{"id":19395,"date":"2025-07-30T16:08:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T14:08:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=19395"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:08:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:08:29","slug":"cv-tips-you-wont-learn-in-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/cv-tips-you-wont-learn-in-school\/","title":{"rendered":"CV Tips You Won\u2019t Learn in School"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019re a South African student, graduate, job seeker, or even a parent helping someone apply for their first job, you\u2019ve likely learned the basics of writing a CV. But what about the real tips\u2014the ones that actually help you land the job?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide will give you practical CV strategies that go beyond what\u2019s taught in school. These insights are based on what South African employers really look for and how you can tailor your CV to stand out in a competitive job market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-start-strong-with-a-personal-summary\">1. Start Strong with a Personal Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-show-your-personality-professionally\">Show Your Personality, Professionally<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your personal summary should quickly communicate who you are and what you bring to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example<\/strong>:<br>\u201cRecent UJ graduate in Public Relations with internship experience in community radio. Passionate about inclusive storytelling and eager to grow within the media and communications sector.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip<\/strong>: Always tailor this section to the job you&#8217;re applying for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1671665011\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-no-work-experience-no-problem\">2. No Work Experience? No Problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-use-what-you-ve-got\">Use What You\u2019ve Got<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need formal job experience to impress employers. Include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Volunteer work (e.g. tutoring, soup kitchens)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freelance gigs (e.g. photography, graphic design)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leadership roles (e.g. school clubs, church groups)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real example<\/strong>:<br>A student from Soweto used their experience running a local tutoring group to land a teaching assistant role through SAYouth.mobi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-customise-your-cv-for-every-job\">3. Customise Your CV for Every Job<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-avoid-one-size-fits-all-cvs\">Avoid One-Size-Fits-All CVs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many South African recruiters use software to scan CVs for keywords. If your CV doesn\u2019t reflect the job advert, it might never be read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Steps to customise<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Highlight specific skills mentioned in the job post<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Update your personal summary to suit the role<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change your job title if needed (e.g. \u201cAdmin Intern \u2013 Data Entry Focus\u201d)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-999980752\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-make-your-skills-section-count\">4. Make Your Skills Section Count<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-split-into-hard-and-soft-skills\">Split into Hard and Soft Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This format makes your skills easier to read and more impressive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Technical Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, charts)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sage Pastel Accounting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Canva and basic design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soft Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Time management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problem-solving<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip<\/strong>: Use examples to show you\u2019ve used these skills in real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-education-be-specific-and-clear\">5. Education: Be Specific and Clear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-go-beyond-just-matric\">Go Beyond Just \u201cMatric\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>List your subjects and achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example<\/strong>:<br><em>National Senior Certificate (2023)<\/em><br>Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences<br>School: ReaThusa Secondary School, Gauteng<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If still studying<\/strong>: Mention your college or university, program, and key modules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1662098410\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-don-t-forget-contact-details-and-location\">6. Don\u2019t Forget Contact Details and Location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your CV must include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cell number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email address<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Area and province (many employers search by location)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example<\/strong>:<br>Location: Mamelodi, Pretoria<br>Phone: 078 456 7890<br>Email: <a>lebogang.n@example.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip<\/strong>: Use a professional email address and voicemail message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-include-short-courses-and-certifications\">7. Include Short Courses and Certifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Short courses show that you\u2019re proactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where to get them<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Digify Africa<\/strong> \u2013 Digital and marketing skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>WITS DigitalCampus<\/strong> \u2013 Social media and PR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coursera \/ LinkedIn Learning<\/strong> \u2013 International platforms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SAYouth.mobi<\/strong> \u2013 Free youth development training<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example<\/strong>:<br>&#8220;Completed Digital Marketing Basics \u2013 Digify Africa (2024)&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1380650232\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-references-who-to-list-and-when\">8. References: Who to List and When<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choose-people-who-can-vouch-for-you\">Choose People Who Can Vouch for You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve never worked, use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Teachers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pastors or community leaders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internship supervisors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Always ask permission and confirm their contact details are still active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Or simply write<\/strong>:<br>References available on request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-keep-the-layout-simple-and-clean\">9. Keep the Layout Simple and Clean<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid using:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Photos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fancy fonts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bright colours<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CV formatting tips<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Font: Calibri or Arial, size 10\u201312<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep it to 1\u20132 pages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Save as a PDF<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use bold for section headings only<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-113738881\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-what-to-do-if-you-have-gaps-in-your-cv\">10. What to Do If You Have Gaps in Your CV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s okay to have gaps\u2014but explain them briefly and positively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example<\/strong>:<br><em>2023 \u2013 2024: Focused on completing short courses and volunteering while actively job seeking.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this to show your growth and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also check: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasi-ispani.co.za\/common-cv-mistakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">13 Common CV Mistakes That Stop You from Getting Hired<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your CV is your chance to show employers what you\u2019re made of. Whether you\u2019re in Cape Town, Polokwane, or Durban, these CV tips will help you stand out by showing not just what you\u2019ve done, but what you can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Update your CV regularly and tailor it for every job you apply for\u2014it could be the one thing standing between you and your next big opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/is-a-career-in-banking-right-for-you-heres-what-you-need-to-know\/\">Is a Career in Banking Right for You? Here\u2019s What You Need to Know<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover practical and powerful CV tips for South African job seekers. Learn how to showcase your skills, experience, and personality with real-world examples and strategies to stand out in today&#8217;s competitive job market.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":19403,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Discover practical and powerful CV tips for South African job seekers. Learn how to showcase your skills, experience, and personality with real-world examples and strategies to stand out in today's competitive job market.","footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[3833,3790],"class_list":{"0":"post-19395","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-jobs","8":"tag-career-tips","9":"tag-cv"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19395","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19395"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19395\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19404,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19395\/revisions\/19404"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19403"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}