CV writing tips

How to Write a Professional CV in South Africa (2025 Guide)

 

A strong CV is one of the most powerful tools you can have when applying for jobs. It is often the first impression an employer gets of you, and a well-written CV can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Whether you’re a student, graduate, or experienced professional, this guide will help you create a polished and professional CV that showcases your strengths

  1. Start with Clear Personal Information

Your personal details must be correct and easy to find. Include:

Full name

Phone number

Email address

Location (city & province only , not full address)

Optional: LinkedIn profile or portfolio link

Avoid unnecessary information like ID number, marital status, or religion. Employers do not require these details.

  1. Write a Strong Career Objective or Summary

This short paragraph tells employers who you are and what you can offer.

Examples:

Entry-Level: “Motivated and hardworking graduate seeking an entry-level position where I can apply my communication and problem-solving skills.”

Experienced: “Dedicated administrative professional with 3+ years of experience in office management, customer service, and data handling.”

Keep it short  2 to 3 sentences is enough.

  1. Highlight Your Education

List your education starting with the most recent:

Qualification

Institution

Year completed or expected completion

Achievements (optional: distinctions, awards)

If you’re still studying, include “In Progress.”

  1. Showcase Your Work Experience

This is one of the most important sections of your CV. For each job, include:

Job title

Company name

Employment dates

Key responsibilities

Achievements (if any)

Focus on results, not just tasks.

Example: “Improved customer satisfaction by responding to queries within 24 hours.”

If you have no experience, include:

Internships

Volunteer work

Part-time jobs

School/University projects

  1. List Your Skills Clearly

Employers want to know what you can do. Include both:

Hard Skills (Technical):

Computer literacy

Microsoft Office

Data entry

Programming languages (if applicable)

Typing

Accounting basics

Soft Skills (Personal):

Teamwork

Communication

Time management

Problem-solving

Leadership

Adaptability

Only include skills you truly have.

  1. Add Certifications and Courses

This helps you stand out from other applicants. Include:

Short courses

Online courses

Professional certificates

Skills programmes

Workshops

These show that you are proactive about your career growth.

  1. Keep the Layout Clean and Professional

Your CV should be:

Easy to read

Well-structured

Free of grammar or spelling mistakes

One to two pages long

Use a simple font like Arial or Calibri, and avoid decorative designs.

  1. Avoid Common CV Mistakes

Many rejected CVs have the same issues. Avoid:

Long paragraphs

Bright colours or fancy fonts

Adding a photo (unless required)

Including salary expectations

Using old or incorrect contact details

Lying about skills or experience

Stay honest and professional.

  1. Include References

Most employers want references they can contact. Include:

Name

Position

Company

Phone number

If you have no references, you can write: “References available on request.”

  1. Update Your CV Regularly

Your CV should grow with you. Update it when you:

Finish a course

Complete a project

Change jobs

Add new skills

A fresh, up-to-date CV increases your chances of getting interviews.

Final Thoughts

A well-written CV can open doors and create new opportunities. Take your time to build a CV that represents you well and highlights your strengths. With the right structure and details, you’ll increase your chances of getting shortlisted and moving one step closer to your dream job.

If you need help creating a CV template or designing the layout, We can create one for you email us