South African CV Writing
A successful South African CV is one that includes all relevant and important information. These are some of the most important points to remember when creating your South African CV.
- Your personal information must be included in both the long and short versions of your CV. You must include your full name, address and contact telephone number.
- A personal statement. A personal statement is a short description of your career goals and objectives that you include in your comprehensive CV.
- Information about education. Simply list your education at the highest and most recent level on the profile. university, high school, etc. Include the name of the institution, qualifications, and subject matter. You should provide more details, highlighting special subjects and disciplines, to create a comprehensive CV. Extracurricular activities, honors, and courses can be included.
- Employment History – The brief profile should only list the names of past employers in reverse chronological order. This includes job title, company name and dates of employment. A Comprehensive CV should include a list of employment history either in reverse chronological order, or in a functional format that emphasizes particular skills. Include dates of employment, company name, job title, responsibilities, and accomplishments.
- Skills – List any skills that you have acquired through education and employment, including computer literacy and foreign languages.
- Hobbies and interests – Only provide them if they relate to the role or show certain skills
- References – South African employers require references. These can be included on the comprehensive CV. They can take up space, so it is best to simply state that they are available on request.
South Africa CV tips
- Here are some tips to make sure your South African CV is a good first impression.
- Include a cover letter along with your CV
- Do not include a photograph
- Use black ink with a plain font to print on quality papers
- To ensure that your CV is error-free, proofread it at least twice.
- Avoid long sentences. Keep your points concise, bulleted and short.
- Avoid adjectives and use action words
- Make sure the sections are clearly defined and easy to read.
- Do not include salary details for current employees
- South Africans place a lot of importance on post-school education. This is why they highlight relevant higher education qualifications, awards, and achievements
- Make sure to adapt your CV for each job application. Highlight specific skills.
What exactly IS a CV?
Curriculum Vitae is a Latin term that literally means “course of life”; it gives a short summary of your education, qualifications and past employment. It’s how you present yourself to others, the world of work. This is personal marketing and should reflect your best self.
Keep in mind that writing a resume is only one part of an application process A cover letter, application form and application form may be required.
What information is required when creating a CV?
A CV format is flexible and can be used in many ways. There are certain elements that employers expect to see in a CV.
Name, professional title and contact details
Your name, professional title, and contact information should all be at the top of your CV. You don’t need to add ‘Curriculum Vitae’ as a heading. Your name should be the heading.
Who should I contact?
An email address and contact number are all you really need now. While an address is not necessary, it’s not required. Also, don’t add your age, marital status, or date of birth. These are not required. You are free to create a professional profile on LinkedIn.
Need help to write a CV? Expert tips for drawing up the perfect CV