How to Write a Great CV

If you’re getting ready to apply for a new job in South Africa, your CV is your first impression. It tells employers who you are, what you’ve done, and why you’re the right person for the job. The good news is, writing a solid CV doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple guide to help you put one together that gets noticed.

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Start with Your Personal Information

At the very top of your CV, include your basic details:

• Full name

• Contact number

• Email address

• City and province

• ID number (optional, but often requested)

• Nationality (if relevant)

• Driver’s license (if applicable)

You don’t need to include things like your photo, age, or marital status unless the employer specifically asks for it.

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Write a Short Professional Summary

Next, add a short paragraph that sums up who you are and what you do. Think of it as your personal introduction. Keep it to around three to five sentences.

Example:

I’m a results-driven marketing coordinator with four years of experience in digital campaigns, content creation, and brand management. I enjoy using creative strategies to grow online engagement and help businesses connect with their audiences.

This short summary helps the employer get a quick sense of your experience and what you can bring to the table.

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List Your Key Skills

Create a short list of your most relevant skills. Include both technical and soft skills.

Examples:

• Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

• Social media management

• Customer service

• Team leadership

• Report writing

• Problem-solving

Choose skills that match the type of job you’re applying for.

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Highlight Your Work Experience

This is one of the most important sections. List your jobs in order, starting with your most recent one. For each position, include:

• Job title

• Company name and location

• Dates of employment

• Main responsibilities and achievements

Example:

Marketing Assistant – ABC Media, Cape Town

January 2022 – Present

• Coordinated monthly social media campaigns that increased engagement by 30%

• Helped plan and promote brand events across different regions

• Compiled analytics reports for management

Keep your descriptions clear and focused on what you achieved.

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Include Your Education

Add your qualifications, starting with the most recent.

Example:

BA in Communication Studies – University of Johannesburg

Completed: 2020

You can also include short courses or certifications if they are relevant to the job.

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Add Extra Details if You Have Them

Depending on the job, you might also want to include:

• Certificates or training courses

• Languages you speak

• Volunteer work or community involvement

• References (or simply write “Available on request”)

These small details can help you stand out, especially if they show you’re active and well-rounded.

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Keep the Layout Clean and Professional

• Try to keep your CV to one or two pages.

• Use a simple, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri.

• Use headings and bullet points so it’s easy to scan.

• Save and send your CV as a PDF.

• Always tailor your CV for each job you apply for, highlighting the experience and skills that fit best.

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Writing a good CV doesn’t need to be stressful. With a clear layout and honest information about your experience and strengths, you’ll have a professional CV that gets you noticed for all the right reasons.