Creating a CV can be difficult when you are not sure what information to include or how to present your experience. A good CV should be relevant to the career or position you are applying for.
For example, an IT professional may need to highlight technical skills and certifications, while a teacher may need to focus on teaching experience, qualifications and classroom skills.
In this guide, we provide CV examples for different careers to help South African job seekers understand what information they can include in their CV.
Whether you are a school leaver, graduate, experienced professional or someone changing careers, these examples can help you create a CV that is relevant to your career goals.
What Makes a Good CV?
Before looking at specific CV examples, remember that a good CV should be:
- Clear and easy to read
- Relevant to the position
- Accurate and truthful
- Professionally formatted
- Free from unnecessary information
- Easy for an employer to scan
- Updated with your latest qualifications and experience
You should also adjust your CV for each position where appropriate.
1. CV Example for an IT Professional
IT professionals can use their CV to highlight technical skills, certifications, work experience and specific technologies they have worked with.
Example
IT Support Technician
Professional Profile
IT Support Technician with experience providing first-line technical support, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, assisting users and maintaining computer systems. Strong problem-solving and communication skills with experience supporting Microsoft environments and network-related issues.
Key Skills
- Technical support
- Hardware troubleshooting
- Software installation
- Microsoft 365
- Active Directory
- Networking
- Windows
- Printer support
- User support
- Troubleshooting
Work Experience
IT Support Technician
ABC Technologies | Pretoria
2024 – Present
- Provided first-line technical support to users.
- Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues.
- Installed and configured computers and software.
- Assisted users with Microsoft 365 applications.
- Logged and followed up on technical support requests.
Qualifications
Diploma in Information Technology
ABC University
2023
2. CV Example for a Teacher
Teachers should highlight their teaching qualifications, subjects, classroom experience and skills.
Example
Teacher
Professional Profile
Qualified and dedicated educator with experience supporting learners in the classroom and developing engaging learning activities. Strong communication, classroom management and lesson-planning skills with a commitment to supporting learner development.
Key Skills
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Learner assessment
- Communication
- Curriculum development
- Educational technology
- Teamwork
- Learner support
Work Experience
Teacher
ABC High School | Gauteng
2023 – Present
- Planned and delivered lessons according to curriculum requirements.
- Assessed learner performance and maintained academic records.
- Supported learners with additional academic needs.
- Participated in school activities and meetings.
- Communicated with parents and colleagues regarding learner progress.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Education
ABC University
2022
3. CV Example for an Administrative Assistant
Administrative professionals should focus on organisation, communication, computer skills and office experience.
Example
Administrative Assistant
Professional Profile
Organised and reliable administrative professional with experience supporting daily office operations, managing documents, communicating with clients and maintaining records. Proficient in Microsoft Office with strong organisational and time-management skills.
Key Skills
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Data capturing
- Filing
- Customer service
- Email management
- Scheduling
- Record keeping
- Communication
- Office administration
Work Experience
Administrative Assistant
ABC Company | Johannesburg
2024 – Present
- Managed administrative documents and records.
- Responded to emails and telephone enquiries.
- Captured and maintained information on company systems.
- Assisted with scheduling meetings.
- Provided general administrative support.
4. CV Example for a Nurse
A nursing CV should clearly show professional qualifications, registration where applicable, clinical experience and relevant skills.
Example
Professional Profile
Qualified nursing professional with experience providing patient care, maintaining clinical records and working as part of a healthcare team. Committed to providing professional and compassionate care while following healthcare procedures and standards.
Key Skills
- Patient care
- Clinical documentation
- Healthcare procedures
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Patient monitoring
- Infection prevention
- Time management
Experience
Professional Nurse
ABC Hospital | Gauteng
2023 – Present
- Provided patient care according to professional procedures.
- Maintained accurate patient records.
- Worked with healthcare professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Monitored patients and reported relevant changes.
- Assisted with healthcare procedures.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Nursing
ABC University
Professional Registration
Include relevant professional registration details where required.
5. CV Example for an Accountant
Accountants should highlight financial knowledge, accounting software, qualifications and relevant experience.
Example
Junior Accountant
Professional Profile
Detail-oriented accounting professional with experience supporting financial administration, reconciliations, reporting and general accounting activities. Strong numerical, analytical and organisational skills.
Key Skills
- Financial reporting
- Bookkeeping
- Reconciliations
- Microsoft Excel
- Accounting software
- Data analysis
- Accounts payable
- Accounts receivable
- Financial administration
Work Experience
Junior Accountant
ABC Accounting Services | Cape Town
2024 – Present
- Assisted with monthly reconciliations.
- Captured financial transactions.
- Assisted with accounts payable and receivable.
- Prepared financial information for review.
- Maintained financial records.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Accounting
ABC University
2023
6. CV Example for a Sales Representative
Sales professionals should focus on communication, customer relationships and measurable achievements.
Example
Sales Representative
Professional Profile
Customer-focused sales professional with experience developing client relationships, identifying customer needs and supporting sales growth. Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-management skills.
Key Skills
- Customer service
- Sales
- Negotiation
- Communication
- Lead generation
- Customer relationship management
- Product knowledge
- Presentation skills
Work Experience
Sales Representative
ABC Company | Durban
2023 – Present
- Assisted customers with product information and purchasing decisions.
- Developed relationships with new and existing customers.
- Followed up on sales leads.
- Maintained customer records.
- Worked towards monthly sales targets.
7. CV Example for a Retail Worker
Retail CVs should highlight customer service, sales, cash handling, stock management and teamwork.
Example
Retail Sales Assistant
Professional Profile
Friendly and reliable retail professional with experience assisting customers, maintaining store standards and supporting daily retail operations. Strong customer-service, communication and teamwork skills.
Key Skills
- Customer service
- Cash handling
- Stock control
- Sales
- Merchandising
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Point-of-sale systems
Work Experience
Retail Sales Assistant
ABC Retail Store | Pretoria
2024 – Present
- Assisted customers with product enquiries.
- Processed customer transactions.
- Maintained merchandise displays.
- Assisted with stock receiving and counting.
- Kept the sales area clean and organised.
8. CV Example for a Graphic Designer
Creative professionals should demonstrate both their design skills and professional experience.
Example
Graphic Designer
Professional Profile
Creative graphic designer with experience developing visual content for digital and print platforms. Skilled in creating branded designs while working according to project requirements and deadlines.
Key Skills
- Graphic design
- Branding
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Canva
- Social media design
- Typography
- Layout design
- Visual communication
Work Experience
Graphic Designer
ABC Creative Studio
2023 – Present
- Designed marketing materials for clients.
- Created social media graphics.
- Developed visual concepts according to client requirements.
- Maintained brand consistency across projects.
- Worked on multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
9. CV Example for a Human Resources Professional
HR professionals can highlight recruitment, employee relations, administration and HR systems.
Example
HR Assistant
Professional Profile
Organised HR professional with experience supporting recruitment, employee administration and general human resources activities. Strong communication, confidentiality and organisational skills.
Key Skills
- Recruitment administration
- Employee records
- Interview scheduling
- HR administration
- Communication
- Microsoft Office
- Confidentiality
- Data capturing
Work Experience
HR Assistant
ABC Company | Johannesburg
2024 – Present
- Assisted with recruitment administration.
- Scheduled interviews.
- Maintained employee records.
- Assisted with onboarding processes.
- Responded to employee enquiries.
- Supported the HR team with administrative duties.
10. CV Example for an Engineer
Engineering CVs should focus on qualifications, technical skills, projects, software and professional experience.
Example
Graduate Engineer
Professional Profile
Graduate engineer with a strong academic background and practical project experience. Analytical and detail-oriented with an interest in applying engineering principles to real-world problems.
Key Skills
- Technical analysis
- Project management
- Engineering design
- Problem-solving
- Microsoft Excel
- CAD
- Technical reporting
- Research
- Teamwork
Projects
Engineering Design Project
- Designed and developed a project solution according to specified requirements.
- Conducted research and analysed technical information.
- Prepared technical documentation.
- Presented project findings.
Qualification
Bachelor of Engineering
ABC University
2025
11. CV Example for a Driver
A driver’s CV should highlight the relevant driver’s licence, driving experience, safety record where appropriate and knowledge of routes or logistics.
Example
Professional Driver
Professional Profile
Reliable and responsible professional driver with experience transporting people and goods safely and efficiently. Strong knowledge of local routes, vehicle checks and customer service.
Key Skills
- Safe driving
- Route planning
- Vehicle inspections
- Customer service
- Time management
- Navigation
- Vehicle maintenance awareness
Work Experience
Driver
ABC Logistics
2023 – Present
- Transported goods according to scheduled delivery routes.
- Conducted basic vehicle checks.
- Maintained delivery records.
- Communicated with customers regarding deliveries.
- Followed company safety procedures.
Licence
Include your relevant South African driver’s licence category and any other legally required professional driving credentials where applicable.
12. CV Example for a Receptionist
Receptionists should highlight communication, customer service, telephone skills and administrative abilities.
Example
Receptionist
Professional Profile
Professional and friendly receptionist with experience welcoming visitors, answering telephone calls, managing appointments and providing administrative support. Strong communication and customer-service skills.
Key Skills
- Customer service
- Telephone etiquette
- Reception management
- Appointment scheduling
- Microsoft Office
- Email management
- Administration
- Communication
13. CV Example for a Project Manager
Project managers should focus on project coordination, planning, budgets, teams and results.
Example
Project Manager
Professional Profile
Experienced project professional with a background in coordinating projects, managing timelines and supporting teams to achieve project objectives. Strong planning, communication and problem-solving abilities.
Key Skills
- Project planning
- Project coordination
- Risk management
- Budget management
- Team leadership
- Stakeholder communication
- Reporting
- Time management
14. CV Example for a Marketing Professional
Marketing professionals can highlight campaigns, digital marketing, content creation and analytical skills.
Example
Digital Marketing Specialist
Professional Profile
Creative and analytical digital marketing professional with experience developing online content, supporting marketing campaigns and managing digital platforms. Strong communication and content-development skills.
Key Skills
- Digital marketing
- Social media
- Content creation
- SEO
- Email marketing
- Analytics
- Copywriting
- Campaign management
15. CV Example for a Recent Graduate
Recent graduates can focus on their education, projects, internships, skills and achievements.
Example
Graduate – Information Technology
Professional Profile
Recent Information Technology graduate with a strong academic foundation in computer systems, networking and software development. Eager to apply technical knowledge in a professional environment while continuing to develop practical skills.
Education
Bachelor of Information Technology
ABC University
2026
Technical Skills
- Microsoft Office
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Networking
- Database fundamentals
- Computer troubleshooting
Academic Projects
Student Management System
- Developed a basic student management application.
- Designed and tested system functionality.
- Documented project requirements and results.
16. CV Example for a School Leaver
If you have recently completed Grade 12 and have no formal work experience, you can still create a CV.
Example
School Leaver
Professional Profile
Motivated and hardworking school leaver who recently completed the National Senior Certificate. Strong communication, teamwork and computer skills. Eager to gain workplace experience and develop professional skills.
Education
National Senior Certificate
ABC High School
2026
Skills
- Communication
- Computer literacy
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Willingness to learn
Activities and Achievements
- Participated in school activities.
- Assisted with school events.
- Participated in team-based projects.
17. CV Example for an Internship
Internship applicants should focus on education, relevant coursework, projects and skills.
Example
Graduate Internship Applicant
Professional Profile
Motivated graduate seeking an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience and apply academic knowledge in a professional environment. Strong analytical, communication and teamwork skills with a willingness to learn.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management
ABC University
2026
Relevant Skills
- Microsoft Excel
- Research
- Communication
- Data analysis
- Administration
- Teamwork
- Presentation skills
18. CV Example for an Apprentice
Apprenticeship applicants can highlight technical subjects, practical experience, relevant qualifications and willingness to learn.
Example
Apprenticeship Applicant
Professional Profile
Motivated and technically minded applicant seeking an apprenticeship opportunity to gain practical experience and develop industry-specific skills. Strong interest in mechanical and technical work with a willingness to learn from experienced professionals.
Education
National Senior Certificate
ABC High School
2025
Relevant Subjects
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering Graphics and Design
Skills
- Basic technical knowledge
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Safety awareness
- Practical learning
- Computer literacy
How to Choose the Right CV Example
The best CV example for you depends on your career stage and the position you are applying for.
If you are a school leaver
Focus on:
- Education
- Skills
- School achievements
- Activities
- Volunteering
- Career interests
If you are a graduate
Focus on:
- Qualification
- Academic projects
- Internships
- Technical skills
- Certifications
- Relevant achievements
If you are experienced
Focus on:
- Professional experience
- Achievements
- Skills
- Qualifications
- Certifications
- Career progression
If you are changing careers
Focus on transferable skills and experience that can be applied to the new career.
For example, someone moving from retail into administration could highlight customer service, computer skills, record keeping, communication and organisation.
Should You Use a CV Template?
A CV template can make it easier to organise your information, especially if you are creating your first CV.
However, the template should not replace good content.
Choose a template that is:
- Professional
- Easy to read
- Well organised
- Suitable for your industry
- Easy to edit
- Not overloaded with graphics
For most careers, a clean and professional CV is more useful than a complicated design.
Create Your CV Online
If you are looking for an easier way to create your CV, YouthPlug CV allows you to build your CV online without starting from a blank document.
You can enter your information, select a template and update your CV whenever your qualifications, skills or work experience change.
This can be particularly useful for South African students, graduates, first-time job seekers and experienced professionals who want to keep their CV updated.
Final CV Checklist
Before applying for a job, make sure your CV:
- Includes your correct contact details
- Has a clear professional profile
- Lists your education accurately
- Includes relevant work experience
- Highlights useful skills
- Includes relevant certifications
- Has correct dates
- Is easy to read
- Has been checked for spelling and grammar
- Is tailored to the position
- Does not contain false information
- Follows the employer’s application instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find CV examples?
You can use career-specific CV examples as a starting point and then adapt the content to your own education, skills and experience.
What is the best CV format in South Africa?
There is no single format that is suitable for every job. A clear, professional and easy-to-read format is generally a practical choice.
Can I use a CV example if I have no experience?
Yes. School leavers and graduates can use examples that focus on education, skills, projects, volunteering, achievements and other relevant activities.
Should I copy a CV example exactly?
No. A CV example should be used as a guide. Replace the example information with your own genuine qualifications, experience, skills and achievements.
Should my CV be different for every job?
It is useful to tailor your CV to the position you are applying for. Highlight the experience and skills that are most relevant to the specific vacancy.
Conclusion
Using CV examples for different careers can make it easier to understand what information belongs on your CV and how to organise it.
Whether you are applying for an IT position, teaching job, nursing position, administrative role, internship, apprenticeship or your first job after school, your CV should reflect your own education, skills, experience and achievements.
Use these examples as a starting point, adapt them to your career and always make sure that the information you provide is accurate.
Once your CV is ready, review the job advertisement carefully and follow the employer’s application instructions before submitting your application.
