Southern African CV Standards for South Africa’s Mining and Financial Services Economy
Crafting a CV for South Africa’s job market isn’t just about listing your experience—it’s about speaking the language of industries that drive the economy. Whether you’re targeting the high-stakes world of mining or the precision-driven financial sector, your CV needs to reflect local expectations. Forget generic templates; here, employers look for clarity, quantifiable results, and proof you understand their unique challenges.
Why Industry-Specific Formatting Matters
In mining, recruiters scan CVs for safety certifications and project scalability—think “Reduced downtime by 30% through predictive maintenance at a platinum mine.” Meanwhile, financial services demand crisp professionalism, with emphasis on compliance expertise (e.g., “Implemented FAIS Act-compliant processes for a R500M portfolio”). Both sectors share a pet peeve: fluff. South African hiring managers prefer:
- Bold, scannable headings (e.g., “Safety Compliance” or “Deal Pipeline Management”)
- Metric-driven achievements (avoid vague claims like “improved efficiency”)
- Local context—mentioning South African regulations (Mining Charter, POPIA) signals you’re market-ready
Pro Tip: A Johannesburg-based HR manager once told me, “We don’t have time for novels. Show me three lines that prove you’ve solved our problems before.”
The Unwritten Rules of South African CVs
Relationship-building matters here, but your CV must first pass the “30-second test.” That means:
- Lead with a punchy profile summary—2-3 lines max, tailored to the industry (e.g., “Mine engineer with 8 years in deep-level gold operations, specializing in cost-saving ventilation solutions”)
- Prioritize relevance over chronology: A junior accountant applying to a bank should highlight SARS compliance experience over unrelated retail jobs
- Localize your language: Use terms like “BEE-compliant initiatives” or “JSE-listed clients” to show insider knowledge
South Africa’s job market rewards those who bridge global expertise with local nuance. Your CV isn’t just a career snapshot—it’s your first audition. Ready to make it count? Let’s break down exactly how.
Introduction
South Africa’s job market is a dynamic landscape where global standards meet local realities—especially in powerhouse sectors like mining and financial services. A CV here isn’t just a career summary; it’s a strategic tool to prove you understand the unique challenges of these industries. Whether you’re a geologist eyeing a role at Sibanye-Stillwater or a financial analyst targeting Johannesburg’s corporate hubs, your CV must speak the language of South African employers.
Why South Africa’s CV Standards Differ
Unlike more generic international formats, South African recruiters prioritize clarity, relevance, and quantifiable impact. For example:
- Mining sector: Highlight safety certifications (like SAMTRAC), experience with local mineral extraction (platinum, gold), or crisis management in high-risk environments.
- Financial services: Showcase compliance knowledge (FAIS Act), familiarity with South African banking systems (e.g., SARB regulations), or client portfolios in emerging markets.
Pro Tip: A Cape Town headhunter once told me, “We don’t care about your degree from 15 years ago—we care how you’ve used it to solve problems last month.”
Tailoring Is Non-Negotiable
A one-size-fits-all CV won’t cut it. Consider these industry-specific tweaks:
- For mining roles: List hands-on experience with South African mines (e.g., “Optimized ore processing at Anglo American’s Limpopo site, reducing waste by 12%”).
- For finance roles: Emphasize local regulatory expertise (e.g., “Implemented POPIA-compliant data systems for a Johannesburg asset manager”).
South Africa’s job market is fiercely competitive, but also deeply relational. Employers don’t just want skills—they want proof you can navigate the country’s economic nuances. Your CV should answer one question: “How have you delivered results in a context like ours?”
What This Article Will Cover
We’ll break down exactly how to:
- Structure your CV for maximum readability (hint: reverse chronology isn’t always king).
- Highlight transferable skills without drowning in jargon.
- Optimize for applicant tracking systems (ATS) while keeping it human-friendly.
Ready to craft a CV that stands out in South Africa’s mining corridors and financial hubs? Let’s get started.
1. Understanding South African CV Standards
When applying for jobs in South Africa’s competitive mining and financial sectors, your CV isn’t just a summary of your career—it’s a strategic tool. Unlike in some markets where resumes are brief and punchy, South African employers expect a detailed, structured document that aligns with local norms. But what exactly sets a South African CV apart? Let’s break it down.
CV vs. Resume: Know the Difference
First, clarify the terminology. In South Africa, a CV (curriculum vitae) is the standard, not a resume. The key differences?
- Length: A resume is typically 1–2 pages; a South African CV can run 3–5 pages for senior roles, especially in mining or finance.
- Detail: Resumes highlight recent roles; CVs include full career histories, certifications, and even publications (common in academia or technical fields).
- Flexibility: While resumes are often tailored per job, South African CVs may be more comprehensive, with room for industry-specific add-ons like safety certifications (mining) or regulatory training (finance).
Pro Tip: A Johannesburg HR manager once told me, “If you’re applying for a mine supervisor role, I need to see your entire safety training history—not just your last job.”
Essential Components of a South African CV
Whether you’re targeting Anglo American or Standard Bank, these sections are non-negotiable:
- Contact Details: Full name, phone, email, and LinkedIn. Unlike in some markets, including your ID number (or passport for foreigners) is often expected.
- Professional Summary: A 3–4 line elevator pitch. For mining: “Mine engineer with 8 years in platinum extraction, specializing in cost-efficient blast designs.” For finance: “Chartered accountant with JSE-listed company experience, fluent in IFRS and South African tax law.”
- Work Experience: Reverse chronological order, with metrics. Avoid vague statements like “Managed a team.” Instead: “Led a 15-person crew at Sibanye-Stillwater, reducing downtime by 18% through preventive maintenance schedules.”
- Education & Certifications: Degrees matter, but in South Africa, industry-specific certs (e.g., Mine Manager’s Certificate, FAIS accreditation for finance) often carry equal weight.
- Skills: Prioritize technical skills (e.g., SAP for finance, AutoCAD for mining) and soft skills like “cross-cultural team leadership” (critical in SA’s diverse workplaces).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned professionals stumble here. Watch out for:
- Irrelevant details: Listing your high school debate trophies on a mining CV? Delete. Focus on what employers actually care about.
- Poor formatting: Dense blocks of text are a recruiter’s nightmare. Use bullet points, bold headers, and consistent fonts (Arial or Calibri, 11–12pt).
- Missing keywords: Many SA firms use ATS software. If the job ad mentions “compliance” or “ore reserve estimation,” mirror that language.
Remember, your CV isn’t just about you—it’s about proving you understand South Africa’s unique job market. Nail these standards, and you’re already ahead of 80% of applicants.
2. Structuring Your CV for the South African Market
Crafting a CV that resonates with South African employers—especially in high-stakes industries like mining and financial services—requires more than just listing your experience. It’s about presenting a clear, compelling narrative that aligns with local expectations. Here’s how to structure it for maximum impact.
Header and Personal Details: Keep It Professional (But Not Stuffy)
Your CV’s top third is prime real estate. Include:
- Full name (no nicknames)
- Professional contact details: A South African phone number and a polished email (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com—avoid quirky handles).
- LinkedIn/profile link (if relevant) only if it’s updated and professional.
What to exclude:
- Photos (unless explicitly requested—uncommon in SA).
- Personal details like ID numbers, marital status, or religion (these aren’t just irrelevant—they could introduce bias).
Pro Tip: A Cape Town recruiter shared: “I once received a CV with an email like ‘diamonddude93@yahoo.com.’ Instant delete. If you’re applying to De Beers, act like you belong there.”
Crafting a Compelling Professional Summary
This isn’t the place for vague clichés like “hardworking team player.” Instead, write a tight 3-4 line pitch that answers: What’s your unique value in this industry?
- For mining roles:
“Mine engineer with 8 years’ experience optimizing gold extraction processes, reducing downtime by 20% at Sibanye-Stillwater sites. Certified in SAMTRAC safety standards.” - For financial services:
“Chartered accountant specializing in JSE-listed equity analysis, with a track record of identifying undervalued stocks that outperformed the market by 15%.”
Key: Use industry jargon (“ore grade optimization,” “Basel III compliance”) to signal your fluency, but keep it concise.
Detailing Work Experience: Show Impact, Not Just Duties
Recruiters skim CVs in seconds. Make your achievements impossible to miss:
- Use bullet points, not paragraphs.
- Lead with action verbs: “Spearheaded,” “Reduced,” “Increased.”
- Quantify results:
- Mining: “Cut ventilation system energy costs by 18% at Impala Platinum’s Rustenburg shaft.”
- Finance: “Grew assets under management from R50M to R120M in 2 years.”
Avoid: Listing every task you’ve ever done. Focus on what moved the needle for past employers.
Education, Certifications, and Skills: Prioritize Relevance
South African employers care about applied knowledge. Structure this section strategically:
- Lead with degrees/diplomas (e.g., “BSc Geology, University of Witwatersrand”).
- Highlight industry-specific certifications:
- Mining: “Mine Overseer Certificate of Competency”
- Finance: “CFA Charterholder” or “SAIPA Accredited”
- Skills section: Blend technical and soft skills, but tailor them:
- Mining: “Blast fragmentation analysis, SAMTRAC, team leadership in high-risk environments.”
- Finance: “Financial modeling (Advanced Excel), SARB regulatory reporting, Bloomberg Terminal.”
Remember: If you’re a recent graduate, place education higher up. For seasoned pros, it goes after experience.
Final Polish: Align With Local Nuances
- Language: Use South African English (e.g., “labour” not “labor”).
- Length: Stick to 2-3 pages—mining CVs can run longer due to safety certifications, but finance roles favor brevity.
- Format: PDF only, with a clean, scannable layout (no flashy designs).
Your goal? Make the recruiter think, “This candidate knows our industry—and our market.” Nail this structure, and you’re not just another applicant; you’re the solution they’ve been searching for.
3. Tailoring Your CV for Key Industries
South Africa’s job market isn’t monolithic—what works for a mining engineer won’t land you a role in private equity. The key? Treat your CV like a chameleon: it should adapt to the industry’s language, priorities, and pain points. Here’s how to fine-tune it for sectors driving the economy.
Mining Sector: Safety, Skills, and Scale
In an industry where safety and efficiency are non-negotiable, your CV must prove you can deliver both. Recruiters at firms like Sibanye-Stillwater or Anglo American scan for:
- Certifications upfront: List your Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) training, SAMTRAC, or blasting licenses before your work history. One Rustenburg HR manager told me, “If I don’t see safety credentials in the top third of the CV, I assume the candidate isn’t serious.”
- Technical prowess: Use industry-specific terms like “ore grade optimization” or “load-and-haul operations”—but pair them with results. For example:
- “Reduced diesel consumption by 18% at a platinum mine through fleet route optimization.”
- “Led a team of 15 in implementing collision avoidance systems, cutting safety incidents by 40%.”
- Project scale: South Africa’s mines are massive. Quantify your experience with metrics like tonnage processed or teams managed to show you can handle the volume.
Pro Tip: Mining recruiters often search for keywords like “heavy machinery,” “ventilation systems,” or “MQA certifications.” Mirror the job description’s phrasing to pass automated screenings.
Financial Services: Precision Meets Compliance
Johannesburg’s banking hubs (Sandton’s “African Wall Street” included) demand CVs that blend analytical rigor with local regulatory savvy. Stand out by:
- Leading with numbers: Finance thrives on quantifiable impact. Instead of “Managed client portfolios,” write “Grew AUM by R22 million in 12 months through targeted high-net-worth client acquisition.”
- Showcasing software fluency: List tools like Bloomberg Terminal, Reuters Eikon, or Python for data analysis—but add context. For example: “Automated quarterly risk reports using Power BI, cutting generation time from 8 hours to 45 minutes.”
- Highlighting regulatory knowledge: South Africa’s financial landscape is tightly governed. Mention experience with:
- POPIA (data privacy)
- FSCA compliance
- Basel III frameworks
A Cape Town investment firm hiring manager shared this insight: “We don’t just want analysts—we want people who understand how South Africa’s financial regulations shape our strategies.”
Healthcare, IT, and Engineering: Industry-Specific Tweaks
For other high-demand sectors, adjust your CV’s emphasis:
- Healthcare:
- List HPCSA registration first.
- Highlight experience with South Africa’s public health challenges (e.g., “Reduced TB treatment dropout rates by 25% at a Gauteng clinic through community outreach programs.”).
- IT:
- Prioritize certifications (AWS, Azure, CISSP) but link them to projects (e.g., “Migrated a Johannesburg fintech’s infrastructure to cloud, achieving 99.9% uptime.”).
- Mention familiarity with local tech hubs like the Tshimologong Precinct.
- Engineering:
- Focus on infrastructure projects (e.g., “Designed water treatment systems for 3 Limpopo municipalities under DWS guidelines.”).
- Include ECSA accreditation prominently.
The bottom line? Your CV should answer one question before the recruiter even asks it: “How have you solved problems like ours before?” Nail that, and you’re not just another applicant—you’re the solution they’ve been searching for.
4. Optimizing Your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
If you’ve ever wondered why your meticulously crafted CV disappears into a recruiter’s “black hole,” the answer often lies with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). In South Africa’s competitive job market—especially in mining and finance—up to 75% of CVs never reach human eyes because they fail ATS scans. But here’s the good news: with a few strategic tweaks, you can outsmart the bots and land on the recruiter’s desk.
How ATS Works in South African Recruitment
ATS software acts like a gatekeeper, scanning CVs for keywords, formatting, and relevance before a human ever sees them. Major South African firms—from Anglo American to Standard Bank—rely on these systems to filter hundreds of applications. The bots score your CV based on:
- Keyword density: Industry-specific terms (e.g., “mine safety compliance” or “IFRS reporting”)
- Structure: Clear headings (e.g., “Work Experience,” “Education”)
- Readability: Avoids graphics, unusual fonts, or complex layouts
Pro Tip: A Johannesburg recruiter once told me, “The ATS doesn’t care about your beautiful two-column design. It wants plain text with the right keywords.”
Keyword Optimization: Speak the Bot’s Language
To pass the ATS test, your CV must mirror the job description’s language. For example:
- Mining roles: Include terms like “ore processing,” “SAMTRAC certification,” or “Mine Health and Safety Act.”
- Finance roles: Highlight “Basel III,” “JSE regulations,” or “financial modeling in Excel.”
Do this:
- Copy the job description into a word cloud generator (like Wordle) to spot recurring terms.
- Naturally weave these keywords into your bullet points.
- Avoid stuffing—bots penalize unnatural repetition.
ATS-Friendly Formatting: Keep It Simple
Your CV’s design could be the difference between rejection and an interview. Follow these rules:
- Use standard headings (e.g., “Professional Experience,” not “Where I’ve Worked”).
- Stick to reverse chronological order—ATS struggles with creative layouts.
- Avoid tables, images, or icons—they often render as gibberish in ATS scans.
- Save as a Word doc or PDF (text-based)—some systems can’t read PDFs with embedded graphics.
Tools to Test Your CV’s ATS Compatibility
Before hitting “submit,” run your CV through these free and paid tools:
- Jobscan (free tier available): Compares your CV against a job description, giving a match score.
- ResumeWorded (free): Analyzes keyword effectiveness and suggests improvements.
- TopResume’s ATS Checker (paid): Offers detailed feedback on readability and formatting.
Case Study: A Cape Town finance candidate increased interview callbacks by 40% after using Jobscan to align their CV with ATS preferences for “risk management” and “POPIA compliance” keywords.
Final Thought: Your CV Is a Tool, Not a Trophy
ATS optimization isn’t about tricking the system—it’s about ensuring your expertise gets seen. By combining clean formatting, strategic keywords, and local industry terms, you’ll clear the first hurdle in South Africa’s job market. Now, go make those bots work for you.
5. Design and Formatting Tips for a Professional CV
Your CV’s content might be stellar, but if it’s poorly formatted, recruiters in South Africa’s competitive job market—especially in mining and finance—might never read it. A polished layout isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making your expertise effortlessly discoverable. Here’s how to strike the perfect balance between professionalism and visual appeal.
Choose the Right Layout and Font
Stick to a clean, reverse-chronological format—this is the gold standard in South Africa. Use a professional font like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica (10–12 pt for body text, slightly larger for headings). Avoid decorative fonts; they distract from your content and can confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). For mining roles, where technical details matter, a two-column layout can help organize certifications (e.g., Mine Overseer Certificate) and skills efficiently. Finance CVs, however, should prioritize linear readability for quick scanning of key metrics (e.g., “Reduced operational costs by 15% at Standard Bank”).
Balance Readability with Visual Appeal
White space is your secret weapon. Dense blocks of text scream “overwhelming”—recruiters often skim CVs in under 30 seconds. Break up sections with clear headings (e.g., Work Experience, Skills, Education) and use bullet points for achievements. For example:
- Mining CV: “Led a team of 30 at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Driefontein mine, achieving a 20% reduction in downtime through predictive maintenance.”
- Finance CV: “Implemented JSE-listed client portfolios, increasing ROI by 18% YoY through strategic asset rebalancing.”
A subtle border or a single accent color (like navy or dark green) can add polish, but avoid flashy designs—they’re frowned upon in conservative industries like banking.
Cultural Nuances: When to Include a Photo
In South Africa, photos are optional and often industry-dependent.
- Include one if: You’re applying for client-facing roles (e.g., private banking, corporate sales) or international mining positions where team cohesion matters. Use a high-quality headshot with professional attire.
- Skip it if: You’re in tech, engineering, or back-office finance—these fields prioritize skills over appearance.
Pro Tip: A Johannesburg HR manager shared, “I’ve seen great CVs derailed by selfies or casual photos. If you include one, treat it like a LinkedIn profile picture—suit and tie or blazer, neutral background.”
Avoid Clutter Without Sacrificing Professionalism
South African recruiters value conciseness. Keep your CV to 2–3 pages max (mining CVs tend to run longer due to technical certifications). Delete irrelevant details—your high school achievements won’t impress a hiring manager at Absa or De Beers. Instead, focus on:
- Industry-specific keywords (e.g., “SAMREC Code compliance” for mining, “IFRS 9” for finance).
- Measurable results (use rand, percentages, or timeframes).
- Local context (mentioning South African companies or regulations signals market awareness).
Final Thought: Design for the Human and the Machine
Your CV must please both ATS algorithms and human recruiters. Use standard section headers, avoid graphics or tables (ATS can’t read them), and save as a PDF to preserve formatting. Remember, in South Africa’s job market, clarity is king—your goal is to make your value immediately obvious. Nail these design principles, and you’ll stand out in the stacks of generic applications.
6. Common CV Pitfalls and How to Fix Them
Your CV is your ticket to landing interviews in South Africa’s competitive job market—but even small mistakes can derail your chances. Whether you’re applying for a mining engineering role or a position in Johannesburg’s financial district, avoid these three career-limiting pitfalls and learn how to turn them into strengths.
1. Overly Generic or Vague Content
Recruiters skim hundreds of CVs daily. If yours reads like a template—“Hardworking team player seeking growth opportunities”—it’s headed for the reject pile.
Fix it with specificity:
- Mining example: Swap “Oversaw safety protocols” for “Reduced underground incident rates by 40% in 2023 through weekly crew training and updated risk assessments.”
- Finance example: Replace “Handled client accounts” with “Managed R15M private equity portfolio, delivering 12% annual returns despite 2022 market volatility.”
Pro Tip: Use the “So What?” test. Every claim should answer: Why does this matter to the employer?
2. Inconsistent Formatting and Errors
A Johannesburg HR manager once told me, “Typos tell me you don’t care—and if you don’t care about your CV, why would I trust you with my business?”
Polish your CV like a pro:
- Proofreading tools: Run drafts through Grammarly and Hemingway App to catch passive voice or spelling errors.
- Consistency checklist:
- Uniform bullet styles (● vs. →)
- Matching date formats (e.g., “Feb 2023” vs. “02/2023”)
- Font hierarchy (one for headings, one for body text)
- Human review: Ask a detail-oriented friend to scan for errors you’ve missed (we’re blind to our own mistakes).
3. Failure to Customize for Each Job
Sending the same CV for a mine safety officer role and a corporate finance position? That’s like wearing flip-flops to both a board meeting and a construction site.
Tailor efficiently with these strategies:
- Create a “master CV” with every skill, role, and achievement you’ve ever had.
- For each application:
- Highlight 3–5 must-have keywords from the job ad (e.g., “PEPRA compliance” for finance or “ventilation system audits” for mining).
- Move relevant experience to the top of each section.
- Add a “Relevant Projects” section for niche roles. Example:
“Gold Recovery Optimization (2023): Led a cross-functional team to improve extraction yields by 18% at Limpopo site, adding R6.2M in annual revenue.”
Final Thought: A standout CV isn’t about cramming in everything you’ve done—it’s about strategically proving you’re the solution to this employer’s specific problems. Ditch the generic fluff, sweat the details, and watch your interview rate soar.
7. Final Steps Before Submission
You’ve tailored your CV for South Africa’s mining or financial sectors, optimized it for ATS, and avoided common pitfalls. Now, it’s time for the final polish—because even small oversights can cost you an interview. Here’s how to ensure your CV isn’t just good, but irresistible to hiring managers.
Reviewing and Refining Like a Pro
A Johannesburg recruiter once told me, “The difference between a good CV and a great one? The great one makes me forget I’m reading a CV—it tells a story.” To get there:
- Read it aloud. Awkward phrasing or jargon-heavy sentences will stick out.
- Trim the fat. Replace vague statements like “Responsible for compliance tasks” with specifics: “Implemented POPIA training for 50+ staff, reducing data breaches by 40%.”
- Check for consistency. Are your bullet points parallel? (e.g., all starting with action verbs like “Led,” “Saved,” “Designed”).
Pro Tip: Print your CV and review it on paper. You’ll spot errors your screen glossed over.
The Ultimate CV Checklist
Before hitting send, run through this quick audit:
- Formatting: Is the font uniform? Are margins balanced?
- Contact details: Is your email professional (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com)?
- Grammar: Have you run it through Grammarly or a trusted friend?
- Relevance: Does every line serve the job you’re targeting? If not, cut it.
Getting Expert Feedback
Even the best writers need editors. In South Africa:
- LinkedIn is gold. Reach out to industry peers with a polite message: “I admire your career path—would you mind reviewing my CV for 5 minutes?”
- Tap into local networks: Organizations like the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) or the Minerals Council South Africa often offer CV workshops.
- Consider paid reviews: Services like CareerJunction or local career coaches provide tailored feedback (expect to pay R500–R2000).
Crafting a Matching Cover Letter
Your CV shows what you’ve done; your cover letter explains why it matters to this employer. For synergy:
- Mirror keywords: If the job ad emphasizes “Basel III compliance,” your letter should mention your experience with it.
- Tell a story. Instead of rehashing your CV, highlight one achievement that proves you’re the fix for their pain points. For example:
“When [Company X] faced rising operational costs at their Rustenburg platinum site, I led a lean mining initiative that saved R3.2 million in 6 months. I’d love to bring that same problem-solving to your team.”
Final Thought: It’s Not Just a Document—It’s Your First Impression
A polished CV and cover letter aren’t just about landing an interview—they’re about setting the tone for your entire candidacy. Spend an extra hour refining them, and you’ll stand out in a market where recruiters skim hundreds of applications daily. Now, take a deep breath, double-check that attachment, and hit send. Your next opportunity is waiting.
Conclusion
Crafting a professional CV for South Africa’s job market—especially in high-stakes sectors like mining and financial services—isn’t just about listing your experience. It’s about strategically positioning yourself as the solution employers need. Whether you’re highlighting quantifiable achievements in finance or showcasing technical expertise in mining, your CV should answer one critical question: How will you make their business better?
Key Takeaways for a Standout CV
- Tailor for the industry: Banking recruiters want compliance expertise and data-driven results, while mining firms prioritize safety certifications and operational efficiencies.
- Lead with impact: Replace vague responsibilities with measurable outcomes (e.g., “Cut procurement costs by 18% through vendor renegotiation”).
- Optimize for both humans and ATS: Use industry keywords naturally, avoid flashy designs, and save as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Your CV is a living document. As you gain new skills or achievements, update it—don’t wait until you’re job hunting. A Johannesburg HR manager once told me, “The best candidates treat their CVs like a strategic asset, not an afterthought.”
Ready to Take the Next Step?
- Get expert feedback: Share your CV with a mentor or professional reviewer to spot blind spots.
- Explore opportunities: Check job portals like CareerJunction, PNet, or LinkedIn for roles that match your refined profile.
You’ve got the tools. Now, go polish that CV and land the interview you deserve. The right role is out there—make sure your application proves you’re the perfect fit.