Tips for applying

CV checklist

• Your name, cell number and email address at the top. Use a sensible email address.
• The area where you live (your suburb or area), so shops know how far you travel.
• Two or three lines about you: what work you want and what you are good at.
• Work history, newest first: shop or company, your job, and the dates.
• School: highest grade passed and the year. Add any short courses.
• Skills shops like: working with customers, cash handling, stock, being on time, languages you speak.
• Two references with their cell numbers. Ask them first.
• One or two pages, saved as a PDF. Check the spelling.
• Leave off your bank details. Shops do not need your ID copy or a photo to read your first email.

Subject line for your email

Use a clear subject so the right person sees it. The Email button on each shop fills this in for you:

Job application – [Shop name] [Centre name]

In the message, write two or three lines: who you are, the job you want (for example sales assistant, cashier, packer) and that your CV is attached. End with your name and cell number.

How to attach your CV on an Android phone

1. Save your CV as a PDF on your phone. Many phones have a Files or My Files app. Downloads is a common place.
2. Tap the Email button on a shop. Your own email app opens with the address and subject already filled in.
3. Tap the paperclip icon (it may be at the top or the bottom of the screen).
4. Tap Attach file, then find your CV in Downloads or Documents.
5. Check that the CV name shows in the email, then tap Send.

The screens look a little different on each phone. If nothing opens when you tap Email, open your email app once and sign in, then try again. You can also copy the shop address shown under the button.

Scam warnings

Never pay to apply for a job. A real employer does not ask for money to look at your CV, to book an interview, or to give you a uniform before you are hired.

• Be careful with anyone who asks for money for training, a medical, a uniform, a police check or a “registration fee”.
• Do not send your ID number, bank details or a copy of your ID to someone you have not checked. Shops usually ask for these only after they offer you a job.
• Be careful with job offers that come to you on WhatsApp or social media when you did not apply.
• Real employers never ask you to pay to apply. Be careful with anyone who asks for money, ID numbers or bank details before an interview.
• If it sounds too good to be true (high pay, no experience, start tomorrow), it probably is.
• Tell the shop or the centre management if you see a fake job advert.