Just finished matric and have zero work experience? You’re not stuck — you just need to know what to include instead. South African employers hiring for learnerships, YES Programmes, and entry-level roles don’t expect you to have a work history. Here’s how to build a CV that gets you noticed.
1. Start with a strong Personal Statement Write 3–4 sentences about who you are, what you’re good at, and what you’re looking for. Keep it simple and honest. Example: “Motivated matric graduate from Johannesburg with strong communication skills and a passion for customer service. I am punctual, a fast learner, and ready to work hard. Looking for an entry-level retail or admin role where I can grow.”
2. List your Matric results Include your subjects and symbols. Strong marks in English, Maths, or Accounting are valuable to employers. Don’t hide poor results — just focus on what you did well.
3. Include all experience — paid or unpaid Never did a formal job? That’s fine. Include:
- Volunteer work (church, community, school)
- Helping a family business
- Babysitting or domestic work
- School leadership roles (SRC, sports captain, debate team)
- Any community projects
For each, write: what you did, how long, and what you achieved.
4. List your skills honestly
- Microsoft Word / Excel / PowerPoint
- Driver’s licence (code 8 or 10)
- Languages you speak fluently
- Customer service experience (even informal)
- Any computer or social media skills
5. Keep it to ONE page No work history = no need for more than one page. Use a clean, professional template. Avoid colours, photos, and fancy fonts. Black and white, simple layout, easy to read.
6. Proofread everything Spelling mistakes kill applications. Read your CV out loud, then ask someone else to check it. One typo can cost you an interview.
Use our free CV Builder at JobLaunchSA to create a professional CV in under 10 minutes — no design skills needed.
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