Introduction
Your CV is the first impression an employer has of you — and in South Africa, thousands of people apply for the same job.
A well-written, professional CV can be the difference between being shortlisted or ignored.
In this guide, NextStepZA shows you exactly how to write a strong CV, even if:
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You have little or no work experience
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You’re applying for your first job
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You’ve been unemployed for a long time
1. What Is a CV?
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a document that shows:
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Who you are
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Your skills and qualifications
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Your work experience
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Why you are suitable for a job
In South Africa, most employers prefer:
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A 1–2 page CV
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Clear structure
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Simple language
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Professional formatting
2. Correct CV Structure (South Africa)
Your CV should follow this order:
1. Personal Details
Include:
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Full name
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Phone number
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Professional email address
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City / Province
❌ Do NOT include:
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ID number
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Marital status
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Religion
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Full home address
2. Career Summary / Objective
This is a short paragraph at the top of your CV.
Example (Entry-Level):
Motivated and hardworking individual seeking an entry-level position where I can apply my skills and gain experience.
Example (Experienced):
Experienced administrative professional with over 4 years’ experience in office support, customer service, and data capturing.
3. Skills Section
List skills related to the job.
Examples:
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Customer Service
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Microsoft Word & Excel
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Communication
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Time Management
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Filing & Administration
✔ Keep it relevant
✔ Use bullet points
4. Work Experience
Start with the most recent job.
Correct Format:
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Job Title
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Company Name
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Dates
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Responsibilities / Achievements
Example:
Admin Assistant – XYZ Company (2021–2024)
• Assisted clients via phone and email
• Maintained filing systems
• Prepared daily reports
5. Education
Include:
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Qualification
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Institution
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Year completed
Example:
National Diploma in Office Administration – 2020
6. References
You can write:
References available on request
3. CV Formatting Tips
✔ Use simple fonts (Arial, Calibri)
✔ Font size 10–12
✔ Black text on white background
✔ Use bullet points
✔ Save and send as PDF
4. Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Spelling mistakes
❌ Long paragraphs
❌ Too many colours
❌ Lying about experience
❌ Using an unprofessional email address
5. Do I Need a Cover Letter?
Yes — many employers expect one.
A cover letter:
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Introduces you
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Explains why you’re applying
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Shows motivation
👉 NextStepZA CV Pack includes matching cover letter templates.
5. Get a Ready-Made CV Template
If you’re struggling to format your CV:
✔ Use our NextStepZA CV Template Pack
✔ Editable in Word & Google Docs
✔ Suitable for students, graduates & experienced professionals
👉 Visit: www.nextstepza.co.za
Conclusion
A professional CV does not need to be complicated.
With the right structure, clear language, and correct formatting, anyone can create a strong CV.
NextStepZA is here to help you take your next step.