Guides for South African job seekers

Short, practical help with your CV and job applications, from your first CV and learnerships to the Z83 form and the interview.

• How to fill in the Z83 form for government jobsApplying for a government job? How to complete the new Z83 form section by section, what to attach, and the mistakes that get applications disqualified.
• How to write a CV with no work experienceNo work experience yet? What school leavers and first-time job seekers in South Africa should put on a CV, with examples and a free CV maker.
• The South African CV format: what to includeThe South African CV format explained: personal details, contact details, education, work experience, skills and references, what is optional, and how long your CV should be.
• How to make your CV ATS-friendlyMany employers and job websites use software (an ATS) to read CVs. What breaks it, how to make your CV ATS-friendly, and free tested templates for South African job seekers.
• How to write a cover letterWhat to put in a cover letter for a South African job application: the post and reference number, why you fit, and a short example you can copy.
• How to apply for learnershipsWhat a learnership is, who can apply, where to find real learnerships for free (SA Youth, labour centres, company websites) and how to avoid learnership scams.
• References on your CVHow many references to put on your CV, who to choose when you have little work experience, what details to give, and why you must ask them first.
• Job interview tipsHow to prepare for a job interview in South Africa: common questions with good answers, the STAR method, what to bring, what to wear and what to do afterwards.