Finding work in today's econo
my means your CV often has only a few seconds to make an impression before a recruiter decides whether to keep reading. Here's how to make those seconds count.
Lead with a clear summary, not an objective. Skip the generic "seeking a challenging role" line. Instead, write two or three sentences summarising who you are professionally and what value you bring — for example, "Detail-oriented bookkeeper with five years' experience supporting SMMEs in retail and logistics." This tells the employer immediately whether you're worth considering.
Tailor your CV to each job. Sending the same CV to every vacancy is one of the biggest reasons good candidates get overlooked. Read the job advert carefully and mirror the language used for skills and requirements — many employers, especially larger corporates, use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords before a human ever sees your CV.
Quantify your achievements. "Responsible for sales" tells an employer little. "Grew regional sales by 18% over 12 months" tells them everything. Wherever possible, attach numbers to your experience: targets met, teams managed, costs saved, projects delivered.
Keep it to two pages, and proofread relentlessly. Long CVs get skimmed, not read. Cut anything older than ten years or irrelevant to the role. Then check spelling and formatting carefully — small errors suggest carelessness, even when the rest of your experience is strong.
Include relevant certifications and B-BBEE-related experience where applicable. If you've completed a learnership, internship, or skills programme — particularly one linked to enterprise and supplier development or transformation initiatives — list it clearly. Many South African employers actively value candidates who understand transformation, compliance, or community development contexts, especially when applying to companies engaged in supplier diversity programmes.
A strong CV won't guarantee an interview, but a weak one will almost certainly cost you one. Treat it as a living document and update it after every new skill, project, or achievement.
