In today’s competitive job market, sending out your CV and receiving no response can be incredibly frustrating. While it's easy to blame the lack of replies on tough competition or internal hiring practices, the issue often lies within the CV itself. Minor formatting errors, an unclear structure, or outdated presentation can cause even the most qualified candidate to be overlooked.
If your CV hasn’t been opening doors, here’s why. And more importantly, what you can do to improve your chances.
6 Mistakes Most Job Seekers Overlook
8 Tips to Transform Your CV
The Value of Further Qualifications
Why Now is the Right Time to Upskill
Ready to Strengthen Your Career Prospects?
Frequently Asked Questions
Recruiters receive hundreds of applications for a single vacancy, and most CVs are dismissed within seconds. The unfortunate truth is that many strong candidates are rejected due to simple and avoidable errors. These include:
If your CV lacks visual structure, it becomes difficult for recruiters to find the information they need. Using inconsistent headings, fonts, and spacing can distract from your achievements. Ensure that your formatting highlights, and not hides, your strengths.
Many candidates treat the cover letter as an afterthought or skip it altogether. A tailored, well-written cover letter can set the tone for your application. It provides a space to connect your experience with the specific needs of the employer, giving context to your CV and demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively.
Listing every job you’ve ever had, especially if it’s unrelated to the role, can dilute your core message. Employers want to see a clear career narrative. Tailor each CV to the job at hand by focusing on roles, responsibilities, and achievements most relevant to the position.
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs before they are even seen by a human. If your CV lacks the right keywords from the job description, it might never reach a recruiter. Use the exact phrases and skills mentioned in the job ad, but naturally.
Including personal photos, using casual language, or adding outdated elements such as “References available on request” can give a poor first impression. Stick to what matters: clean design, professional tone, and content that reflects your capability.
Using an old-fashioned template or an informal email address (e.g., partygirl1990@email.com) can undermine your credibility. Use a professional email format and modern, readable templates.
A professional and engaging CV can help you stand out from the competition and capture the attention of recruiters. Here’s how to take your document from overlooked to interview-ready:
The first section of your CV should be a compelling profile that briefly outlines who you are, your key achievements, and your career goals. Keep it concise, three to four lines, and tailored to each role you apply for.
Generic CVs are easy to spot. Show that you’ve read the job description carefully by echoing the language used and directly linking your skills and experience to the employer’s needs.
3. Use action-oriented language
Start bullet points with strong verbs like “led”, “developed”, “increased”, or “initiated”. This makes your contributions more dynamic and impactful.
When listing your achievements, use numbers where possible. For example, “Managed a team of 10” or “Reduced client response time by 40%”. These quantifiable results add weight to your claims.
Follow a logical structure with sections for personal details, summary, skills, work experience, education, and certifications. Use consistent formatting for headings, spacing, and alignment throughout.
For effective CV writing in South Africa, ensure that you incorporate the terminology commonly used in your industry. This improves your chances with the ATS and demonstrates to recruiters that you speak the language of the profession.
Aim for no more than two pages. Focus on the last 10 years of experience unless earlier roles were highly relevant to the position.
Spelling or grammar mistakes reflect poorly on your attention to detail. Ask a trusted colleague or mentor to review your CV before you submit it.
Bonus: In the age of AI, job seekers can rely on various generative AI tools, such as Perplexity, or niche tools like CVMaker.com. As with any AI-generated content, carefully review all information to ensure it aligns with the eight tips discussed above.
By applying these strategies, you ensure your CV meets the expectations of South African employers and stands out in a crowded job market.
One of the most effective ways to revitalise your CV is by investing in your professional development. Gaining a recognised qualification shows commitment, initiative, and a desire to grow, all of which make you more attractive to potential employers.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) now offers several programmes via online learning. This mode of study enables you to earn an accredited qualification without attending real-time lectures, offering flexibility for working professionals. Despite the flexible access, these programmes do have structured timelines and milestones, ensuring a rigorous and rewarding academic experience.
Whether you’re looking to shift industries, pursue a promotion, or formalise your experience, a relevant qualification from TUT can enhance your CV and give you the competitive edge you need.
The workplace is evolving quickly, and roles are becoming more specialised. As employers place greater emphasis on continuous learning, staying stagnant could mean being left behind. Online learning offers the opportunity to acquire new skills while balancing existing responsibilities.
Are you unsure if online study is the right fit for you? Take this quick 2-minute test to find out if distance learning suits your lifestyle.
At TUT, students benefit from expert-led online programmes with a dedicated Learning Management System, consistent academic support, and access to industry-relevant materials. These programmes are ideal for professionals ready to take control of their career progression without disrupting their current work schedule.
Learn why flexible, self-paced learning is ideal for working professionals in this article on online education for adult and distance learners.
Improving your CV is a smart first step, but complementing it with a respected qualification can truly set you apart. TUT’s online learning platform allows you to study in a structured yet accessible environment, using an intuitive Learning Management System and expert academic support.
Interested in finding out if you qualify for one of our online programmes? Enquire now to take the next step in boosting your career potential.
The best CV formatting includes clear section headings, consistent font styles, bullet points for easy readability, and ample white space. Use a modern, professional design and keep the CV to two pages if possible. Save it as a PDF to ensure that the formatting remains intact.
Yes. A CV cover letter is your opportunity to explain why you're a strong fit for the role and to show enthusiasm for the position. It adds a personal touch and helps you stand out from other applicants.
In South Africa, best practices for CV writing include a clear and concise personal profile. This chronological work history highlights measurable achievements and content tailored to the specific role you’re applying for. Maintain a professional tone and avoid using overly casual language.
Absolutely. Completing a formal qualification, particularly from a respected institution like TUT, signals to employers that you are dedicated to your career growth. It adds credibility and strengthens your CV against other candidates.
TUT's online programmes are designed for professionals who want flexibility without compromising academic rigour. You’ll study through a structured Learning Management System, with no need for real-time lectures, but with precise deadlines and milestones to keep you on track.
You cannot apply directly. Prospective students must first enquire to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria. This helps ensure the programme is the right fit before the application process begins.
Always submit your CV as a PDF, unless the employer explicitly requests another format (such as Word). PDFs preserve your layout and prevent formatting issues when opened on different devices or systems.
Yes. Many companies utilise Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes and CVs. Including relevant keywords from the job posting increases your chances of passing the initial screening and getting noticed by a recruiter.
Be transparent and briefly explain employment gaps in your cover letter or CV summary. For career changes, focus on transferable skills and relevant accomplishments that align with the new role. Use a combination CV format if needed.
Keep your CV under 1MB to ensure it uploads quickly and meets file size limits on job portals. Avoid high-resolution images or unnecessary graphics that can increase the file size without adding value.