How to write a florist CV (with template and example)

Updated 11 April 2023

Many people use flowers as gifts or decorations for memorable events in their lives. Florists cut, create arrangements and sell flowers to customers. Learning how to write a florist's CV helps you to highlight your florist skills and qualifications when applying for a job. In this article, we explain what a florist is, list their duties and responsibilities, describe how to write a florist CV in nine steps and provide a CV template and example to help you succeed in your job application.

What is a florist?

A florist is a professional specialising in arranging and selecting flowers for sale. They can work in large warehouses, flower production companies or small flower shops. They can also handle small houseplants that people keep indoors. Interior design and event organising companies can also hire florist services when decorating venues to prepare for an event. The main roles and responsibilities of a florist include the following:

discussing with clients about flower colour and arrangement designs
developing watering solutions to increase the flowers' lifespan
taking client orders and communicating about delivery estimates
managing the shipment and transportation of flowers
assessing the company's inventory regularly to determine the available products
informing customers about the best ways to care for and grow flowers
drawing flower bouquet designs by hand or on computer-aided design software

How to write a florist CV

If you're looking for a job as a florist, writing a unique florist CV can impress recruiters and improve your chances of employment. You can use this document to highlight the related skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position. The following are steps you can follow when writing your own CV:

1. Research the company

Researching the company is necessary when looking for jobs as a florist. This can help you identify organisations whose flower production strategies align with your interests. Some operate on a large-scale basis handling imports and exports, while others operate on a small-scale, handling one-on-one interactions with clients. This can help you determine a comfortable opportunity that suits you.

2. Study the job profile

Studying the job profile can give you an idea of what the hiring committee is looking for in a florist. This can include the job requirements, such as the application materials you are to submit. It can also highlight the skills, qualifications and experience the employer is looking for in a new hire. This can help you prepare relevant application materials that align with the hiring company's needs.

Consider researching keywords you can include in the CV to improve your chances of getting the opportunity. Common CV keywords include floral arrangement, interpersonal skills, customer service, auto delivery and detail-oriented. You can look for CV examples online relevant to the hiring organisation.

3. Document your contact information

Begin the CV by writing your contact details at the top of your document. You can include your full name, phone number, email address and any other relevant contact information the recruiters can use to reach you. Provide updated information in this section, as the recruiters can use it to provide feedback on your application status.

4. Write a professional summary

In this section, summarise your key personality traits, work ethic, relevant skills and experience. Recruiters can use this section to choose relevant applications when they receive many applications for the same position. Use active language in two to three sentences to describe yourself in this section to make it interesting and easy to read.

5. Describe your work experience

Organisations may look for potential employees with a good theoretical and practical understanding of how the floral industry works. This can include knowledge on how to increase the lifespan of flowers, proper packaging techniques, flower marketing strategies and event decoration. Describing previous roles you've held relevant to the vacant position can create a good impression of yourself. Include the institution name, roles you played, dates you worked and your achievements.

You can describe your previous florist roles, work you've completed on flower farms or greenhouses, customer and sales representative and delivery driver roles. You can also describe volunteer work in flower shops or farms. Describing your achievements using a metric relevant to the floral industry can give the hiring manager an idea of what you can offer the organisation, such as total sales.

6. Explain your academic qualifications

Explaining your academic qualifications can show the recruiters that you're a trained professional. You can include the institution name, dates you attended and study titles. Consider completing a bachelor's degree in professional floristry and floral design, horticulture and business management, plant and soil science or landscape horticulture. You can also complete florist apprenticeships, such as a Florist Level 2 Apprenticeship, which may take you one or two years to complete.

A university degree isn't necessary for a job as a florist, but having one can improve your prospects. Solid work experience can substitute for a degree. Consider earning additional certifications to make you more knowledgeable about the job. Consider earning certifications, such as Certified Business Process Associate (CBPA), Certified Sales Development Representative (CSDR) and Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP). Working as a florist may involve managing the business's financial aspect, making business certifications a good addition to your CV.

7. List your skills

This section describes your technical and soft skills, making you a suitable fit for the position. Technical skills in flower growing, maintenance and design may impress recruiters. A big aspect of the job involves client interactions. This makes it important to highlight your interpersonal and customer service skills. You can also use business management and sales skills to increase productivity. These skills include the following:

delivery van driving
hanging and wedding arch design arrangement
flower packaging
customer service
business and sales management
communication
attention to detail

8. Include additional sections

You can describe additional information relevant to the vacant position in this section. This can include your hobbies, professional memberships and conferences attended. Listing nature-related hobbies, such as hiking and plant keeping, can improve your likelihood of getting a florist job. You can also describe mentorship programmes you've completed and other networks you've made through professional bodies. This can show your passion for the field and your commitment to growth.

9. Review the document

Once you've completed the above sections, review the document and make edits to correct errors. You can use grammar checker software and other proofreading applications to correct language errors in your CV. This can showcase your professionalism and interest in the vacant position.

Florist CV template

The following is a template you can use as a guide:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree and subject], [Name of school or university]

Certifications
[Certification name], [Host organisation] - [Year completed or expiration date]

Florist CV example

The following is an example CV for a florist:

Daniel Walters, BSc in Horticulture and Business Management
+44 7700 900626 | danielwalters@email.com | Bristol

Professional Summary
Innovative and resourceful florist with six years of experience running a small flower shop. Proficient knowledge of plant and flower growth and maintenance, with attention to detail, customer service and time management skills. Offering a proven track record in floral design and sales, both freelance and in-house.

Experience
Florist | March 2019–Current
Wholesmell Flower Shop | Leeds

organise client consultations on flower colours and designs
manage the shop's inventory and flower supply
oversee packaging and delivery of flower orders
direct event decorations specialising in weddings and birthdays
manage the shipment and transportation of flowers

Flower Designer | September 2017–December 2018
Wringwell Horticultural Farm | Leeds

managed the drawing and creation of virtual flower arrangement designs
organised floral decoration installations, including hanging arrangements and wedding arches
reviewed weekly orders and organised flower restocking

Education
BSc in Horticulture and Business Management, Kingslent University

Certification
Certified Sales Development Representative (CSDR), Waymalt Institute of Business Studies - March 2016

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.