This is a step by step guidance to compiling a CV. There is a template available for download included at the end of this page; but go through this step-by-step process so that you know what to add or remove on the templates. The step-by-step process and the template formats provided on this site are slightly different but both acceptable.

Additionally a guidance booklet compiled by the University of Cape Town is attached below.

Please note that some companies might require certain details to be included or omitted from your CV, so be sure to find out if this is the case with the company you are applying to (usually this will be stated by the company and an example or guidance will be provided). Meaning that there is no standard way of writing your CV however there are some details that MUST be part of your CV, these are the details that are included in the step-by-step process below. 

Generally your CV should be concise and contain important information, and must be typed in a clear font (both size & font), unless stated otherwise by the company/institution you are applying to. The additional information you put should be relevant to the position you are applying for. The only time your CV might be longer with more information is if you are applying for research or academia posts. 

A proper CV should include the following:

1. Personal details (some companies might not require this as these details will be filled in on the application form)

These are at the top of your CV, acts as an introduction and tells your potential employers about who you are and where you are from. Should include the following:

FULL name (surname and first names)

Sex (male/female)

Identity / passport number

Contact details – phone number(s) and email address

Home language

Other languages – this is especially important for positions where you will be working with people, so it might be to your advantage including other languages that you are familiar with.

2. Educational background (list all in a chronological order starting with the most recent)

Current academic level if you are still in studying, including grade if still in school or program/course (degree/diploma) & year of study if in tertiary, and name of the institution.

Highest qualification – this is the highest grade passed or diploma/degree if you have one.

Name of institution at which the qualification was obtained.

Year which the qualification was obtained.

Subjects passed

3. Leadership positions (if applicable)

These are all the leadership positions held previously and currently, include the title of the position and the years active e.g. Help Me Up president (August 2017 – present). List the positions in a chronological order starting with the most recent the most recent.

4. Awards and achievements (if applicable)

Same as leadership positions, mention what the award was for and the year obtained. List the achievements/awards in a chronological order starting with the most recent. These include academic, sports etc.

5. Work experience (if applicable) – list all the companies/organisations you have ever worked for (in a chronological order, starting with the most recent). 

Employer – this is the company you worked for.

Position held

Duration – start month & year – end month & year

Details / description of what your duties or responsibilities were.

Please note that anything that you did and got paid for qualifies as employment (formal/informal). List these in a point form, so for each company worked for you will have 3 points (Employer, position held, and duration).

6. Community involvement 

This is any voluntary work done or you are currently doing. Also include a concise description and duration.

7. References

These are the people who can give a valid opinion about you and your abilities. These include professional (teachers, employers, supervisors etc) and personal (e.g. colleague/co-worker) references.

Note: Ask permission before using people as references, and it might work to your advantage to let them know what kind of job you are applying for and what skills are required. Usually 2 - 3 references are enough.

Reference’s name

Job title & Company

Contact details – phone number (must) and email (if available). For phone numbers, if possible, include their work and cell numbers.

For more information including videos on CV building, visit UCT careers by clicking on this link, http://www.careers.uct.ac.za/cvs-cover-letters-and-applications.