How to Write a Professional CV in Nigeria That Gets You Hired

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Start Strong with Your Personal Information

Your CV should open with clear, well-organized personal details at the top:

• Full Name (in bold)
• Phone Number
• Professional Email Address
• Home Address (Optional for some industries)
• LinkedIn URL (only if it is updated and relevant)
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Marital Status

Avoid nicknames, unprofessional emails like sexylady92@gmail.com or unclear locations.

Write a Magnetic Career Summary

Right after your personal info, come in with a powerful punch: a short career summary.

This is where most CVs fall flat.

Example: “Goal-driven finance graduate with over 3 years of experience in budgeting, financial reporting and compliance. Proven track record of reducing costs and optimizing financial systems. Seeking to leverage expertise in a fast-paced financial institution.”

This 3-4 line paragraph should:

• State who you are professionally
• Mention your top 2–3 skills or experiences
• Include an achievement or quantifiable result

Structure Your Educational Background Smartly

If you’re fresh out of school, this should come before your work experience. Use this format:

Example:

• B.Sc. in Economics, University of Lagos | 2018 – 2022
• WAEC/NECO, Command Secondary School, Ibadan | 2011 – 2017

Pro Tips:

• Always list qualifications in reverse chronological order
• Include course highlights or major achievements (First Class, Best in Department, etc.)

Craft Your Work Experience Like a Story of Wins

Now, this is where most Nigerians mess up.

Instead of writing generic job duties, focus on achievements. Use action words. Quantify results.

Bad Example: “Handled customer complaints and managed accounts.”

Great Example: “Resolved 80% of customer complaints within 24 hours, increasing customer retention by 30%.”

Structure:

• Job Title
• Company Name and Location
• Dates of Employment
• Bullet points (3–6) showing accomplishments and key responsibilities

Include Relevant Skills That Match the Job

Don’t list every skill on earth. Tailor it to the job posting.

Example:

• Data Analysis (Excel, Power BI)
• Digital Marketing (SEO, Social Media Ads)
• Project Management (Trello, Jira)
• Client Relationship Management
• Leadership and Team Collaboration

Don’t Forget Certifications and Training

Adding certifications can give your CV extra punch, especially for jobs in tech, finance and project management.

Examples:

• Google Digital Marketing Certificate
• HSE Level 1, 2 & 3
• PMP – In View
• Data Analytics with Excel – Udemy

Volunteer Experience Adds Weight

Especially for entry-level roles, this shows initiative and a team player mindset.

Example:

• Logistics Volunteer, TechFest Nigeria 2022
  • Coordinated over 300 attendees, ensuring 95% satisfaction rate in logistics feedback

Add a Crisp Section for Hobbies and Interests

Yes, employers do read this. But only if it adds value or aligns with your professional brand.

Example:

• Reading business case studies
• Mentoring undergraduates on career development
• Public speaking at youth conferences

Professional Referees: How Many Are Enough?

Include 2-3 referees unless the job says otherwise. Always inform them in advance.

Example: Dr. Maryam Bello
Head of Department, University of Ibadan
0803 123 4567 | maryam.bello@unibadan.edu.ng

How to Write a CV in Nigeria with No Experience

Just graduated? Still learning how to write a CV in Nigeria as a fresh graduate?

Don’t worry. Employers know entry-level candidates might not have work experience.

Here’s how you can make your CV strong anyway:

Emphasize Your Education

Include your class projects, research work or thesis title – especially if it’s related to the job you want.

Focus on Transferable Skills

Even if you haven’t worked in an office, you’ve got skills:

• Leadership from group assignments

• Teamwork from school debates or sports

• Research from academic essays

• Public speaking from presentations

Use Internships or Volunteering

Even a 3-month internship in your uncle’s shop counts – if you can describe what you learned.

Example:

Sales Intern – Zainab Superstores – Lagos – Jan 2023 to March 2023

• Processed 50+ transactions daily with zero cash shortages

• Assisted in inventory count and restocking

• Handled customer complaints and inquiries

What to Avoid When Writing Your Nigerian CV

Even if you know how to write a CV in Nigeria, small missteps can still sabotage your chances. Recruiters spot red flags instantly and the following mistakes are among the most common reasons otherwise qualified applicants get disqualified.

• Typos and grammatical errors: In the digital age, there’s no excuse for a poorly written CV. Use tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s spell checker. A single typo can make you look careless and unprofessional.

• Overly long CVs: No matter how experienced you are, your CV should not exceed two pages. Nigerian recruiters rarely have time for lengthy documents. Keep it concise, focused and impactful.

• Unrelated work history: Avoid listing every job you’ve ever had. Instead, tailor your CV to the specific role by highlighting only the most relevant skills and experience. Irrelevant content dilutes your message.

• Lies or exaggerations: Nigerian employers conduct background checks and false claims will catch up with you. Honesty builds trust. Fabricated roles, inflated figures or fake certifications can ruin your reputation permanently.

• Too much design: A CV is not a poster. Avoid fancy fonts, colors, borders and graphics. Stick with clean, readable fonts like Calibri, Arial or Helvetica and focus on content over decoration. Simplicity is professionalism.

Formatting Tips for a Winning Nigerian CV

Great content needs great presentation. Even if you’ve mastered how to write a CV in Nigeria, poor formatting can ruin your first impression. Nigerian recruiters expect clean, professional layouts that are easy to scan, especially on mobile devices and shared email systems.

Here’s how to format your CV for maximum readability and impact:

• Font: Stick with professional, easy-to-read fonts like Calibri, Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid playful or stylized fonts – they look unprofessional and are hard to scan.

• Size: Use 11pt or 12pt for body text. Section headings can be bolded and slightly larger (13pt or 14pt max), but don’t go overboard.

• Margins: Keep it tidy with 1-inch margins on all sides. This ensures your CV doesn’t look cramped or overcrowded, especially when printed.

• Line spacing: Use 1.15 or 1.5 spacing to improve readability and keep the content breathable.

• File type: Always save and send your CV as a PDF, unless the employer requests a different format. PDF ensures that your formatting stays intact across all devices and systems.

How to Write a CV in Nigeria for Specific Roles

Entry-Level Job Seekers

If you’re fresh out of school or still building experience, your CV should showcase your potential rather than years of experience.

• Focus on education, NYSC, internships and volunteer roles that highlight responsibility or leadership.

• Replace a career summary with a clear, punchy career objective that speaks directly to your aspirations and value.

• Add relevant coursework, academic projects, seminars or certifications (like Google Digital Skills or HSE) that align with the job.

• Include soft skills like communication, teamwork and time management – and back them up with examples.

Experienced Professionals

When you already have a track record, your CV should position you as someone who delivers measurable results.

• Highlight key achievements under each job role, especially those that improved processes, sales or efficiency.

• Include certifications or trainings that are relevant to your industry (e.g., PMP, ACCA, HSE, SAP).

• Remove older, irrelevant jobs from early in your career unless they directly support your current path.

• Use bullet points that start with action verbs (e.g., “Led,” “Increased,” “Optimized”) and end with results.

Tech Roles

In Nigeria’s booming tech ecosystem, recruiters want proof of your technical abilities, not just buzzwords.

• Add a dedicated “Projects” section showcasing what you’ve built or contributed to.

• Include links to GitHub, personal websites, live demos or portfolios to demonstrate your coding or design work.

• Highlight relevant programming languages, tools, frameworks and platforms (e.g., Python, React, Laravel, AWS).

• Certifications from Coursera, Udemy or Google can also add weight, especially for self-taught developers.

NGO or Development Sector

For non-profit and humanitarian roles in Nigeria, your CV should reflect impact, collaboration and donor accountability.

• Use action-oriented language that reflects your role in community engagement, project management or advocacy.

• Emphasize project coordination experience, including timelines, deliverables and outcomes.

• Mention any work on donor-funded projects like those backed by USAID, DFID or UNICEF.

• Showcase experience with proposal writing, report generation or partnerships with local organizations.

How to Write a CV in Nigeria for Online Jobs or Remote Work

Remote roles are growing – even in Nigeria.

Here’s what you should include:

• Time zone compatibility (mention you’re based in Nigeria but open to remote work)

• Fast internet access

• Communication skills and tools (Zoom, Slack, etc.)

• Portfolio links or work samples

• PayPal or Payoneer setup (shows you’re remote-ready)

Free Tools to Make Your CV Better

You don’t need to hire a professional or spend a fortune to create a standout CV. With the right tools, you can build a clean, job-winning CV in minutes – even if you’re not a designer.

Here are some free and beginner-friendly tools that can help polish your CV:

• Canva – Offers sleek, modern CV templates that are easy to customize. Perfect for Nigerian job seekers looking for a creative edge.

• Zety CV Builder – A user-friendly drag-and-drop tool with pre-written content suggestions tailored to different job roles.

• Novoresume – Known for its clean, ATS-friendly layouts that work well for both local and international applications.

• Microsoft Word – Still one of the most accessible options. Use the built-in resume templates for a traditional and professional look.

• Grammarly – Helps you eliminate spelling and grammar errors, ensuring your CV reads clean and professionally.

These tools make learning how to write a CV in Nigeria faster, easier and more effective – no graphic design skills required.

Shaping Your CV for Nigerian Job Applications

Every CV should be adjusted to fit the job description. Use keywords found in the job ad. Show the recruiter you’re not just applying randomly.

Before Applying:

• Read the job ad 3 times
• Match your skills to their requirements
• Rewrite parts of your CV for each new job

What Recruiters in Nigeria Actually Want to See

When crafting your CV, it’s important to keep in mind what truly matters to Nigerian recruiters. Beyond just listing qualifications, they’re scanning for elements that prove you’re the right fit – both professionally and culturally.

• Clear understanding of the role – Your CV should reflect that you’ve read the job description thoroughly and understand the expectations. Tailor your summary, skills and experience to mirror the specific requirements of the position.

• Tangible evidence of impact – Recruiters love results. Highlight achievements that show how you added value in previous roles, using numbers, metrics or real outcomes whenever possible.

• Cultural fit with the organization – Companies want team players who align with their values. Showcase soft skills, leadership experience or volunteering that aligns with the company’s mission or sector.

• A clean and readable layout – Your CV should be easy to navigate, professionally formatted and free of clutter. Consistent fonts, proper spacing and bullet points all contribute to a polished impression.

• Accurate and accessible contact details – Make sure your phone number, email and LinkedIn (if applicable) are current and correct. One wrong digit could cost you an interview.

Final Checklist Before Sending Your CV

• Ensure your name and contact information are accurate and up to date

• Keep your CV length to 1–2 pages maximum

• Confirm your CV is tailored to the job description

• Highlight achievements with measurable results (numbers, percentages, etc.)

• Use a clean, consistent layout with professional formatting

• Always save and submit your CV as a PDF to maintain structure

• Double-check for spelling and grammatical errors before hitting send

Get it wrong and you’re out of the race before it even starts. Get it right and the interviews will roll in. Always update it, tailor it and treat it like the powerful document it is.

Keep it clean. Keep it relevant. And most importantly, keep it real.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal length for a CV in Nigeria?

A standard CV in Nigeria should be one to two pages long. Recruiters prefer short, focused content that highlights your most relevant achievements and qualifications.

Should I include a photo on my Nigerian CV?

No, unless the job advertisement specifically asks for it. Photos are not a standard requirement and may even lead to unconscious bias.

Can I write a CV in Nigeria without work experience?

Yes. Focus on your education, internships, volunteer work, transferable skills and achievements from school projects or leadership roles.

What format should I use when sending my CV in Nigeria?

Always use PDF. It keeps your formatting intact and looks professional across all devices.

How do I list my NYSC on my CV?

Include it under “Work Experience” or “National Service,” mentioning your role organization, location and service dates.

What font style and size should I use in my CV?

Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri or Helvetica in 10.5pt to 12pt size. Avoid overly decorative fonts.

Should I include my WAEC results?

Only if it’s requested or if you’re applying for entry-level or academic roles that require proof of secondary education.

Is it okay to use the same CV for different jobs in Nigeria?

No. Every application should have a customized CV tailored to the job description and keywords in the posting.

What do I write in my CV if I’ve done informal work in Nigeria?

List it as experience. Focus on responsibilities and skills gained, especially if they relate to the role you’re applying for.

Are cover letters important alongside CVs in Nigeria?

Yes. While not always requested, a tailored cover letter strengthens your application by showing intent and fit for the role.