Write a CV that makes your evidence easy to find.

Write it in this order

1. Contact details: name, phone, professional email and town or city.
2. A three-line profile for the target role.
3. Recent relevant experience, projects or practical work.
4. Education and qualifications, with Matric, NQF level or professional registration where relevant.
5. Skills you can prove.
6. References or “available on request”, depending on the application.

Turn duties into evidence

Weak: “Responsible for customer service.”

Stronger fictional structure: “Helped customers resolve account queries at the service desk and recorded unresolved cases for supervisor follow-up.”

Use your own task, scale and result. Do not add numbers you cannot defend in an interview.

Write a targeted profile

Name the kind of role, your most relevant evidence and the contribution you can make. Avoid “hard-working individual seeking any opportunity”. A school-leaver could lead with relevant subjects, a practical project, volunteering and dependable skills.

Download and check your draft

Use the free editable Word CV template, then paste the finished CV and advert into the private CV-to-job review. Save a PDF unless the employer asks for Word.

Questions people ask

What is the best CV format in South Africa?

For most roles, use a clear one- or two-page CV with standard headings and recent relevant evidence first. Government posts may request a detailed CV.

Should I include my ID number?

Do not put your ID number on a general CV. Supply sensitive details only through a verified process that requires them.

What if I have no experience?

Use education, practical assignments, projects, volunteering, leadership and informal work. Explain what you did and what it shows without inventing employment.

Should I call it a CV or resume?

CV is the common South African term. Follow the wording in the vacancy advert.

More free guides

Z83 form guide · How to write a CV · Free CV template · Cover letter · Interview questions · Learnerships · Salary and offers · Job-scam checks · CV vs job ad review

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