Most CVs are rejected before a human ever reads them. Here's how to make sure yours gets through.
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that companies use to manage job applications. When you submit your CV online — whether through PNet, CareerJunction, LinkedIn, or a company's own website — it almost always goes through an ATS first. The system scans your CV for keywords, formatting, and relevance before a recruiter ever lays eyes on it. If your CV doesn't pass the ATS filter, it's automatically rejected.
South African companies — especially large corporates, banks, retailers, and government entities — receive hundreds of applications per role. HR teams simply don't have time to read every CV manually. ATS software like SAP SuccessFactors, BambooHR, and Workday are widely used across SA employers.
Job boards like PNet and CareerJunction also use their own matching algorithms. If your CV isn't optimised, you're invisible — even if you're the perfect candidate.
Read the job ad carefully and mirror its exact language. If it says "financial reporting," don't write "financial statements." ATS systems match exact phrases.
Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers, and columns. ATS systems often can't read them. Stick to a single-column layout with clear headings.
Use headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" — not creative alternatives like "My Journey" or "What I've Done." ATS systems look for standard labels.
Never submit a scanned CV or one built entirely in Canva or InDesign. The text must be selectable. Always export as a proper PDF — not an image.
Name, email, phone number, and location (city at minimum). Some ATS systems won't process applications without complete contact information.
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