This is how to write a CV for job application in South Africa. Pursuing a career in the South African job market, then you need a curriculum vitae that speak loud for you. The ability to craft an outstanding CV to market your potential, experience, and educational achievement is a skill.
In this article, cvmentor.co.za will lay out the things you need to know about how to write a curriculum vitae for a job application in South Africa.
How To Write A CV For Job Application In South Africa
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) represents you in your physical absence. Hence, a CV is one of the most important documents to take seriously when applying for a job as a job seeker.
In South Africa, CV and Resume are used interchangeably and it’s accepted everywhere in all the provinces. So, it’s the same documents whether you call it a CV or Resume.
What Is A CV (Curriculum Vitae)
A CV stands for Curriculum Vitae; which is Latin for “course of life”. A CV demonstrate your qualifications for the job you’re applying and as we all know, the South African job market is very competitive.
Knowing how to format a CV helps to improve your chances of getting hired for the job among your competitor job seekers.
Do You Need A CV Or A Resume?
As mentioned above, you might have noticed that when applying for a job in South Africa, some employers ask for a CV while others ask for a Resume. You do not need to get confused thinking these are different documents. No, it’s just a choice of words and they mean the same documents whichever the employers use.
7 Basic Steps For Writing A CV In South Africa For Job Application
If you’re looking for the best tips on how to write a CV for job application in South Africa, then use these seven basic steps.
1. Create A Header With Contact Information
For the best CV format, the header and your contact information should appear first on your Curriculum Vitae. The header should be at the top of the CV and should contain your full name, phone number and email address, and location.
The employer will immediately know who you are and how to reach you. The header information should look like this.
- Phone: +27 [Your Phone Number]
- Email: [Your Email Address]
- Location: [City, Province, South Africa]
- LinkedIn: [Your LinkedIn Profile] This is optional but necessary if you have one
- Professional Website/Portfolio [optional but necessary if you have one]
2. Craft A Professional Summary/Career Objective
In this section on how to write a good CV in South Africa for job application, you craft a short bio that introduces you to the employer. This section should reveal your best qualifications and explain your ideal career objective.
Add a summary of your professional background, key skills, and career goals. Remember that your career objective must be in line of the job you’re applying for.
3. Detail Your Education Background
A CV should have your education history and achievements. It is well known that employers in South Africa would like to know your education background on your CV before considering hiring you.
In this section on writing a curriculum vitae for job application in South Africa, list only your education history relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Also, list your most recent degree first by including the degrees you have already earned and those you’re currently pursuing (if any).
4. Detail Your Work Experience
Your job experience on your CV when applying for a job in South Africa speaks a lot for you. This section informs your employer if you’re the most qualified candidate for the role he’s looking for someone to fill.
Your job experience also informs the employer about you. This is why you need to list the job title, the name and location of your employer, employment dates, and possibly your achievements at your your former job.
Examples of your job experience may include
- Full-Time and Part-Time Employment
- Internships
- Research projects
- Volunteer works
- Lab work
- Field experience
- Achievements, etc
The format should look like this
[Job Title]
[Company Name] – [City, Province]
[Start Date] – [End Date or Present]
- Key Responsibilities:
- [Responsibility 1]
- [Responsibility 2]
- [Responsibility 3]
- Key Achievements:
- [Achievement 1]
- [Achievement 2]
- [Achievement 3]
5. Detail Your Relevant Skills
In this section of writing a CV for job application in South Africa, you’re to include all the relevant skill set you have that apply to the job you’re applying for. Examples of your skill set are;
- Technical Skills: [e.g Software, programming language, Machinery, etc]
- Soft Skills: [e.g., Communication, Leadership, Teamwork, etc]
- Industry-Specific Skills: [e.g., Marketing, Project Management, Sales, etc]
- Language: [e.g., Afrikaans, Zulu, English, etc.]
Again, the skill set you include must be relevant to the job you’re seeking to win among your competing candidates.
6. Detail Your Certification And Training
Writing a Curriculum Vitae for a job application in South Africa will require you to add the certification and training you have acquired (if any).
Add all the relevant certifications and training you have acquired. This helps to speak on your behalf about the level of your qualifications for the job role.
Your certification and training section on your CV should include this information;
- [Certification Name] – [Institution or Issuer], [Year]
- [Certification Name] – [Institution or Issuer], [Year]
7. Add Your Personal Interest (Optional)
This section on your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is optional. You can include your hobbies and interests. It’s believed that including a few of your hobbies may create a connection with the hiring manage and colleague employees if you’re offered the job.
8. Use A CV Template
When writing a professional CV for job application in South Africa, you must use a good CV template. This makes your Curriculum Vitae stand out with a professional touch. If possible, you should use a premium CV template to get a professional result.
How do I write a CV step by step in South Africa?
In writing a CV step by step in South Africa to apply for a job, you should do the following;
- Create a header with contact information
- Craft a professional summary
- Detail your educational background
- Detail your work experience
- Detail your relevant skills
- Detail your certification and training
- Use a CV template
- Add your personal interest
Do I need a CV for a job application?
Curriculum Vitae (CV) are usually used when seeking a job in research and academic fields. You will need to create a CV for potential employers when applying for a job in South Africa.
Download a CV PDF.
Read also:
1. Best CV Format PDF Samples In South Africa For Job Seekers
2. How To Format A CV In South Africa (9 Pro Tips For Job Seekers)