The hospitality industry in Kenya continues to grow — with hotels, restaurants, and tourism brands constantly seeking reliable, customer-focused professionals. But with so many qualified applicants, your CV needs to do more than just list your past jobs. It must show results, professionalism, and the ability to deliver an excellent guest experience.
This guide is designed to help you stand out. Here, you’ll find ready-to-use hospitality CV examples, free downloadable templates, and simple writing tips to match what Kenyan recruiters look for. Whether you’re applying for a hotel, restaurant, catering, or tourism position, these templates are modern, ATS-friendly, and available in both Word (.docx) and PDF formats.
📥 Download your free Hospitality CV Template (Word & PDF) — perfect for hotel, catering, and tourism jobs in Kenya.
Why You Need a Professional Hospitality CV in Kenya
In Kenya’s competitive hospitality industry, first impressions count — and your CV is often the first one you make. Top employers such as Serena Hotels, Sarova, PrideInn, and Fairmont receive hundreds of applications for each opening. What sets successful candidates apart is not just experience, but how professionally that experience is presented.
A well-structured hospitality CV shows that you understand the value of professionalism, organization, and attention to detail — qualities that are essential in hotel, catering, and tourism environments. It demonstrates reliability and commitment to service excellence, helping recruiters immediately recognize your suitability for the role.
Kenyan recruiters also pay close attention to achievements, certifications, and language skills. For example, mentioning that you “boosted guest satisfaction by 15%” or “completed a certificate in Customer Service Excellence from Kenya Utalii College” makes your CV more results-driven and credible.
Finally, many employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) on platforms like BrighterMonday and Fuzu. An ATS-optimized CV — with clear headings, professional formatting, and relevant keywords — ensures that your application passes the initial screening and reaches human recruiters faster.
Hospitality CV Examples by Job Type (Kenya)
Kenya’s hospitality industry is diverse — ranging from luxury hotels to bustling restaurants, tour companies, and catering services. To help you find the right fit, we’ve grouped the best CV examples and templates by job type. Each example includes a detailed writing guide and a free downloadable template in Word and PDF formats.
🏨 Hotel CV Examples
CV for Hotel Job with Experience (Kenya Example)
Ideal for experienced hotel professionals such as supervisors, receptionists, or operations staff. This example focuses on leadership, customer service, and measurable achievements in day-to-day hotel operations.
Hotel Manager CV Example & Template
Perfect for senior managers and department heads who oversee hotel performance, budgeting, and staff training. It highlights strategic leadership, team development, and guest satisfaction metrics.
🎓 Hospitality Management CVs
Hospitality Management Resume Template
Designed for hospitality graduates or professionals aiming for management roles. This CV emphasizes organizational leadership, business strategy, and service excellence.
Tourism Manager CV Template
Best for travel and tourism professionals managing packages, partnerships, or destination operations. It blends hospitality knowledge with customer engagement and marketing skills.
🌱 Entry-Level & Graduate Hospitality CVs
Tourism Management Graduate CV Example
Ideal for recent graduates starting their careers in hospitality or tourism. It focuses on academic achievements, internships, and transferable skills like communication and teamwork.
Customer Service Hotel Resume (Kenya Edition)
Tailored for front office, concierge, or guest service roles. It highlights interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, and a friendly, service-oriented attitude.
🍽️ Specialized Hospitality Roles
Hospitality Supervisor CV Example
Created for shift supervisors and team leaders who manage daily operations, staff scheduling, and guest relations. It focuses on accountability, teamwork, and operational efficiency.
Restaurant & Catering CV Example
Suitable for chefs, waiters, and catering staff. This template showcases hands-on experience in food preparation, hygiene standards, and customer satisfaction.
Tip: Each CV example includes a free, editable template — so you can easily download, personalize, and apply to top hospitality brands across Kenya.
What to Include in a Hospitality CV (Kenya Edition)
A well-written hospitality CV should clearly show your ability to serve guests, manage operations, and maintain high standards of service. Kenyan recruiters value professionalism, practical experience, and a friendly, customer-focused attitude. Here’s what to include in your CV to stand out when applying to hotels, restaurants, or tourism companies.
Professional Summary
Start your CV with a short paragraph that summarizes who you are, your years of experience, and your key strengths.
Example:
“Experienced Hospitality Professional with over 6 years in hotel and restaurant operations. Skilled in customer service, staff supervision, and guest satisfaction. Passionate about creating memorable experiences for every guest.”
Keep it concise — about 3 to 4 lines — and tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for.
Key Skills
Include a section that highlights your most relevant skills. Focus on both technical and soft skills that recruiters look for in the Kenyan hospitality industry.
Examples of key skills:
- Customer Service & Guest Relations
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Communication & Problem Solving
- Time Management & Multitasking
- Attention to Detail
- Front Office Systems (Opera, Fidelio, Micros)
- Food & Beverage Service
- Event Coordination
Tip: Use short bullet points so your CV is easy to scan — this helps with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by job sites like BrighterMonday and Fuzu.
Experience
This is where you prove your value. Use bullet points to describe your achievements, not just duties. Quantify your results where possible.
Example Entries:
- “Handled 100+ guests daily with a 95% satisfaction rating.”
- “Trained and supervised a team of 10 waiters to maintain consistent service standards.”
- “Reduced booking errors by 20% through improved staff coordination.”
Focus on customer satisfaction, leadership, and problem-solving — these are key strengths Kenyan employers want to see.
Education & Certifications
List your most relevant educational background. Include diplomas or degrees in Hospitality, Tourism, or related fields.
Examples:
- Diploma in Hotel Management – Kenya Utalii College
- Certificate in Customer Service – AHLEI
- Short Course in Tourism Operations – UNWTO
Additional certifications show initiative and continuous professional development, which can impress recruiters.
References
References are optional, but in Kenya, including them can help build credibility — especially if you’ve worked for reputable hotels or restaurants.
You can either list 2–3 referees with their contact details or simply write:
“References available upon request.”
→ See full guide: How to Write a CV for Hospitality Jobs in Kenya
Download Free Hospitality CV Templates (Word & PDF)
Finding the right CV format can make all the difference when applying for hospitality jobs in Kenya. To help you save time and impress recruiters, we’ve prepared a collection of free, editable Hospitality CV Templates — designed specifically for hotels, restaurants, tourism firms, and customer service roles.
Each template is professionally designed, ATS-friendly, and easy to personalize using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Once edited, you can export it as a PDF for online applications on job sites such as BrighterMonday, Fuzu, or MyJobMag Kenya.
What Makes These Templates Different
- Editable & Customizable – Update your name, experience, and skills in minutes.
- ATS-Compliant – Built to pass digital screening systems used by Kenyan employers.
- Modern & Professional Design – Clean layouts that highlight your achievements.
- Two File Formats – Download in Word (.docx) for editing or PDF for easy submission.
- Locally Relevant – Designed for hospitality roles in Kenya’s top hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I write a good hospitality CV for jobs in Kenya?
A good hospitality CV in Kenya should focus on customer service, teamwork, and achievements. Use short bullet points to show what you’ve accomplished, such as “Increased guest satisfaction by 15%” or “Handled 100+ guests per day.” Keep your format simple, professional, and easy to read.
What should I include in my hospitality CV?
Include your contact information, professional summary, work experience, education, and key skills. Kenyan employers also value certifications (for example, from Kenya Utalii College or AHLEI), languages spoken, and any awards related to customer service or performance.
Can I use one CV for all hotel and restaurant jobs?
You can use one main template, but it’s best to adjust your CV for each job. For example, if you’re applying for a front office role, highlight customer interaction skills. For a catering job, emphasize food service, teamwork, and speed. Tailoring your CV increases your chances of being shortlisted.
What’s the ideal length for a hospitality CV in Kenya?
For most professionals, one to two pages is ideal. Keep your content focused on achievements and recent experience. Long descriptions of duties are not necessary — recruiters prefer concise, results-based information.
Tip: Use the templates above to structure your CV correctly and ensure it meets Kenyan hospitality standards.
Related Resources
Explore more guides and examples to help you write a winning hospitality CV:
- 🏨 Tourism Management CV Example + Writing Tips — Learn how to tailor your CV for travel, tour, and destination management roles.
- 🧳 Hotel Job CV Examples & Templates — Download ready-to-edit templates for hotel, resort, and accommodation roles.
- ✨ Hospitality Skills for CVs — Discover the top soft and technical skills Kenyan employers look for in hospitality professionals.
These resources offer practical insights, examples, and free downloads to help you stand out in Kenya’s competitive hospitality and tourism sector.
