How to write a CV in Uganda: a step-by-step guide

A CV (curriculum vitae) is a short document that tells an employer who you are, what you can do and how to reach you. In Uganda, “CV” is the usual word; you will rarely be asked for a “resume”. A good CV does one job: it gets you shortlisted for an interview. Everything on it should help a busy panel decide quickly that you meet the requirements in the advert.

Step 1: Read the advert first

Before you write anything, read the job advert carefully and underline three things: the minimum requirements (qualifications, years of experience, registration), the main duties, and the skills mentioned more than once. Your CV should make it easy to find evidence for each of them. If the advert asks for a particular format or form, use it.

Step 2: Put the sections in this order

1. 1Name and contact details: full name, phone number, a professional email address and your town or district. A LinkedIn link is optional.
2. 2Profile: three or four lines on who you are professionally, your strongest experience and the kind of role you want.
3. 3Work experience: newest job first, with your title, employer, place, dates and three to five bullets for each.
4. 4Education: newest first, with the qualification, institution and year. Add your class or grade if it helps you.
5. 5Professional qualifications and training: certifications, registrations and relevant short courses.
6. 6Skills: the skills from the advert that you really have, including computer skills and languages.
7. 7Referees: usually two or three people who know your work, with their title, organisation, phone and email.

Step 3: Write your profile

The profile is the first thing a panel reads, so make it specific. Say what you do, for how long, and one thing you are good at, with evidence. Avoid lines that every applicant could write.

Step 4: Describe your experience as results

Under each job, write bullets that start with an action word (led, sold, trained, reduced, built, organised) and, where you can, end with a result or a number: how many people, how much money in UGX, how much time saved, what target you met. Duties tell the panel what the job was. Results tell them what you did in it.

Step 5: Choose a simple format

• One column, plain headings and a readable font such as Arial or Calibri, size 10 to 12.
• No tables, text boxes, skill bars or graphics; many recruitment systems can’t read them.
• Dates in one style throughout, for example 03/2022 – 08/2024.
• Save and send as a PDF unless the advert asks for Word.
• Name the file clearly, for example “Sarah-Nakato-CV.pdf”.

Step 6: Get the length right

One or two pages suits most people in Uganda; three is reasonable if you have long, relevant experience. Cut older or unrelated jobs to one line rather than making the font smaller.

Should you add a photo or personal details?

Many Ugandan CVs include a passport photo, date of birth, marital status or religion. Most employers don’t need them, and leaving them out keeps the focus on your skills. Add them only if the advert asks.

Step 7: Check before you send

• Spelling, especially names of employers and institutions.
• Your phone number and email work, and you answer calls from unknown numbers.
• Referees know you have listed them.
• The CV matches the advert you are answering, not the last one.