How to Write a CV in Solomon Islands: Format & Guide 2026

Solomon Islands is a Pacific archipelago nation with an economy based on logging, fishing, agriculture, and a significant public sector. The formal job market in Honiara is compact, and employers expect an English-language CV that is professional, honest about qualifications, and supported by strong character references. Personal integrity and community standing are taken seriously alongside academic credentials.

The Solomon Islands CV Format

CVs in Solomon Islands follow a British-influenced format, given the country's history as a former British protectorate. The document is typically titled "Curriculum Vitae" and is one to two pages long. One page is appropriate for recent graduates and entry-level applicants; two pages for experienced professionals. Chronological formatting is universal.

Use a clean, readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial at 11-12 points. Clear section headings and consistent layout are expected. Application for public sector roles through the Solomon Islands Public Service Commission (SIPSC) may require a dedicated application form alongside the CV.

Language and Personal Information

English is the official language and the language of all professional CVs. Pijin (Solomon Islands Pijin) is widely spoken but is not used in formal documents.

Include: full name, province and town of residence, phone number, and email address. Date of birth is commonly included, particularly for government applications. Nationality is standard. Do not include your national identification number on a CV.

Professional Photo

A formal photograph is sometimes included on Solomon Islands CVs, particularly for government and senior professional applications. If you include one, use a recent, professional headshot with a neutral background. For private sector applications, a photo is optional and its omission is entirely acceptable.

Education

List qualifications in reverse chronological order. The most recognised local institution is the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), which offers undergraduate programmes in education, law, nursing, business, and technology from its campus in Honiara. The University of the South Pacific (USP) has a presence through its Honiara campus and distance learning programmes and is well respected across the Pacific. Many Solomon Islanders hold degrees from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), University of the South Pacific (USP Suva campus), and Australian universities including the University of Queensland and Charles Darwin University.

The Pacific Secondary Certificate (PSC) and Form 7 results are the key secondary school credentials.

Work Experience

List employment in reverse chronological order. For each role, provide employer name, job title, employment dates, and three to five bullet points of responsibilities and achievements. Quantify results wherever possible.

Employers recognised by Solomon Islands recruiters include the Government of Solomon Islands (ministries and departments), Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF), Bank South Pacific (BSP) Solomon Islands, ANZ Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA), Solomon Telekom (Solomon Telekom Company), Solomon Airlines, and international development organisations including UNDP Solomon Islands, World Bank Pacific, and Asian Development Bank (ADB). Large logging companies such as Gold Ridge Mining (in suspension) and Solomon Star media are also recognised employers.

Key Sectors

The public sector is the dominant formal employer. Logging and forestry remain significant for export earnings. Fishing and marine resources are a growing area of formal employment. The development sector, including UN agencies, Australian aid (DFAT), and New Zealand aid (MFAT), provides professional employment for qualified candidates in Honiara. Telecommunications and banking are the main private sector growth areas.

Skills and Certifications

List technical skills, language skills, and professional certifications. For finance professionals, ACCA and CPA qualifications are recognised by Solomon Islands banks and international organisations. For education professionals, Teaching Service Commission (TSC) registration is required. For health workers, registration with the Solomon Islands Medical and Dental Board or the Solomon Islands Nursing Council is essential and should be listed prominently.

Cover Letter

A one-page cover letter is expected for professional and government applications. Address it to the specific hiring manager or department by name. In a small professional community, a personalised letter that explains your specific motivation for the role and organisation is far more effective than a template.

Common CV Mistakes in Solomon Islands

• Omitting referees: Three referees, including at least one professional contact, are expected with full contact details.
• Vague descriptions: "Worked in administration" is not sufficient; specify the organisation, the scope of work, and a concrete outcome.
• No formal qualifications listed: Even informal or short-course training should be listed if formal credentials are limited.
• Too short or poorly presented: A CV submitted on a plain sheet with handwriting or inconsistent formatting is not competitive for formal sector roles.
• Generic cover letter: Employers in a small market notice when the letter is clearly a template; personalise it to the specific organisation.