Your CV is your first impression when applying for internships or jobs—so don’t let small mistakes ruin big opportunities! Many students lose out on interviews simply because of avoidable errors on their CVs.
In this post, we reveal the 10 most common CV mistakes students and graduates make, and more importantly, how to fix them to land more interviews and internship offers.
🔟 1. Using a Complicated or Unprofessional CV Design
Mistake: Using fancy fonts, colours, images, or over-the-top designs that make your CV hard to read.
Fix: Stick to a clean and simple format. Use professional fonts like Arial or Calibri, black text on a white background, and clear headings. Your goal is to make your CV easy to scan quickly.
9️⃣ Missing Contact Information
Mistake: Forgetting to include basic contact details like your phone number or email.
Fix: Always include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email
- City & province (e.g., Cape Town, Western Cape)
- LinkedIn profile (if available)
✅ Double-check that your contact details are correct and up to date.
8️⃣ Using an Unprofessional Email Address
Mistake: Using emails like baby_girl99@gmail.com or bossplayer@ymail.com
Fix: Create a free, professional-looking email using your name.
Example: sihle.mthembu@gmail.com
7️⃣ Too Long or Too Short
Mistake: Submitting a CV that’s either one paragraph or five full pages.
Fix: Keep your CV to 1–2 pages max. Focus on relevant skills, education, and experiences that match the role.
6️⃣ Poor Grammar or Spelling Errors
Mistake: Typos and bad grammar show carelessness and can cost you the opportunity.
Fix: Use a spell checker, ask someone to proofread your CV, or run it through Grammarly. Always double-check before submitting.
5️⃣ Listing Duties, Not Achievements
Mistake: Writing boring lists like “Answered phones” or “Helped with admin.”
Fix: Focus on what you achieved, not just what you did.
Instead of: “Helped customers”
Say: “Assisted over 50 customers per day, resolving queries and improving satisfaction.”
4️⃣ Using the Same CV for Every Application
Mistake: Sending one generic CV to every internship or job.
Fix: Tailor your CV slightly for each application. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description.
✅ Use keywords from the job post.
3️⃣ Including Irrelevant Information
Mistake: Adding hobbies, childhood achievements, or outdated school awards.
Fix: Focus on what’s relevant to the job: education, skills, internships, projects, and achievements that matter.
2️⃣ Lying or Exaggerating
Mistake: Claiming to have skills or experience you don’t really have.
Fix: Be honest. Employers can easily check your background. Rather highlight transferable skills and your willingness to learn.
1️⃣ Not Showing Your Skills Clearly
Mistake: Hiding your skills in paragraphs or not listing them at all.
Fix: Add a Skills section on your CV and include both soft skills (teamwork, communication) and technical skills (Excel, Photoshop, coding, Canva, etc.).
✅ Final Tip: Always Save as PDF
Save and send your CV as a PDF file to keep the layout intact when it’s opened on different devices.
📥 Want a Free CV Template?
👉 Download a free editable CV template for students and graduates here
📚 More CV & Internship Resources
- How to Write a CV for Internships in South Africa
- How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship
- How to Get an Internship Without Experience
💬 Need Help With Your CV?
Email us at info@gointern.co.za for free feedback and support from our team. Let’s help you take the next step!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Internships in South Africa 2026
Internships are one of the most effective ways for young people in South Africa to gain real-world work experience. Whether you are a recent graduate, a student still studying, or someone looking to change careers, internships can open the door to valuable opportunities. Below are some of the most common questions about internships in South Africa, along with detailed answers to help you succeed.
1. What is an internship?
An internship is a structured program offered by companies, government departments, or NGOs that allows students and graduates to gain work experience in their chosen field. Internships are usually temporary — lasting anywhere from three months to a year — and may be paid or unpaid.
Unlike casual work, an internship focuses on skills development, mentorship, and exposure to professional environments. Many internships lead to permanent jobs if the candidate performs well.
2. Why are internships important in South Africa?
Internships are especially important in South Africa because many employers require work experience even for entry-level jobs. Since graduates often finish university or college without practical experience, internships help bridge this gap.
Key benefits of internships include:
- Gaining hands-on skills relevant to your career.
- Building a professional network.
- Improving your CV and employability.
- Increasing chances of securing permanent employment.
- Exploring different career paths before committing long-term.
3. Are internships paid in South Africa?
Internships in South Africa can be both paid and unpaid.
- Paid internships usually offer a monthly stipend to cover transport, food, and basic living costs. The amount varies by company and industry.
- Unpaid internships provide work experience without financial support. These are more common in NGOs, creative industries, or small businesses.
Even if an internship is unpaid, the value of experience, references, and networking can outweigh the lack of pay — especially for students looking to enter competitive industries.
4. Who can apply for an internship?
Most internships are designed for:
- Recent graduates who have completed a diploma, degree, or certificate.
- Final-year students seeking workplace experience as part of their qualification.
- Unemployed youth registered with programs like YES (Youth Employment Service).
Some internships are open to all young South Africans aged 18–35, while others may require specific qualifications or skills.
5. How long do internships last?
The duration of internships varies depending on the employer and industry:
- Short internships: 3–6 months, often project-based.
- Graduate internships: 12 months, common in government and corporate programs.
- Work-integrated learning (WIL): 6–12 months, usually required by universities or TVET colleges for graduation.
6. How do I find internships in South Africa?
There are several ways to find internship opportunities:
- Career websites such as GoIntern, Indeed, or Career24.
- Company websites — many big organizations like Sasol, Nedbank, or Eskom advertise graduate internships.
- Government portals like the DPSA (Department of Public Service and Administration).
- University career centers or student support services.
- Networking — asking lecturers, alumni, or professionals in your field.
7. What documents are needed to apply for an internship?
When applying for an internship, you will normally need:
- A South African ID (certified copy).
- An updated CV.
- Matric certificate and/or academic transcripts.
- Motivational letter explaining why you want the internship.
- Proof of residence (for government or municipal internships).
- Bank details (for paid internships).
8. Do internships guarantee permanent jobs?
Not always. Internships are primarily designed to give experience, not employment. However, many companies use internships as a recruitment tool. If you perform well, you may be offered a permanent position.
Your chances of being hired after an internship increase if you:
- Show commitment and professionalism.
- Take initiative and learn quickly.
- Build strong relationships with colleagues.
- Demonstrate that you add value to the organization.
9. What is the difference between an internship, learnership, and apprenticeship?
- Internship: For students or graduates, focused on workplace exposure. Duration is 3–12 months.
- Learnership: A structured program combining theory and practical training. Leads to an NQF qualification. Funded through SETAs.
- Apprenticeship: Technical training in trades (like plumbing, welding, or electrical work) that leads to artisan qualifications.
10. When should I apply for internships in 2026?
Most internships for the 2026 intake will open between September 2025 and February 2026. Graduate programs at large companies usually advertise opportunities towards the end of the year for placements starting in January. Government internships often open at the beginning of the year.
To increase your chances:
- Start searching in the second half of 2025.
- Keep your CV updated.
- Apply to multiple opportunities — don’t wait for just one.
Conclusion
Internships are a stepping stone to building a successful career in South Africa. They provide students and graduates with valuable skills, workplace experience, and networking opportunities that can lead to permanent employment. Whether paid or unpaid, an internship in 2026 could be the launchpad for your future success.
If you’re serious about your career, start preparing your application documents now and keep an eye on internship listings throughout 2025.
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