Which document is commonly used to summarize an individual's career experience when applying for a retail position?

The commonly used document to summarize an individual's career experience when applying for a retail position is the curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. This document serves as a personal marketing tool, highlighting relevant work experiences, education, skills, and achievements tailored to the specific job being applied for.

In the context of the retail industry, a well-crafted resume can effectively showcase a candidate's customer service skills, previous retail experience, and other pertinent qualifications in a concise format. Employers rely on resumes to quickly assess whether a candidate has the experience or skills needed for the position and to help streamline the hiring process.

Other options do not serve this purpose as effectively. For instance, a letter of recommendation complements a job application but does not summarize a person's career on its own. An employment contract outlines the terms of employment but is not used during the application stage. A company handbook provides information about policies and procedures for a specific organization and does not pertain to an individual's work history. Thus, the curriculum vitae or resume is the essential document for summarizing career experience in this context.