Ever sent out dozens of CVs and heard nothing back? Si rahisi. This guide, “CV Writing: 4 Things You Should Remove From Your CV Right Now,” is your direct fix for that common frustration.
We’ll show you the outdated or unnecessary details that Kenyan recruiters instantly ignore. Cleaning these up will make your application sharper and get you noticed faster in our competitive job market.
What to Include Instead
Your contact section should be clean and professional. Only list your phone number, a professional email address, and your LinkedIn profile URL if you have one. Your physical address can simply be your town, like “Nairobi” or “Mombasa,” not your full estate and house number.
How Outdated Information Actually Hurts Your Chances
Recruiters in Nairobi scan a CV for less than 30 seconds. Including old or irrelevant details wastes this precious time and makes you seem out of touch. This isn’t just about removing your primary school; it’s about strategic editing for the modern Kenyan job market.
Here are specific items that create a negative impression:
- Primary and Secondary School Details: Once you have a university degree or college diploma, remove your KCSE and KCPE schools and grades. They are no longer relevant for professional roles.
- Very Old Work Experience: If you have over 10 years of experience, jobs from 15+ years ago that aren’t directly relevant can be summarized or removed. Focus on your last three to four roles in detail.
- Obsolete Technical Skills: Listing Microsoft Office 2007 or Windows XP signals you haven’t updated your skills. Mention current, in-demand tools relevant to your industry.
- Personal Attributes Like “Hardworking”: These are empty claims. Instead, show your work ethic through achievements, e.g., “Managed a team that increased sales by 15% in the Western Kenya region.”
Common CV Clutters That Kenyan Job Seekers Get Wrong
Adding “References Available Upon Request”
This line is a waste of space. Kenyan employers already assume you have references. Instead, use that valuable line to highlight a key skill or achievement. Have your referees’ contacts ready on a separate document, but don’t put them on the CV itself.
Including a Full-Blown Photo
Unless you’re applying for a modelling or acting gig, a photo is unnecessary and can lead to unconscious bias. It also takes up space needed for your skills. A clean, professional layout without a picture is the standard for corporates in Westlands or Industrial Area.
Listing Every Single Short Course or Seminar
Mentioning a one-day seminar from 2015 alongside your CPA or Cisco certification dilutes your profile. Be selective. Only include recent, relevant, and substantive training. For example, a cybersecurity certification from a recognized body like ISACA holds more weight than multiple generic workshops.
Using an Unprofessional Email Address
An email like “badboyz@gmail.com” or “queen2010@yahoo.com” will get your CV dismissed instantly. Create a simple address using your name, like firstname.lastname@gmail.com. This small change shows you take your professional image seriously.
Kenyan-Specific CV Tips for Maximum Impact
The local hiring landscape is key. Many Kenyan companies, especially in the formal sector, now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before a human ever sees them. This changes how you should format your information.
First, avoid fancy graphics, tables, or columns. These often get scrambled by the ATS software used by firms like Safaricom or Kenya Airways. Use a simple, clean format with standard headings like “Work Experience” and “Education”.
Second, tailor your CV for the Kenyan market. If you have experience with specific local systems like iTax, IFMIS, or the NTSA TIMS portal, mention them explicitly. This shows practical, relevant knowledge. Also, be mindful of local norms; for instance, stating your tribe or religious affiliation is not only unnecessary but can work against you.
Finally, consider the timing. The best months to apply are often January-February (new budgets) and August-September (mid-year reviews). Avoid the December holiday period when hiring slows down significantly. Save your updated CV as a PDF with a clear filename like “John_Doe_CV_Marketing_Manager.pdf” to ensure it looks right on any device in Nairobi or Mombasa.
The Bottom Line
Your CV is your first impression—make it count by being concise and relevant. Removing clutter like your ID number, outdated details, and unprofessional elements sharpens your profile and directly addresses what busy Kenyan recruiters are looking for.
Take action today: open your CV, review it against these four points, and make the necessary cuts. Then, share this article with a friend who is also on the job hunt—pole, but we all need this reminder!
Frequently Asked Questions About CV Writing: 4 Things You Should Remove from Your CV Right Now in Kenya
Is it okay to leave my KRA PIN on my CV if I’m applying for an accounting job?
No, you should still remove it. Your KRA PIN is sensitive personal data. The employer will request it officially later during the onboarding process, not from your initial application CV.
Providing it upfront offers no advantage and increases your risk of identity fraud, especially when applying for jobs online through various portals.
I only have old work experience, should I leave my CV almost empty?
Not at all. Focus on the skills and responsibilities from your older roles that are still relevant today. You can create a “Relevant Experience” section instead of a strict chronological list.
Summarise very old jobs in one line. The goal is to show transferable skills, not every single job you’ve held since leaving campus.
Can using a fancy CV template from online help me stand out?
It can actually hurt your chances. Many Kenyan companies use software that cannot read complex templates, causing your information to get lost. A simple, well-structured Word or PDF document is safest.
Stand out through your achievements and clear formatting, not through graphics or columns that might not display properly on the recruiter’s computer.
What if a job advertisement specifically asks for a photo and ID copy?
Only provide them if explicitly stated in the application instructions. Attach them as separate documents, not embedded in the CV itself. Always verify the company is legitimate before sending such sensitive documents.
Be cautious of adverts that seem to prioritise personal details over professional qualifications, as this can be a red flag.
How often should I update my CV even when I’m not job hunting?
Aim to update it at least every six months. Add any new skills, completed projects, or training. This makes you always ready for an unexpected opportunity without a last-minute rush.
Keeping it current saves you time and ensures you don’t forget important achievements you can Use during your next interview.
