How to Write a CV That Gets Shortlisted in Kenya

Recruiters in Kenya often review dozens of CVs for a single role, and many companies now filter them with applicant tracking software first. A clear, honest CV gives you the best chance of being read.

Keep it to two pages

Lead with a three-line professional summary, then your most recent role. Early-career applicants can fit everything on one page. Cut anything older than ten years unless it is directly relevant.

Show results, not duties

Instead of “handled customer queries”, write what changed: “resolved 40+ queries a day with a 95% satisfaction score”. Only use numbers you can defend in an interview.

Match the advert

Read the vacancy and reuse its key terms where they truthfully describe you. Use plain headings (Experience, Education, Skills) and avoid tables, text boxes and photos that software can’t read.

Check the details

• One professional email address and a working phone number
• No spelling errors; ask someone to proofread
• Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word
• Name the file clearly, for example Jane-Wanjiku-CV.pdf

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