CV Writing Tips for
Kenyan Job Seekers 2025

Keep Your CV to 2 Pages Maximum

This is the most important formatting rule in Kenya. HR managers at large companies like Safaricom, KCB and the NGO sector receive hundreds of applications daily. A 3 or 4 page CV signals poor communication skills — the ability to summarize is itself a skill employers are looking for.

Fresh graduates: 1 page. Professionals with 3–10 years experience: 2 pages. Senior executives: 2–3 pages maximum.

Use a Professional Email Address

Your email address is noticed immediately. A professional email tells the employer you are serious and detail-oriented. An unprofessional one creates a negative first impression before they even read your CV content.

Quantify Your Achievements — Use Numbers

The single most powerful upgrade you can make to your CV is adding numbers to your achievements. Kenyan employers are business-minded — they want to see evidence of impact, not just descriptions of duties.

Include Your ID Number and TSC/Professional Number

Uniquely in Kenya, it is standard and expected to include your National ID number in your personal details section. For teachers, always include your TSC number. For nurses, include your NCK registration number. This is a basic requirement many Kenyan job seekers forget, causing delays in shortlisting.

List Your KCSE Grade — Even Years Later

Unlike many other countries, Kenyan employers almost universally ask for your Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education grade, regardless of how long ago you sat the exam. Always include your KCSE institution, year and mean grade. Not including it raises a red flag.

Write Referees in Full — Never "Available Upon Request"

In Kenya, writing "Referees available upon request" is a red flag. Kenyan employers expect to see full referee details directly on the CV: name, title, company, phone and email. Provide 2–3 professional referees, preferably former supervisors or senior colleagues.

Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application

One of the biggest mistakes Kenyan job seekers make is sending one generic CV to every company. Spend 10 minutes customizing your Career Objective and key skills to match each specific job description. Companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — common in NGOs, banks and multinationals — use software that scores your CV against the job description keywords before a human even reads it.

Use the Right Font and Formatting

Keep your CV clean and easy to read. The most accepted fonts in Kenya are Times New Roman (12pt), Calibri (11pt) or Arial (11pt). Use bold only for your name and section headings. Use consistent spacing throughout. Avoid tables, columns and heavy graphics — especially if applying by email, as these can corrupt when opened on different devices.

Always Save and Send as PDF

Unless the employer specifically requests a Word document, always send your CV as a PDF. PDFs preserve your formatting across all devices and operating systems. A Word document sent to an employer can look completely different on their computer, destroying your carefully formatted layout.

Include a Photo — But Make It Professional

In Kenya, including a passport-size photo is common and expected for most positions, especially government, banking and corporate roles. Use a clear, recent photo with a plain white or light blue background. Dress professionally. Avoid selfies, cropped social media photos or sunglasses.