THE PROCESS
1. Before we can do anything, we need an updated version of your CV. Please ensure all necessary information and contact details are on your CV.
2. Once we have a copy of your CV, we will be able to assess whether or not we have anything that would be a good fit for you at that time.
– If Yes, we will get in touch to arrange a time to speak about your application and next steps.
– If No, we will let you know that we have received your CV, but that you are either not suitable for an applied for vacancy, or we don’t have anything for you at the moment.
Either way, if you have relevant Retail, Clothing or Textile experience, a personal profile will be created for you on our database.
This enables us to get in touch with you as soon as something suitable does come in.
We strongly suggest liking our Facebook page and joining our Group on LinkedIn to keep an eye on vacancies as they come in.
CV TIPS AND GENERAL ADVICE
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR CV
PERSONAL PARTICULARS
- Full name
- Address
- Telephone number (landline and mobile)
- E-mail address
- ID Number
- Nationality
- Gender
- Home language and other languages
- Drivers’ license
- Own transport
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Name of School
- Highest Standard
- Year completed
- Subjects
TERTIARY EDUCATION
- Name of Institution
- Qualification
- Dates started and completed
- Major subjects
- Other subjects
SHORT COURSES AND CERTIFICATES
- Name of Institution
- Name of course or certification
- Dates where possible
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Name of membership
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
- Start with the most recent and work backwards.
- Preferably state your entire career or a minimum of ten years of your career should be reflected.
- Name of Employer and type of business.
- Start and end dates of employment – include month and year.
- List duties – using bullet points.
- Reason for leaving
- Do not leave gaps. If you worked on a temporary basis, travelled or were unemployed, then you should include this.
REFERENCES
- Ensure that contact details for references are current and list employer’s name, name and position of immediate superior and contact number.
CV TIPS
SELL YOURSELF
- Remember that your CV is a reflection of you. You are selling yourself to a business or recruitment agency and your goal is to secure an interview. See the guidelines below to help you achieve this
CV PRESENTATION & LAYOUT
- It must be professional looking – avoid using graphics, art clips and frilly borders
- Use clear headings to separate the various sections of your CV.
- Stick to plain colours like black or dark grey.
- A photo of yourself is not essential, but is becoming the ‘done thing’. As an agency, we prefer to include a photo with each application so if you do not include one, it is likely that we will ask you for one anyway. Pictures need to be from the shoulder up and you should look neat and professional. Avoid low cut tops, T-shirts and distracting backgrounds. No wedding photos, party photos, etc.
CONTENT
- The content must be accurate, to the point and up to date.
- Spelling mistakes are not a good first impression – ensure you get someone to proof read it and use spellcheck!
- Use bullet points for easy reading.
- All dates should be accurate with no time gaps
WHAT EMPLOYERS & RECRUITERS HATE TO SEE ON A CV
- Spelling errors and poor grammar
- Inaccurate dates and information
- Long paragraphs
- Unqualified candidates
- Information unrelated to the job
COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WITH THEIR CV
- Writing stories instead of sentences
- Writing long-winded sentences and still not getting the message across
- Not writing down what they actually do – writing down the job descriptions that they got in their letters of appointment
COMMUNICATION WITH CONSULTANT
- Always be open and honest with your recruitment consultant.
- If you have any concerns or fears, then please share them with your consultant.
- If for any reason you cannot make an interview, let your consultant know immediately.
- Give your consultant feedback after your interview.
- Ensure that you update your CV regularly on our database.
INTERVIEW DOs AND DON'Ts
DOs
Dress professionally – ask us for advice if in any doubt.
Be punctual – ensure that you have the directions in advance and allow for traffic. Take the consultant’s phone number with you in case there are any problems getting to the interview.
PREPARE. Prepare for the interview. Try and anticipate what questions may be asked based on the relevance of your experience to the job and prepare answers, which must be honest and sincere.
Do some research on the company.
Know the interviewer’s name and introduce yourself in a warm and friendly manner.
Answer questions concisely, giving a positive account of yourself whilst being sincere.
Ask relevant questions that will help you assess whether this is the right job for you.
Switch off your cellphone.
DON'Ts
Do not smoke just before your interview.
Do not spray deodorant or perfume on just before the interview.
Do not chew gum.
Do not criticise your previous employers.
Do not bring up salary – wait for the interviewer to raise it.
HAPPY CANDIDATES
FAQ
I SUBMITTED MY CV THROUGH THE RITE FIT WEBSITE. WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS AND HOW SHOULD I FOLLOW UP?
After submitting your CV via our website, our team of Consultants will review your qualifications and experience to see if there is a match with any of the current vacancies we have. If we have a suitable position for you, the relevant consultant for that position will get in touch to schedule a time to speak with you and discuss next steps.
In some cases a Consultant may reach out to a candidate that stands out from the crowd, even though a matching position may not be available at the time in order to ensure we have the information we need to quickly accelerate your application to our client when the right fit comes along.
If you don’t get a call from us, don’t worry. We have your CV, and this will be added to our database (assuming you have relevant industry experience) enabling us to get in touch as soon as something suitable does come in.
DO YOU HAVE ANY JOB OPENINGS?
We certainly do! Please view a list of our available positions here.
If you have already sent us your CV, and have not received a call from us as yet, it is most likely because we currently do not have a position that matches your previous or current work experience.
Make sure you keep an eye on our website’s jobs page and follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn as we post all new openings regularly. If a position comes up that interest you, let us know!
DO YOU PLACE TEMPORARY / CONTRACTING STAFF?
No. We offer permanent recruitment services as we are not a temporary agency or labour broker.
I'VE SEEN A VACANCY I'M INTERESTED IN, HOW DO I APPLY?
If you see a position you’re interested in, please ensure that you read through the minimum requirements and all other details to ensure you are in fact potentially suitable for a particular vacancy before applying. Should your experience match the minimum requirements listed, please forward your application to the relevant email address listed on the advertisement and be sure to clearly indicate which position you are applying for.
I'VE APPLIED FOR A VACANCY I SAW, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE THE CONSULTANT CONTACTS ME?
Once you’ve submitted your application, the Consultant handling the specific position you’re interested in will review your application and if suitable will contact you within 1 – 7 working days of your CV submission. If you do not receive feedback within 2 weeks of submission please consider your application unsuccessful and kindly keep an eye on our website, Facebook and LinkedIn for future opportunities that may arise.
I AM IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW POSITION BUT HAVEN'T SEEN ANY POSITIONS THAT I WILL BE SUITED FOR, WHAT CAN I GO TO GET MY CV ONTO YOUR DATABASE?
Please send us an updated CV, along with all relevant information that we would need to accurately match you to positions either now, or in the future. Information to include:
- Notice Period
- Willingness to relocate and if yes, where
- Reason for wanting to leave current employer
- Salary on and required
If you are relevant to our industry, your CV will be added to the database and we will be in touch as soon as something suitable becomes available.
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE ME IF I AM SUCCESSFUL FOR A POSITION?
We offer a FREE service to all of our candidates.
I'M ALREADY ON YOUR DATABASE, WHAT CAN I DO TO SEE IF YOU HAVEA JOB I WANT TO APPLY FOR?
Please keep an active eye on our website – we keep our site up-to-date, and if there are any suitable positions which grab your attention, please get in touch.