How to Write a CV in Lesotho: Format & Resume Guide 2026
Lesotho is a landlocked kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa, and its formal labour market reflects this geographic reality. The economy is anchored by the government and civil service, textile manufacturing, diamond mining, and a significant flow of migrant workers to South African mines and industries. Writing a Lesotho CV means understanding a small but structured market where a professional and clearly formatted document makes a significant difference.
The Lesotho CV Format
The document is called a CV, consistent with the Southern African Commonwealth tradition. Standard length is two pages. The format follows a clear structure: personal information (without a photo), a professional summary, work experience in reverse chronological order, education, skills, and named professional references listed at the end.
English is the sole language of professional CVs in Lesotho. Sesotho is the national language and co-official language but is not used in formal written applications.
Photo Convention
A professional photo is not standard on a Lesotho CV, following the Southern African Commonwealth convention. Do not include one unless specifically requested. The omission is the professional norm across both public and private sectors.
Personal Information
Include: full name, date of birth, nationality, residential address (village, district, or city), phone number, and email. Marital status is occasionally included but is optional. Do not include your National Identity (ID) number on a standard CV. For government applications, the specific application form will request identification details separately.
Education
Educational credentials carry significant weight in Lesotho's small formal labour market. Recognised institutions:
- National University of Lesotho (NUL) in Roma — the sole university in Lesotho, the universal reference standard for all domestic employers
- Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Lesotho — private institution with creative and IT programmes
- Lerotholi Polytechnic in Maseru — provides technical and vocational qualifications in engineering, building, and applied sciences
- Institute of Development Management (IDM) — regional institution with campuses in Lesotho and other SADC countries, offering business and management qualifications
Many Lesotho professionals hold degrees from South African institutions. Degrees from the University of South Africa (UNISA, which offers distance learning), the University of the Free State (Bloemfontein), and the University of Cape Town (UCT) are all well-recognised by Lesotho employers. List the full institution name, degree title, and year.
Work Experience
Reverse chronological order, with employer name, position, dates, and a brief description of key responsibilities. Key employers in Lesotho:
- Government of Lesotho (Ministries and Departments) — the dominant employer in the formal sector
- Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) — the body managing the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a major employer for engineers and technical specialists
- Standard Lesotho Bank and Nedbank Lesotho — the two main commercial banks
- Econet Telecom Lesotho — the leading telecoms operator
- Lesotho Flour Mills and textile manufacturers in the Maseru industrial area (including companies supplying to the AGOA quota framework, such as Formosa Textile and Nien Hsing)
Skills and Certifications
English proficiency is a base requirement rather than a differentiator in Lesotho's formal sector. Sesotho language skills are a genuine advantage for roles that involve community engagement or field work. South African Rand-denominated financial skills and familiarity with the SACU customs framework are valued in trade and finance roles.
For finance, ACCA qualifications are the most recognised professional credential. The Lesotho Institute of Accountants (LIA) is the national professional body. For engineering, registration with the Engineers Registration Board of Lesotho (ERBL) is required for licensed practice.
Declaration and Cover Letter
A declaration of authenticity is standard at the end of Lesotho CVs: "I declare that the information given above is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge." A cover letter is expected for government and professional roles. Address it to the named Director of Human Resources or the specific department head, reference the vacancy number where given, and keep it to one page.
Common CV Mistakes in Lesotho
- Including a photo: Not the convention in Southern African Commonwealth markets. Omit unless specifically requested.
- Omitting the declaration: The authenticity statement is expected at the end of formal CVs in Lesotho.
- Not listing South African qualifications fully: Many Lesotho professionals have SADC-region qualifications that are not always explained for local context. List the full institution name, country, and degree title.
- Generic references "available on request": Two to three named professional references with full contact details should be listed on the CV directly.
- Too long: Three or more pages is excessive for the Lesotho market. Two pages is the maximum.