If you're applying for jobs in Nigeria this year, your CV needs to do two things quickly — explain who you are and show why you’re a strong fit. Recruiters are working with limited time and often going through hundreds of applications for one role. A well-structured CV helps you stand out early.
Here’s how to write a CV that meets expectations in Nigeria for 2025.
1. Start with your contact details at the top
Include your full name, phone number, email, and city or state. You can also add a link to a personal website or LinkedIn profile if it’s relevant and up to date. Use a professional email, preferably with your name. No need to include your full home address.
2. Include a personal statement or career summary
This short paragraph at the top of your CV should describe your career focus and key skills. Keep it specific and targeted to the role you're applying for.
Example:
A result-driven finance graduate with experience in budgeting, reporting, and financial analysis. Strong interest in corporate finance and data-driven decision making.
3. Structure your CV with clear headings
Use these standard sections, in this order:
- Personal Information
- Career Summary or Objective
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications or Training
- Interests or Volunteering (optional)
- References (optional or “Available on request”)
4. Keep your work experience focused and relevant
List your most recent job first and work backward. For each role, include:
- Job title
- Company name
- Location
- Start and end dates
- 2–4 bullet points explaining what you did and what you achieved
Try to use action verbs. If you have numbers to show impact, use them.
Bad:
- Responsible for customer service
Better: - Handled customer service inquiries across 3 channels, reducing complaint resolution time by 25%
5. Make your education easy to scan
Include the name of the institution, your course or qualification, and your graduation year. You can also add honors or key coursework if you're a recent graduate.
6. Highlight your skills clearly
Include both soft and hard skills, especially those that match the job description. Keep it short and grouped by category where possible.
Examples:
- Technical Skills: Microsoft Excel, SQL, QuickBooks
- Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, time management
7. Include relevant certifications or short courses
Whether it's a Google certificate, an online course, or a local training program, include anything that adds to your value. Nigerian employers increasingly value practical skills and training especially if you’re in tech, finance, marketing, or admin roles.
8. Keep your formatting clean
Use a simple font like Arial or Calibri. Use black text on a white background. Make sure headings are bold and spaced properly. Avoid fancy borders, colors, or photos. Most Nigerian recruiters prefer a straightforward format they can read easily on a laptop or phone.
9. Save your file as a PDF
Unless a company specifically asks for a Word document, always save your CV as a PDF. This keeps your layout consistent across devices. Name your file professionally something like FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf.
10. Don’t forget the basics
Before you send out your CV:
- Check for typos
- Make sure the format is consistent
- Tailor the CV for each job
- Use a short, clear subject line when emailing it
- Keep the file size small (under 2MB is ideal)
