How to prepare a Resume to Work in South Africa

This is a short guide to help you. How to prepare a resume to work in South Africa.

The key focus of your South African resume should be to persuade the employer to invite you for an interview. Therefore, your South Afican Resume / CV is a marketing tool, which should be adapted to the market in which you intend to use it.

The aim of your South African Resume / CV is to sell yourself so an employer will want to interview you.

Because there are no strict rules for resume / CVs in South Africa two types may be used.

You can sent a “Brief Profile” in form of one page CV letter. This is a short summary of your full “Comprehensive CV” giving personal information, education and a chronological list of previous positions emphasizing your most recent or relevant position.

Mention that a comprehensive CV is available.

In “Education” section, list with dates schools attended, their locations, your majors, diplomas and degrees.

South African employers think that post-school education is very important, so stress on relevant courses and education programs.

Briefly list extra curricular activities, leadership roles, awards, honors and any extra courses, training or relevant experience.

In the final section, list professional affiliations, relevant volunteer experience and foreign languages with reference to the spoken and written level.

Include the names of several references, with contact information. Also you may mention your hobbies.

Work permits in South Africa

• If you are a foreigner wishing to work in South Africa, you need a ‘sponsor’ – a letter written by your South African employer
offering you a job. There must also be a proven demand in your occupational category.
• The completed application form, a firm offer of employment and specified supporting documentation must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the proposed date of departure for South Africa.
• Contact the South African embassy in your home country for further information.

The application procedure in South Africa

• The application procedure in South Africa is more commercial than in most other countries.
• Put stress on relevant courses and education programmes – South African employers find post-school education important.
• You should expect a delay of up to one month before you receive an answer following an interview.

The application letter in South Africa

• The application letter should be typed in a professional style.
• You should specify your expertise and how this can contribute to the company and to South Africa.
• It is customary to follow up your letter by phone.

Dos

• Look interested – ask questions. Power words and action verbs
• Be aware of the company’s activities, products and history. Accomplished Improved
• Ask if you don’t understand the question. Achieved Negotiated
• Provide examples to prove your achievements. Carried out Realised
• Use power words and action verbs to emphasise your skills. Finalised

Don’ts

• Sit until invited.
• Go over the top – stay calm and stick to the facts.
• Be too quick on a first name basis in South Africa.
• Criticise former employers.
• Be surprised about a delay before you receive answer after an interview.

Management culture in South Africa

• The organisational structure of South African companies is a pyramid with a strong vertical inclination.
• South Africans prefer to work with a group of people they know and can relate to.
• Employees often ask their superiors to make important decisions for them, which causes delays in decision-making.
• Being ‘on time’ in business situations generally means being about five minutes early.