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📅 December 2024 ⏱️ 8 min read

🏆 How to Write a Winning CV: Your Guide to Getting Noticed

Your CV is your first impression — learn how to craft one that gets attention and helps you land more interviews.

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📅 December 2024 ⏱️ 8 min read

🏆 How to Write a Winning CV: Your Guide to Getting Noticed

Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is your first impression — your personal marketing tool that tells employers who you are, what you've done, and why you're the perfect fit. Whether you're applying for your first job or aiming for a career upgrade, a well-written CV can make all the difference.

Here's how to craft a CV that gets attention and helps you land more interviews 👇

📋 1. Start with Your Personal Details

At the top of your CV, clearly include:

  • Full name
  • Contact details: phone number and professional email address
  • Location: suburb and province (no need for full home address)
  • LinkedIn profile or portfolio link (if relevant)

Avoid unprofessional email addresses like partyboi@gmail.com. Create one that uses your name, e.g. junior.ngondo@gmail.com.

🧭 2. Write a Strong Personal Profile

This is a short paragraph (3–4 lines) that gives employers a snapshot of who you are.

✅ Example:

"Motivated and detail-oriented administrative assistant with two years of experience in office coordination and customer support. Passionate about helping teams run smoothly and delivering excellent service."

Focus on your skills, personality, and career goals — not your life story.

💼 3. Highlight Your Work Experience

List your work history in reverse order (most recent first). Include:

  • Job title
  • Company name
  • Employment dates (month/year)
  • Key responsibilities and achievements

✅ Example:

Customer Service Representative – Vodacom SA
(Jan 2022 – Present)

  • Managed customer queries and escalations with a 95% satisfaction rate.
  • Trained three new employees on company systems and procedures.

Focus on results (use numbers or achievements) instead of just duties.

🎓 4. List Your Education and Qualifications

Include your:

  • Matric certificate
  • Diplomas, degrees, or short courses
  • Training certificates or learnerships

✅ Example:

Diploma in Human Resource Management – UNISA (2022)
Matric Certificate – Tembisa High School (2019)

If you're still studying, you can write "In Progress".

🧠 5. Showcase Your Skills

List 5–8 key skills that match the job you're applying for. Separate technical and soft skills:

Technical skills: Microsoft Office, Data Capture, Typing, POS Systems
Soft skills: Communication, Time Management, Problem-Solving, Teamwork

Always tailor your skills to the job advert. Don't copy and paste the same CV for every job.

🏅 6. Add Achievements or Extra Sections

If you have space, include:

  • Awards or recognitions
  • Volunteer work
  • Languages spoken
  • Hobbies (if relevant, e.g. "community tutoring" or "coding projects")

📝 7. Keep the Layout Clean and Professional

A great CV is easy to read and well-organized:

  • Use a simple font like Arial or Calibri (size 11–12)
  • Keep it to 1–2 pages max
  • Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs
  • Save and send it as a PDF (so formatting stays neat)

Avoid using bright colors or fancy templates — clarity is key.

💬 8. Include References

Add two references (with permission) who can vouch for your work ethic. Example:

Mr. Themba Mokoena
Supervisor at Pick n Pay
071 234 5678

If you're new to the job market, a teacher, mentor, or community leader can be a reference too.

🚀 Final Thoughts

A winning CV is not just about listing what you've done — it's about showing your potential. Be honest, confident, and focused on what makes you valuable to an employer.

If you're ready to take your career to the next level, start by building your CV and exploring the latest opportunities on SAJobConnect — your gateway to South Africa's best jobs.

Ready to put your new CV to work?