Overview
Exact, one of South Africa’s most beloved retail fashion brands under The Foschini Group (TFG), is seeking a driven and enthusiastic Sales Associate to join their vibrant team at Maponya Mall. This permanent, full-time opportunity is ideal for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced retail environment, have a passion for people, and enjoy creating meaningful shopping experiences.
The Sales Associate will play a key role in representing the Exact brand by delivering outstanding customer service, meeting and exceeding sales targets, and maintaining the store’s aesthetic and operational standards. Working for TFG means being part of a globally recognized organization with 34 specialty lifestyle and apparel brands that inspire customers across continents. The position offers not only professional growth but also the opportunity to be part of a culture that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and empowerment.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 / Matric qualification (essential)
- 6 months to 1 year of retail experience (advantageous)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to multitask in a dynamic environment
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
- Passion for fashion, people, and customer service
- Willingness to work retail hours, including weekends and public holidays
Key Competencies and Skills
- Target-driven mindset with a focus on results
- Ability to identify and act on sales opportunities
- Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Commitment to maintaining brand standards and customer satisfaction
- Problem-solving ability and adaptability in fast-paced retail environments
- Initiative-driven and capable of working independently or as part of a team
Responsibilities
- Serve as a brand ambassador for Exact by providing excellent customer service and product knowledge
- Exceed customer expectations through proactive engagement and personalized solutions
- Track and analyze sales performance against set targets
- Assist with merchandising, stock replenishment, and store readiness
- Stay updated on fashion and décor trends to offer relevant advice to customers
- Build customer loyalty through meaningful interactions and exceptional service delivery
Important Notes
Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Act. TFG fosters an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to grow, innovate, and thrive. Applicants are advised to tailor their CVs to highlight their retail experience, sales achievements, and customer service strengths.
🧾 ATS-Friendly CV Guide
In today’s digital job market, most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs before human eyes ever see them. These systems are designed to scan documents for keywords, structure, and formatting that align with the job description. An ATS-friendly CV improves your chance of getting past automated filters and landing an interview. Whether you are applying for the Exact Maponya Mall Sales Job position at The Foschini Group (TFG) – Exact Division or another opportunity, your CV must speak both to machines and people. This guide walks you through proven strategies to optimize your CV from top to bottom, offering practical examples, formatting tips, and best practices to maximize your success.
1. ✅ CV Structure
- Header: Example — Thabo Khumalo | 0612 74 1234 | [email protected] | Randburg, South Africa.
- Professional Summary: Tailored to the role. E.g., “Motivated customer service agent with 3+ years’ experience in retail and a track record of increasing client satisfaction scores by 25%.”
- Key Skills: Include 6–10 bullet points. E.g., Point of Sale (POS) systems, Inventory control, Conflict resolution, Merchandising, SAP, Microsoft Excel.
- Work Experience: Reverse-chronological. Example:
- Retail Assistant | Bradlows | Jan 2022 – Present
- • Assisted 40+ daily customers with purchases and queries.
- • Maintained 98% shelf availability by overseeing stock rotation.
- Education: Highest level first. E.g., “Diploma in Business Management, UNISA, 2021.”
- Certifications: “Occupational Health and Safety, 2023 (SASSETA)”
- References: “Available upon request” unless stated otherwise in job ad.
2. 🖋️ Typography & Formatting
- Font Choice: Use clean fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica — ATS systems can misread decorative fonts.
- Font Size: Body text should be 10.5pt–12pt; Headings 14pt–16pt for readability and emphasis.
- Spacing & Margins: Use 1.15–1.5 line spacing. Keep margins at 0.75–1 inch. This ensures text isn’t cramped and is easy to scan.
- Avoid: Tables, columns, headers/footers, text boxes — most ATS software can't interpret them properly.
- File Format: Save your CV as a PDF or DOCX — PDF preserves formatting across devices, DOCX is often required by ATS platforms.
3. ✏️ Content Best Practices
- Mirror Job Language: If the ad says “inventory management,” use that term instead of synonyms like “stock control.”
- Quantify Achievements: Numbers give weight. E.g., “Managed R50,000 monthly inventory with < 2% loss.”
- Tailor for Each Job: Don't send the same CV to every employer. Highlight different skills depending on the job ad.
- Be Clear, Not Clever: Avoid vague buzzwords. Say what you did and how it helped your company.
- Proofread! ATS won't reject for spelling — but hiring managers will. Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway.
4. 📷 Photo?
- Photos are discouraged unless required. ATS software can’t read them and they can add bias.
- If required (e.g., acting, modeling), choose a neutral background, natural lighting, and professional attire.
- Ensure file size is small if embedded. Avoid image-heavy CVs as they increase loading time.
5. 🔍 ATS Keyword Optimization Tips
Copy the exact job description and extract nouns and verbs that repeat. For example, for a Retail Assistant post: “customer service,” “cash handling,” “inventory,” “POS,” “stocktaking,” “sales target,” “merchandising,” and “teamwork.”
6. ✅ Dos and ❌ Don’ts of ATS CVs
- ✅ Use job-relevant keywords
- ✅ Keep formatting simple and consistent
- ✅ Quantify wherever possible
- ❌ Don’t include tables or graphics
- ❌ Don’t submit images or logos
- ❌ Don’t use colored or stylized fonts
7. 💾 File Naming & Saving Tips
- Name format: YourName_Exact Maponya Mall Sales Job_CV.pdf
- Save as PDF unless job ad specifies otherwise
- Avoid spaces in filenames: Use underscores instead
- Check file size — keep it under 2MB
8. 🧠 More about ATS
Your CV is the first impression recruiters and ATS software get of you. To pass the ATS filter, you must optimize your CV with clean formatting, appropriate keyword use, and targeted content. Focus on clearly structuring each section: headline, summary, skills, work experience, education, and certifications. Customize the content for every role by mirroring the terminology and phrasing used in the job advert. Quantify achievements wherever possible. Format with simplicity — avoid graphics and stick to standard fonts. Proofreading is non-negotiable: even small typos can disqualify you. Save and name your file properly to avoid compatibility issues. Remember, your CV must be easily readable by both algorithms and humans. By applying the principles in this guide, you will greatly improve your chances of being shortlisted for interviews and finding the right role for your skills.
Professional Summary Example
A highly motivated and customer-oriented retail professional with a deep passion for fashion and exceptional customer service. Skilled in driving sales, achieving targets, and creating memorable shopping experiences that align with brand values. Possesses strong communication and interpersonal abilities, complemented by a natural flair for engaging with customers and offering tailored product recommendations. Demonstrates efficiency in managing stock, maintaining store presentation, and fostering loyalty through service excellence.
Recognized for being proactive, organized, and goal-focused, this individual thrives in high-energy retail settings where teamwork, innovation, and adaptability are key. Committed to contributing to Exact’s legacy of style and affordability, while embodying TFG’s core values of growth, excellence, and inclusivity. Ready to bring enthusiasm, reliability, and professionalism to a brand that celebrates both people and fashion.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates can apply directly through the TFG Careers Portal before 08 October 2025. Ensure your CV showcases your communication skills, sales experience, and ability to deliver high-quality service.
