CVs & applications
How to write a clear, convincing CV for the South African job market
Build a CV that makes your experience easy to assess, with a practical structure, example achievement and final review checklist.
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Practical guidance for the decisions that matter. Explore advice for building your team, preparing your application and taking your next step.
Recruitment and career guides
21 guides for candidates
Interviews & offers
A practical interview preparation plan for South African job seekers
Prepare relevant examples, useful questions and interview logistics with a focused plan you can work through before the meeting.
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Career decisions
How to work well with a recruitment agency as a candidate
Understand recruiter conversations, role representation and communication so you can take an active part in your job search.
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Your first CV: showing potential when you have little work experience
Use study projects, volunteering and responsibilities to create a credible first CV without inventing experience.
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Use the STAR method without sounding rehearsed
Structure interview examples around situation, task, action and result while showing your own judgement and contribution.
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Recruitment scam warning signs: check before you pay or share documents
Spot suspicious recruitment requests and verify a job opportunity through independent contact details before taking action.
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How to tailor your CV to a vacancy without rewriting your history
Match your CV to a job advert by prioritising relevant evidence while keeping titles, dates and experience accurate.
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Questions to ask an interviewer before you accept the role
Choose questions about priorities, management, support and working arrangements that help you assess a job opportunity.
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Changing careers: turn transferable skills into credible evidence
Identify the tasks that connect your current experience to a new role and explain the gaps without overstating your readiness.
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A cover letter that adds something useful to your application
Write a short, specific cover letter that connects your experience to the role, with an adaptable example.
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Prepare for a video interview, including a connection backup
Set up your space, test the meeting link and plan for interruptions so you can focus on the interview conversation.
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Your first 30 days in a new job: a practical starting plan
Build relationships, clarify expectations and learn the working environment without trying to prove everything in your first week.
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Make your LinkedIn profile consistent with the roles you want
Align your headline, experience and profile visibility with your job search while keeping your claims and privacy choices deliberate.
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How to discuss salary expectations with clarity
Prepare for a salary conversation by clarifying the package, responsibilities and your expectations without relying on unsupported market claims.
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Questions to ask before accepting a contract role
Clarify the assignment, employer, duration, working arrangement and payment basis before deciding whether contract work suits you.
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How to explain a career gap clearly and professionally
Present time away from paid employment honestly, protect your privacy and connect the conversation to your readiness for the role.
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A job offer checklist before you say yes
Review responsibilities, package, working arrangements and outstanding conditions before making a considered job offer decision.
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Build a technology portfolio that explains how you think
Choose focused technical examples, explain your decisions and protect confidential work when presenting a portfolio to employers.
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Build a job application tracker that helps you take the next step
Organise vacancies, CV versions, conversations and follow-ups with a simple tracker that keeps your job search manageable.
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How to follow up after an interview without overdoing it
Send a useful thank-you message, respect the hiring timeline and ask for an update with a clear, professional follow-up.
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Prepare for references and qualification checks
Keep your records accurate, brief potential referees and understand document requests before sharing personal information.
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