Write a Winning CV
Learn how to create a CV that stands out to employers in South Africa.
1. Keep it concise and relevant
South African employers typically prefer CVs that are 2-3 pages maximum. Tailor your CV for each job application, highlighting only the most relevant experience and skills. Remove outdated or irrelevant information to keep the focus on what matters for the specific role.
2. Use a professional format
Choose a clean, professional layout with clear headings and consistent formatting. Use a standard font (Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman) in 10-12pt size. Avoid graphics, colors or unusual fonts that might not display properly. Make sure your CV is easy to scan quickly.
3. Start with a strong personal profile
Begin with a 3-4 sentence summary that highlights your key qualifications, experience and career goals. This should be tailored to each job application. Example: "Detail-oriented accountant with 5 years experience in financial reporting and analysis, seeking to leverage my expertise in a growing financial services firm."
4. Highlight your work experience effectively
List experience in reverse chronological order. For each position, include: job title, company name, dates of employment, and 3-5 bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify results where possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 15% in Q3 2022").
5. Showcase your education and qualifications
Include all relevant degrees, diplomas and certifications. For South African applicants, clearly indicate if you have a Matric certificate and any tertiary qualifications. List the institution, qualification name and year obtained. Place this section after work experience if you have significant professional experience.
6. Include key skills section
Create a dedicated skills section highlighting both technical and soft skills relevant to the job. Include language proficiency (especially important in multilingual SA), computer skills, and any industry-specific certifications. Be honest about your skill levels (basic, intermediate, advanced).
7. Add relevant additional sections
Consider including sections for: Professional memberships, Publications, Volunteer work (if relevant), or References ("Available on request"). For recent graduates, you might include academic projects or extracurricular activities that demonstrate relevant skills.
8. Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many large companies use ATS software to screen CVs. To pass these systems: Use standard headings, include keywords from the job description, avoid tables/graphics, and save as a Word document unless PDF is specified. Spell out acronyms at least once.
9. Proofread meticulously
Spelling and grammar errors can immediately disqualify you. Proofread multiple times, use spellcheck, and have someone else review your CV. Pay special attention to company names, job titles and dates. Ensure consistency in formatting throughout the document.
10. Include the right contact details
Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and professional. Include: Full name, phone number, professional email address (firstname.lastname@domain.com), and LinkedIn profile if you have one. Avoid including your ID number, marital status or physical address (just city/province is sufficient).