How to Update Your CV for Short-Term Jobs in 2026

The end of the year and the start of a new one bring a surge of temporary work opportunities across South Africa. From retail stores and restaurants to events companies and admin offices, employers need extra hands to handle festive crowds and busy operations.

Between October and January, short-term roles open up in large numbers and competition for them can be fierce. To stand out, your CV must be clear, professional, and tailored specifically for temporary jobs.

Many job seekers assume that short-term positions don’t need a polished CV, but employers still screen applications carefully. A focused CV tells them that you are serious, dependable, and ready to work.

Even if you have limited work experience, you can still present yourself as a strong candidate. This guide will help you customise your CV for part-time, festive, or temporary work with practical examples and tips that make a real difference.

Step 1: Know the Type of Short-Term Role You’re Applying For

Before you start editing your CV, understand what kind of short-term job you’re targeting.

• Short-term jobs last a few weeks to a few months for example, December retail or event-season work.
• Part-time jobs continue for longer but with reduced weekly hours, ideal for students or side-income seekers.
• Contract jobs are fixed-term roles with defined responsibilities common in admin, warehousing, or data entry.

Employers in these sectors look for a few key traits:

Availability: Can you work weekends, holidays, or flexible shifts?
Reliability: Do you show up on time and finish tasks properly?
Transferable skills: Even without prior experience, can you work well in a team, communicate clearly, or solve problems?

When you understand these priorities, you can highlight exactly what matters most on your CV.

Read next: Who’s Hiring in December 2025? Top Retail and Events Jobs Now Open

Step 2: Make Small CV Tweaks That Have a Big Impact

You don’t need to start from scratch a few targeted updates can make your CV far more effective.

Update Your Profile Summary

Your summary is the first thing recruiters see. Keep it short, specific, and focused on availability and attitude.

Example:

“Motivated and dependable individual seeking short-term retail or hospitality work. Available immediately with strong communication skills and a positive, customer-focused attitude.”

Emphasise Transferable Skills

List skills you’ve gained from school, volunteering, or community work — not just paid jobs.

Examples:

• Teamwork and communication
• Punctuality and reliability
• Problem-solving
• Customer service
• Adaptability and quick learning

Add Volunteer Work or Side Hustles

Volunteer projects, informal gigs, or small business ventures count as valuable experience. Mention examples such as:

• Helping at local markets or events
• Running a small online store
• Organising school or community activities

Cut What Doesn’t Matter

Keep it short and relevant. Remove:

• Old or unrelated jobs
• Unnecessary hobbies
• References (you can say “Available on request”)

Step 3: Format for Easy Reading

Hiring managers skim through many CVs. Clean, consistent formatting helps yours get noticed.

• Keep it one page long
• Use bullet points instead of paragraphs
• Stick to simple fonts (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman)
• Keep font size between 10–12 points

Example Layout for Short-Term Roles

1. Contact Details

• Nandi Dlamini
• 083 555 1234
• [email protected]
• Johannesburg, Gauteng

2. Profile Summary
Briefly state your skills, reliability, and when you’re available.

3. Skills

• Customer service
• Cash handling
• Event assistance
• Teamwork and communication
• Computer literacy

4. Experience
Retail Assistant – Local Market Stall (June–August 2025)
Handled sales, assisted customers, and maintained product displays.

Volunteer Event Helper – Community Sports Day (March 2025)
Set up equipment and supported event operations.

5. Education
Matric, XYZ High School (2023)
Currently completing a short course in Microsoft Office

6. Availability
Available immediately, flexible schedule including weekends and holidays

7. References
Available upon request

Step 4: Use Strong Phrases Employers Notice

Certain keywords help your CV stand out:

• “Available immediately”
• “Flexible working hours”
• “Team player”
• “Customer-focused”
• “Reliable and punctual”
• “Quick learner”

These signal to recruiters that you’re ready to contribute right away.

Step 5: Add a Short Cover Note

When applying by email or WhatsApp, a short message can make your application more personal.

Example:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m applying for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I’m available immediately and bring strong customer service and teamwork skills. I’d love to assist your team during the festive period.

Kind regards,
Nandi Dlamini

Step 6: Final Checks Before Sending

• Proofread: Fix any spelling or grammar issues.
• Save as PDF: Keeps your layout intact.
• Use a professional email: Avoid nicknames or slang addresses.
• Apply correctly: Follow the method requested, website, email, or WhatsApp.

Download Free CV Template

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending a generic CV to every job
• Forgetting to include your availability
• Poor formatting or long paragraphs
• Missing or unprofessional contact details

Fixing these will instantly make your application stronger.

Quick Weekend Refresh

If you only have a few hours to update your CV:

• Edit your summary for short-term roles
• Add volunteer or informal experience
• Highlight key skills and remove old details
• Format neatly and save as PDF
• Add a short, friendly cover note

Learn more: 15 Things Recruiters Want to See in Your CV

You don’t need years of experience to land a short-term job but you do need a clear, focused CV.

Show employers that you’re ready to start immediately, eager to help, and serious about doing a good job. With a few focused updates, your CV can help you secure valuable income and experience this festive season and into 2026.

Learn more: Identifying 30 Warning Signs of Fake Job Ads During the Holiday Season