Overview
Old Khaki, a division of the renowned Cape Union Mart International, is seeking an energetic and service-driven Sales Assistant to join its team at the Rosebank branch. As part of a well-established and proudly South African retail group, this opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a vibrant, fashion-forward environment and is passionate about delivering memorable customer experiences.
The Sales Assistant role is pivotal in maintaining Old Khaki’s commitment to quality, style, and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will not only represent the brand but also help create an engaging shopping environment that inspires confidence and loyalty among customers. This is a permanent part-time role, ideal for individuals who value balance while pursuing a career in retail.
Old Khaki is known for its laid-back style and authentic designs, catering to individuals who value comfort and self-expression. By joining this dynamic team, you’ll be contributing to a brand that continues to set trends while maintaining a down-to-earth, customer-centered ethos.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent qualification.
- At least 6 months of retail experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic computer skills.
- Clear criminal record.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of current fashion and lifestyle trends (preferably outdoor or casual wear).
Key Competencies and Skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Customer service orientation with a results-driven mindset.
- Integrity and honesty in handling cash and finances.
- Adaptability and openness to change.
- Team collaboration and relationship-building.
Responsibilities
- Deliver exceptional customer service by engaging with customers and understanding their needs.
- Use professional selling techniques to exceed customer expectations and drive sales.
- Maintain high visual merchandising and housekeeping standards.
- Monitor and minimize stock losses through adherence to company policies.
- Work proactively to identify sales opportunities and upsell where possible.
- Support the store team with operational tasks such as opening, closing, and stock replenishment.
- Ensure compliance with company standards and procedures.
Important Notes
Candidates must have a passion for fashion retail and customer engagement. Old Khaki values innovation, teamwork, and authenticity. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work and continuously seek opportunities for personal growth. Preference will be given to individuals who align with the company’s values and demonstrate reliability, enthusiasm, and professionalism.
🧾 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 Rosebank 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 Rosebank 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 results-driven and customer-focused Sales Assistant with a passion for the retail and fashion industry. Demonstrates strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with customers, understand their preferences, and provide exceptional service that enhances brand loyalty. Possesses hands-on experience in merchandising, inventory management, and cash handling, combined with a proactive approach to achieving sales targets and maintaining store presentation.
Committed to contributing to a positive store culture and exceeding sales expectations, this professional thrives in fast-paced retail environments. With a clear understanding of brand identity and customer experience, they bring enthusiasm, adaptability, and dedication to delivering consistent performance. Their goal is to represent the Old Khaki brand with integrity while continually growing within the retail industry.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates can apply directly through the Cape Union Mart International careers portal before 09 October 2025. Ensure your application includes an updated CV and a short motivation letter detailing your retail experience and passion for the Old Khaki brand.
