How to Write a Good CV for Kenyan Recruitment (2025 Guide)
In today’s competitive job market, your CV is your first chance to make a lasting impression on potential employers. Whether you’re applying for a government role, a private company job, or an NGO position in Kenya, a well-written CV can open doors to interviews and career opportunities. Kenyan recruiters typically receive hundreds of applications for a single position, so standing out begins with a CV that is clear, professional, and tailored to the job description.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps on how to write a good CV for Kenyan recruitment in 2025. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, following these strategies will increase your chances of landing the job you want.
Steps to Take When Writing a Good CV in Kenya
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Start with Clear Personal Information
Include the following at the top of your CV:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- Location (City, County)
- LinkedIn profile (optional but helpful)
Avoid adding sensitive details like your ID number, date of birth, or marital status unless the job advert specifically requires them.
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Write a Strong Career Summary
Your career summary should be a brief paragraph that outlines your:
- Professional background
- Years of experience
- Key strengths
- Career goals or the value you bring to employers
Example:
“Results-oriented finance professional with over 5 years of experience in budgeting and cost control, proficient in SAP and Excel for precise reporting, and dedicated to enhancing financial efficiency and compliance for organizations.”
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List Relevant Skills and Competencies
Highlight your job-specific and soft skills in bullet points, customizing them for the position you’re applying for.
Examples:
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Customer Relationship Management
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Financial Reporting & Analysis
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ICT Skills (MS Office, QuickBooks)
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Public Speaking
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Data Entry and Analysis
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Project Coordination
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Leadership and Teamwork
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Detail Your Work Experience
This section should include your:
- Job title
- Employer’s name
- Location
- Period of employment (month and year)
- Responsibilities and key achievements
Use bullet points for responsibilities and try to quantify your achievements.
Example:
Sales Executive | Equity Bank | Nairobi
Jan 2021 – Dec 2023
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Increased regional sales by 30% within one year
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Managed a portfolio of 100+ clients
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Trained and mentored 3 new hires
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Include Your Education Background
List your academic qualifications starting from the most recent.
Format:
- Degree or Certificate obtained
- Institution name
- Duration
- Grade (if strong or required)
Example:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Kenyatta University | 2018 – 2022
Second Class Upper Division
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Add Professional Certifications (If Any)
This is crucial if you’re in fields like IT, Accounting, HR, or Education.
Examples:
- CPA (K), Section IV
- Google Digital Marketing Certificate
- CHRP – Human Resource Management Professionals Exam
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
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Mention Your Referees
Choose at least two credible referees who can vouch for your professionalism.
Include:
- Full name
- Job title
- Organization
- Phone number
- Email address
Ensure you notify your referees before listing them.
Conclusion
A good CV is more than just a list of your past jobs; it’s your personal marketing tool. In Kenya’s competitive job space, employers are looking for candidates who present themselves professionally and communicate their value clearly. By following the steps above; keeping your CV clear, relevant, and tailored, you stand a much better chance of getting shortlisted and invited for an interview.
Remember: Always update your CV regularly, proofread before submitting, and match your application to the job description. A great CV won’t guarantee you the job but it will definitely get you noticed.
