How to Write a Good CV: CV Writing Tips

Does your CV reflect who you are and what the employer needs? How can I make my CV stand out? Let’s help you write a CV that gets noticed and opens doors to real job opportunities. How to Write a Good CV. How do you write a perfect CV? This article provides essential tips to help you craft a compelling CV that grabs attention and gets results.

What is a CV?

A curriculum vitae, or professional resume, is a comprehensive record that showcases your accomplishments, abilities, and work experience.

In today’s competitive job market, job seekers need a professional CV (Curriculum Vitae) to help them convince recruiters why they are the best candidates for the job.

Introduction on How to Write a Good CV

The first and most important aspect that every job seeker should keep in consideration is having a professional CV in their job search. In today’s competitive job market, where employers receive hundreds of resumes for a single position, job seekers should create a strong CV to help them stand out. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking for internship opportunities, a mid-level professional, or an experienced worker considering new career paths, a professional CV can make all the difference. You need a good, compelling CV to catch recruiters’ attention and sell yourself the best way. Remember, your CV is your first impression on a potential employer and often determines whether you’ll be shortlisted for an interview or not.

This article gives a step-by-step guide on CV writing tips to help job seekers create a standout CV. Learn everything you need to know about writing a winning CV: from choosing the right CV format, highlighting your skills, achievements, and career objectives to tailoring your CV to fit the job you are applying for. 

Importance of a good CV in today’s job market: a good CV

A good CV is more than just a requirement— a marketing document that sells job seekers to employers in their absence. Your CV meets your prospective employer before you and speaks before you do, and draws a perfect picture to the employer about who you are. Employers receive hundreds of applications for a single vacancy, meaning they also don’t have the luxury of time to dig for information from your CV. This means your CV should communicate clearly and precisely, and grab their attention within seconds. 

A well-crafted CV sets you apart from the crowd by clearly showcasing your skills, achievements, experience, and professional value in a clean and compelling format.

A good CV:

• Highlights your strengths and capabilities
• Shows how well you fit the role or industry
• Positions you as a serious, professional applicant
• Increases your chances of interview invites and job offers

CV vs Resume: Is there a difference?

Yes, CV (Curriculum Vitae) and Resume are different, though they’re often used interchangeably, especially in some countries like Kenya.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the differences between a CV and a resume:

Length: A CV is long and detailed (2+ pages) while a Resume is Short and focused (1–2 pages).

Purpose: CV is mainly used in academia, research, and education-related roles, while a resume is used for job applications in most industries like business, tech, retail, and more.

Content:

• A CV includes

• • Academic background

  • Research and publications

  • Teaching experience

  • Awards and honors

  • Certifications

  • Conferences and presentations

• Resume includes:

  • Professional summary or objective

  • Relevant work experience

  • Key skills

  • Education

  • Achievements

Essential Components of a Good CV

• Personal Information (Name, Contacts, LinkedIn)
  
• Professional Summary / Career Objective
  
• Key Skills and Competencies
  
• Work Experience (Job title, Company, Duties, Achievements)
  
• Education and Qualifications
  
• Certifications and Trainings
  
• Volunteer Experience (if applicable)
  
• Languages (optional)
  
• Referees

How to Write a Good CV

Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you in writing a good CV:

Understand the Purpose of Your CV

Is your CV more of a life story or a sharp marketing document? Job seekers should understand that a CV is a marketing document. A CV sells your skills, experience, and qualifications to a potential employer in just a few seconds. 

This is the main reason why you need a well-written CV, just like a good advert grabs attention and persuades a buyer. A professionally crafted CV showcases your skills, achievements, work history, and qualities, positioning you as the best fit for the job, compelling the recruiter to invite you for an interview.

Consider your CV as your brand. Tailor your CV for each application, aligning it with the job requirements to increase your chances of grabbing a hiring manager’s attention.

Choosing the Right CV Format

Your CV format is crucial in CV Writing as it determines how your content is structured and which elements are emphasized. Your CV format depends on your level of experience, the type of job you’re applying for, and whether you’re changing industries.

While choosing the Right CV format, you should ensure the CV format is easy to read, precise, and clear, tailored to the job, and highlights the value you bring to the employer. 

The three main types of CV formats are:

Chronological CV Format (Reverse Chronological Format)

This is the most common and widely accepted CV format. It lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job and working backwards.

This format is ideal if you have solid work experience related to the job you’re applying for.

Chronological CV Format is Ideal For:

• Job seekers with a solid, continuous work history
• Candidates applying within the same industry
• Professionals with progressive career growth
  

Structure of a Chronological CV Format

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary or Career Objective
• Work Experience (most recent job first)
• Education
• Skills
• Certifications (if any)
• Referees

Advantages of a Chronological CV Format

• Easy to read and preferred by recruiters
• Shows a clear career progression
• Highlights job stability and promotions 

Disadvantages of a Chronological CV Format

• Gaps in employment are more obvious and easily noticeable 

Functional CV Format (Skills-Based Format)

Functional CV format emphasizes skills, achievements, and competencies rather than work history. It’s ideal for individuals who want to highlight what they can do, especially if their job history isn’t directly related to the role. This CV Format best fits when writing a CV without experience to ensure you highlight your skills and competencies. 

Functional CV is Ideal For:

• Fresh graduates with little work experience
• Beneficial if you’re changing careers 
• Best when you have gaps in your employment history.
• People returning to the job market after a break
• Career changers who want to shift industries
• Freelancers or people with diverse but short-term gigs

Structure of a Functional CV Format 

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Core Skills & Competencies
• Achievements or Projects
• Work Experience (optional or brief)
• Education
• Referees
  

Advantages of a Functional CV Format

• Best fits when writing a CV without experience
• Focuses on transferable skills
• Minimizes gaps in employment
• Great for showcasing abilities over time
  

Disadvantages of a Functional CV Format

• May not be trusted by all employers or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
• It can feel vague if not well-written
• Lacks detailed job history

Combination CV (Hybrid Format)

Combination CV format blends both chronological and functional styles. This type of CV normally starts with a summary of skills and achievements, followed by a detailed chronological work history. It offers flexibility and balance. It is the most used CV format in Kenya.

Combination CV format  is Ideal For:

• Professionals with a mix of skills and a decent work history
• People with varied experience across different fields
• Senior candidates applying for leadership or strategy roles

Structure of a Combination CV format:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Key Skills and Achievements
• Work Experience (in reverse chronological order)
• Education
• Certifications
• Referees
  

Advantages of a Combination CV format 

• Offers the best of both worlds
• Highlights skills while showing work history
• Great for professionals with complex backgrounds
  

Disadvantages of a Combination CV format 

• Can be longer than necessary if not well-organized
• Slightly more complex to write and format

Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application

One of the most essential CV writing tips is to tailor your CV for each application. Avoid using the same generic CV to apply for multiple jobs. There is no such thing as the same medication for all sicknesses. Every recruiter has his/het own requirements and job seekers should read the job description and tailor their CV to align with the requirements, highlighting their skills and experience directly relevant to what the employer is looking for. 

Tailor Your CV to Each Job Application by incorporating the relevant keywords from the job posting throughout your CV to match the specific requirements of their job openings

Why Tailor Your CV:

With recruiters receiving hundreds of CVs for a single role, going through all the CVs might be tedious, and to save time, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs for keywords and phrases that match the job description. 

With the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in place, poorly written CVs that do not align with the role may never reach human eyes, as they always get filtered

Importance of Tailoring Your CV

• It shows the employer you understand their needs
• It helps job seekers to highlight relevant skills, experience, and achievements that align with the recruiter’s requirements
• Increase your chances of beating the ATS screening
• Tailoring your CV increases the likelihood of your CV standing out 
•  Keeps your CV focused, concise, and results-driven.

How to Tailor Your CV Effectively:

• Study the Job Description Carefully to identify Required skills, Responsibilities, and Industry keywords
• Align Your Career Objective (professional summary) that speaks directly to the role. Mention the job title and your key qualifications that relate to it.

Example:

“Motivated HR professional with 3+ years of experience in recruitment and performance management, seeking to contribute to XYZ Company’s dynamic team as a Human Resource Officer.”

• Incorporate relevant Essential Skills: Match your listed skills to those in the job description. If the ad mentions “data analysis” and “problem-solving,” and you have those skills, list them prominently.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: You can emphasize job roles and achievements that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for and cut out unrelated experiences or details that do not strengthen your fit for the role.

Include Key CV Sections

A comprehensive CV should include the following key sections:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Key Skills and Achievements
• Work Experience (in reverse chronological order)
• Education
• Certifications
• Referees

Contact Information

Always remember to give your contact details at the top of the page. They should be your official details.

• Full Official Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• LinkedIn Profile (optional)
• Address (optional)

Ensure your email address is professional; avoid using nicknames or unprofessional handles.

Objective Summary

This is the second part of a CV. It’s usually a brief statement (two to four phrases) that highlights your career goals, major competencies, professional background, and what you can bring to the company. Customize it to the position for which you are applying.

Remember to tailor your professional summary to the specific job you’re applying for.

A summary is better for experienced professionals, while an objective is more suitable for entry-level candidates. Keep it concise; two to three sentences are sufficient, and keep it catchy to grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more.

Skills

The Skills section of a CV is one of the most crucial components that recruiters scan to determine if you’re a good fit for a role. Emphasize your relevant skills for the position. Both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities) might be included in this.

This section is your chance to showcase both hard skills (technical, measurable abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal or personality traits) that make you effective in your role.

Relevant skills help you match keywords from job descriptions to help you beat the Applicant Tracking Systems.

Tips for Writing a Strong CV Skills Section:

Tailor Your Skills to match the employer’s requirements. Use the same wording or phrasing from the job posting to increase visibility and alignment. Balance Hard and Soft Skills

• Hard skills to include in a CV: Data analysis, bookkeeping, SEO, graphic design, coding, MS Excel, HR software
  
• Soft skills to include in a CV: Communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, leadership

Keep It Concise: Use bullet points to keep it clean and avoid long paragraphs.

Be Honest and Accurate: Don’t list skills you’re not competent  in

Example of a CV Skills Section:

Skills

• Recruitment & Onboarding
• Employee Relations
• Performance Management
• MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Payroll Processing
• Conflict Resolution
• Time Management

Work Experience

In this section, give details about your work experience in your previous and current jobs. This section should be written in a reverse chronological order, organizing your employment experience, beginning with your most recent position.

Add the job title, the name of the company, the location, and the dates of employment. To emphasize your accomplishments and responsibilities, use bullet points.

Education

The Education section of your CV provides employers with insight into your academic background, qualifications, and training. Give a detailed account of your education, beginning with your most recent achievements. Add the name of the institutions attended, the graduation date, and the degree obtained.

You should list your Education qualifications in a reverse chronological order, with the most recent or highest qualification first and the lowest education qualification at the bottom.

If you have additional certifications or relevant coursework, include those as well.

Education section of your CV:

• Demonstrates your qualifications for the job
• Proves you’ve completed the necessary training or academic requirements
• Adds credibility to your professional profile

Basic Structure Education section:

• Degree or Certificate Name – e.g., Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma in Human Resource Management
  
• Institution Name – e.g., Muranga’a University of Technology, Kisii University, University of Nairobi, Kenya Institute of Management)
  
• Dates Attended or Completion Date: 2017 – 2021
  
• Grades or Honours (Optional – if notable)
  

Example 

Education

Mount Kenya University – Nairobi, Kenya

Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)

2017 – 2021

Graduated with Second Class Upper Division

Keep Your CV Concise and Clear

Does your CV clearly show your value in under 10 seconds? In CV writing, Less Is More, and the more concise your CV is, the better.

While it’s important to include all relevant information in your CV, you should keep the length within one to two pages. Recruiters often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV, so it’s crucial to make every word count. 

That’s why keeping your CV concise and relevant is key to standing out in a crowded job market.

A clear and concise CV is important because:

• Target the Job Role. You can easily include only the experience, skills, and achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Makes your CV look organised and free from clutter, making it easier to read and navigate
• Saves the recruiter’s time and shows respect for their attention span
• Highlights only the most impactful information, increasing your chances of making a strong impression. Focus on the most pertinent details, and omit outdated or irrelevant information that does not support your application.
• communicates effectively

Use Professional Language and Formatting

Using professional language and formatting can make the difference between getting shortlisted or overlooked. Choose a professional font such as Arial or Calibri in a readable size (10-12 points). 

Ensure your CV is clear, formal, and easy to understand with clear headings, bullet points, and adequate spacing to enhance readability. 

Avoid using excessive jargon, slang, abbreviations, or overly casual terms, and maintain a professional tone throughout.

Professional Language conveys respect and seriousness about the opportunity.

Maintain a Professional Formatting

• A clean, organized format makes your CV easy to read and navigate.
• Well-structured formatting allows recruiters to quickly spot your strengths.
• Use consistent fonts (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman—10 to 12 pt).
• Keep headings bold and clear for easy navigation.
• Maintain even spacing, margins, and alignment.
• Use bullet points for listing skills, roles, and achievements.
• Save your CV as a PDF to preserve layout and ensure readability across devices.

Proofread for Errors

Before submitting your CV, take the time to proofread it thoroughly to ensure it is free from errors. proofread to double-check for Spelling and grammatical errors that can create a negative impression and reduce your chances of landing an interview. 

First impressions count, and careless errors may signal carelessness or show a lack of attention to detail, or even lead to confusion or misinterpretation of key information.

What to Check When Proofreading:

• Spelling and Grammar
• Consistency: Make sure fonts, bullet styles, date formats, and punctuation are uniform throughout.
• Personal Information: Double-check that your name, phone number, and email to ensure they are accurate and up to date.
• Names and Titles: Ensure company names, educational institutions, job titles, certifications, and referee information are spelled correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CV Writing

A well-crafted CV can open doors, while small CV mistakes can be a big turn-off.

• Using a One-Size-Fits-All CV: Using the same CV for every application. Always tailor your CV to align with the job you are applying for
• Spelling and Grammar Errors: Typos suggest carelessness. 
• Too Long or Too Short: A CV that’s too long may overwhelm, while a very short one may seem underqualified. Aim for 1–2 pages, depending on your experience level.
• Including Irrelevant Information: Avoid Details like age, religion, marital status, date of birth, age, or hobbies
• Poor Formatting: A cluttered or inconsistent layout makes your CV hard to read or navigate.
• Unprofessional Information: An Unprofessional email address could cost you a job.
• Lying or Exaggerating: Always be honest; never lie about academic qualifications. Avoid falsifying qualifications or roles. Do not list skills or jobs that you know you are not competent in or did not attend.

More Tips on CV Writing in Kenya

• Use Action Verbs: To make your accomplishments more impactful and dynamic, use action verbs such as managed, developed, implemented, and achieved. 
• Quantify your achievements: Numbers don’t lie, and it is advisable to quantify your achievements using metrics and data to demonstrate the impact you made in previous roles. This provides concrete evidence of your capabilities.
•  Showcase Your Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities: Listing duties isn’t enough. You must show impact and results. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, quantify your accomplishments using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For example, instead of “Managed social media accounts,” write “Increased social media engagement by 25% in six months by implementing a new content strategy.” This demonstrates your impact and value.

How to write a good CV – Structure

Here’s a *simple CV writing structure* job seekers can follow to create a clear and professional CV:

Personal Information

– Full Name
– Phone Number
– Email Address
– LinkedIn profile

Personal Profile/Career Summary

• A brief paragraph (3–4 lines) highlighting who you are, your experience, skills, and what you’re looking for.

Example:

A motivated and detail-oriented administrative assistant with over 3 years of experience in office management and customer service. Skilled in Microsoft Office, time management, and multitasking. Seeking to contribute to a dynamic organization.

Key Skills

List the most relevant skills in bullet points.

Example:

– Communication skills
– Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
– Time management
– Customer service
– Data entry

Work Experience

Don’t just list duties, show your achievements.

List in chronological order.

Start with the most recent job. Include:

– Job Title
– Company Name
– Duration
– Responsibilities (use bullet points)

Example:

Administrative Assistant

ABC Company, Nairobi| Jan 2022 – Dec 2023

Duties:

Managed office schedules and meetings

Handled incoming calls and emails
Assisted in preparing reports and presentations

Education

List your educational background starting from the most recent.

Include:

• Course or Level
• Institution Name
• Year completed or duration

Example:

Diploma in Business Management

Kenya Institute of Management | 2020 – 2022

Referees

List 2 referees or state “Available on request.”

Example:

James Mwangi
Supervisor, XYZ Ltd
0722 000 000

How much is CV Writing Services in Kenya?

CV Prices in Kenya

Most local CV Writing professionals suggest:

• Entry-level CVs: KSh 300–1,000

• Mid-level: KSh 600–1,500

• Senior-level: KSh 1,500+, sometimes through negotiation

Final Thought on How to Write a Good CV

Writing a good CV is a crucial step in your job application journey. Your CV is often your first introduction to a potential employer. It should align the employer requirements, highlight your qualifications, skills, and experience, and create a positive impression of your prospective employer.

By following these tips, you can create a compelling CV that effectively showcases your skills and experience, aligns with the job application, and significantly increases your chances of landing that dream job.

Remember, a tailored, concise, and well-organized CV will not only present you in the best light but also bring you closer to your career goals. Start crafting your standout CV today!

Remember, your CV is your first impression – make it count!

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