POOR KCSE Grades & Job Search In Kenya?

Political Scientist Mutahi Nguyi has in the past confessed that in deed he was a D student while PR guru Gina Din Kariuki said she was a thick student.

But back to you as a job seeker in this troubling Kenyan job market………Do you think HR Managers care about your KCSE Grades?

Angela Mwikali* seems to think so. She writes an email which I bet a lot of job seekers in Kenya can relate to. “I find most organizations will shut out candidates based on their form four grades. I don’t think this is fair because society seems to have painted an image that portrays that success in academics equals success in life and vice versa.”

She goes ahead to add that good education is important, “But good education is more than learning how to read, write and pass exams…… Testing students’ ability solely through examinations is not a fair way of presenting each student’s true capabilities.”

She confesses that, “I never performed well in my KCSE. I got a C – (Minus) but I have gone through the certificate, Diploma – Higher Diploma then to Degree. I believe I have proved myself but it seems many employers will not give me a second chance and it is really demoralizing me.”

Speaking to June Njoroge a Career Advisor in CV Writing, she admits that including your KCSE grades on your CV is crucial. “Most employers want to see what you scored and then judge you from that. But you have to remember that the sole purpose of the CV is to sell yourself.” She adds that, “But if you had say a D you will have to ask yourself if adding the grade on the CV will sell you or ‘repulse’ the HR manager. In such scenarios I suggest you don’t include it.”

“Your KCSE grades do matter but what counts the most is your attitude,” says Edith Wanjala, HR Executive at Orient Insurance. She adds that, “There are a lot of factors that contribute to poor performance and it does not necessary mean that such people can’t perform.”

On the contrary, Martin Githaiga a HR Officer with Corporate Staffing Service is of the essence that, “In most cases, a good grade is sometimes equals to a high performer or what we call a bright person.” So does it mean people like Angela* are doomed?
“No, not at all,” he adds that, “They are not doomed since nothing is written on stone. If you failed your KCSE, it does not mean you are a failure in life.”

He advises that, “For such people, bridging courses are the best option and making sure they enroll with recognized institutions of high learning.”

Talk to us, as a job seeker….do you think your poor KCSE has held you back from getting that job or do you think your good grade has given you an upper hand in the Kenyan job market?