Overview
Cape Union Mart, one of South Africa’s most trusted and adventurous retail brands, is inviting dynamic, customer-focused individuals to apply for the Permanent Part-Time Sales Assistant position at its vibrant The Glen store. As a proudly South African company established in 1933, Cape Union Mart continues to lead in the retail space by combining innovation, exceptional service, and outdoor lifestyle products that inspire exploration and self-expression.
This role is ideal for individuals with a passion for customer interaction, a flair for sales, and a commitment to maintaining high in-store standards. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring each customer enjoys an unforgettable shopping experience while helping to drive store performance. Cape Union Mart values individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments, adapt quickly, and consistently strive for excellence.
Working as a Sales Assistant at The Glen offers a unique opportunity to be part of a brand that emphasizes teamwork, adventure, and continuous learning. The company provides a supportive environment that encourages growth and recognizes outstanding performance. If you are driven by sales targets, passionate about people, and committed to delivering service excellence, this is your opportunity to join a team that celebrates both individuality and collaboration.
Minimum Requirements
- Education: Matric / Grade 12 or Equivalent
- Experience: Minimum of 6 months in a retail or sales environment
- Skills:
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
- Knowledge of clothing, fashion, and outdoor lifestyle trends
- Other Requirements:
- Clear criminal record
- Honesty and integrity in handling cash and customer transactions
Key Competencies and Skills
- Exceptional customer service orientation with a proactive sales mindset
- Ability to build and maintain customer relationships
- Strong attention to detail and ability to uphold store presentation standards
- Adaptability and openness to change in a dynamic retail environment
- Demonstrated initiative, teamwork, and accountability
- Effective time management and organizational skills
- Passion for fashion, outdoor gear, and adventure retail
Responsibilities
- Deliver exceptional service by engaging customers using professional selling techniques
- Consistently meet and exceed individual and store sales targets
- Maintain housekeeping and ensure all visual merchandising standards are met
- Support stock management processes including replenishment and rotation
- Uphold company policies on cash handling, stock control, and shrinkage prevention
- Create an inspiring and welcoming environment for shoppers
- Proactively identify opportunities to maximize sales and improve the customer journey
- Represent the Cape Union Mart brand with professionalism and enthusiasm
Important Notes
The role requires working flexible retail hours, including weekends and public holidays. Applicants must display a high degree of professionalism, punctuality, and customer care. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the company’s Employment Equity plan. Applications close on 14 October 2025.
🧾 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 Permanent Part-Time Sales Assistant Job position at Cape Union Mart International 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_Permanent Part-Time Sales Assistant 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 motivated and customer-focused Retail Sales Assistant with hands-on experience in providing exceptional service, driving sales, and maintaining high store standards in fast-paced retail environments. Known for strong interpersonal skills, I am adept at understanding customer needs, offering tailored product recommendations, and ensuring a positive and memorable shopping experience. I take pride in being a dependable and enthusiastic team player who consistently meets targets while maintaining brand integrity and professionalism.
I possess solid communication and organizational abilities, supported by proficiency in Microsoft Office and an eye for visual presentation. My experience in retail sales has strengthened my problem-solving and adaptability skills, enabling me to perform effectively under pressure. I am eager to contribute to Cape Union Mart’s continued success by upholding its values of honesty, adventure, and customer satisfaction while pursuing professional growth in the retail sector.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their detailed CV and supporting documentation through the official Cape Union Mart Careers Portal. Ensure that your application reflects your retail experience, sales achievements, and passion for customer service excellence.
