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How to write a CV straight after matric

When you have just finished school, your matric results are the strongest thing on your CV. Employers, learnership programmes and bursary schemes all look at them first. This guide shows you how to present your National Senior Certificate (NSC) clearly, and what else a school leaver can add.

Present your matric properly

Many school leavers write only "Matric, 2025" and move on. That leaves out the details an employer is looking for. Under Education, include:

Explain your pass type

There are three NSC pass types, and each one opens different doors:

Each type needs certain minimum marks across your subjects. If you passed with distinction, or got a distinction (80% or more) in a subject, say so. Write it in plain words, for example "Bachelor pass, distinction in Mathematics".

Matric sits at NQF level 4. The NQF (National Qualifications Framework) ranks South African qualifications by level, and many job adverts say "NQF 4" when they mean matric. You do not have to write the level on your CV, but it helps to know what the advert means.

Should you list your marks?

List your subjects so employers can see what you studied. Add percentages when they help you get the job:

If some marks are low, you can list subjects without percentages. Never change a mark. Employers ask for a certified copy of your results, and a false mark can cost you the job.

Waiting for results or your certificate?

If you apply before results come out, write "National Senior Certificate, results expected in January". After results are released you get a statement of results. Your printed certificate comes later, so the statement is what you show at first. If you plan to rewrite or upgrade a subject, you can add a line saying so.

Show what you did at school

Your school years are full of evidence that you are reliable and can work with people. Pick the activities that are relevant and describe what you actually did.

Good things to include:

Example bullets

Each bullet starts with an action and shows a skill: speaking up, patience, planning.

Write a short profile for a school leaver

Your profile should mention your matric, one or two strengths, and what you are looking for.

Example profile

I passed matric in 2025 at Lehlohonolo Secondary School with a diploma pass and 72% for English. As class representative, I learnt to speak confidently and solve problems. I am looking for an entry-level call centre or admin job, or a learnership in business administration.

Use your gap time well

If you are not working or studying yet, the months after matric can still go on your CV. Short courses, volunteering, helping in a family business or a computer course all show that you are using your time. Write down the dates and what you learnt.

Register on SAYouth.mobi, which you can use on your phone, and with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. They connect young people with jobs and learning opportunities. Many matriculants also apply for learnerships; see our guide to a CV for learnerships.

Matric CV checklist

Leave out your ID number, date of birth and photo. Our guide on what to put on a South African CV explains why. If you have never had a job, how to write a CV with no experience has more ideas.

Start your matric CV

See how another school leaver did it in our matriculant with no experience example. Then open the builder, add your results and activities, choose from our CV templates, and preview it for free.

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