Finding a job in South Africa or abroad can feel hard, especially when your CV doesn’t even make it to a human. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs before a recruiter even looks at them. This software scans your CV for keywords and formats it so that it can understand. If your CV does not match what the system looks for, it may be rejected automatically. So even if you’re a great fit, you might not get a call.
Use the Right Keywords
One of the most important things you can do is to use the exact words found in the job ad. For example, if the company asks for a “retail assistant,” don’t write “shop helper” on your CV. According to Jobscan, a tool that tests CVs against ATS systems, matching at least 80% of the job ad keywords can increase your chances of getting through the first round. In South Africa, large employers like Woolworths and Pick n Pay use ATS software to handle thousands of job applications. When you use the job title and duties in the ad, you’re speaking the computer’s language.
A 2023 report by ResumeGo found that candidates who tailored their CVs for each job got 59% more interviews than those who sent the same CV everywhere. This shows that a little effort goes a long way. If you apply for a job in Cape Town as a “warehouse packer,” make sure your CV uses that exact phrase. Computers are not smart enough to guess what you meant.
Keep It Simple
Your CV should be clean and easy to read. Do not use tables, images, text boxes, or fancy fonts. ATS software often reads from top to bottom and left to right. If your name is in a text box or you use unusual designs, the system may skip it or turn it into unreadable code. This can make your CV seem blank or broken.
South African career coach Ntsako Mavundla advises, “The simpler your CV, the better. Many people use Canva templates that look great but fail ATS tests.” Stick to basic fonts like Arial or Calibri, and use bold text instead of colors. One of the most common mistakes local job seekers make is adding unnecessary graphics that confuse the system. If you want to impress a human, do it after your CV passes the computer.
Save in the Right Format
Most ATS systems prefer CVs in .docx or PDF format. These formats are easy for the software to scan and read. Avoid older formats like .doc or .rtf, and never send your CV as a picture file. Some systems cannot scan image files, and this means your application won’t be read at all.
In a test done by TopResume, a leading CV writing service, they found that 43% of applicants failed to get interviews because their file type could not be read. So, always double-check your file before hitting “submit.” Whether you’re applying to a South African bank or a Canadian retailer, a .docx file is a safe choice. If the job post asks for a PDF, follow that instruction exactly.
Match the Job Title
Another trick is to make sure the job title on your CV matches the one in the job post. If the job is for “Call Centre Agent,” and your CV says “Customer Care Specialist,” you may confuse the system. Keep your title simple and the same. This doesn’t mean you must lie. It just means you should align your job titles to what recruiters are searching for.
According to research from LinkedIn, recruiters often search for exact job titles using ATS tools. If your wording doesn’t match, your CV may not show up. This tip works well in both the South African job market and abroad. If you worked as a “Sales Assistant” at Mr Price, write that down clearly. Don’t get too creative.
Customise Your CV Every Time
You may think it’s easier to send the same CV to every job. But this will hurt your chances. You must adjust your CV for each job post. Focus on adding the exact skills, tasks, and results that match what the company wants. Show them that you are the right fit.
South African recruiter Ayanda Nkosi says, “I can tell when someone copied and pasted their CV. We are looking for people who actually read the job post.” A survey by CareerBuilder found that 63% of employers want to see CVs that are tailored to the job. Whether you apply in Durban or Dubai, tailoring your CV shows that you care and are serious about the job.
Apply Early and Follow Instructions
Timing matters. Hiring managers often look at the first batch of CVs they receive. If you wait too long, your CV might get buried. Apply within the first few days of the job post going live. Also, follow all instructions exactly. If they ask you to email your CV and cover letter, do it. If they ask you to answer a few questions, answer them.
Not following directions is one of the top reasons applicants get rejected. In one study by TalentWorks, applicants who applied within 96 hours of a job post going live were 8 times more likely to be hired. That’s why being fast and careful helps you stand out. Whether the job is in Johannesburg or New York, always follow directions.
Add Your Documents for International Jobs
If you’re applying for a job outside South Africa, add information about your passport or work permit. This tells employers that you can work legally. Many people get ignored because the company doesn’t know if they have the proper papers. If you already have a UK work visa, mention it at the top of your CV.
According to a study by Randstad, international employers are more likely to consider foreign candidates who clearly show they are “work-ready.” Make it easy for the company to say yes. If you plan to move to Australia and you have a valid visa, write that. Don’t make the recruiter guess.
Make Your CV ATS-Friendly
The truth is, most companies, even smaller ones, use ATS software to save time. This means your CV must be ready to face a robot before a human. According to Jobvite’s 2024 Hiring Benchmark Report, over 98% of Fortune 500 companies now use ATS, and the trend is growing in South Africa too. Even if the job ad doesn’t mention it, assume that your CV will be scanned.
One smart move is to test your CV using a free ATS checker online. Tools like ResumeWorded or Jobscan can help you find what you’re missing. You’ll learn what words to change and how to improve your match rate. In a competitive job market, that little edge can get you to the next round.
Final Thoughts
Getting hired today means more than just sending your CV. It means beating the software that stands between you and the job. Use the exact words as the ad, keep your design simple, save your file the right way, and apply it fast. Show that you’re a perfect match, and make sure your documents are easy to scan. Whether you want to work in Cape Town or Canada, an ATS-friendly CV can help you get there faster.
As Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” A few small changes can make a big difference. Don’t just apply, apply smart.
