How to Write a CV that Gets You Hired in Nigeria

In the current job market, your CV serves not only as a document but as an essential tool for showcasing your talents. Recruiters and HR managers in Nigeria often receive hundreds of applications for a single position, and your CV determines whether you get shortlisted for an interview or ignored. That is why knowing how to write a CV that gets you hired in Nigeria is crucial for every job seeker.

This article will guide you step-by-step on what a winning Nigerian CV should look like, the essential sections it must contain, common mistakes to avoid, and expert tips that increase your chances of landing your dream job.

What is a CV?

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a formal document that outlines your educational qualifications, work experience, skills, and achievements. Unlike a résumé, which is usually one page and highly summarized, a Nigerian CV is often 2 to 3 pages long and more detailed.

Employers use CVs to quickly assess if you are a good fit for the job. Therefore, your CV must not only be well-structured but also tailored to the specific role you are applying for.

Key Sections of a Nigerian CV

A professional Nigerian CV should include the following sections:

1. Personal Information

At the top of your CV, include:

• Full Name (bold and clear)
• Contact Address
• Phone Number (active and reachable)
• Professional Email Address (avoid nicknames like fineboy4real@gmail.com)
• LinkedIn profile (if available)

Do not include sensitive details like marital status, religion, or state of origin unless specifically required.

2. Career Objective or Profile Summary

This is a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) that highlights who you are, your skills, and what you aim to contribute to the organization. For example:

“A results-driven accounting graduate with strong analytical skills and proficiency in financial reporting. Seeking to contribute to organizational growth as a Finance Officer while building a long-term career in corporate finance.”

3. Educational Background

List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Example:

• B.Sc. in Business Administration: University of Lagos (2018-2022)
• Senior Secondary Certificate: WAEC (2012-2015)

Include your grade only if it’s Second Class Upper (2:1) or higher.

4. Work Experience

This is one of the most important sections. List your relevant work or internship experience, starting with the most recent. Example:

Customer Service Officer: Zenith Bank Plc (2022 – Present)

• Resolved customer complaints, improving satisfaction ratings by 20%.
• Processed transactions and assisted in loan applications.
• Managed customer inquiries via phone and email.

Intern (Human Resources): Dangote Group (2021 – 2022)

• Assisted in recruitment exercises and CV shortlisting.
• Maintained employee records and supported HR operations.

Tip: Use action verbs like “developed, managed, coordinated, implemented, achieved”.

Also Read: How to Write a Good CV for Kenyan Recruitment

5. Skills

List key skills that match the job requirements. Examples:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Data analysis and reporting
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Digital marketing & social media management
• Project management

6. Certifications & Trainings

Include relevant certifications that make you stand out, such as:

• ICAN, ACCA, PMP
• Google Digital Marketing Certificate
• Human Resource Management (HRM) Certificate

7. Achievements (Optional but Powerful)

If you have recognitions or awards, include them. Example:

• “Best Graduating Student in Business Administration, UNILAG 2022”
• “Employee of the Month, Zenith Bank – March 2023”

8. Referees

You may include 2 to 3 referees with their name, job title, workplace, and contact details. Alternatively, you can simply write “Available on request.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Nigerian CV

• Too long: Keep it within 2 to 3 pages maximum.
• Poor formatting: Avoid cramped texts, multiple fonts, or spelling errors.
• Generic objectives: Tailor each CV to the job you’re applying for.
• Irrelevant experiences: Don’t add unrelated jobs (like “football coach” if applying for a bank role).
• False information: Never lie about your qualifications or experience.

Expert Tips to Write a CV that Gets You Hired

Tailor your CV: Customize your CV for every job application.
Use keywords: Many Nigerian companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Ensure you include keywords from the job description.
Be results-oriented: Instead of saying “worked as a marketer,” say “increased sales by 15% within 6 months.”
Professional design: Use a clean, modern CV template. Avoid overly flashy designs.
Proofread: Errors on your CV can ruin your chances. Review thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

Your CV is your first chance to impress potential employers. By following the right format, highlighting your achievements, and tailoring your application to each job, you can drastically improve your chances of getting hired in Nigeria. Remember, a CV should not just list your history, it should market you as the best candidate for the job.

Start updating your CV today, and you’ll be one step closer to landing that dream job.