PDF or Word? Layout tips, structure, and the CV basics South African professionals should know
Creating a polished, professional CV is more than a tick-box exercise—it’s your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on a potential employer. Whether you're applying for a local tech role or targeting opportunities abroad, your CV's format, structure, and presentation can make or break your chances.
In this guide, we walk through best practices for CV formatting, the pros and cons of PDF vs Word documents, and how to ensure your CV is ATS-friendly and aligned with what hiring managers in South Africa and beyond expect.
1. Use a clean, professional font
Stick to classic, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Avoid overly decorative fonts—clarity trumps creativity in most industries.
2. Choose the right font size
Keep it between 10pt and 12pt. Your CV should be legible on any device without taking up unnecessary space.
3. Structure your CV clearly
Use clear section headings (e.g. Personal Information, Skills, Work Experience, Education) and structure your experience in reverse chronological order. Recruiters want to see your most recent and relevant roles first.
4. Highlight strategically
Use bold or italics for job titles, section headers, or companies—but don’t overdo it. The goal is to guide the reader’s eye, not overwhelm it.
5. Write full, results-driven sentences
Use strong action verbs (e.g. implemented, designed, improved) to describe your achievements and responsibilities. Avoid copying and pasting from job descriptions.
6. Use whitespace effectively
A cramped CV is hard to read. Ensure there’s sufficient spacing between sections and roles to make scanning easy.
7. Check grammar and spelling
Typos can cost you an interview. Use a spell checker, read your CV aloud, and have someone else review it if possible.
8. Tailor for your industry
If you’re in a creative field (design, media, etc.), a visually unique CV might help. But for IT, finance, engineering, or corporate sectors, keep it clean and professional. Formatting gimmicks can backfire if your CV isn’t compatible with employer systems.
This is one of the most common CV questions we get at Skillzpage. The answer? It depends on where and how you’re applying. Here’s a breakdown:
When to Use a PDF
Preserves formatting: What you see is what the employer sees—your layout won’t shift between devices.
Read-only: PDFs are not easily editable, protecting your content from being accidentally changed.
Professional appearance: PDFs generally look more polished and are ideal when emailing your CV directly.
When to Use a Word Document
ATS compatibility: Many Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) handle Word documents better than PDFs, especially if the system is parsing text to rank candidates.
Recruiter editing: Some recruiters prefer Word files so they can easily tweak formatting before forwarding to clients.
Job board uploads: Some platforms may specifically request .doc or .docx formats.
Caution with Word Files
Your formatting may appear differently depending on the version of Word or software used.
Remove any metadata or hidden information to protect your privacy before sending.
As a general rule:
Use a PDF if you're emailing your CV directly or want to preserve formatting perfectly.
Use a Word document if the job ad requests it or you’re applying via a system that uses ATS parsing.
Tip: Keep both versions ready. This way, you can quickly adapt to different submission requirements without scrambling to reformat your CV.
Your CV isn’t just a document—it’s your personal marketing pitch. A clean, professional layout combined with strong, clear content gives employers confidence in your attention to detail and communication skills.
At Skillzpage, we’ve helped thousands of professionals across South Africa and beyond land roles by refining not just their CVs, but their overall career strategy. Whether you're a seasoned developer, business analyst, or newly qualified graduate, presentation matters.
Need help reviewing your CV or tailoring it for the South African market?
We’ve got insights, templates, and industry-specific advice. Visit our Career Insights Hub or get in touch with one of our expert recruiters.
