How to Write a CV in South Africa (The Basics)
The no-fluff basics of a South African CV: what goes on it, how long it should be, and what to skip.
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Your CV is not your life story. It is a thirty second pitch that you deserve an interview. Here is what that looks like.
What goes on a CV?
Six things, in this order:
- Contact details (in the body, never the header or footer)
- A two line summary of who you are
- Education
- Experience, work, projects, or volunteering
- Skills that match the job
- References line
If a section does not help your case, cut it.
Keep it short
One to two pages. A recruiter spends about thirty seconds on it. Every line has to earn its place.
The quick wins
- Match your words to the job advert
- Show results, not just duties
- Keep the format clean and simple
New to this? Start with writing a CV with no experience, then get the format right.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a CV be?+
One to two pages. If you are a student or recent grad, aim for one strong page.
Should I add a photo?+
No. It wastes space and can confuse the software that screens your CV.
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