Clean section-first format
Classic Academic CV
Best for graduates, internships, and entry-level applications where education and projects should stand out first.
CV Templates
Download Professional CV Templates
A well-structured CV is your first impression with a potential employer. Choose a template style based on your career stage and industry, download it in DOCX format, and customise it with your own details. Each template is designed to be ATS-friendly, meaning it passes through automated screening systems that many South African employers use.
Experience-led professional profile
Service & Management CV
Good for hospitality, operations, and customer-facing management roles where achievements and leadership impact matter.
Two-column concise layout
Modern Finance CV
Fits accounting, analyst, and corporate roles where skill summary and structured experience should be quickly scannable.
How To Use These Templates
After downloading your chosen template, open it in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice Writer. Replace the placeholder text with your own information, following these guidelines:
Personal Details
Include your full name, phone number, email address, and city. You do not need to include your ID number, date of birth, or photograph unless the job specifically requires it.
Profile Statement
Write two to three sentences summarising your experience, key skills, and what you bring to the role. Tailor this section for each application by using keywords from the job description.
Work Experience
List your most recent positions first. For each role, include two to four bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements. Use numbers where possible, for example "managed a team of 8" or "reduced processing time by 30%."
Education And Skills
List your highest qualification first, including the institution name and year of completion. In the skills section, include both technical skills (software, tools, certifications) and soft skills (communication, leadership, problem-solving) relevant to the job.
Which Template Should I Choose?
Classic Academic CV
Best for recent graduates, internship applicants, and entry-level job seekers. This template puts your education, projects, and academic achievements front and centre. If you have limited work experience, this layout lets you highlight what you have studied, any volunteer work, and relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your capabilities.
Service & Management CV
Designed for professionals in hospitality, retail, operations, and customer service management. This template leads with your professional experience and achievements, making it easy for hiring managers to see your leadership impact. Use this if you have three or more years of experience and want to emphasise career progression and measurable results.
Modern Finance CV
Built for accounting, financial analysis, banking, and corporate roles. The two-column layout presents your skills summary alongside your experience in a compact, scannable format. This is ideal for positions where employers need to quickly assess your technical qualifications, certifications (like CA(SA), CIMA, or CFA), and industry experience.
Common CV Mistakes To Avoid
- Using a generic CV for every application. Tailor your profile statement and skills section to match each job description. Employers can tell when a CV has been sent to dozens of companies without customisation.
- Including irrelevant personal information. Your marital status, religion, and ID number are not required on a South African CV unless specifically requested. Focus on your qualifications and experience.
- Writing vague job descriptions. Instead of "responsible for sales," write "increased monthly sales by 15% through targeted client outreach and follow-up campaigns." Numbers and specifics make your CV more credible.
- Poor formatting and spelling errors. Use a consistent font, clear section headings, and proper spacing. Ask someone to proofread your CV before sending it. A single spelling error can cost you an interview.
- Making the CV too long. For most South African jobs, two to three pages is sufficient. Senior executives and academics may need more, but entry-level applicants should aim for one to two pages.
For more detailed guidance, read our full CV writing guide.