Choosing the best CV format PDF samples in South Africa is how you help your employer or recruiter select you from the start among your competitor candidates. A good Curriculum Vitae format pdf speaks a lot about you and the potential to get hired for the job you’re applying for.
So, what are the best CV format pdf samples for your job application in South Africa? In this article, cvmentor.co.za will show you the two types of CV formats that are best for South African job applications.
What is a CV Format PDF?
A CV format PDF is the structure of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) for your job application. It is usually, a one-page structure that captures the information about your skills, knowledge, experience, and education to appease a recruiter or an employer.
A CV format should be nice, well-arranged, clear, and straight to the point with few but important information on the page for your recruiter or employer to know you better.
What’s the Best CV Format PDF Samples In South Africa?
There are two standard types of CV format that you can save in a PDF for your job application. The two best curriculum Vitae formats are
- A chronological CV format which focus on your work experience
- A skills-based CV format which focuses on your skills
With these two CV format pdf samples that you should use in South Africa, the most recommended curriculum vitae format is the reverse-chronological CV format.
That said, let’s get to know why the chronological CV format is the best cv format pdf sample in South Africa for job application.
1. Chronological CV Format
The best CV format that works for most candidates is the chronological CV format. This is also the curriculum vitae format that is mostly preferred by recruiters since it’s the most familiar CV format. The chronological CV format makes it easy for recruiters to quickly scan for information on the CV.
When formatting a chronological CV format, you start with your personal statement, followed by the list of work experience, and then your education section, skills, and additional sections.
You can see that this format is straightforward in showcasing your qualifications more simply. However, if you’re a candidate who has changed careers over the years, or is in the process of changing careers, then the best option is the skills-based CV format.
Chronological CV Format (Pros & Cons)
| Chronological CV Format (Pros) | Chronological CV Format (Cons) |
| Preferred by recruiters | Requires some extra effort to stand out |
| Most likely to pass an ATS test | Not suitable if you have some gaps in your employment history |
| Highlight the peak of your career and your accomplishments | Not a good CV format if you’re changing careers. |
Download a Chronological CV format PDF Sample here.
2. Skills-Based CV Format
The Skills-based CV format is alternatively called a functional CV format. This format is considered the second-best CV format sample PDF in South Africa. Although it’s missing the neatly laid out work history your potential recruiters search for first. It can also face some issues because it’s very difficult to run it with older application tracking systems.
That is the reason cvmentor.co.za recommends the chronological CV format as the best curriculum vitae format pdf samples in South Africa for your job application.
Nonetheless, a good skill-based CV format can work great for some job applicants, for example, freelancers, career changers, and military transitioning to civilian work.
This is because a Skill CV format focuses on your skills and not your work experience.
Skills-Based CV Format (Pros & Cons)
| Skill-based CV Format Pros | Skill-based CV Format Cons |
| This focuses on your skills | Might fail the ATL scan |
| Good for showing your skills no matter where and when you get it from. | Not suitable if the job requires experience |
| Great for freelancers, veterans, and career changers | Usually difficult to scan |
Download a skills-based CV format PDF sample here.
Sample CV Format Templates PDF
Now that you know which of the best CV format PDF to use for your job application in South Africa, let’s look at some of the templates of the CV formats.
1. Download the first CV format template PDF HERE
2. Download the second CV format template PDF HERE
What To Know About CV Formate PDF Samples in South Africa
These are a few takeaways about creating the best CV format pdf samples in South Africa for your job application.
- Make sure your CV format is elegant and easy to read
- Use professional font
- Add big section headings
- and use a lot of white space
- Divide your CV into the following sections
- Contact information
- Personal information
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills
- Additional sections
- You should consider using a skills-based CV format if you’re changing careers or you’re working in the creative field, you might consider using a skills-based CV format.
What is the best CV Format In South Africa 2024?
The best CV format PDF samples in South Africa for you in 2024 is the chronological CV format. This CV format is also called the reverse chronological CV. This CV format puts your work experience and professional achievements at the heart of your job application.
The chronological CV format puts important information in front of what recruiters or hiring managers expect from job applicants. The reverse chronological CV format is the easiest for them and the Applicant Tracking Software to understand.
What are the types of CF Formats In South Africa?
In South Africa, there are three types of Curriculum Vitae (CV) formats.
- Reverse-Chronological CV Format: Also known as Chronological CV puts your education and work experience at the centre and also emphasizes your achievements.
- Skills-based CV Format: Also known as Functional CV format, it concentrates on your skills, and it helps you to obscure your employment gaps.
- Combination CV: It’s a combination of the above two. Thus, the reverse chronological CV Format and the Skill-based CV Format. It gives equal attention to your work history and skill set.
When do you need a CV format In South Africa?
You will need a CV format in South Africa when you’re applying for a job especially, those jobs in academia. Choosing the right CV format helps your recruiters or hiring managers to know you well on a one-page sheet.
Usually, employers would ask job seekers to apply with the Curriculum Vitae (CV). In this case, you must apply with a well-structured CV to be picked among the many candidates competing for the same role.
Which CV format template is best when applying for a job in South Africa?
Whenever you’re applying for a job in South Africa that requires a CV, it is ideal to consider the type of job or the role the employee wants you to fill. Knowing this will help you to identify which CV template best suits the application to make you stand out among others.
If the job centres on skills, then you should use the Skills-based CV format to create your curriculum vitae for the application. Likewise, if the job is academia-centre.
Read also:
1. How To Format A CV In South Africa (9 Pro Tips For Job Seekers)
2. How To Write A CV For Job Application In South Africa
3. How To Format A CV In South Africa (9 Pro Tips For Job Seekers)