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CV Guide - Professions

Introduction

Although this information is created using Teachers as an example is the principle of preparing a CV universal for all professions.

Professionals like doctors and engineers often find themselves unsure about how to structure their CVs or what information to include. This document was created gradually in response to recurring gaps we noticed in CVs submitted by various professionals. It remains a work in progress! While there are many excellent books and online resources on the subject, every professional CV writer has their own unique approach. This is simply our perspective at Professional CV Zone, supported by feedback from our clients and candidates alike. We hope you find this section of our website helpful.

1. Key Essentials

Your CV should be immaculately presented, visually appealing, and organized logically to ensure that information is easy to locate. It should be both concise and thorough, without any factual errors, whether intentional or not. Always double-check your work! Additionally, ensure there are no unexplained gaps in your CV. The CV is a chronological story of your career, and any missing time periods could raise concerns. The document should allow us to accurately evaluate your suitability for any position. Needless to say, grammar and spelling errors should be avoided at all costs.

2. Contact Information

2.1 Ensure that your contact details—mobile number, home number, and work number—are clearly displayed, preferably directly beneath your name. Your email address should be listed alongside these details. If it’s not your personal email address, make this clear. If the name you’re known by is different from your official name, underline the name you prefer to be addressed by in your CV. For example, if your full name is Kagiso Matamela Nkosi, but you’re known as Kgosi Nkosi, make sure this is reflected.

Example:

Full name: Alice Kate Mathews

Contact numbers:

Cell: 081 000 0000 (c) : (011) 000 0000 (h) : (021) 000 0000 (w)

Email: alicekate@outlook.com

It is crucial that these numbers are accurate. If a recruiter dials a number that is incorrect or disconnected, it can give a negative impression and raise doubts about other aspects of your CV.

2.2 If your official name is Victoria Anne Hastings, but everyone calls you Vicky Hastings, make sure the name “Vicky Hastings” appears on the cover of your CV. If your name is Sibusiso Themba Dlamini and you prefer to be called Sbu, then include Sbu Dlamini as the main name, while ensuring that your full legal name is also listed within the CV. If your surname has changed due to marriage, it’s important to mention your previous surname somewhere, particularly if your qualifications or work experience were acquired under that name.

2.3 On a phone call with a recruitment consultant or potential employer, avoid introducing yourself with titles such as “Mr. Moyo” or “Ms. Pieterse,” as it can sound formal and distant. Instead, say your first and last name in a clear and professional tone: “Good morning, this is Thabo Moyo.” Also, avoid simply saying, “Hello, this is John,” as the person on the other end may not know which John is calling. Finally, while warmth is important, addressing the recruiter as “dear,” “sweetie,” or “lovey” should be avoided. Maintain professionalism at all times.

2.4 When sending your CV by email, it’s best to do so from your own email address. If it comes from someone else’s email, it may raise concerns about your technological abilities or your seriousness in the job hunt. Free email services are readily available, and your email address should reflect professionalism. Avoid email addresses like “CoolDad2020@xyz.com” or “FunChick@abc.com,” as these could undermine your professional image.

3. Residential Address

It’s essential that we know where you live to help us determine which companies or positions are within a reasonable commuting distance. Failing to include your residential address—or at least your suburb—can sometimes create the impression of a lack of transparency. If you feel your address is irrelevant because you’re open to relocating, mention this in your cover letter or introductory email.

For example: “Although I reside in Somerset West, I am open to relocating anywhere in South Africa except the Western Cape.”

Bear in mind that, while your friends and family might know exactly where your suburb is, many others may not. If you live in a smaller or lesser-known area, be sure to add its location. For instance, if you reside in Glenashley, specify that it’s in Durban. Additionally, some suburb names like Rosebank, Kensington, and Morningside exist in various cities, so specifying the city is crucial.

If you’re moving to a new city for work, it’s helpful to mention which part of the city you prefer, usually where you might have support from family or friends. If you’re open to any area, make sure to clarify this. In large cities like Johannesburg, where traffic is a consideration, knowing your preferred location will help us make better recommendations.

If you’re staying at a temporary address, be sure to mention it. For instance: “I am currently staying with family in Sandton, Johannesburg, but once I find a position, I plan to move within commuting distance of the company.”

4. Qualifications

4.1 Tertiary Education

List the subjects studied at the tertiary level, along with the title of your qualification. Be sure to include the name of the institution and the duration of your studies. It’s essential to use the name of the institution and the title of the qualification as it was known at the time you attended.

Example:

Jan 2010 – Dec 2013: Bachelor of Commerce – University of Pretoria

Subjects: Business Management I, II, III; Accounting I, II, III; Economics I, II; Marketing I, II; HR Management I.

4.2 High School

Include the name and location of your high school(s), along with the dates attended. If you think it’s relevant, you can also list the subjects taken in Grade 12. However, don’t focus too much on school results, as your further education is typically more important. If you didn’t perform well in any particular subject, it’s best to omit those results to maintain a positive impression.

4.3 Current Studies

List any courses or educational programs you are currently enrolled in, along with the anticipated completion dates.

5. Employment History

5.1 Teaching Experience (or Applicable Experience)

Provide a summary of your work experience that demonstrates your qualifications for the position. Alongside your qualifications, your hands-on experience is critical for both potential employers and recruitment agencies. Be specific about where you’ve worked, what roles you’ve held, the subjects (or tasks) you’ve managed, and the duration of your employment. For instance, principals or employers often seek candidates with specific experience, not just general experience.

Example:

Jan 2012 – Dec 2014: Greenfield Secondary School, Cape Town

Grade 10–12 Accounting

Grade 9 EMS

Grade 8 Life Orientation

Jan 2015 – Present: Valley High School, Durban

Grade 8–9 Mathematics

Grade 10 Physical Science

Use the subject names as they were known at the time, or feel free to update them if they have since changed. Potential employers will understand both.

5.2 Employment Duration

Provide exact dates, including both the month and the year. For example, specifying just “2017 – 2018” can be ambiguous, as it might mean anything from a few months to two full years. If you worked part-time, be sure to mention this (e.g., “part-time, two evenings a week”).

5.3 School Locations (or Company Locations)

Unless you’ve worked at well-known schools or companies, make sure to indicate their locations. For example, “Hillcrest College, Randburg, Johannesburg.” Don’t assume everyone knows where a particular suburb or town is located, particularly if it’s a small or lesser-known area.

5.4 Reasons for Leaving

Be clear about why you left each position, as this is often the first question asked by potential employers. Reasons like “spouse transferred,” “career advancement,” “maternity leave,” or “returning to hometown” are common. Avoid vague explanations like “offered a new job.” Employers will verify this information during reference checks, so be consistent and honest.

For example: “Left due to relocation to Cape Town.” or “Seeking career advancement in a larger firm.”

5.5 Gaps in Employment

Your CV should tell the full story of your professional journey, including any gaps in employment. If there’s a break between jobs, explain what you did during that time. For example, “I resigned to care for a family member” or “I took time off to complete a personal project.”

5.6 Current Employment

When indicating your current role, use “Jan 2023 – Present” instead of “Jan 2023 – current” for accuracy.

By providing this level of detail, you ensure transparency and professionalism, giving potential employers a clear understanding of your career path.

6. CV Appearance

  • Keep it Simple: Avoid overly decorative elements like fancy borders or graphics. A clean, professional design is essential.
  • Font Choice: Use a small, professional-looking font that is easy to read, keeping font variation minimal to maintain a clean look.
  • Avoid Uppercase Text: Writing in all capital letters is difficult to read and may come across as aggressive.
  • Bold Over Underline: Use bold text or capitalization for headings rather than underlining to emphasize key sections.
  • Length: Keep the CV concise, ideally 2-3 pages. Avoid overwhelming the reader by including only relevant details.
  • Proofreading: Careful proofreading is crucial. Errors can harm your professional image.
  • Language Sensitivity: Non-native English speakers should ensure their CV is checked by a proficient English speaker to avoid common translation errors.
  • Avoid Blank Pages: Ensure the document ends appropriately without blank trailing pages.
  • Columned Format: Use columns to present information concisely. Tables are generally discouraged.

7. Covering Letters or E-Mail

  • Professional First Impression: The covering letter should be brief, clear, and professional, avoiding informal writing or overly complicated language.
  • Position Identification: Mention the specific role you are applying for and briefly introduce any unique points not covered in your CV.
  • Appropriate Subject Line: Use a clear and relevant subject line that includes your name and the position.
  • Language: Always use English for the covering letter, maintaining professionalism.
  • Send from Your Own Email: Avoid having others send your CV or using a current work email.
  • Tone: Maintain a balance between friendly and professional. Avoid appearing either too demanding or overly submissive.

8. Additional Considerations

  • Availability: Clearly state when you would be available to start and whether your notice period is negotiable.
  • Referees: Provide updated contact details for at least three referees, ensuring they are aware of potential contact.
  • Extra-Mural Activities: Include any extracurricular involvement that demonstrates your broader contributions to education or the community.
  • Photograph: While optional, including a professional photograph may be helpful, but ensure it reflects how you typically present yourself.
  • Submission: Follow instructions regarding file formats (preferably Word) and ensure the file is easy to access and manage.
  • Honesty: It goes without saying that you should always be truthful and transparent in your CV, avoiding gaps in your employment history or unclear details.

9. Newly Qualified Professions

  • Market Yourself Effectively: Highlight your teaching experiences, including the schools where you completed practical training. List what subjects and grades you taught, and for how long (e.g., Riverside Primary: March – April 2018, Grade 6). Include contact details (with permission) of teachers who oversaw your work and try to get written references. If you have favorable reports from practical teaching, refer to them.
  • Length of Your CV: Keep your CV concise. For a newly qualified teacher, aim for two to three pages. Avoid lengthy descriptions of university modules; focus on relevant qualifications and achievements.
  • Organize Activities: If you have accomplishments in extracurricular activities, such as sports or arts, group them logically (e.g., all coaching under one section). Include significant achievements but avoid overly detailed or irrelevant information.
  • Part-time Work Experience: Include any part-time or temporary jobs with timeframes (e.g., babysitting, working at a school tuckshop), as these experiences demonstrate responsibility. List referees for these jobs and gather references if possible.
  • Language Accuracy: Ensure that your CV and cover letter are free from spelling or grammatical errors, especially if English is not your first language. Having someone fluent in English review your CV is strongly recommended.
  • Avoid Texting Language: It’s vital to maintain professional language throughout your CV and cover letter. Avoid abbreviations or informal text-style language.
  • Cover Email: Clearly state your job preferences (e.g., preferred grades, location). For example, “I am seeking a position teaching Grades 4-6, ideally in Johannesburg.”
  • Professional Email Address: Ensure your email address is professional and reflects your real name. Sending the CV from your own email address is important to maintain professionalism.
  • Voicemail: If you’re unreachable, your voicemail should be concise and professional to leave a positive impression.
  • CV Presentation: Your CV should be formatted cleanly, without unnecessary decorations or images. Use appropriate fonts and keep it succinct (three pages max).
  • Addressing Challenges in Finding a Post: If you’re struggling to find a position, reassess your CV and cover letter for possible errors or areas for improvement. Consider how you’re presenting yourself in interviews or written communication.
  • Professional Writing Standards: Your CV should reflect strong written English skills. Many applications are rejected due to poor grammar or careless mistakes. Ensure that your writing is at a professional level.
  • Voice and Presentation: Consider how you sound when communicating. Your voice and tone should reflect the confidence and authority expected of a teacher.

10. Teachers Returning to South Africa from Abroad

  • Location Preference: Clearly indicate your preferred residential area in South Africa, or areas you are not willing to work in.
  • Clarifying Overseas Experience: Present your international experience in a way that South African employers will understand. Avoid acronyms and terms unfamiliar to local readers.
  • School Information: Include the names of the overseas schools where you taught, as well as their location.
  • Return Date: Mention when you plan to return to South Africa.
  • Overseas Referees: Provide contact details of referees from your overseas experience, including professional email addresses and phone numbers.
  • SACE Registration: If you left South Africa before SACE registration became mandatory, make sure you register with the South African Council for Educators. More information is available on their website: www.sace.org.za.