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How to Write a Strong CV (and Tools That Can Help)

  • Writer: GradUP Admin
    GradUP Admin
  • Jun 26
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 6

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1. Key Components of a Strong CV

A great CV should be:

Clear and Concise

  • Use bullet points for easy readability.

  • Keep it ideally 1–2 pages long.

Tailored

  • Customise your CV for each job application.

  • Mirror keywords from the job description.

Well-Organised

  • Use headings such as Profile, Education, Work Experience, Skills, and Achievements.

Professional

  • Stick to clean, professional fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri).

  • Avoid graphics or colours unless you’re in a creative field.


2. Steps to Writing a CV

Step 1: Write a strong personal profile

A short paragraph summarising your career goals, key skills, and what you bring to the role.

Step 2: List your work experience

Include job titles, company names, dates, and bullet-pointed responsibilities or accomplishments.

Step 3: Add education and qualifications

Mention your degrees, diplomas, certifications, and institutions with dates.

Step 4: Highlight key skills

Focus on both hard skills (e.g., Excel, Python, SEO) and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, communication).

Step 5: Include achievements or certifications

Stand out with awards, course completions, or volunteer work.


3. Top Tools to Help You Build a CV

Here are some free and paid tools that can help you design and optimize your CV.

1. Canva

Great for visually appealing CVs, especially for creatives.🌐 https://www.canva.com/resumes/

2. Zety

An easy-to-use builder with expert CV templates and tips.🌐 https://zety.com/resume-builder

3. Novoresume

Professional templates with sections optimised for recruiters.🌐 https://novoresume.com/

Fast builder with ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System) formats.🌐 https://resume.io/

5. Jobscan

Helps you tailor your CV for each job description using keyword matching.🌐 https://www.jobscan.co/

6. Teal

Tracks job applications and builds optimised resumes/CVs.🌐 https://www.tealhq.com/


4. CV Tips for South Africans


  • Use SAQA-aligned qualifications or clarify foreign qualifications.

  • Consider stating your EE status (Employment Equity) if applicable.

 
 
 

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