By the Corvaj team · Updated
Employers in Botswana usually expect a clear, two-page CV in English, with referees and certified copies of your qualifications ready. For graduates, showing practical experience and results is what sets you apart.
The Botswana CV at a glance
- Use the word CV and keep it to around two pages.
- Start with a few lines summarising your skills and goals.
- Experience, attachments and internships in reverse-chronological order.
- Education with your qualification and institution; early in your career, your BGCSE results too.
- A driver’s licence, if you have one, since many roles ask for it.
- Include your name, phone, email and town, plus LinkedIn if you use it.
Certified copies and documents
Many employers, especially in the public sector, ask for certified copies of your certificates and ID when you apply or are shortlisted. Keep recently certified copies ready, and send them only when asked.
Citizenship and work permits
Some roles prioritise citizens, and non-citizens need work and residence permits. If you’re not a citizen, a short line on your permit status helps employers. Only state what’s true.
Referees and what to leave out
- Two or three referees with their title, organisation, phone number and email are common. Ask them first.
- Leave your Omang number off your CV; give it on official forms when asked.
- Leave off a photo, date of birth, marital status and religion unless the advert asks.
Tailor it to each job
- Search LinkedIn and companies’ careers pages; public service posts are advertised by the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM).
- Reflect the advert’s requirements in your own wording.
- Describe attachments and internships by their results.
- Keep certified copies current for public sector applications.
Cover letter
Most adverts ask for an application letter. Address it to the office in the advert, keep it to one page, and state the post and reference number.
Common mistakes
- Using one generic CV for every application.
- Out-of-date or uncertified documents when they’re requested.
- Referees who can’t be reached.
- Missing the closing date.
Sample CV
A fictional example in the local format. Use it as a pattern, not a script.
Kagiso Molefe
Gaborone · +267 7X XXX XXX · [email protected] · linkedin.com/in/your-name
Driver’s licence: Code B
Profile
Public administration graduate with attachment experience in records and case management. Organised and practical. Looking for an administration officer role.
Experience
Attachment, Administration, Kweneng District Council
- Digitised 2,000 case files
- Set up a tracking sheet now used by the whole office
Volunteer, Youth Desk, Gaborone community centre
- Helped 50 young people register for skills programmes
Education
Bachelor of Public Administration
BGCSE: 6 subjects, including English and Mathematics (A–B)
Skills
Records management · Microsoft Office · Customer service · Report writing · English and Setswana
Referees
[Name], Senior Administration Officer, Kweneng District Council
[Name], Lecturer, Department of Political and Administrative Studies, UB
Why it works
- Attachment written as real work, with scale and a lasting result.
- BGCSE results and licence code included, as many roles ask.
- No Omang number, photo or date of birth.
- Referees with full contact details, asked first.
Example: turning a duty into a result
Graduate, administration
Before
Did attachment at a council office.
After
During a six-month attachment at a district council, digitised 2,000 case files and set up a tracking sheet used by the whole office.
An attachment written as real work, with scale and a lasting result.
By career stage
- Graduate or first job
- Lead with attachments, internships and volunteering, then your qualification and BGCSE results. Keep certified copies ready.
- Changing careers
- Use the profile to name the new field, and list relevant short courses or certificates near the top.
- Experienced
- About two pages, results first. Drop BGCSE results once you have a qualification and experience.
CV keywords for ATS
Applicant tracking systems and recruiters search for the skills a posting names. Examples for common roles; use only the ones that are true for you, in the posting’s own words.
- Administration officer
- records management, Microsoft Office, case files, customer service, report writing
- Accounts assistant
- bookkeeping, reconciliations, Pastel or Sage, BURS tax returns, payroll
- Mining technician
- equipment maintenance, safety procedures, shift reports, technical drawings
Questions
Should I put my Omang number on my CV?
No. Give it on official forms when asked.
Do I need certified copies of my certificates?
Many employers, especially in the public sector, ask for them when you apply or are shortlisted. Keep recently certified copies ready and send them only when asked.
Where are public service jobs advertised?
By the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM). Follow each advert’s instructions closely.
Should I include my BGCSE results?
Early in your career, yes. Once you have a qualification and experience, you can drop them.
I’m not a citizen. What should I mention?
A short, true line on your work and residence permit status. Some roles prioritise citizens.
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