5 Things South African Employers Look For Beyond the CV

In South Africa’s competitive job market, having a polished CV is only the first step. Employers are inundated with hundreds of applications for a single role, and while qualifications and experience matter, they’re often not enough to land you the job.

What really makes candidates stand out? It’s the qualities beyond the CV — the intangible skills, attributes, and attitudes that employers believe will contribute to their organisation’s culture, resilience, and long-term success.

At SM2 Talent, we’ve partnered with leading businesses across South Africa, and here’s what we consistently hear they’re looking for in candidates:

Communication & Presentation Skills

Strong communication is universally valued, but in South Africa, it holds particular weight. Our diverse workplaces often bring together multiple languages, backgrounds, and cultural norms. Employers want candidates who can articulate themselves clearly, adapt their style to different audiences, and present their ideas with confidence.

Think beyond “good English” or “professional writing.” Communication includes:

• Active listening during meetings and interviews.

• Non-verbal cues like body language, eye contact, and tone of voice.

• Presentation skills — being able to lead a client pitch, explain a report, or present findings to senior management.

👉 Tip: Practice concise storytelling about your career and achievements. Employers want clarity, not jargon.

Cultural Fit & Inclusivity

South Africa’s workforce is one of the most diverse in the world, and businesses are increasingly focused on inclusivity. Beyond skills, employers want people who align with their values and can contribute positively to the culture.

Cultural fit doesn’t mean being the same as everyone else — it means complementing the team dynamic. Do you embrace diversity? Can you work with colleagues who have different backgrounds, perspectives, or work styles?

👉 Tip: During interviews, show curiosity about the company’s culture and values. Be ready to share how you’ve adapted to new environments in the past.

Adaptability in Hybrid Work Environments

Since the pandemic, hybrid and remote working models have become a permanent fixture in South Africa. Employers now favour candidates who can thrive in flexible setups — whether working from home, collaborating online, or balancing hybrid schedules.

Adaptability in this context means:

• Comfort with technology (Zoom, Teams, project management tools).

• Discipline and self-motivation when working remotely.

• Collaboration skills across digital platforms.

👉 Tip: Highlight times you’ve worked remotely or adapted quickly to change. Even simple examples — like learning a new system fast — can demonstrate adaptability.

Initiative & Problem-Solving Skills

Employers don’t just want doers; they want thinkers. Taking initiative means spotting a challenge, suggesting solutions, and contributing proactively.

Problem-solving is particularly critical in South Africa, where many industries face resource constraints, infrastructure challenges, or regulatory hurdles. Employers value candidates who remain calm under pressure and find creative solutions.

👉 Tip: In your CV or interview, frame your achievements with the “Problem – Action – Result” method to show initiative and impact.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional intelligence is a super-skill in modern workplaces. Employers want people who can manage their emotions, empathise with colleagues, and build healthy working relationships.

Why does this matter in South Africa? Because collaboration across diverse teams, resilience during economic uncertainty, and empathy in customer interactions are increasingly seen as non-negotiable.

👉 Tip: Demonstrate EQ in your interview by staying composed under pressure, actively listening, and showing empathy for colleagues or clients in your examples.

Final Word

Your CV gets you noticed, but who you are beyond the paper gets you hired. Employers in South Africa are prioritising soft skills, adaptability, and cultural fit more than ever before.

At SM2 Talent, we specialise in helping candidates highlight these qualities — not just on paper, but in interviews and even through tools like Video CVs. Remember, employers don’t just want skills; they want people who can grow, adapt, and thrive in their teams.

Looking for your next career move? Partner with SM2 Talent today and let’s showcase the qualities that set you apart.