-
Wanaemi West
- 2 Min Read
How To Write A Cv That Gets You Interviews In Nigeria
In today’s competitive job market, your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is your first impression. It’s not just a document—it’s your personal marketing tool. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, an experienced professional, or switching careers, having a well-structured and compelling CV can be the difference between landing your dream job or getting overlooked.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to write a professional CV tailored for Nigerian employers—including formatting tips, what to include, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is a CV?
A CV is a formal document that outlines your:
Personal details
Educational background
Work experience
Skills and achievements
Unlike a résumé, which is typically short, a CV can be 1–2 pages long, especially in Nigeria.
Structure of a Nigerian CV
Here’s a standard format that works for most job types:
1. Header / Personal Information
Include:
Full Name (bold and slightly larger font)
Phone number
Email address (professional email only)
LinkedIn profile (optional)
Home address (city and state is enough)
🚫 Avoid adding: age, gender, religion, or a photo unless the employer specifically requests it.
2. Professional Summary or Career Objective
This is a 2–3 line summary of who you are, your career goals, and what you bring to the table.
Example:
> A results-driven accounting graduate with strong analytical skills and 1 year of internship experience. Seeking to leverage my expertise in financial reporting and tax management in a reputable organization.
3. Core Skills
Use bullet points to list 6–10 skills relevant to the job. Tailor it to the job description.
🛠 Examples:
Proficient in Microsoft Excel
Excellent written and verbal communication
Digital marketing and SEO knowledge
Project management
4. Work Experience
Start from the most recent. Include:
Job title
Company name and location
Duration (e.g., Jan 2022 – Dec 2023)
Key responsibilities and achievements (use bullet points)
Tip: Use action words like “managed,” “led,” “increased,” “designed,” etc.
5. Education
List your degrees or certifications:
Institution name
Degree obtained
Duration attended
Honours (if applicable)
🎓 Example:
> B.Sc. in Mass Communication
University of Lagos, Nigeria
2016 – 2020 | Second Class Upper
6. Certifications & Training (if applicable)
Include any extra courses or certifications:
Google Digital Marketing
Data Analytics with Excel
Customer Service Training
7. References
You can include “Available upon request” or list 1–2 referees with names, titles, and contact info—only if you're sure they’ve agreed.
Common CV Mistakes Nigerians Make
Using one CV for all jobs (always customize!)
Grammatical errors and typos
Using childish or informal emails (e.g., [email protected])
Listing irrelevant skills or hobbies
Making it too long or wordy
Tips to Make Your CV Stand Out
Use a clean, professional format – Avoid colorful or over-designed templates.
Tailor your CV for each job you apply to.
Include measurable achievements – e.g., “Increased social media engagement by 40% in 3 months.”
Use keywords from the job ad – Some companies use software to scan for them.
Save as PDF to keep the formatting intact when submitting online.
Free CV Templates for Nigerians
Want a ready-made CV you can just fill in? Let me know, and I’ll create a modern Nigerian CV template for you (student, entry-level, or professional formats available).
Final Thoughts
In Nigeria’s tough job market, a great CV doesn’t guarantee a job—but it greatly increases your chances of being noticed. Take the time to craft it professionally. Remember: your CV speaks before you do, so make sure it says the right things.
