What is the best CV format for South Africa?

The best CV format for South Africa depends on your industry. For corporate roles (finance, legal, government), use a classic single-column format. For creative and tech roles, modern two-column designs work well. Always ensure your CV is ATS-optimized with standard section headers.

What is ATS and why does it matter?

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software used by over 90% of large South African companies to screen CVs before a human sees them. If your CV isn't ATS-friendly, it may be rejected automatically. Use standard formatting, include relevant keywords, and avoid tables and graphics.

How long should a CV be in South Africa?

In South Africa, a CV should typically be 1-2 pages. Graduates and those with less than 5 years experience should aim for 1 page. Experienced professionals can use 2 pages. Senior executives may extend to 3 pages if necessary.

Should I include a photo on my CV?

In South Africa, photos are optional and depend on the industry. Customer-facing roles, hospitality, and creative industries often welcome photos. For corporate, government, and technical roles, it's generally not necessary. If included, use a professional headshot.

What should I include in a South African CV?

A South African CV should include: Contact details, Professional summary, Work experience (with achievements), Education and qualifications, Skills (both technical and soft), and optionally References. Include your ID number only if specifically requested.

CV Samples & Examples

Professional CV Templates for South Africa

Choose from our collection of ATS-optimized CV templates. View samples, get industry-specific tips, and create a CV that gets you interviews.

4 Professional Designs

ATS-Optimized

Industry-Specific Tips

CV Template Gallery

Click on any template to view details and see which industries it works best for

ATS 85%

modern

Modern Sidebar

A sleek two-column design with a dark green sidebar for contact details and skills. Clean typography with professional hierarchy.

ATS 98%

classic

Classic Professional

Traditional single-column layout that's clean, readable, and highly ATS-friendly. Perfect for corporate environments.

ATS 75%

creative

Creative with Photo

Eye-catching design with a circular photo placeholder and modern color accents. Great for creative industries.

ATS 90%

professional

Modern Compact

Space-efficient design with skill tags and a professional header. Ideal for experienced professionals with extensive history.

Industry-Specific CV Tips

What to include in your CV based on your industry

CV Writing Best Practices

Essential tips for creating a winning CV in South Africa

Use Action Verbs

Start bullet points with powerful verbs: Developed, Implemented, Managed, Achieved, Increased, Streamlined

Quantify Achievements

Use numbers: 'Increased sales by 35%' is stronger than 'Improved sales significantly'

Tailor Each Application

Customize your CV for each job by including keywords from the job description

Keep it Concise

2 pages maximum for experienced professionals, 1 page for graduates

ATS-Friendly Format

Use standard section headers, avoid tables/graphics, stick to common fonts

Proofread Thoroughly

Spelling mistakes are the #1 reason CVs get rejected—review multiple times

What is ATS & Why Does It Matter?

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Over 90% of large South African companies use ATS software to screen CVs before a human ever sees them. These systems scan for keywords, formatting, and structure.

If your CV isn't ATS-friendly, it may be rejected automatically—even if you're perfectly qualified for the job.

How to Beat ATS

Use standard section headers (Work Experience, Education, Skills)
Include keywords from the job description
Avoid tables, graphics, and unusual fonts
Use a clean, single-column format when possible
Save as PDF or .docx as specified

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Let our experts create a customized, ATS-optimized CV using one of these templates. Just R80, delivered same-day.

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Related Resources

Cover Letter Samples Interview Questions Career Checklists CV Writing Guides