How to write a CV for a job: a step-by-step guide with a sample

Before you write: read the job advert carefully

The best CVs are written for a specific job. Before you type anything, read the advert two or three times and highlight four things: the job title, the must-have qualifications (degree, licence, years of experience), the key skills and tools (for example QuickBooks, IV cannulation, AutoCAD, customer service), and the main responsibilities. These highlighted words are your checklist. A strong CV shows evidence for each one.

If the advert is vague, look at two or three similar adverts from other employers. The common requirements tell you what matters for that kind of role.

Step 1: Choose a clear CV format

For almost every job, use the reverse-chronological format: your most recent job first, then the one before it, and so on. Recruiters expect it and applicant tracking systems read it reliably. Use a clean, single-column design with standard headings, a readable font at 10–12 pt and margins of about 2 cm.

Keep your CV to one page if you have less than five years of experience and two pages if you have more. Senior professionals, doctors, academics and development-sector specialists sometimes need three, but only if every line is relevant.

Step 2: Write your contact details

Leave out your ID or passport number, date of birth, marital status, religion, tribe and a photo, unless the advert specifically asks for them.

• Full name (as on your certificates), large and clear at the top.
• A professional title that matches the job, such as “Customer Service Representative”.
• One phone number with the country code (+254, +234, +233, +27).
• A professional email address. Create a new one if your current email is a nickname.
• Town and country. A full postal address is not needed.
• LinkedIn or a portfolio link if it is up to date.

Step 3: Write a professional summary that matches the job

The summary sits right under your name and is the first thing recruiters read. In three or four sentences, say who you are, how much experience you have, what you are best at and what you can bring to this employer. Use words from the advert where they are true.

Weak: “Hardworking and result-oriented individual seeking a challenging position in a reputable organisation.” (This could describe anyone.)

Strong: “CPA(K) accountant with 5 years in agribusiness and audit. Closes monthly books in 5 working days, files VAT and PAYE on time through iTax, and prepares IFRS reports that management uses for budgeting.” (This is specific and believable.)

Step 4: List your work experience with achievements

For each job write the title, employer, town and dates (month and year). Then add three to six bullet points. The secret of a strong CV is to write achievements, not duties. Duties describe what anyone in that role is supposed to do. Achievements show what you actually did and how well you did it.

A simple formula works for every industry: action verb + what you did + result (with a number if possible).

• Duty: “Responsible for customer complaints.” → Achievement: “Resolved 70+ customer requests daily with a 92% satisfaction score.”
• Duty: “Teaching mathematics.” → Achievement: “Raised the WASSCE core maths pass rate from 61% to 84% in three years.”
• Duty: “In charge of stores.” → Achievement: “Cut stock losses by 15% by introducing weekly cycle counts.”
• Duty: “Driving company vehicles.” → Achievement: “Drove 28-tonne trucks on the Nairobi–Mombasa corridor with zero accidents in five years.”

Step 5: Add education, skills and certifications

Step 6: Add referees

Most employers in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda still expect two or three referees on a CV. Choose people who know your work well, such as a current or former supervisor, a lecturer, or a client, and ask their permission first. Give their name, position, organisation and phone number. If you prefer not to share contacts yet, write “Referees available on request”, but be ready to provide them quickly.

Step 7: Tailor, check and send

1. 1

   Tailor it

   Adjust your title, summary and skills for each job, and move your most relevant achievements to the top of each role. Our AI can do this in about a minute when you paste the advert.

2. 2

   Check the ATS score

   Our editor scores your CV live as you type: contact details, summary length, numbers in your bullets, action verbs, layout and keyword match with the advert.

3. 3

   Proofread

   Read it aloud, check every date and phone number, and ask someone else to read it. One spelling mistake can cost you the interview.

4. 4

   Save and name the file

   Download a PDF named Firstname_Lastname_CV.pdf. Send it with a short, specific cover letter or email.

Common CV mistakes to avoid

• Sending the same CV to every employer.
• Using a nickname email or an old phone number.
• Writing long paragraphs instead of short bullets.
• Leaving unexplained gaps. Add a short line such as “Career break: further studies, 2023”.
• Exaggerating or inventing qualifications. Background checks are common and lying can get an offer withdrawn.

Frequently asked questions