How to Write a CV in Kenya
A well-written CV is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers. In Kenya’s competitive job market, a CV should be clear, professional, and tailored to the role you are applying for. A standard CV highlights your personal information, education, work experience, skills, and achievements. Employers prefer concise, well-structured CVs that showcase your qualifications quickly and effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a CV in Kenya
1. Start with Personal Information
Include your full name, phone number, email address, and physical location (town or city). Adding your LinkedIn profile can also boost credibility. Avoid unnecessary details such as marital status or religion unless specifically requested.
2. Write a Strong Career Objective or Summary
A career objective summarizes your professional goals and what you bring to the employer. Keep it short and tailored to the specific job. Example:
“Results-driven marketing graduate with skills in digital campaigns, seeking to apply my expertise to drive brand growth and customer engagement.”
3. Education Background
List your education starting with the most recent. Include institution names, qualifications obtained, and years of completion. Highlight academic achievements if they are relevant to the role.
4. Work Experience
Detail your work history in reverse chronological order. For each job, include:
Job title
Employer
Duration (month/year)
Responsibilities and achievements
Use action verbs like achieved, led, developed, or implemented to make your experience stand out.
5. Skills Section
Highlight both technical and soft skills relevant to the job. Examples include:
Computer literacy (MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint)
Communication and teamwork
Problem-solving
Project management
Leadership and adaptability
6. Achievements and Certifications
Add any professional certifications, awards, or notable achievements that give you a competitive advantage.
7. Referees
Provide at least two referees with their full names, job titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses. Always seek their consent before including them.
Tips for Writing a Winning CV
Keep your CV one to two pages long.
Use a professional font like Arial or Times New Roman, size 11–12.
Tailor your CV to match the job description.
Proofread carefully to avoid spelling or grammatical errors.
Be honest and avoid exaggerations.
FAQs
Q: How long should a CV be in Kenya?
Ideally, a CV should be one to two pages, unless you have extensive experience.
Q: Should I include my photo in the CV?
It’s not mandatory unless the employer specifically requests it.
Q: Can I use the same CV for all job applications?
No, it’s best to customize your CV for each role to highlight relevant skills.
Q: What’s the difference between a CV and a resume in Kenya?
A CV is detailed and comprehensive, while a resume is shorter and job-specific.
Q: Do employers check referees?
Yes, employers often contact referees to verify your work history and character.
Conclusion
Writing a CV in Kenya requires clarity, structure, and tailoring to the job at hand. By focusing on personal details, education, work experience, skills, and achievements, you can create a professional CV that improves your chances of landing interviews. Always keep it concise, relevant, and error-free to stand out in the competitive job market.
