A free CV template for South African job seekers.

Download the free template

A single-column Word CV for school-leavers and first-time job seekers. It opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs and the free phone apps (how to open it).

What to put in, in this order

Contact details

Name, phone number, email, town or suburb. No ID number, full address, age or marital status.

Profile (3 lines)

The job you want, your strongest proof and what you offer. Change it for every application.

Experience or projects

Most recent first. Use bullets that start with an action and show a result, e.g. “Reconciled 120 supplier accounts a month with no late payments”.

Education

Highest qualification first. Matric is enough for school-leavers; add subjects if they suit the job.

Skills

Skills from the advert that you can actually prove: software, languages, driver’s licence.

South African details

Notice period, own transport, willingness to relocate, and “References available on request” (or two named references).

Make it fit the job

1. Highlight the skills and duties in the advert.
2. Use the same words in your CV wherever they are true for you.
3. Paste both into our free CV vs job ad review to see what’s missing.
4. Save as PDF with your name, e.g. Thandi-Mokoena-CV.pdf.

Applying for a government post?

You’ll also need the Z83 form. Read our Z83 form guide.

Questions people ask

Should I put my ID number on my CV?

No. Leave your ID number off your CV to protect yourself from identity fraud. Give it only on official forms, like the Z83, or once an employer has made you an offer.

How long should a CV be in South Africa?

One to two pages is usual for most jobs. School-leavers and graduates can often fit everything on one page. Government applications often call for a more detailed CV.

Should I add a photo?

Usually not. A photo takes up space and isn’t needed for most South African jobs, unless the advert asks for one.

Word or PDF?

Send a PDF to keep your layout, unless the advert or recruiter asks for Word.

Will this template pass applicant tracking systems?

No template can guarantee that. A simple single-column layout with standard headings is easier for both screening software and people to read, but the content and how well it matches the advert matter most.

More free guides

Z83 form guide · Free CV template for South Africa · Job application guide · CV vs job ad review · Official resources

Want the full working kit?

The SA Job Kit includes the job market playbook, 4 editable Word CVs, cover letter frameworks, interview answers and salary scripts in Rand. See what’s inside.