The correct CV format (section order)
A standard CV for the Zimbabwe job market runs top to bottom in this order. Keep it single-column and text-based so both people and hiring software can read it:
- Header — full name, professional title, phone, email, city.
- Professional summary — 2–3 lines on who you are and what you offer.
- Work experience — most recent first, with 3–5 bullet points each.
- Education — qualifications, institutions and years (O-Level, A-Level, diploma, degree).
- Skills — relevant to the advert.
- Optional sections — certifications, languages, referees, volunteer work.
Graduates and attachment students should place education above work experience — see our CV for attachment guide.
Each section, briefly explained
Header
Name and a professional job title, then contact details on one line. Use a professional email address and a phone number you actually answer. A city (e.g. Harare) is enough — no full home address needed.
Professional summary
Two or three sentences at the top that pitch you for the role. Lead with your most relevant experience or qualification.
Work experience
Reverse-chronological (newest first). For each role: job title, employer, dates, then bullet points that start with an action verb and show results with numbers where possible.
Education & skills
List qualifications with institution and year. Then 5–10 skills that match the advert — a mix of practical (Pastel, Excel, driving) and soft skills (communication, teamwork).
How long should a CV be?
One to two pages. Most Zimbabwean adverts that say "send your CV" want a focused 1–2 page document, not a ten-page history. Recent graduates and attachment students should aim for one page; experienced professionals can use two.
PDF or Word — which file format?
PDF is the safe default. It keeps your layout identical on any device and can't be accidentally edited. Some employers or ATS specifically ask for Word (.docx) — CV263 Standard lets you export both, so you're covered either way.
ATS-friendly formatting rules
Applicant tracking systems scan your CV as text. To pass them:
- Use a single-column layout with standard headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills).
- Stick to clear fonts and normal bullet points — avoid text boxes, tables and heavy graphics.
- Never put your name or key details inside an image — ATS can't read pictures.
- Save as PDF (or Word if asked), not a scanned photo of a printout.
Every CV263 template is built to parse cleanly. Browse ATS-friendly CV templates →
Common CV format mistakes
- Cramming everything onto a busy, hard-to-scan page.
- Using a handwritten or photographed CV instead of a typed PDF.
- Two-column designs and graphics that confuse hiring software.
- Inconsistent dates, fonts and spacing.
- No professional summary at the top.