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How to Apply for PEP Jobs
Everything you need to know before sending in your CV — from what PEP looks for to the small details that can make the difference between getting called and getting ignored.
PEP hires a lot of people across South Africa — thousands every year. The good news is that the application process isn't complicated. You don't need connections or a fancy degree. You just need to know where to look, what to submit, and how to make a decent first impression.
You'll be redirected to PEP's official website where current openings are listed.
Two Ways to Apply
1. Apply Online Through PEP's Website
PEP lists open positions on their official careers page, sorted by region and role. You can browse what's available, read the requirements, and submit your application right there. If you've got internet access and an email address, this is the easiest route.
One advantage of applying online: you can apply to multiple stores and locations at once. Your application goes into a central system rather than sitting on one manager's desk.
2. Walk Into a Store
The old-fashioned approach still works. Print your CV, walk into a PEP near you, and ask to speak with the manager. If they're busy (and they usually are), leave your CV with a staff member and ask when would be a good time to come back.
This works especially well in smaller towns where there are fewer applicants. Managers in those areas often prefer putting a face to a name. Walking in also shows you're willing to make an effort — and that goes a long way in retail.
What You Need to Apply
The barrier to entry is low — that's one of the reasons PEP is such a popular first employer. Here's what you'll typically need to have ready.
How to Write a CV for PEP
Store managers don't spend five minutes reading each CV. They scan it in 20 seconds and decide whether to keep reading or move on. Your job is to make those 20 seconds count.
Keep it to one or two pages. List your personal details at the top, followed by education, then work experience (most recent first). If you don't have formal work experience, include informal jobs, volunteer work, or school activities that involved responsibility.
Be specific about what you did. Instead of "good communication skills," write "helped customers daily at a family tuck shop for 8 months." Real examples carry more weight than generic claims.
Include contactable references. This is important. List at least two people who can confirm your character or work ethic — a former teacher, a community leader, a previous employer. Make sure they know they might receive a call and that their phone numbers are correct.
Check for errors. Spelling mistakes and wrong phone numbers are the fastest way to get your CV dismissed. Read it twice before submitting. Ask someone else to check it if you can.
Tips for Walk-In Applications
Dress neatly. You don't need a suit, but clean, presentable clothing shows you take the opportunity seriously. First impressions matter in retail — managers notice how you present yourself.
Go at the right time. Avoid visiting during peak hours (month-end, lunch time, Saturday mornings). Mid-morning on a weekday is usually best — the store is calmer and the manager is more likely to have a moment to speak with you.
Be polite and direct. Ask the cashier or a staff member if you can speak to the manager about job opportunities. If the manager isn't available, leave your CV with a staff member and ask when would be a good time to return.
Follow up. Go back about a week later to ask if the manager has had a chance to look at your CV. This shows genuine interest and initiative. Many retail hires happen because a candidate made the effort to follow up in person.
What to Expect in a PEP Interview
If your CV makes the cut, you'll get a call or message about coming in for an interview. Don't overthink it — PEP interviews are practical, not academic. They want to figure out if you're someone they can rely on. That's it.
You'll likely be asked things like:
Don't try to sound like a corporate executive. Just be honest, be specific, and show that you actually want the job — not just any job. Managers can tell the difference.
After You Apply
If you applied online, keep an eye on your email — including the spam folder, since automated replies sometimes end up there. Make sure your phone is on and reachable during business hours. Missing the call is a real thing that costs people opportunities.
Haven't heard back after two weeks? Follow up. Call the store or walk in and ask politely. This isn't being annoying — it's being proactive, and most managers respect it. Sometimes your CV just got buried under a pile of others, and a quick check-in brings it back to the top.
If one store doesn't work out, don't take it personally. Apply to others. PEP has thousands of locations, and the one down the road might be hiring when the first one isn't.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to PEP without matric?
It depends on the store and location. Some entry-level roles in less competitive areas are open to candidates without matric, but having it makes a real difference. If you don't have matric yet, it's still worth trying — the worst they can say is no.
How long does it take to hear back?
It varies. Some stores call within a few days if they're in a rush. Others take two to four weeks. If you haven't heard anything after two weeks, follow up — it's expected and shows you're serious.
Can I apply to more than one store?
Absolutely, and you should. The more stores you apply to, the better your odds. If you're doing walk-ins, print extra copies of your CV and hit a few stores in one trip.
Is there an age requirement?
You need to be at least 18. This is standard for retail in South Africa due to labour law requirements around working hours and conditions.
What should I wear to a walk-in application?
Clean and neat — that's the bar. No need for a suit. Just avoid ripped clothing, stained shirts, or anything with graphics that might raise eyebrows. You're applying at a store where appearance matters to customers, so looking put-together sends the right message.
Ready to Apply?
Visit PEP's official careers page to see what's currently available and submit your application.