CV format in Zambia: what employers actually expect
A section-by-section guide to the CV format Zambian employers expect, including NRC, references and what to leave off.
Length and order
Two pages is standard for most roles in Zambia, and one page reads as thin for anyone past their first job. Lead with contact details, then a short profile, then work experience in reverse order. Education moves above experience only when you graduated within the last year or two.
Your NRC number
Most Zambian employers expect the NRC on a CV, and many application forms will not proceed without it. Put it in the contact block. If you are applying to an international organisation or posting a CV publicly online, leave it off and supply it later — a public document with your NRC on it is an identity-theft risk.
References
Listing two or three referees with their position, organisation and phone number is still normal practice here, unlike in the UK or US where "references on request" is the norm. Ask permission before listing anyone. A referee who is surprised by the call does more damage than no referee.
What to leave off
Photographs, marital status, religion and date of birth are still common on Zambian CVs but add nothing and can invite bias. Drop them unless the advert specifically asks. The space is better spent on what you actually did in your last role.