CV Writing: Educational Background Do’s And Don’ts

By Dorcas Karuana,
Recently a reader wrote this to me.
“I am an avid reader of your articles. I graduated in December last year with a Bachelors of Education degree and have been looking for a job in non- governmental organizations ever since to no avail. Is it advisable for one to indicate their degree classification on their C.V.? I got a 2nd Class, lower division. Also, should I indicate my Primary School grades?”
When writing your CV your educational background is one of the important things that should not be left out.
Educational background can be subdivided into two:
1. Academic Qualifications - These includes: your Post Graduate Degree, Undergraduate Degree, Regular Diplomas, KCPE and KCPE.
2. Professional Qualifications - These include professional courses and Higher National Diplomas, CPA, CPS, CFA e.t.c
Dos and Don’ts  in writing educational Background
Do’s
1. Start from the most current to the oldest level of education
2. Indicate the Institution attended in each level
3. Indicate the overall grade scored in every level of education
Don’ts
1. Include grades scored in every subject. E.g Don’t break down your KCSE grades.
2. Do not attach your Diploma/ Degree transcripts