Training/Internship

    Shift managers spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. During this time, new shift managers learn the skills and techniques required for their specific job and employer. The chart below shows how much time it takes to gain competency as a shift manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real shift manager resumes.

    Average Amount Of Time At Training

    None

    Less than 1 month

    1-3 months

    3-6 months

    6-12 months

    4-10 years

  4. Get Shift Manager Certifications

    Certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for this position. They can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a certification, having one may help you stand out in an application. Plus, the process of getting a certification can teach you new skills that you can bring to your work. We determined the most common certifications for shift managers. The most common certification is ServSafe Alcohol, but Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) is also frequently seen in shift managers resumes.

    1. ServSafe Alcohol
    2. Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS)
    3. Food Safety Manager Certification
    4. ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
    5. Certified Food Manager (CFM)
    6. OSHA Safety Certificate
    7. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
    8. Certified Manager Certification (CM)

    More About Certifications

  5. Research Shift Manager Duties

    When you decide to become a shift manager, It's important to know what duties and responsibilities are required for this position. Some common responsibilities are a part of most shift manager jobs. Here is a list of the main duties that define the role:

    • Manage night shift ensuring closing procedures, customer service, and employee management are accomplished following company policies
    • Manage FOH to insure all guests are happy and well taken care of.
    • Provide excellent customer service, operate POS systems, maintain friendly but secure retail environment, track and manage inventory
    • Handle all customer relation issues in accordance with company policy and provide exceptional customer service to all CVS customers.
    • Receive SERVSAFE certification along with online management courses.
    • Execute store operations during schedule shifts, organize shift assignments and maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.

  6. Prepare Your Resume

    Finally, when you already have checked the skills and responsibilities for this role, you can start creating your resume. Everything that goes into creating a perfect resume can take hours, days, or even weeks. No worries, we created a resume builder to make this process as easy as possible with tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and a summary.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Shift Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional Shift Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Shift Manager resume.

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  7. Apply For a Shift Manager Job

    With your ready resume, it's time to start searching for a new job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

    Shift Manager Jobs

  8. How To Become a Shift Manager
    How To Become a Shift Manager Career Overview