Help writing a CV: a step-by-step guide
If you need help writing a CV, build it in this order: contact details, a short profile, key skills, work experience written as results, education, certificates and referees. Keep it to two pages and tailor it to each job. KaziTu can help you write your CV by asking one friendly question at a time and turning your rough answers into polished wording.
If you have ever typed "help me write my CV" late at night before a deadline, this guide is for you. The same steps work whether you are making a CV from scratch, need help to do a CV for your first job, or want help building a resume for a new role.
The 7 parts of a strong Kenyan CV
- Contact details: full name, phone, professional email, location. Leave out ID number, age, religion and marital status.
- Profile: 3 to 4 lines on who you are and what you bring to this employer.
- Key skills: specific tools and strengths that match the advert.
- Work experience: job title, employer, dates and 3 to 5 results per role, most recent first.
- Education: highest qualification first, with institution and years.
- Certificates and short courses: professional exams, licences and online courses.
- Referees: 2 or 3 people who supervised or taught you, with correct contacts.
Write results, not duties
Duty (weak): "Responsible for handling cash."
Result (strong): "Handled daily cash of up to KSh 400,000 with no shortages for 18 months."
Duty (weak): "Served customers at the counter."
Result (strong): "Served 60+ customers a day and was named employee of the month twice."
Ask yourself: how many, how much, how fast, and what improved because of me? Estimates are fine if they are honest.
Help making a CV with no experience
Put education and skills higher, then list attachments, internships, volunteering, church or campus roles and side hustles like running an M-Pesa shop. They all show responsibility. KaziTu asks about these too, so nothing gets missed.
Common CV mistakes to avoid
- Sending the same CV to every company (see how to customise your CV).
- Starting with "Seeking a challenging position…".
- A wrong or missing digit in your phone number.
- An unprofessional email address.
- Listing referees you never called to ask permission.
Help me write my CV: let KaziTu do it
If you'd rather not start from a blank page, start your CV on KaziTu. You answer the questions, we study the company and write it in their language. You see a free preview and pay KSh 50 only if you want to download. Prefer a shorter version? Make a one-page resume from the same answers.
Want more tips? Read our CV writing advice or browse call center resume examples.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a CV be in Kenya?
Two pages is enough for most people. Fresh graduates can fit everything on one page. A one-page version is usually called a resume.
Should I put a photo on my CV?
Only if the advert asks for one. Most Kenyan employers do not need a photo on a CV.
How many referees should I include?
Two or three. Choose people who supervised or taught you, not relatives, and call them first.
I need help writing a resume. Where do I start?
Start with the checklist above: contact details, headline, profile, skills, results-based experience, education and referees. If you would rather be guided, KaziTu asks one question at a time and writes it for you.
Can someone help me write my CV online?
Yes. KaziTu helps you write your CV online by asking guided questions and writing the wording for you. The preview is free; the download costs KSh 50.