CV Writing Tips: Does HR Care About Your KCPE / KCSE Grade?

By Jane Okoth,

Aaron Ochieng, is an Accountant who recently graduated from one of the top public universities in the country.

“One day when going through my daily job search, I encountered an exciting job vacancy that could further my career,” he narrates.

“The job requirement demanded that each candidate must have at least scored a B and above in KCSE and also passes well in mathematics in primary school.I did not perform to my expectations in high school but I later on went to bridge my courses in the university,” he confesses.“

However I do believe that I am the right person for the job but I cannot meet such qualifications based on my high school performance,” he argues.

“Why would an employer care so much about a high school grade and when the job does not have anything to do with what you scored in K.C.S.E?” He asks.

When was the last time you were asked to present your high school or primary certificate in a job interview?

Speaking to Melody Mwendwa, a Career Advisor at Corporate Staffing Services, she admits that putting your KCSE graded in your CV is important BUT it is not the only thing HR care about.

“Your KCPE results do not really matter in your CV as there are other important qualifications that are going to be considered by the HR managers,” she says.

What are employers looking for specifically when they want to inquire about your primary or secondary school performance?

Your school records can tempt an employer to judge your character

David Mureithi, a Human Resource Officer at transport and lifting is of the opinion that an employer is more likely to look to judge your character based on that.

“If a person performed well in primary and high school then goes ahead to flop in college, this is one indication that a candidate was bright but lost focus along the way,

In some cases employers may judge your academic record for assurance that you are intelligent, focused and capable of performing the job,” he adds.

What if you went to a school that is not so famous and prestigious? Will it affect your chances of getting hired for the job?

There are other qualifications that HR consider more than your school performance

“Your learning institution in high school has absolutely nothing to do with what whether you are going to considered for the job,” adds Ms Mwendwa.

“Whether you went to a prestigious national school or a Harambee school in the middle of nowhere what matters is your skills.

“A credible and professional HR should be able to identify your skills, your grade as well as your capability to do the job,” she affirms.

What next for Aaron on his job search?

In some cases the HR is likely to consider your Performance but not as a key requirement

“In some specific jobs they might require that you attain such a grade in high school or primary school and this largely depends on the type of job you are applying for,” he opines.

“But your high school or primary school should never be a hindrance in your job search or career advancement,” he concludes.

Has your K.C.S.E or K.C.P.E grades become a stumbling block in landing your dream job?

For more queries on CV writing, contact Jane at jane@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke.

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