How to Write A CV in Kenya for a Job Application

By Joan Igamba

Are you planning on getting a new job in 2020? Are you looking for new opportunities this New Year? The place to start is learning how to write a CV that will you get you to those interviews and eventually get you that job.

Taking the time to edit your CV while adding relevant work experience can put your application on the top of the candidate pile. Creating a winning CV, one which makes the shortlist of interviewees is not as difficult as it may seem.

To help you, here are five tips on how to write a CV in Kenya, to succeed in the job market.

1. Highlight Relevant Work Experience in Your CV

In order to write a great CV, you do not need to list every job you’ve ever had. Highlight only the experience and skills that are a close match to the job you are applying to.

Here’s how to do it:

• Under previous job titles, include the skills you picked up that make you the perfect candidate.
• Let the job description guide you on what skills are relevant to include and which ones are not.
• Give project examples and successes that you had in previous positions to boost credibility.

MUST READ >>> CV writing: What employers seek for on your work experience section?

2. Focus On The Top Of the CV

Make sure what the employers see at the top of your CV is attention-grabbing and makes them want to continue reading. This means that your personal statement or introduction should be impressive.

Here’s how to do it:

• Write your personal statement in the third person.
• Talk about your general work experience and how it will add value to the current role you are applying for.
• Demonstrate how you will add value by a well explained example of how you did well at your past jobs.

3. Format your CV Correctly.

If you use different fonts in your CV such that it appears messy, be assured that no one will go through your CV. A good CV format shows the employer that you are organized and professional.  Write your CV in a way that is easy to read or skim through.

How to do it:

• Double check spelling and grammar
• Use fonts that are easy to read and that are pleasing to the eye.
• Watch out for spacing issues.
• Never send a PDF document where a Word document was asked for or vice versa.

4. Demonstrate Your Worth with Numbers in Your CV

In order to present an impressive CV, you should include specific achievements with percentages or whole numbers. Being specific appeals to hiring managers and numbers are the perfect summary for an achievement.

How to do it:

• Here is where you can add volunteer work including hours and experience.
• For example, you might cover how you worked with a team of four at the KEMRI labs and increased turn-around time for results by 2 hours.

5. Include Additional Training and Qualifications in Your CV

You could be selling yourself short by not putting the different certifications you may have in your CV. In certain fields, additional certifications prove that you are a continuous learner who is motivated to know as much as they can about their industry.

How to do it:

• Share details of any certifications you may hold.
• Be prepared to show proof, if necessary.

In conclusion,

Learning how to write a CV is the first step to a new job in 2020 since you won’t be there in person, yet, to sell your marketable attributes. Use the above tips to write a CV that will set you up for success. If you would like help writing your CV, email brenda@corporatestaffing.co.ke where our able team will review it and get back to you.