How to Write a Professional CV in South Africa

Published by AccessSA | Updated 19 August 2026

A professional CV is one of the most important documents you need when applying for jobs, internships, learnerships or graduate programmes in South Africa. Your CV introduces you to an employer and shows whether your qualifications, experience and skills match the position.

1. Add your contact details

Put your contact information at the top of your CV so that an employer can contact you easily. Make sure every detail is accurate and current.

• Full name and surname
• Mobile number
• Professional email address
• Town or city and province
• LinkedIn profile, if relevant
• Driver’s licence, if required

You generally do not need to include sensitive details such as your identity number, banking information, marital status, religion or a photograph unless there is a legitimate reason for the employer to request them.

2. Write a professional profile

A professional profile is a short paragraph explaining who you are, what you can offer and what type of opportunity you are seeking.

If you do not have formal work experience, focus on your education, strengths, volunteer work and willingness to learn.

3. List your work experience

Start with your most recent position and work backwards. For every job, include:

• Your job title
• The employer’s name
• The town or city
• Your employment dates
• Your responsibilities and achievements

Use action words such as managed, prepared, organised, assisted, supported, captured, improved and coordinated.

4. Include your education

List your highest or most recent qualification first. Include the qualification, institution and year completed.

If you are still studying, include your expected completion date.

5. Add relevant skills

Include skills that match the job advertisement and that you can demonstrate. Examples include:

• Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Customer service
• Data capturing
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Teamwork
• Stock control
• Report writing

Be honest about your abilities because an employer may test them during the recruitment process.

6. Include certificates and training

Add relevant short courses, licences and certificates. Include the institution and the year you received each certificate.

These may include computer literacy, first aid, security registration, project management, occupational health and safety or a driver’s licence.

7. Include volunteer or practical experience

If you have limited work experience, include volunteer work, internships, practical training, community projects, temporary work and school leadership.

These activities can show employers that you have developed responsibility, communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

8. Add suitable references

References should be people who can confirm your experience, work ethic or character. They may include a former manager, supervisor, teacher, lecturer or community leader.

Always ask the person for permission before adding their contact details to your CV.

9. Use a simple professional layout

Use a readable font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Keep the formatting consistent and use clear headings and bullet points.

Avoid excessive colours, graphics, decorative fonts and emojis. A CV should normally be approximately two to three pages, depending on your experience and the employer’s instructions.

10. Tailor your CV to each vacancy

Read the job advertisement carefully and identify the required qualifications, skills and experience. Adjust your professional profile and experience to highlight the requirements you meet.

Never add qualifications or experience that you do not have.

11. Check your CV before submitting it

Check your spelling, grammar, dates and contact details. Ask someone you trust to review the CV before you send it.

Save your CV as a PDF unless the employer asks for another format. Use a professional filename, such as:

Professional CV checklist

Conclusion

A strong CV does not need to be complicated. It should be clear, honest and relevant to the position. Show the employer what you can contribute and support your claims with real examples.

Take time to update your CV for every vacancy. A well-prepared CV can help you make a professional first impression and improve your chances of being invited to an interview.