The Perfect Length for Your CV

It is common for candidates to feel that their CV does not quite offer the employer enough evidence that they can work or that they have any transferable skills. A recent graduate will feel that three pages is too long for a CV while a candidate with seven years experience will feel the need to have more than a 3-page CV.

No matter which category you are in, the length of a CV is still an unresolved matter and it will always leave you confused. After all, everyone wants to impress the potential employer and land the interview and eventually the job.

CVs are graded in different levels. These levels range from 0 years experience to 15 years and above experience. While not many HR managers will reject your CV because of its length, accurate content that is well presented is of the essence.

Kenyan employers prefer a 2 page CV excluding referees. However, this is subject to change depending on your experience and what the job description asks of you. For example some job descriptions request candidates to send a 4 page CV and in this case whether experienced or not that long a CV is mandatory.

What if the job description is not specific about the length of your CV?

This should be your CV length:

Entry level candidates (0-2 years) should stick to a two page maximum CV. Why? You have little experience and all you need to highlight is your educational background and the three month internship or attachment.

A 3 page CV will suffice for a professional level candidate (3-5 years) while 4 pages do it for the rest of the candidates in the 6 -15 years experience.

HR managers will not read everything on your CV so it is important to fully expound on Three of your most significant and/or recent experience. These should be applicable to the particular job and/or company to which you’re applying to and should be short, relevant and interesting.

The fact that Kenyan employers value a 2-page long CV means that you should pay extra attention on your first page. This is where the potential employer will focus on. Therefore, sell yourself the best way by including all your pertinent career information on the first page and in the top portion of the document.

The rest of the information follows suit. Competition to get into the job market is stiff so invest in your career and ensure that you are presented in the best possible light.

If CV writing is not your strong suit send an email to cvwriting@corporatestaffing.co.ke