Every year, thousands of young South Africans apply for government-supported youth opportunities hoping to secure practical work experience, training exposure, and a pathway into employment. One of the opportunities attracting major interest is the National Youth Service (NYS) Phase V Programme.
But while many applicants focus only on submitting applications before the deadline, one important document often determines whether an application stands out: the CV.
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is more than a list of your qualifications. For NYS opportunities, it is your opportunity to show readiness, commitment, potential, and attention to detail.
The good news? You do not need years of work experience to create a strong CV.
This guide explains exactly how to write a winning CV for the National Youth Service Phase V Programme.
Quick Overview
- Programme: National Youth Service (NYS) Phase V
- Target audience: South African youth
- Main document required: Updated CV
- Recommended CV length: 1–2 pages
- Work experience required: Not always
- Important focus: Skills, education, community involvement, willingness to learn
- Best format: Clean, simple, easy to read
- File format: PDF (unless instructed otherwise)
What Is the National Youth Service Programme?
The National Youth Service Programme is designed to provide young South Africans with opportunities to gain practical exposure, community development experience, workplace readiness skills, and pathways into employment or further development programmes.
Because these programmes receive large numbers of applications, recruiters often scan CVs quickly.
Your goal is not to impress with fancy design.
Your goal is to make it easy for recruiters to see:
- Who you are
- What you have achieved
- Why you qualify
- Why you should be shortlisted
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Before You Start Writing Your CV
Prepare the following information:
- South African ID number
- Full names
- Contact details
- Residential address
- Highest qualification
- School subjects (if recently matriculated)
- Training certificates
- Volunteer experience
- Community work
- Leadership roles
- References
Keep all information accurate.
Step 1: Add Professional Personal Information
Start with basic information.
Example:
Personal Information
Full Name: Siyanda Mhlongo
ID Number: [Optional if requested]
Phone Number: 071 XXX XXXX
Email Address: yourname@email.com
Residential Area: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Do NOT include:
- Marital status
- Religion
- Gender (unless requested)
- Multiple phone numbers
- Nicknames
- Social media accounts
Step 2: Write a Strong Professional Summary
This section appears below your contact details.
Keep it short.
Example:
Motivated and hardworking young South African seeking an opportunity through the National Youth Service Phase V Programme. Passionate about community development, learning new skills, and contributing positively while gaining practical workplace experience.
Why this matters:
Recruiters often read this section first.
Step 3: Highlight Your Education Properly
For many NYS applicants, education is the strongest section.
Example:
Education
Grade 12 (Matric)
School Name
Year Completed: 2025
Subjects:
- English
- Mathematics Literacy
- Life Sciences
- Geography
- Business Studies
- Life Orientation
- IsiZulu
If you completed TVET, university modules, or short courses, include them.
Add:
- Qualification
- Institution
- Completion year
Step 4: Include Skills That Match NYS Requirements
Do not simply write “hardworking.”
Show practical skills.
Good examples:
Skills
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Computer literacy
- Microsoft Word
- Time management
- Community engagement
- Administrative support
- Customer service
- Record keeping
- Adaptability
- Ability to work under pressure
Only include skills you actually have.
Step 5: Add Work Experience (If You Have Any)
No formal experience?
That is okay.
You can include:
- Volunteer work
- Church projects
- Community programmes
- School leadership
- Family business assistance
- Temporary jobs
Example:
Experience
Community Volunteer
January 2025 – March 2025
Responsibilities:
- Assisted with community outreach
- Registered participants
- Maintained attendance records
- Supported daily administration
Step 6: Include Community Involvement
National Youth Service values community participation.
Examples:
Community Activities
- Local clean-up campaigns
- Youth groups
- Sports leadership
- Community food drives
- School committees
- Volunteer programmes
This section can strengthen your application even without employment history.
Step 7: Add Short Courses and Certificates
Examples:
Additional Training
- Computer Literacy
- First Aid
- Entrepreneurship
- Customer Service
- Digital Skills
- Occupational Health and Safety
Include completion dates.
Step 8: Include References Correctly
Use people who know your work ethic.
Example:
References
Mr John Dlamini
Former Supervisor
071 XXX XXXX
Ms Thandi Ndlovu
Teacher
072 XXX XXXX
Always ask permission first.
Step 9: Format Your CV Professionally
Recruiters often reject difficult-to-read CVs.
Use:
- Font: Arial or Calibri
- Font size: 11–12
- Black text
- Clear headings
- PDF format
- Consistent spacing
Avoid:
- Bright colours
- Tables
- Photos
- Decorative graphics
- Long paragraphs
Common CV Mistakes That Reduce Your Chances
Avoid these:
- Spelling mistakes
- Missing contact details
- Fake experience
- Submitting Word files instead of PDF
- Using one CV for every opportunity
- Empty pages
- Too many pages
- Unprofessional email addresses
Bad email: coolboy123@email.com
Better: firstname.lastname@email.com
Sample NYS CV Structure
Page 1
Personal Information
Professional Summary
Education
Page 2
Skills
Experience
Community Activities
Certificates
References
Keep it simple.
Extra Tips to Improve Your NYS Application
Your CV alone may not guarantee selection.
Also:
- Submit before deadline
- Follow instructions exactly
- Use certified documents if requested
- Rename files correctly
- Check phone and email regularly
- Prepare for interviews
Edupstairs Advice
Many young people underestimate the importance of a CV.
Recruiters are not expecting perfection. They are looking for applicants who follow instructions, communicate clearly, and show potential.
Before submitting:
- Read your CV twice
- Save as PDF
- Ask someone to review it
- Make small improvements for every application
Remember: opportunities are competitive, but a clear and honest CV can immediately place you ahead of many applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply without work experience?
Yes. Many NYS applicants are first-time job seekers.
- Should I include my photo?
Only if requested.
- How many pages should my CV be?
Preferably one to two pages.
- Must I include references?
Yes, where possible.
- Can handwritten CVs be accepted?
Only if specifically requested.
- Should I include hobbies?
Only if relevant and brief.
You can also:
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- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
This article is intended as an educational guide only. Applicants should always follow the official requirements and instructions published for the National Youth Service Phase V Programme.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY