Professional CV Writers: Steps to Secure Your Next Interview

You might have years of experience and a solid reputation, but if your CV makes these common mistakes, you’re at risk of being overlooked:

1. Listing Responsibilities, Not Results

Example: “Responsible for managing a team of 10.”

Better: “Led a team of 10 to deliver a 15% increase in productivity within 6 months.”

2. Using Generic Language

Words like “hardworking,” “dedicated,” or “results-oriented” are overused and underwhelming. Instead, let your outcomes speak.

3. Ignoring ATS Requirements

If your CV isn’t formatted for Applicant Tracking Systems, it may not even reach a human reviewer. Keep in mind, 75% of SA firms use ATS (CareerJunction, 2025)

4. Not Tailoring to the Role

A one-size-fits-all CV will never outperform a tailored, role-specific document that speaks directly to the position.

1. Powerful Summary Statement

This is not a biography. It’s a positioning pitch. Think: “Why should they choose you?”

2. Clear Value Propositions

Include measurable outcomes, e.g.:

• “Reduced department costs by 18% year-on-year”
• “Scaled team from 5 to 22 while maintaining 95% retention”

3. Industry-Specific Keywords

We analyze job postings to identify and include the exact phrases recruiters and ATS systems are scanning for.

4. Clean, Professional Layout

A cluttered CV is a red flag. We ensure a clean, elegant format that makes scanning effortless.

1. Use Numbers to Prove Your Wins

Employers in South Africa want proof you can deliver. Numbers make your achievements real. Instead of saying “improved sales,” say “grew sales by 30% in six months.” A Cape Town director we worked with changed “led projects” to “delivered R5M project on time despite load shedding” which is exactly the type of content that will help you stand out. Professional CV writers know how to add numbers that catch attention, and we can help you do the same.

2. Strategy Over Tasks

Employers want results, not just responsibilities. List outcomes, not just duties. Strategic impact matters more than a long list of tasks.

3. AI-Friendly Formatting

If your CV can’t be read by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), it won’t be seen by a human. Avoid tables, graphics, and PDFs when possible. Stick to clean formatting, standard headings (e.g., “Experience,” “Education”), and logical structure. Plain formatting wins in 2025.

4. Clear Career Narrative

Disjointed roles create doubt. A strong executive CV shows clear progression, intentional career moves, and consistent results. If you’ve shifted industries or taken a sabbatical, explain it simply and professionally.

5. Digital & Tech Fluency

Even non-tech executives are expected to understand digital. Mention systems you’ve used (CRM, ERP, data dashboards), projects involving automation, or experience leading digital transformation. Being digitally fluent is no longer optional.

1. Local Market Expertise

We understand SA job trends, employer expectations, and cultural nuances (e.g., addressing BBBEE goals).

2. Executive-Level Storytelling

Your CV isn’t a document, it’s a career narrative. We position you as the solution to an employer’s needs.

3. Time-Saving and Efficient

Senior leaders don’t have hours to spend updating outdated CVs. A professional writer handles the heavy lifting, saving time while delivering results.

4. Tailored for Executive Roles

Generic CVs don’t work for high-level positions. We craft content that highlights leadership, strategy, and impact, what decision-makers look for at the top.

5. Objective Outside Perspective

It’s hard to write about yourself. We identify strengths, achievements, and differentiators you might overlook, ensuring your CV tells the full story.

6. Alignment with Career Goals

We don’t just rewrite and revamp CV, we align them with your next move. Whether you’re aiming for a board role or pivoting industries, your CV will support that goal.

Include Keywords from the Job Ad

Many CVs get filtered out before a human sees them. Make sure your CV includes relevant industry terms and job-specific keywords to pass ATS scans.

Keep It to 2 Pages

Even at senior levels, simplicity is better. Prioritise relevance over detail. If it doesn’t help you land the role, cut it.

Focus on Executive-Level Language

Avoid junior-sounding phrases like “helped with” or “assisted.” Use leadership-driven language like “led,” “delivered,” “spearheaded,” or “executed strategy.”

Align Your CV with LinkedIn

If your CV says one thing and your LinkedIn says another, it creates doubt. Ensure your dates, job titles, and value messages are aligned.

Emphasize Leadership, Not Just Tasks

Hiring managers want to see how you influence outcomes, manage people, and make strategic decisions, not just that you “completed tasks.”

Don’t Rely on Fancy Design

Avoid overly styled CVs with graphics or charts. Most employers (and ATS software) prefer clean, professional formatting.

Close with Professional Extras

Mention languages, board memberships, publications, or speaking engagements, these build authority and credibility.

Read more CV revamp FAQ

What If I Don’t Have Big Numbers to Show My Results?

Not every role has huge stats, but you can still show impact. Think about smaller wins. Did you save time, solve a problem, or improve a process? For example, “cut project delays by 15%” or “trained 5 new hires in one month” works. Professional CV writers at CV Design can help you find these wins and make them shine, even if they’re not million rand achievements.

Should I Include References on My CV?

No. Save space and say “References available on request.” 

Should I Mention Hobbies on My CV?

Only if they’re relevant, like “marathon runner” for a role needing resilience. Otherwise, skip them.

Should I Mention Salary Expectations on My CV?

No, it’s better to discuss this later. Keep your CV focused on your skills. 

Should I Include My Age or Birth Date?

No, it’s not needed and can lead to bias.