How to Write a CV for South African Job Applications (Free Template)

Your CV is often the first thing an employer sees. A clear, honest and well-organised CV improves your chances of getting an interview. Here is how to write one.

What to include

1. Contact details: your name, cellphone number, email address and town.
2. Short profile: two or three lines about who you are and what you offer.
3. Work experience: most recent first, with job title, employer, dates and key duties.
4. Education: your highest qualification first, plus matric.
5. Skills: computer skills, languages, driver’s licence if relevant.
6. References: two people who can speak about your work, with their permission.

Simple CV template

FULL NAME
Cell: 000 000 0000 | Email: name@example.com | Town, Province

PROFILE
Reliable [job type] with [X] years of experience in [field]. Strong in [skill 1] and [skill 2].

WORK EXPERIENCE
Job title, Company (Month Year - Month Year)
- Main duty or achievement
- Main duty or achievement

EDUCATION
Qualification, Institution (Year)
Matric, School (Year)

SKILLS
- Skill / Language / Licence

REFERENCES
Name, Company, Phone number

What to leave out

• Your ID number, bank details and home street address, because they are not needed at this stage.
• A photo, unless the employer asks for one.
• Lies or exaggerations, which are easy to check.

Tips to stand out

• Keep it to one or two pages.
• Use a clear font and simple layout.
• Tailor your profile and skills to each job advert.
• Use numbers where you can, for example “served 50 customers a day”.
• Check spelling and send it as a PDF unless told otherwise.

No experience?

Highlight school achievements, volunteering, projects, short courses and practical skills. Include the contact details of a teacher or community leader as a reference.

Beware of job scams

Genuine employers do not ask for money to hire you. Be careful with adverts that ask for fees, training deposits or sensitive banking details.

Disclaimer: this website is not a lender and does not give financial advice. The information is general and may change. Always confirm details with the relevant provider or official source before you decide.