Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is your first chance to make a strong impression on a potential employer. In Kenya’s competitive job market, a well-crafted CV can mean the difference between getting shortlisted or getting ignored. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, knowing how to write a winning CV tailored for Kenyan employers is essential.
Learn how to structure, format, and tailor your CV to boost your chances of landing that dream job.
1. Start with a Strong Personal Profile
Your CV should begin with a brief personal statement (3–5 lines) summarizing who you are, your experience, and your career goals. This section should grab the employer’s attention and reflect your suitability for the role.
Example:
“Results-driven marketing professional with over 4 years of experience in digital campaigns and brand strategy. Proven track record of boosting sales and online engagement. Looking to join a dynamic team to drive growth and innovation.”
2. Use a Professional Format and Layout
A clean, professional format shows that you’re organized and pay attention to detail. Use clear headings, consistent fonts (like Arial or Calibri), and bullet points for readability.
Recommended structure:
Personal Information
Personal Profile
Key Skills
Work Experience
Education
Certifications (if applicable)
References
Pro Tip: Keep your CV 1-2 pages long. Kenyan employers often prefer concise CVs over lengthy documents.
3. Highlight Relevant Key Skills
Tailor your key skills section to match the job description. This section should be a snapshot of your core competencies.
Example for an IT role:
Proficient in Python and JavaScript
Network security and database management
Cloud computing (AWS, Azure)
Troubleshooting and technical support
Example for a sales role:
Lead generation and prospecting
CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho)
B2B and B2C sales strategies
Excellent negotiation and communication skills
4. Detail Your Work Experience with Impact
List your work history in reverse chronological order—start with the most recent role. Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities. Use action verbs and quantify results where possible.
Example:
Sales Executive, Safaricom PLC
March 2021 – Present
Increased monthly sales by 35% through strategic B2B outreach
Onboarded over 150 new clients within 12 months
Consistently exceeded quarterly targets by an average of 20%
5. Tailor Your CV for Every Job Application
Don’t send the same CV to every employer. Customize it for each job by:
Using keywords from the job description
Highlighting the most relevant experience
Focusing on sector-specific achievements
Tip: Kenyan employers often use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Use common job-related keywords to ensure your CV gets past the software filters.
6. Showcase Your Education and Certifications
List your education starting from the highest qualification. Include the institution, course, and year completed. Also mention any professional certifications (CPA, CCNA, HRM, etc.) relevant to the job.
Example:
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
University of Nairobi – 2019
Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K)
KASNEB – Completed 2021
7. Add Relevant References
Kenyan employers often check references. Include two referees who can vouch for your work ethic and qualifications.
Example:
Mr. James Mutua
Marketing Manager – XYZ Ltd
Tel: 0722 123 456
Email: jmutua@xyz.co.ke
Alternatively, you can write:
References available upon request.
8. Proofread for Errors
A single typo can ruin a good CV. Proofread your document thoroughly or ask someone else to review it. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
A winning CV for Kenyan employers is clear, customized, and results-oriented. It’s not just a list of past jobs—it’s your personal marketing tool. Whether you’re applying to NGOs, corporates, government jobs, or startups, tailor your CV to reflect the skills and achievements that matter most to the employer.
Remember: in Kenya’s fast-moving job market, first impressions count—so make your CV stand out!
