A CV for jobs in Zambia is usually two pages in English. It includes personal details, a short objective, education with your degree or diploma and Grade 12 results from the Examinations Council of Zambia, work experience, skills and two or three references. Many adverts ask for certified copies of your Grade 12 certificate and qualifications alongside the CV.
These are common practices, not legal rules, and employers differ. Every example is fictional; replace each [bracketed] detail with your own, and follow the job posting when it asks for something specific.
What a Zambian CV usually includes
| Section | What to write |
|---|---|
| Personal details | Name, phone, email, town; NRC number only when a form asks |
| Objective | Two lines on the role and your key strength |
| Education | Degree or diploma, then Grade 12 (year, school, number of credits or merits) |
| Work experience | Title, employer, dates and achievements |
| Skills | Computer and job-specific skills |
| References | Two or three with phone numbers |
Grade 12 certificate and certified copies
Many Zambian employers screen for a "full Grade 12 certificate". Summarise it on the CV, for example "Grade 12, [School], [Year]: [number] credits including English and Mathematics", and attach certified copies only when the advert asks for them.
Zambian CV template (sample to copy)
Zambian CV sample (fictional)
[Your Name] — [Position applied for]
Lusaka · [+260 phone] · [Email]
OBJECTIVE: [Qualification] holder seeking a [role] position.
EDUCATION: Diploma in [Field], [College], [Year] · Grade 12, [School], [Year]: [credits]
EXPERIENCE: [Title], [Employer], [Month Year]–Present — [result]
SKILLS: [software], [skill]
REFERENCES: [Name], [title], [organisation], [phone]
Applying to mines, NGOs and government
Mining and engineering employers look for licences, safety training and site experience; list them with dates. NGOs expect measurable programme results. Government posts follow the instructions in the advert, often with a specific form and deadline.
- Do I need to attach my Grade 12 certificate?
- Only when the advert asks. Most adverts specify certified copies of the Grade 12 certificate and qualifications.
- Should I put my NRC number on my CV?
- No. Provide it only on official application forms that ask for it.
- How many references for a Zambian CV?
- Two or three, ideally former supervisors.
Regional neighbours: the Zimbabwe CV format and the South Africa CV format. Compare other countries in the CV format by country guide. Copy the template above for free, or build yours in the CV builder: creating and previewing is free, and the PDF download is part of a paid plan.
