Overview
Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited, one of South Africa’s leading retail and healthcare companies, is seeking a dedicated Security Guard to join their Lenz Quarter branch in Lenasia. This permanent position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to a secure and professional retail environment where the safety of employees, customers, and company property is the top priority.
The successful candidate will be responsible for enforcing company security policies, monitoring activities on the premises, and identifying potential risks to ensure that the Dis-Chem Group maintains a safe shopping and working environment. This position plays an essential role in maintaining order, preventing losses, and ensuring compliance with the Private Security Industry Regulations Act 56 of 2001, as amended.
Working at Dis-Chem offers stability, structure, and a sense of purpose. The organization values professionalism, honesty, and vigilance — qualities that are essential for any individual in a security role. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who take pride in safeguarding others, maintaining discipline, and upholding strong ethical standards in a dynamic retail setting. Candidates who display commitment and reliability will find Dis-Chem an empowering and growth-oriented employer.
Minimum Requirements
- Essential:
- Grade 12 / Matric or Senior Certificate
- Grade C PSIRA accreditation
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the retail security industry (shopping malls, warehouses, or similar environments)
- Advantageous:
- At least 1 year of specific experience in a similar role
- Additional training in emergency response or safety management
Key Competencies and Skills
- Excellent knowledge of PSIRA standards and security regulations
- Fire emergency and Health & Safety exposure
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
- Observation skills and quick situational assessment
- Professional, disciplined, and courteous demeanor
- Physical fitness and alertness at all times
- Ability to handle pressure and respond to emergencies calmly
- Report-writing accuracy and record-keeping discipline
- Trustworthy, ethical, and discreet with sensitive information
Responsibilities
- Conduct routine patrols of the premises to ensure visibility and deter criminal activities.
- Monitor and control access to the premises for staff, visitors, and suppliers.
- Verify authorization for entry and exit of vehicles and pedestrians.
- Investigate and report any signs of theft, damage, or suspicious activity immediately.
- Ensure all Dis-Chem assets and property are secure at all times.
- Manage access control procedures, including staff and supplier searches.
- Supervise refuse removal and check for unauthorized goods leaving the premises.
- Maintain detailed incident reports, registers, and occurrence books.
- Monitor alarm systems, CCTV, and emergency detection devices.
- Assist in emergency response, including fire evacuations and medical situations.
- Lock all doors, windows, and gates at the end of trading hours.
- Perform vehicle and personnel searches during shift duties.
- Liaise with local law enforcement and emergency services when required.
- Offer security and safety advice to staff and management to prevent risks.
- Be courteous and professional when dealing with customers and staff.
Important Notes
Applicants must hold valid PSIRA Grade C certification and be registered as an active member of the security profession. Candidates must have no criminal or credit records, possess a driver’s license, and have reliable transport. Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer. The company’s Employment Equity Plan and Transformation Strategy will guide the recruitment process, and applications from People with Disabilities are strongly encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received feedback within two weeks of the closing date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.
🧾 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 Security Guard Job in Lenasia position at Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited 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_Security Guard Job in Lenasia_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 disciplined, vigilant, and dependable Security Guard with over three years of experience safeguarding retail premises, staff, and assets within fast-paced environments. Skilled in conducting patrols, managing access control, and implementing effective surveillance techniques. Proven ability to identify risks, handle emergency situations, and enforce compliance with the Private Security Industry Regulations Act and internal company policies.
This professional brings integrity, composure, and commitment to every role. Known for maintaining calm under pressure, resolving conflicts tactfully, and ensuring that all visitors and employees experience a safe and respectful environment. With strong interpersonal and communication skills, they foster cooperation between staff and management while ensuring safety standards remain uncompromised. Ideal for organizations that value reliability, alertness, and a proactive approach to safety.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should visit the Dis-Chem Careers Portal and search for the “Security Guard – Lenz Quarter (Lenasia)” vacancy. Submit your updated CV, copies of your PSIRA certification, and identification documents before the closing date.
