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Country resume guides

Resume and CV guide for South Africa

How resumes and CVs are written in South Africa: typical length (1–2 pages), photo expectations, date format (YYYY/MM/DD), education conventions and a builder configured for the South Africa market.

South Africa employers usually ask for a CV — commonly written as “CV”. What that document looks like locally differs from the generic advice you will find elsewhere, so the details below describe practice in South Africa specifically.

At a glance

  • Document: CV (CV)
  • Typical length: 1–2 pages
  • Date format: YYYY/MM/DD
  • Phone format: +27 82 123 4567
  • Photo: generally left out
  • Page size: A4 (210 × 297 mm)
  • Most common language of application: en

Length expectations in South Africa

One to two pages.

Photos

Usually omitted; many employers ask for photos to be left out for fairness reasons.

Professional summary

Three or four lines naming your field and experience level.

Education

Include Matric subjects or NSC results for early-career roles.

Work experience

Use month/year and state each employer's industry.

Format and delivery

A4 paper, clear date ranges, and the dial code on your mobile number.

Common sections used in South Africa

  • Summary
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Skills
  • References

General career guidance based on common practice — not legal, immigration or hiring compliance advice. Expectations vary by employer, industry and seniority.

Build for this market

Pick South Africa in the builder and the date format, address order, phone guidance and page size adjust accordingly. Section headings stay in your chosen language.