How to Build an Online Friendly South African CV Step-by-Step

What Is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to manage and streamline job applications.

When you apply through a company website or recruitment platform, your CV may be processed by a system that extracts key information such as:

• Your name and contact details
• Education history
• Work experience
• Job titles
• Skills
• Qualifications
• Certifications
• Keywords relevant to the role

This allows recruiters to efficiently sort and search through large volumes of applications.

Step 1: Start With the Job Advertisement

Before updating your CV, carefully review the job advertisement. Pay close attention to:

• Job title
• Minimum qualifications
• Essential skills
• Technical requirements
• Years of experience required
• Software or systems mentioned
• Industry-specific terminology
• Key responsibilities
• Certifications
• Additional requirements

For example, if you are applying for an Administrative Assistant role and the advertisement includes:

• Microsoft Office
• Data capturing
• Customer service
• Filing
• Administration
• Communication
• Excel

These are the competencies the employer values. If you possess them, ensure they are clearly and naturally reflected in your CV.

Avoid copying the job description verbatim. Your CV must remain an honest representation of your experience.

Step 2: Choose a Simple CV Layout

A clean and structured layout improves readability and ATS compatibility.

Use:

• A single-column format
• Clear section headings
• Consistent spacing
• Standard professional fonts
• Simple bullet points
• Clear date formatting
• Readable text size

A CV does not need to be plain or unattractive. Subtle professional styling is acceptable, provided it does not interfere with readability or data extraction.

Should You Use Two Columns?

There is no absolute rule against two-column CVs. Modern ATS systems are generally capable of reading more complex layouts.

However, a single-column format remains the safest option when ATS compatibility is a priority, as it reduces the risk of information being misread or reordered incorrectly.

For corporate applications, graduate programmes, and online submissions where the system is unknown, a simple single-column CV is recommended.

Step 3: Use Standard CV Headings

Use clear and widely recognised section headings to ensure both recruiters and ATS software can interpret your CV correctly:

Professional Summary

A concise overview of your experience, skills, and career focus.

Skills

A structured list of relevant technical and professional competencies.

Work Experience

Your employment history, listed in reverse chronological order.

Education

Your academic qualifications and institutions attended.

Certifications

Relevant professional training, licences, and certificates.

Projects

Useful for students, graduates, and career changers.

Volunteer Experience

Relevant unpaid experience that demonstrates transferable skills.

References

Include if requested or if it strengthens your application.

Step 4: Create a Strong Professional Summary

Your professional summary should be specific, relevant, and tailored to the role. Avoid generic statements that do not add value.

This provides no meaningful insight to the employer.

This version clearly communicates qualifications and career direction.

If you are a matriculant or entry-level applicant, focus on education, transferable skills, and career goals rather than overstating experience.

Step 5: Add the Right Contact Details

Place your contact information at the top of your CV in a clear and professional format.

Use a professional email address that includes your name.

Avoid including unnecessary personal information that is not required for the application.

Step 6: Write Your Work Experience Properly

Work experience should demonstrate impact, not just list responsibilities.

Use the following format:

Then include clear bullet points:

Where possible, highlight measurable outcomes.

Ensure all figures and claims are accurate.

Step 7: Build a Relevant Skills Section

Your skills section should be specific, relevant, and aligned with the job description.

Avoid overly generic terms such as:

• Hardworking
• Team player
• Good communication
• Fast learner

Instead, focus on demonstrable skills.

Administrative Skills Example

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Data Capturing
• Customer Service
• Document Management
• Calendar Management
• Filing Systems
• Administrative Support

IT Skills Example

• Python
• SQL
• JavaScript
• Git
• Data Analysis
• Troubleshooting
• Microsoft Azure

Only include skills you can confidently demonstrate.

Step 8: Match Relevant Keywords Naturally

Keywords help employers and ATS systems identify relevant candidates based on job requirements.

The key principle is natural integration.

Instead, incorporate relevant terms into your summary, skills, and experience sections.

For example, if the role requires data capturing, use that exact term where appropriate rather than replacing it with vague alternatives.

Use variations only when they accurately reflect your experience.

Step 9: List Your Education Clearly

Education should be presented in a clear and structured format.

Include where relevant:

• Qualification name
• Institution
• Year of completion
• NQF level
• Relevant subjects
• Academic distinctions

Highlight relevant subjects or achievements where they strengthen your application.

Step 10: Include Certifications and Training

Only include certifications that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

• First Aid
• Computer Literacy Training
• Microsoft Certifications
• Project Management Training
• Industry-Specific Certificates
• Driver’s Licence
• Professional Registrations

Prioritise quality and relevance over quantity.

Step 11: Add Projects If You Lack Work Experience

Students and graduates often worry because they do not have a long employment history. Projects can help demonstrate practical skills.

Projects should demonstrate work you actually completed.

Step 12: Make Your CV ATS-Friendly Without Removing All Design

ATS-friendly does not mean your CV must look terrible. You can still use professional design elements.

• Professional headings
• One accent colour
• Bold section headings
• Good spacing
• Consistent typography
• Simple lines
• Clear bullet points

Be cautious with:

• Large graphics
• Infographics
• Skill bars
• Charts
• Decorative icons
• Text inside images
• Excessive colours
• Complex text boxes
• Unusual fonts

The safest design is one where the important information exists as normal selectable text.

Step 13: Choose the Correct File Format

Always check the vacancy before deciding whether to submit a PDF or Word document.

Do not assume PDF is automatically the correct format for every ATS. Modern systems can process many PDF documents, but employers have different systems and requirements.

Step 14: Test Your CV Before Applying

Before submitting your CV, open the final document and check it carefully.

One simple way to check whether your CV is readable is to copy all the text from the document and paste it into a plain-text editor.

Read the extracted information and check whether it appears in a logical order.

• Your name
• Contact details
• Professional summary
• Skills
• Work experience
• Education
• Certifications

If the extracted text is badly scrambled, reconsider the layout. This is particularly useful if you have used columns, tables, text boxes or heavily designed templates.

Common ATS CV Mistakes to Avoid

Using a Photo When It Is Not Required

A professional photograph is not necessary for most applications unless the employer or profession specifically asks for one.

Hiding Keywords

Never use white text, tiny text or hidden keywords to manipulate screening software. Your CV should be honest and readable.

Keyword Stuffing

Adding a keyword repeatedly will not make you a stronger candidate. Use important terms naturally.

Using Graphics Instead of Text

A graphic showing "Excel – 90%" is less useful than simply writing Microsoft Excel – Intermediate.

Sending the Same CV Everywhere

Your CV should be adapted to the position. You do not need to rewrite the entire document for every vacancy, but your summary, skills and most relevant experience should reflect the job requirements.

Listing Duties Without Results

Whenever possible, explain what you actually accomplished instead of simply listing responsibilities.

Including False Information

Never add a qualification, software skill, job title or achievement simply because you believe it will improve your ATS ranking.

ATS-Friendly CV Example Structure

How to Build an ATS-Friendly CV on Your Phone

You can create an ATS-friendly CV without a laptop.

1. Find a simple CV template.
2. Choose a single-column template with readable text.
3. Open it in a mobile CV builder or document editor.
4. Add your contact details.
5. Write your professional summary.
6. Add your skills.
7. Add education and qualifications.
8. Add work experience, projects or volunteer work.
9. Compare your CV against the vacancy.
10. Proofread everything.
11. Export the requested file format.
12. Open the final document on your phone before submitting.

Should You Use an ATS CV Checker?

An ATS checker can be useful for identifying missing keywords, formatting problems or sections that may need improvement.

However, do not become obsessed with achieving a "100% ATS score".

Use an ATS checker as a review tool rather than a guarantee of success. The real goal is a CV that accurately communicates your qualifications and experience to both software and recruiters.

South African CV Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Suggested Internal Links

Suggested Image Ideas and Alt Text

• Image 1: South African job seeker editing a CV on a laptop
  Alt text: South African job seeker creating an ATS-friendly CV
• Image 2: Clean single-column CV displayed on a laptop
  Alt text: ATS-friendly South African CV format
• Image 3: Smartphone showing a CV checklist
  Alt text: ATS-friendly CV checklist for South African job seekers
• Image 4: CV beside a job advertisement with highlighted skills
  Alt text: Matching CV keywords to a South African job description
• Image 5: Graduate reviewing a CV before applying for a job
  Alt text: Graduate checking an ATS-friendly CV before submitting a job application