Don’t have any official work experience? No problem. Many South African job seekers — especially youth — are in the same boat. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have value to offer. In this episode, you’ll learn how to build a strong CV that highlights what you do have — even if you’ve never had a “real” job.
1. Use a Simple Layout That’s Easy to Read
Your CV should be:
- 1 page
- Clearly labelled (no fancy fonts or colours)
- Saved as a PDF for emailing or printing
Structure it like this:
- Full Name & Contact Info
- Career Summary (2–3 lines)
- Skills
- Experience (formal or informal)
- Education
- References (optional)
2. Your Career Summary Is Your Elevator Pitch
Start with a short intro that shows who you are and what you’re aiming for:
“Motivated and reliable young job seeker with strong people skills and a willingness to learn. Seeking entry-level opportunities in retail, admin, or customer service.”
3. Highlight Your Transferable Skills
Don’t just list what you can do — show what you’ve done. Include:
- Time management (e.g. balancing school and home chores)
- Communication (e.g. tutoring, volunteering, working with people)
- Responsibility (e.g. taking care of younger siblings or running a side hustle)
Add 5–7 key skills in bullet points under a “Skills” section.
4. List Informal Experience Like It’s Formal
This is where your hustle or volunteer work goes.
Example:
Informal Retail Assistant – Spaza Shop, Soweto (Jan 2023 – Dec 2023)
- Helped stock shelves and manage cash
- Served customers and handled payments
- Learned teamwork and customer care
Tutor – Local High School Learners (Online)
- Assisted with Grade 10–12 English and Maths
- Improved learners’ marks and confidence
- Managed schedules and sessions independently
5. Education Still Counts
Even if you didn’t finish matric, include:
- School name
- Grade passed
- Any courses or certificates (even online)
6. References (Optional but Helpful)
You can list a teacher, pastor, or NGO leader. Someone who can vouch for your character and reliability.
Final Word
You don’t need formal experience to have a powerful CV — just real-life skills and confidence. Every job starts somewhere. Be clear, be honest, and own your journey.
