The hospitality and catering sector in Kenya is growing fast, with opportunities in hotels, restaurants, resorts, and event management. But with so many applicants competing for the same roles, standing out is not always easy.
A well-structured CV can make a big difference. It shows Kenyan employers that you are professional, organized, and ready to deliver excellent service. Using a clear hospitality and catering CV example can help you stand out to Kenyan employers and increase your chances of being shortlisted for interviews.
Whether you are applying as a front desk receptionist, chef, waiter, or catering staff, your CV is often the first impression a recruiter will have of you. That first impression matters.
📥 Download a free editable hospitality and catering CV template (Word + PDF) today and start creating a CV that gets noticed.
Key Elements of a Hospitality and Catering CV
A strong hospitality and catering CV is different from other CVs because it focuses on customer service, attention to detail, and professionalism. Kenyan employers, whether at hotels like Serena, Sarova, or PrideInn, look for candidates who can deliver excellent guest experiences while keeping operations smooth.
Here are the core sections your CV should include:
1. Contact Information
Include your full name, phone number, email, and location. Adding a LinkedIn profile is optional but recommended. In some cases, a professional photo is accepted in Kenya’s hospitality CVs.
2. Professional Summary / Personal Profile
Write 3–4 lines highlighting your experience, service skills, and attitude. Example: “Experienced front desk receptionist with 3+ years in guest relations, skilled in handling high-volume check-ins while maintaining exceptional customer service.”
3. Key Skills
Include both soft and technical skills. Soft skills might include communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Technical skills can include POS systems, booking software, or catering equipment knowledge.
4. Work Experience
Focus on achievements rather than just duties. Use bullet points and measurable results, e.g., “Managed daily catering for events hosting 150+ guests with 98% satisfaction rate.”
5. Education & Certifications
Include hospitality or catering-related courses. Kenyan examples include Kenya Utalii College diplomas, culinary courses, or online certifications like AHLEI.
6. Optional Sections
- Languages: Especially useful if you speak multiple languages used in Kenyan tourism.
- References: “Available upon request” is common.
- Volunteer Experience / Internships: Highlight relevant service experience.
By including these key elements, your CV will clearly show Kenyan employers that you are skilled, professional, and ready to contribute to their hospitality or catering team.
Sample Hospitality and Catering CV Example
Here’s a Hospitality and Catering CV Example (Chronological Format), detailed, professionally written, and suited for the Kenyan job market but adaptable anywhere. It highlights career growth, customer service skills, and quantifiable results.
Name: Jane Njeri Wambui
Phone: 0712 345 678
Email: jane.wambui@email.com
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janenjeri
Professional Profile
Dedicated hospitality and catering professional with over 5 years of experience in hotel operations, food service, and guest relations. Skilled in ensuring smooth front-office operations, maintaining high service standards, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Proven record of improving efficiency, boosting team performance, and supporting revenue growth through excellent customer service.
Key Skills
- Front Office & Reception Management
- Food & Beverage Service
- Guest Relations & Customer Care
- Restaurant Operations
- Event Coordination
- Cash Handling & Billing
- Team Training & Supervision
- Health, Safety, and Hygiene Compliance
- Microsoft Office & POS Systems
Work Experience
Hotel Receptionist
The Lakeview Resort, Naivasha
Jan 2022 – Present
- Welcomed 100+ guests daily, managing check-ins and check-outs with 98% accuracy.
- Improved guest satisfaction ratings by 15% through efficient service and friendly communication.
- Coordinated with housekeeping and maintenance teams to achieve 95% on-time room readiness.
- Processed daily payments worth Ksh 100,000+, maintaining zero billing errors.
- Resolved 90% of guest complaints on first contact, resulting in better online reviews and repeat stays.
Waitress / Catering Assistant
Golden Fork Restaurant, Nairobi
May 2019 – Dec 2021
- Served 80–100 customers per shift while maintaining high service standards.
- Promoted daily specials and upsold desserts and drinks, increasing daily sales by 12%.
- Reduced table turnaround time by 20%, increasing restaurant efficiency.
- Managed accurate cash transactions of Ksh 50,000+ daily with no discrepancies.
- Consistently received positive feedback from guests for friendly and attentive service.
Barista / Café Attendant
Urban Coffee Spot, Westlands
Jun 2017 – Apr 2019
- Prepared and served 150+ beverages daily, maintaining consistent quality and presentation.
- Improved service speed by 25% during peak hours through better workflow management.
- Upsold pastries and snacks, increasing average order value by 30%.
- Built friendly relationships with 50+ regular customers, enhancing brand loyalty.
- Maintained 100% hygiene compliance during health inspections.
Education
Diploma in Hospitality and Catering Management
Kenya Utalii College, Nairobi
Graduated: 2017
KCSE Certificate
Maryhill Girls High School, Thika
Graduated: 2014
Certifications
- Certificate in Food Safety & Hygiene – Hotel and Catering Training Centre (HCTC), 2020
- Customer Service Excellence Course – Allied Hospitality Training, 2021
- Barista Skills Level 1 – Barista Pro Kenya, 2018
Achievements
- Recognized as Employee of the Month (3x) for exceptional customer service and teamwork.
- Helped increase restaurant repeat business by 15% through excellent guest relations.
- Played a key role in achieving a 4.7-star Google rating for the hotel’s front-office service.
References
Available upon request
How to Customize Your Hospitality and Catering CV for Kenyan Employers
Creating a CV that stands out to Kenyan hospitality employers requires more than listing your duties. Here’s how to make your CV effective and relevant:
Align CV Content with the Job Description
Read the job posting carefully and match your skills and experience to the employer’s requirements. Highlight the competencies they value most, such as guest relations, teamwork, or event coordination.
Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
Instead of writing generic tasks, showcase measurable results. For example:
- “Managed 100+ guest check-ins weekly with 95% satisfaction”
- “Reduced kitchen waste by 15% through improved inventory management”
Include Relevant Local Experience
Kenyan employers value experience in local hotels, resorts, restaurants, and catering companies. Mention any experience with Kenyan clients, events, or cultural expectations to demonstrate your understanding of the market.
Use Clean, Professional Formatting
Keep your CV concise (1–2 pages), with clear headings, bullet points, and consistent fonts. Avoid clutter or unnecessary graphics. Recruiters in Kenya appreciate professionalism and readability.
Be Concise and Clear
Use simple, active language. Avoid jargon or overly long sentences. A well-structured CV is easier to scan and increases your chances of getting shortlisted.
Pro Tip: Tailoring your CV for each application shows effort and professionalism. Even small adjustments — like emphasizing the skills most relevant to the role — can significantly improve your chances with Kenyan hospitality employers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Hospitality and Catering CV
When applying for hospitality and catering jobs in Kenya, certain mistakes can reduce your chances of being shortlisted. Avoid the following:
Generic or Vague Professional Summaries
A weak summary fails to capture attention. Instead of saying “Hardworking hotel staff,” be specific: highlight your experience, skills, and achievements.
Listing Only Duties Without Measurable Outcomes
Employers want results, not just responsibilities. Use numbers or examples to show impact, e.g., “Served 100+ guests daily with 98% satisfaction.”
Using Unprofessional Fonts or Images
Stick to clean, easy-to-read fonts. Avoid unnecessary graphics, overly decorative styles, or casual photos unless specifically requested by the employer.
Ignoring ATS-Friendly Formatting for Online Applications
Many Kenyan hotels and catering companies use online recruitment systems (e.g., BrighterMonday, Fuzu). Ensure your CV is simple, well-structured, and keyword-optimized so it passes ATS scans.
Pro Tip: A clean, concise, and results-focused CV will make a stronger impression than one cluttered with irrelevant information or generic statements.
Free Hospitality and Catering CV Template (Word + PDF)
To help you land your next job in Kenya’s hospitality sector, we’ve created editable CV templates for different roles. Each template is designed to be ATS-friendly, professional, and easy to customize.
Available Templates:
- Hotel Front Desk Staff – Highlight guest relations, booking systems, and front-office efficiency.
- Chefs & Kitchen Staff – Emphasize culinary skills, hygiene, and team coordination.
- Waitstaff & Catering Teams – Showcase customer service, upselling, and event support.
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| 📄 Download Word Version 📘 Download PDF Version | |
Conclusion
A professional and well-structured CV is essential for standing out in Kenya’s competitive hospitality and catering sector. Tailoring your CV to highlight relevant skills, achievements, and local experience can significantly increase your chances of being shortlisted.
With a well-prepared hospitality and catering CV example, you can impress Kenyan employers and land your next role in hotels, restaurants, or catering services. Always update and customize your CV for each application to showcase your strengths effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What should I include in a hospitality and catering CV in Kenya?
Include your contact information, a professional summary, key skills, achievements-based work experience, education and certifications (e.g., Kenya Utalii College), and optional sections like languages or references. Focus on customer service, teamwork, and measurable results.
2. Can I use one CV for hotel and restaurant jobs?
You can use the same base CV, but it’s best to tailor your professional summary and key skills to match the specific role. Highlight experience and achievements that are most relevant to either hotel or restaurant positions.
3. How long should a hospitality CV be?
Keep your CV concise—ideally 1–2 pages. Include the most relevant experience, measurable achievements, and skills without overcrowding the document.
4. Are templates for hospitality CVs free to use?
Yes. Many downloadable hospitality and catering CV templates are free and editable in Word or PDF. They are designed to be ATS-friendly and suitable for Kenyan employers.
More Resources And Templates
To strengthen topical authority and guide readers to related resources, include links to these relevant pages:
- Hospitality CV Examples & Templates (Kenya 2025 Edition) – Explore ready-to-download CV examples for hotel, restaurant, and tourism roles.
- Customer Service Hospitality Resume (Kenya) – Sample resumes focused on front desk, concierge, and guest service positions.
- Hospitality Supervisor CV & Resume – Templates and examples for team leads and supervisory roles in hotels and restaurants.
