The good news: an interview!

Thabo's phone buzzes. It's a message from Pick 'n Go. 📱

"Good day Thabo. We liked your CV. We'd like to invite you for an interview this Thursday at 10:00 at our Maponya Mall branch. Please reply to confirm."

Thabo jumps up — his CV worked! 🎉 But now comes the part that makes his stomach flip: the interview.

He has two days to get ready. Let's help him get this right.

Preparing the night before

It's the night before the interview. Thabo wants to be ready. 🌙

What's the best way for him to prepare?

Learn about the shop

Smart. ✅ Thabo looks up a few simple things about Pick 'n Go: what they sell, where the branches are, and what a cashier does there.

Now if the manager asks "Why do you want to work here?", he'll have a real answer — not a blank stare. Knowing a little about the shop shows he's serious about the job.

Just wing it

Thabo decides he'll just "see what happens" on the day. 🚫

But walking in with no preparation is risky. If the manager asks why he wants the job, or what he knows about the shop, he'll freeze.

A little preparation the night before makes a big difference — so let's see what else Thabo can do to get ready.

Practise answers

Good idea. ✅ Thabo opens Send My CV and uses Interview Practice — it asks him real interview questions and gives him tips to make his answers stronger.

He practises the common ones out loud in front of the mirror: "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want to work here?" and "Why did you leave your last job?"

He also packs a clean copy of his CV. Now he's ready for the morning.

What to wear

Thursday morning. Thabo stands in front of his wardrobe. 👔

What should he wear to the interview?

Neat & simple

Perfect. ✅ Thabo picks a clean, neat shirt and tidy trousers. Simple and respectful.

He doesn't need fancy or expensive clothes — just clean, ironed and tidy. Looking neat tells the manager: "I take this seriously."

T-shirt & cap

Thabo grabs his everyday t-shirt and cap. 🚫

It's comfy — but too casual for an interview. It can look like he didn't make an effort, even if he really wants the job.

He doesn't need a suit. Just something clean and neat. Let's try again.

What time to arrive

The interview is at 10:00. ⏰

What time should Thabo aim to arrive?

Early or on time

Yes! ✅ Thabo plans to arrive early — and definitely not late. About 10–15 minutes early is best.

Arriving early means even if the taxi is slow, he still won't be late. He can catch his breath, calm his nerves, and walk in relaxed. Being on time shows the manager he's reliable — exactly what they want in a cashier.

A bit late is fine

Thabo thinks a few minutes late won't matter. 🚫

But for a job interview, being late is one of the worst first impressions. The manager may think: "If he's late for the interview, he'll be late for work."

Arriving early or on time is one of the easiest ways to win points. Let's get him there on time.

The first impression

Thabo is called in. Mr Naidoo, the manager, stands up to greet him. 🤝

How should Thabo greet him?

Smile & handshake

Perfect. ✅ Thabo smiles, gives a firm (not crushing) handshake, looks Mr Naidoo in the eye and says: "Good morning, sir. Thank you for inviting me."

A warm, confident greeting sets the whole interview off on the right foot. The manager already likes him.

Mumble hello

Thabo looks at the floor, mumbles a quiet "hi," and keeps his hands in his pockets. 🚫

He's just nervous — but it can look like he's not interested or not confident. The manager can't see the great worker inside.

He doesn't have to be loud — just look up, smile, and greet clearly. Let's try again.

"Tell me about yourself"

They sit down. Mr Naidoo smiles and asks: "So, tell me a bit about yourself." 🪑

How should Thabo answer?

His work & skills

Perfect. ✅ Thabo keeps it short and about the job:

"I helped run my family's spaza shop for two years, where I handled cash and served customers every day. I'm reliable, I enjoy working with people, and I'd love to bring that to Pick 'n Go."

Short, honest and about the work — not too long, but not one word either. Exactly what a manager wants to hear. Mr Naidoo nods.

His life story

Thabo starts from when he was a small boy and tells his whole life story. 🚫

The manager only has a little time. A long, unfocused answer makes it hard to see why Thabo is right for the job.

He should keep it short and about the work. Let's try again.

"Why should we hire you?"

Mr Naidoo asks: "Why should we hire you?"

This is Thabo's chance to shine. What should he say?

Show his strengths

Excellent. ✅ Thabo speaks calmly about what he brings:

"I've handled cash and served customers every day at our spaza shop, so I can start quickly. I'm reliable, I'm honest with money, and I'm always on time."

He's not bragging or begging — just honestly sharing why he's a good fit. Mr Naidoo writes something down with a smile.

Beg for the job

Thabo says: "Please sir, I really need this job, I'll do anything, please." 🚫

The manager understands he needs work — but begging makes it about Thabo's need, not what he can offer the shop. It can make him seem unsure of himself.

He has real strengths. He should share those with confidence. Let's try again.

Any questions for the interviewer?

Near the end, Mr Naidoo asks: "Do you have any questions for me?"

What should Thabo do?

Ask about the work

Great. ✅ Thabo asks: "What would my first week look like, and how can I do well in this role?"

A good question shows he's genuinely interested and already thinking about doing the job well. Managers love that. Mr Naidoo smiles — he's impressed.

As he leaves, Thabo shakes his hand and says: "Thank you for your time, sir." Then he goes home to wait.

Say 'nothing'

Thabo says: "No, nothing." 🚫

It's not terrible — but a small missed chance. Asking nothing can make it look like he's not that interested.

One good question about the job leaves a strong final impression. Let's try that.

The result

Two days later, Thabo's phone rings. It's Pick 'n Go. 📞

His heart pounds. He takes a breath and answers.

Thabo got the job

"Hello Thabo — we'd like to offer you the cashier job. Can you start on Monday?" 🎉

YES! Thabo got the job! He thanks them, hangs up, and shouts for joy. All his preparation paid off.

From a blank CV to a real job — Thabo did it. And so can you. 💪

Thabo's interview tips

Thabo's interview tips 📝

1. Prepare. Learn a little about the shop and practise your answers out loud.

2. Dress neat and arrive early. Clean and simple beats flashy. Early beats on-time.

3. Greet well. Smile, handshake, look them in the eye.

4. Answer clearly. Keep it short and about the work. Don't ramble or beg.

5. Finish strong. Ask a good question, and say a warm thank you.