How to Write a CV That Gets You Noticed in Kenya (With Free Template)
Your CV is your first impression, and in today’s competitive Kenyan job market, it needs to stand out within seconds. Recruiters receive hundreds of applications per job, and many are filtered out simply because the CV wasn’t clear, relevant, or tailored.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a CV that gets you noticed, what Kenyan employers are really looking for, and we’ll throw in a free CV template you can download and customize!
✅ What Makes a CV Stand Out in Kenya?
Professional layout – Easy to scan, clean design.
Tailored content – Customized for each job you’re applying for.
Keyword-rich – Contains industry-specific terms and skills.
Action-driven – Focuses on achievements, not just duties.
📄 Essential Sections of a Winning Kenyan CV
1. Header
Include your:
Full Name
Phone Number (Safaricom/Airtel)
Email Address (professional one, e.g., janekimani@gmail.com)
LinkedIn URL (if updated)
Physical Address (optional)
2. Professional Summary
A short, powerful intro (3–4 lines) highlighting your experience, key skills, and what you’re looking for.
Example:
Highly motivated sales professional with over 3 years of experience in B2B and retail environments. Proven ability to exceed targets and drive business growth. Currently seeking a dynamic role in a forward-thinking company.
3. Core Skills
List 6–10 skills that match the job description.
Example:
Customer Service
Digital Marketing
Microsoft Excel
Project Management
Financial Reporting
Graphic Design (Canva, Photoshop)
4. Work Experience
Start with the most recent job. Use bullet points and focus on achievements.
Format:
Job Title – Company Name, Location (Month/Year – Month/Year)
Achieved [X%] sales increase within 6 months
Managed a team of [number] staff
Reduced customer complaints by [X%]
5. Education
Include your degree/diploma, institution, and graduation year.
Example:
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) – Kenyatta University, 2022
6. Certifications & Training (if any)
Google Digital Marketing – 2023
CPA Section 4 – KASNEB
7. Referees
You can state:
Available upon request
Or provide 2 referees with names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses.
🧩 Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
Using an outdated format (like CVs from 2010)
Including too much personal info (e.g., ID number, marital status)
Spelling and grammar errors
Listing duties instead of accomplishments
One generic CV for all jobs
📥 Download Your Free Kenyan CV Template (MS Word)
We’ve created a professional CV template that’s clean, modern, and tailored to the Kenyan market.
👉 Click here to download your free CV template (link to be added when uploaded)
It’s editable in Microsoft Word and includes all the sections we’ve discussed.
🎯 Final Tips Before Sending Your CV
Save as PDF (unless stated otherwise).
Rename it professionally e.g., Jane_Kimani_CV.pdf.
Tailor your Professional Summary and Skills to match the job ad.
Run a spell check or use Grammarly.
💼 Ready to Apply?
Visit www.dreamjob.co.ke for the latest verified job listings in Kenya. We update opportunities daily across all sectors – from entry-level to executive roles.
Have a CV you want reviewed?
📧 Send it to us at cv@dreamjob.co.ke for a free basic review and feedback!
