Learn how to write a clear, professional CV that stands out to employers. This guide explains what to include, what to avoid, and how to make your CV easier to read and more likely to get shortlisted.
Quick takeaway
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Your CV is often the first thing an employer sees before deciding whether to invite you for an interview. A good CV does not need to be fancy, long, or filled with big words. It needs to be clear, honest, and easy to understand.
Employers often receive many applications for one job. That means your CV must quickly show who you are, what you can do, and why you are a good fit for the role.
This guide will help you write a CV that looks professional and gets noticed for the right reasons.
A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a document that summarises your education, work experience, skills, achievements, and contact details.
It helps employers decide whether you meet the basic requirements for a job. Your CV should give them a quick picture of your background and what you can offer.
A strong CV can help you:
A weak CV can make it harder for employers to see your potential, even if you are qualified for the job.
At the top of your CV, include your basic contact information.
You should include:
Example:
Name: Thando Mokoena
Phone: 071 123 4567
Email: [email protected]
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Make sure your email address looks professional. Avoid using nicknames or joke email addresses.
Your personal profile is a short paragraph at the top of your CV. It should explain who you are, what you can do, and what kind of role you are looking for.
Keep it short. Three to five lines is enough.
Example:
I am a reliable and hardworking job seeker with strong communication and customer service skills. I have experience assisting customers, handling basic admin tasks, and working as part of a team. I am looking for an opportunity where I can grow, learn, and contribute positively to the workplace.
If you do not have work experience yet, focus on your strengths, attitude, education, and willingness to learn.
Do not send the exact same CV for every job. Before applying, read the job advert carefully and look at what the employer wants.
Pay attention to:
Then adjust your CV so it highlights the most relevant information.
For example, if the job advert mentions customer service, communication, and teamwork, make sure those skills appear clearly in your CV if you have them.
Your work experience section should show where you worked, your job title, and what you did.
Use this format:
Job title
Company name
Location
Month and year started – Month and year ended
Then list your main duties using short bullet points.
Example:
Cashier
ABC Supermarket
Johannesburg
January 2024 – November 2025
Start with your most recent job first.
Many people only list what they were responsible for. To make your CV stronger, include achievements where possible.
Instead of writing:
You could write:
Instead of writing:
You could write:
Achievements show the employer how you added value.
If you do not have formal work experience, you can still create a strong CV.
Include:
Example:
Volunteer Tutor
Community Study Group
March 2025 – October 2025
You can also include informal experience such as helping at a family business, babysitting, assisting at church, selling products, or helping with events.
Your education section should include your school, college, university, or training provider.
Use this format:
Qualification or grade completed
Institution name
Year completed or currently studying
Example:
National Senior Certificate / Grade 12
Langa Secondary School
Completed: 2025
If you are still studying, write:
Grade 12
Langa Secondary School
Currently studying
You can also include relevant subjects if they match the job.
Your skills section should be easy to read. Choose skills that are useful for the job you are applying for.
Examples of skills to include:
Do not list skills you do not have. Employers may test your skills during the interview or once you start working.
Your CV should be neat and easy to scan.
Use:
Avoid:
A clean CV is usually better than an overdesigned one.
For most job seekers, a CV should be one to two pages.
One page is usually enough if you are a school leaver, student, or first-time job seeker. Two pages are fine if you have more experience.
Avoid making your CV too long. Employers want the most important information quickly.
If you have completed any short courses, certificates, workshops, or training programmes, include them.
Examples:
Only include certificates that are real and that you can prove if asked.
References are people who can confirm your character, work ethic, or experience.
Good references can include:
You can write:
References available on request
Or you can list them if the job advert asks for references.
Example:
Reference: Ms N. Dlamini
Position: Store Manager
Company: ABC Supermarket
Contact: 071 000 0000
Always ask someone for permission before using them as a reference.
Spelling mistakes can make your CV look rushed. Before sending it, read it carefully.
Check that:
A good file name could be:
Thando_Mokoena_CV.pdf
Avoid names like:
mycvfinalfinalnew.pdf
Unless the employer asks for a different format, save your CV as a PDF. This helps keep the layout neat when the employer opens it.
A Word document can sometimes change format on another computer. A PDF usually looks the same for everyone.
Avoid these common mistakes:
Your CV should be honest, focused, and easy to follow.
Before you send your CV, ask yourself:
If you can answer yes to these questions, your CV is ready to send.
A CV that gets noticed is not about using complicated words or trying to impress employers with too much information. It is about showing your value clearly.
Keep your CV simple, honest, and focused on the job you want. Highlight your strongest skills, include relevant experience, and make sure the document is easy to read.
A strong CV can open the door to interviews, learnerships, internships, and job opportunities. Take your time with it, update it often, and treat it as one of your most important career tools.
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