How to Write a CV That Gets Shortlisted in South Africa
Most South African employers and recruiters receive hundreds of CVs for a single entry-level post, and many use software to filter them before a person reads anything. A clear, honest, well-organised CV is the easiest way to get past that first cut.
1. Keep it to two pages
For school leavers and graduates, one to two pages is enough. Recruiters often spend less than a minute on a first read, so put your strongest information near the top.
2. Use a simple layout
Many companies, including large retailers and banks, use applicant tracking systems (ATS). These read plain text best. Avoid tables, text boxes, photos and graphics, use a standard font, and save as PDF unless the advert asks for Word.
3. Start with your contact details
Your full name, a cellphone number you answer, a professional email address and your town or suburb. You don't need your full street address, ID number, marital status or religion on a CV. Only give your ID number on an official application form when it's required.
4. Write a short profile
Two or three lines saying who you are and what you're looking for, matched to the job. For example: "Matriculant with strong maths and customer-service experience from a part-time retail role, looking for a call-centre learnership."
5. Match the advert's words
Read the requirements carefully. If the advert asks for "data capturing", "MS Excel" or a "Code 8 licence", use those exact words where they're true for you. This helps ATS software and the recruiter see the match quickly.
6. Show what you did, not just where
Under each job, volunteering role or project, list two or three things you achieved: "Handled 60+ customer queries a day", "Balanced the till with no shortages for six months". Numbers make your experience real.
7. Education and certificates
List your highest qualification first. For matric, give your subjects and marks if they're relevant (many learnerships ask for Maths and English percentages). Keep certified copies ready, as many government posts require them.
8. References
Give two references with names, roles and phone numbers, and ask them first. A teacher, supervisor or community leader is fine if you're new to work.
9. Check before you send
Spelling mistakes are one of the most common reasons CVs are rejected. Ask someone to read it, and name the file clearly, for example "Thandi-Mokoena-CV.pdf".