Overview
Cape Union Mart International, a leading name in South Africa’s retail and lifestyle fashion industry, is seeking passionate and customer-oriented individuals to join the Old Khaki division as Permanent Part-Time Sales Assistants at the Fourways store in Johannesburg. This position offers an exciting opportunity for motivated individuals to become part of a trusted brand known for its adventurous spirit, authentic fashion, and commitment to exceptional customer experiences.
The Sales Assistant will play an integral role in delivering world-class customer service, maximizing sales opportunities, and maintaining the brand’s visual and operational excellence. Old Khaki is not just a clothing brand — it represents a lifestyle that blends individuality with laid-back sophistication. As a Sales Assistant, you’ll represent this ethos on the sales floor, ensuring that every customer interaction reflects the brand’s personality and passion for quality.
This role requires an energetic, reliable, and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a dynamic retail environment. You’ll be responsible for meeting daily targets, upholding store presentation standards, and supporting the team in driving consistent business growth. Candidates with a strong work ethic, excellent interpersonal skills, and a keen eye for fashion trends will find this position both rewarding and inspiring.
Minimum Requirements
- Matric or Equivalent Qualification
- Minimum of 6 months retail experience
- Clear criminal record
- Computer literacy, especially in Microsoft applications
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of current fashion and outdoor lifestyle trends
Key Competencies and Skills
- Strong customer service orientation
- Relationship building and teamwork
- Innovation and adaptability in a fast-paced retail environment
- Attention to detail and stock control awareness
- Sales-driven mindset and target achievement
- Integrity in cash handling and transactions
- Ability to maintain brand-aligned store presentation
Responsibilities
- Deliver exceptional customer service by practicing effective selling techniques
- Achieve and exceed individual and store sales targets
- Adhere to store policies and stock control measures to minimize losses
- Maintain high standards of visual merchandising and store housekeeping
- Promote brand loyalty by creating a positive and engaging shopping environment
- Support team initiatives and contribute to overall store performance
- Demonstrate product knowledge and assist customers in finding suitable apparel and accessories
- Ensure accurate cash handling and compliance with company financial procedures
Important Notes
Applicants should demonstrate honesty, teamwork, and accountability in all tasks. The ability to remain professional under pressure, adapt to changing retail environments, and consistently deliver high-quality service will be key to success. Cape Union Mart International promotes diversity and equal opportunity in all recruitment processes.
🧾 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 Old Khaki Fourways Sales Assistant position at Cape Union Mart International – Old Khaki 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_Old Khaki Fourways Sales Assistant_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 motivated and customer-focused retail professional with hands-on experience in sales, merchandising, and customer service within fast-paced store environments. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication skills, product knowledge, and a proven ability to exceed sales targets while creating memorable customer experiences. With a background in retail operations and a deep understanding of brand representation, this individual excels at connecting with customers, promoting brand loyalty, and contributing to store profitability.
Driven by passion for fashion and service excellence, this applicant embodies the values of integrity, teamwork, and adaptability. They thrive in environments that demand initiative, accuracy, and creativity — whether assisting customers on the sales floor, managing cash transactions, or maintaining store aesthetics. Their professional demeanor, combined with proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and an understanding of current fashion trends, positions them as an ideal candidate to support Old Khaki’s mission of offering authentic, high-quality lifestyle apparel that resonates with modern South Africans.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV highlighting relevant retail experience and qualifications. Applications must be received by 09 October 2025 through the official Cape Union Mart International careers portal or via the contact information listed on the company’s recruitment website.
