Real CV Examples, Looking for a CV that actually works in 2025? You’re not alone. Job seekers across South Africa are constantly told what a CV should look like—but rarely shown real, effective examples.
In this post, we’ll reveal real CV formats that helped South Africans land jobs (including internships, entry-level, and graduate positions). Plus, you’ll get free downloadable templates to build your own winning CV today.
Why Your CV Matters More Than Ever
Recruiters in South Africa spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV. In 2025, companies are using ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) more often, meaning your CV must be:
- Easy to scan
- Cleanly formatted
- Keyword-optimized for the job
If it’s not? You’ll be ghosted—no matter how great your skills are.
CV Example #1: Internship CV (No Experience)
Candidate: Ayanda M.
Goal: Marketing Intern at a small digital agency
Result: Landed internship despite no formal work history
Key Features:
- Focus on transferable skills (e.g. content creation, school projects)
- Strong personal summary
- Short, tailored CV—1 page
Preview:
textCopyEdit📍 Ayanda M.
📞 072 123 4567 | ✉️ [email protected] | 📍 Soweto, JHB
🎯 PERSONAL SUMMARY
Ambitious final-year BA Communication student with hands-on experience in social media strategy through campus projects. Eager to apply storytelling and digital marketing skills in a fast-paced internship environment.
🎓 EDUCATION
University of Johannesburg – BA Communication (2022–2025)
Matriculated: Orlando High School – Class of 2021
🛠️ SKILLS
- Social Media Management (Instagram, Facebook)
- Canva Design & Content Writing
- Time Management & Research
🏅 ACHIEVEMENTS
- Grew student page to 3,000 followers in 2 months
- Top 10% in Communication Studies 2024
🔗 📄 Download Internship_CV_Lerato_Mokoena.docx
CV Example #2: Entry-Level Job (Retail Assistant)
Candidate: Sipho K.
Goal: Land a permanent position at Pick n Pay
Result: Hired after 3 weeks
Key Features:
- Simple, clear formatting
- Emphasizes people skills and punctuality
- Relevant experience even if informal
Preview:
textCopyEdit📍 Sipho Khumalo
📞 078 456 7890 | ✉️ [email protected] | 📍 Durban
🎯 CAREER OBJECTIVE
Reliable and energetic job seeker with 1 year of informal retail experience. Passionate about helping customers and working in fast-paced environments.
🛠️ WORK EXPERIENCE
Cashier Assistant (part-time) – Spaza Shop | 2023–2024
- Handled cash and card payments
- Assisted 20+ customers daily
- Maintained clean and organised store layout
🎓 EDUCATION
Matric – Umlazi High School (2021)
🧠 SKILLS
- Fluent in isiZulu and English
- Cash handling & basic POS systems
- Timekeeping & teamwork
🔗 Download Retail CV Template
CV Example #3: Graduate CV (Engineering)
Candidate: Lerato N.
Goal: Entry-level technician job at Eskom
Result: Interviewed & hired for graduate intake program
Key Features:
- Emphasizes academic achievements
- Clean 2-page layout with sections for coursework & projects
- Includes technical skills + software
Preview:
textCopyEdit📍 Lerato Nkosi
📞 076 543 2123 | ✉️ [email protected] | 📍 Pretoria
🎯 PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
BTech Electrical Engineering graduate (cum laude) with practical lab experience in circuit design and diagnostics. Highly proficient in AutoCAD and MATLAB. Seeking a graduate role in a utilities firm.
🎓 EDUCATION
Tshwane University of Technology – BTech Electrical Engineering (2021–2024)
- Final Year Project: Smart Grid System Simulation
- Distinction in Power Systems and Circuit Theory
🛠️ TECHNICAL SKILLS
- MATLAB, Simulink, AutoCAD
- Power System Analysis
- Circuit Fault Finding
💼 INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
In-service Training – TUT Power Lab (2023)
- Configured transformer safety devices
- Diagnosed electrical panel faults
- Assisted with quality testing
🔗 Download Graduate CV Template
CV Example #4: Career Change CV (Admin to IT Support)
Candidate: Thando M.
Goal: Move from admin work into IT helpdesk
Result: Landed learnership with MICT SETA
Key Features:
- Showcases self-taught IT skills
- Highlights transferable abilities (problem-solving, communication)
- Emphasizes learning mindset
Preview:
textCopyEdit📍 Thando Mokoena
📞 074 321 9987 | ✉️ [email protected] | 📍 Gqeberha
🎯 CAREER OBJECTIVE
Motivated office administrator transitioning into IT support. Recently completed Google IT Support Certificate. Skilled at troubleshooting, helpdesk software, and Microsoft 365.
🛠️ TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Google IT Cert (Coursera, 2025)
- Windows OS setup
- Network basics & printer support
🧑💻 WORK HISTORY
Office Admin – Eastern Cape Logistics (2021–2024)
- Provided first-line tech support to 15 staff
- Managed scheduling & client calls
- Installed printers and updated software
🎓 EDUCATION
Matric (2018) | Google IT Support Certificate (2025)
💼 LINKEDIN PROFILE
[linkedin.com/in/thando-tech](https://linkedin.com/in/thando-tech)
🔗 Download Career Change CV Template
Bonus: CV Tools to Boost Your Applications
Here are tools to help make your CV sharper and more competitive:
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Grammarly | Catch grammar/spelling mistakes |
| Canva | Design modern CVs with templates |
| Jobscan | Optimize CV for job keywords |
| RealisticJobs CV Builder (coming soon) | Step-by-step local builder for SA CVs |
Real CV Examples Tips That Made These CVs Work
✅ Tailored to the job posting
✅ Clear, easy-to-read formatting
✅ Strong personal summaries
✅ Action words + quantified achievements
✅ No typos or fluff
FAQs About South African CVs
Q: Should I include a photo on my CV?
A: No, South African CVs typically do not include photos to avoid bias in recruitment.
Q: How far back should I list my work experience?
A: Generally, focus on the last 10 years or the most relevant roles.
Q: Can I submit my CV in Afrikaans?
A: Unless specifically requested, English is preferred as it’s the most common language for business.
Final Advice: Build Your Own Based on What Works
Use these examples not as a rulebook—but as a framework. Choose the CV that fits your situation best, then download a matching template and make it yours.
👉 Pro tip: Pair your CV with a strong South African cover letter to boost your response rate!
Get All Templates in One Download
🎁 Click here to download all 4 CV templates in one ZIP file (Word + PDF)
Need Help?
If you’d like a second pair of eyes on your CV, comment below or email us at [email protected]. We review student and graduate CVs weekly!
