How to Write a CV in Kenya for a Form Four Leaver

At first glance, you might think writing a CV as a Form Four leaver would be a challenge—what could one possibly include? But the real secret lies in how you present what you have, highlighting your strengths even with minimal formal experience. Your CV doesn’t need to be overloaded with fancy terms or unnecessary fluff; instead, focus on clarity, relevance, and showing potential.

Step 1: Personal Information

At the very top of your CV, place your name in a bold, larger font. Below that, your contact information should follow: phone number, email address, and physical location (though not mandatory). Ensure that your email address is professional—preferably your name or initials, not something informal like "[email protected]."

Example:
Name: John Doe
Phone: +254 712 345 678
Email: [email protected]
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Step 2: Personal Statement

This is a short paragraph summarizing who you are and your career goals. It should be tailored to the specific job you're applying for, focusing on your ambitions, skills, and how they align with the job.

Example:
A motivated and responsible recent Form Four leaver with a passion for technology and a commitment to learning. Possessing strong interpersonal skills and an eagerness to contribute to a dynamic team while continuing to develop professionally.

Step 3: Educational Background

Given that you’re a recent Form Four leaver, this section will be one of the most important parts of your CV. Start with the most recent qualification (in this case, your Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education—KCSE).

Example:
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)
ABC High School, Nairobi
2019 – 2023
Grade: B+

You can include any relevant subjects or key achievements. If you scored particularly well in subjects related to the job you're applying for (like Maths or English), be sure to highlight them here.

Step 4: Work Experience

As a recent school leaver, you may not have much formal work experience, but that’s okay. Include any internships, volunteering, or side jobs you might have done. Even household responsibilities or leadership roles at school (e.g., prefect, class representative) can count as experience if framed correctly.

Example:
Sales Assistant (Internship)
XYZ Supermarket, Nairobi
June – July 2023

• Assisted with stocking shelves, managing inventory, and helping customers
• Developed strong customer service skills and learned the basics of retail management

Example:
Volunteer Teacher’s Assistant
ABC Primary School
March – April 2022

• Helped organize classroom materials and assist students with learning difficulties
• Gained valuable communication skills and the ability to work effectively under supervision

Step 5: Skills

Even if you lack extensive work experience, you can highlight skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. These might include computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Docs), interpersonal skills (teamwork, communication), or specific talents (problem-solving, time management).

Example:

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Quick learner with a passion for acquiring new skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Step 6: Extracurricular Activities

Extracurriculars are a great way to demonstrate additional skills that might not show up in other sections of your CV. If you were involved in sports, clubs, or societies during school, mention these and include any leadership roles.

Example:

• Captain of the school’s football team (2022)
• Member of the Science Club
• Active participant in community clean-up initiatives

Step 7: References

At the end of your CV, include at least two references. These should be people who can vouch for your character, work ethic, and skills. If you’ve had a part-time job or internship, one of these references could be your supervisor. Otherwise, a teacher or mentor can also be a good reference.

Example:
John Smith
Former Supervisor, XYZ Supermarket
Phone: +254 712 345 987
Email: [email protected]

Jane Doe
Teacher, ABC High School
Phone: +254 722 111 222
Email: [email protected]

Key Tips for Success:

1. Tailor your CV to the Job: Each time you apply for a new job, make slight adjustments to your CV to ensure it aligns with the requirements of the specific role.
2. Keep it Simple: Don’t overcomplicate your CV with unnecessary details. Keep everything clear, concise, and professional.
3. Focus on What You Have: Don’t stress over what you don’t have—highlight what you do. Employers are often more interested in your potential and attitude rather than your past experience, especially for entry-level roles.
4. Proofread: Spelling and grammatical errors can reflect poorly on your attention to detail. Always double-check your CV before sending it out.

CV Template for a Form Four Leaver

Section	Details
Personal Information	Name, Phone, Email, Location
Personal Statement	A brief summary of your skills, goals, and motivations
Educational Background	School, years attended, KCSE grade, key achievements
Work Experience	Internships, volunteering, part-time jobs, household responsibilities
Skills	Relevant skills for the job (e.g., computer literacy, teamwork, problem-solving)
Extracurricular Activities	School clubs, leadership roles, community service
References	Contact details of at least two people who can vouch for you

Remember, a CV is not just about listing qualifications; it’s about telling your story in a way that resonates with employers. With the right approach, even a Form Four leaver can make a powerful impression and land a great job in Kenya.