How to Write a CV in Nigeria – The Ultimate Guide

In the bustling and competitive Nigerian job market, your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is more than just a document; it's your personal marketing tool, your handshake before the interview, and your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on a potential employer. With recruiters in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt receiving hundreds of applications for a single opening, a generic, poorly written CV is a one-way ticket to the rejection pile. This is why knowing how to write a CV in Nigeria is not just a skill, but a crucial career survival tactic.

This comprehensive guide is designed for the Nigerian job seeker. Whether you are a fresh graduate just out of university, an NYSC corps member looking for your first real job, a mid-career professional seeking new challenges, or a seasoned executive aiming for the C-suite, this article will provide you with the actionable steps, examples, and templates you need to craft a compelling CV that gets you noticed.

We will delve into everything from the fundamental structure of a Nigerian CV and how to tailor it for specific roles, to optimizing it for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and avoiding common mistakes that could cost you your dream job. Let's get started on building a CV that opens doors.

CV vs. Résumé in Nigeria

Before we dive in, let's address a common point of confusion. You might have heard the terms CV and résumé used interchangeably. While they both serve the purpose of showcasing your qualifications, there's a key difference, especially in a global context.

• Résumé: This is a French word meaning “summary.” A résumé is a concise, one-page document that summarizes your skills, experience, and education relevant to a specific job. It's the standard in the United States and Canada.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): This is a Latin term meaning “course of life.” A CV is a more detailed document that provides a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional history. It can be two or more pages long and is the standard in the UK, Europe, Africa (including Nigeria), and Asia.

In Nigeria, the standard and expected document is a CV. When a Nigerian employer asks for your CV, they are expecting a detailed account of your career journey, typically spanning two pages. So, for the purpose of your job search in Nigeria, focus on creating a thorough and well-structured CV.

The Foundation of a Winning CV

Jumping straight into writing without preparation is like building a house without a foundation. To create a truly effective CV, you need to do some groundwork first.

Adopt the Right Mindset: You are the Product

Think of your CV as a marketing brochure and you are the product. The goal is to sell your skills and experience to a target audience (the employer) and convince them that you are the best solution to their problem (the job vacancy). Every word, every bullet point should be crafted with this in mind.

Gather All Your Information

Create a “master CV” where you list every single detail about your professional and academic life. Don't worry about the length at this stage. Include:

• All previous job titles, company names, and dates of employment.
• A detailed list of your responsibilities and, more importantly, your achievements in each role.
• Your educational qualifications, including dates, institutions, and grades.
• Professional certifications and courses.
• Technical skills (software, programming languages, etc.).
• Soft skills (communication, leadership, teamwork, etc.).
• Any awards, publications, or volunteer work.

Deconstruct the Job Description

This is the most critical step. A generic CV is a weak CV. You must tailor your CV for every single job you apply for. Print out the job description or have it open on your screen and highlight the key requirements, skills, and responsibilities. These are the keywords you need to reflect in your CV.

For example, if a job description for a Digital Marketer in Lagos asks for experience in “SEO,” “PPC campaigns,” and “content strategy,” your CV must explicitly mention these terms in your skills section and demonstrate your experience with them in your work history.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Nigerian CV

Now, let's build your CV, section by section. The most widely accepted and recruiter-friendly format in Nigeria is the reverse-chronological format, where you list your most recent experiences first.

Contact Information: Make it Professional and Easy to Find

This section should be at the very top of your CV. It's straightforward but getting it wrong can be a major red flag.

• Full Name: Use a larger font size for your name to make it stand out. E.g., Adekunle Tunde Bello.
• Phone Number: Provide a reliable mobile number. E.g., +234 801 234 5678.
• Professional Email Address: Your email address speaks volumes about your professionalism. Use a simple format like firstname.lastname@email.com (e.g., adekunle.bello@gmail.com). Avoid unprofessional emails like hotguyk豹@yahoo.com or sweetprecious2k5@hotmail.com.
• Location: Your city and state are sufficient. E.g., Ikeja, Lagos. You do not need to include your full home address.
• LinkedIn Profile URL: In today's digital age, a professional LinkedIn profile is essential. Customize your URL to be clean and professional (e.g., linkedin.com/in/adekunlebello).

What to leave out:

• Date of birth
• State of Origin
• Local Government Area (LGA)
• Religion
• Marital Status
• Photographs (unless specifically requested, for example, in some customer-facing roles)

Professional Summary / Career Objective: Your 30-Second Pitch

This is a short, powerful paragraph (3-4 lines) right below your contact information. It should summarize your career, highlight your top skills, and state your career goal in a way that aligns with the company's needs.

• Career Objective (for Fresh Graduates/Entry-Level): Focuses on your aspirations and how you can contribute to the company.
• Professional Summary (for Experienced Professionals): Focuses on your past achievements and proven expertise.

Example: Career Objective (Fresh Graduate – Accounting)

A highly motivated and detail-oriented recent Accounting graduate from the University of Lagos with a First-Class Honours degree. Possesses strong knowledge of IFRS, financial analysis, and proficiency in Sage 50 and Microsoft Excel. Eager to apply academic knowledge and problem-solving skills to contribute to the success of a reputable financial institution.

Example: Professional Summary (Experienced Digital Marketer)

A results-driven Digital Marketing Manager with over 7 years of experience developing and executing successful online marketing strategies for e-commerce brands in Nigeria. Proven ability to increase website traffic by 150% and conversion rates by 45% through expert management of SEO, PPC, and social media campaigns. Seeking to leverage expertise in data-driven marketing to drive growth at [Company Name].

Work Experience: Showcase Your Achievements, Not Just Your Duties

This is the most important section of your CV for experienced professionals. List your jobs in reverse-chronological order. For each role, include:

• Job Title
• Company Name & Location
• Dates of Employment (Month, Year – Month, Year)

Under each role, use 4-6 bullet points to describe your accomplishments. Don't just list what you did; show the impact you made. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your achievements.

Power up your bullet points:

• Start each point with a strong action verb (e.g., Managed, Created, Increased, Reduced, Launched, Implemented).
• Quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, and Naira values wherever possible. Numbers are powerful and persuasive.

Before (Duty-focused):

• Responsible for managing social media pages.
• Wrote blog posts for the company website.
• Handled customer complaints.

After (Achievement-focused):

• Managed the company's Instagram and Twitter accounts, growing the follower base by 40% in 6 months through a targeted content strategy.
• Wrote and published 15+ SEO-optimized blog posts per month, resulting in a 60% increase in organic website traffic.
• Implemented a new customer feedback system that reduced complaint resolution time by 30% and improved customer satisfaction scores by 15%.

Education: Clear and Concise

This section is crucial, especially for recent graduates. List your qualifications in reverse-chronological order.

• Degree: E.g., B.Sc. in Computer Science
• University Name: E.g., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
• Graduation Year: E.g., 2020
• Grade (Optional but recommended if it's strong): E.g., Second Class Upper (2:1) or First Class.

If you are a fresh graduate, you can add a sub-section for Relevant Coursework to highlight subjects that are directly related to the job.

Skills: Create a Powerful Snapshot of Your Abilities

This section gives recruiters a quick overview of your capabilities. Split your skills into relevant categories.

• Technical Skills: List specific software, tools, and platforms you are proficient in. (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Python, JavaScript, Google Analytics, Canva, AutoCAD).
• Soft Skills: These are personal attributes that enable you to interact effectively with others. Don't just list them; be prepared to back them up with examples in your interview. (e.g., Communication, Leadership, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Time Management, Adaptability).
• Languages: List the languages you speak and your proficiency level (e.g., English (Fluent), Yoruba (Native), French (Conversational)).

Additional Sections (Optional but Recommended)

These sections can help your CV stand out and provide a more complete picture of who you are.

• Certifications: List any professional certifications you have earned (e.g., Project Management Professional (PMP), ICAN Certified).
• Awards and Recognition: Include any academic or professional awards.
• Volunteer Experience: This is a great way to show your commitment and skills, especially if you have limited work experience.
• Hobbies and Interests: Keep this section brief and professional. Mention interests that showcase positive traits like teamwork (e.g., “Captain of a local football team”) or discipline (e.g., “Running marathons”).

References: The Final Word

In the past, it was common practice to write “References available upon request.” This is now considered outdated and wastes valuable space. Recruiters assume you have references.

Instead, have a separate document ready with the contact details of 2-3 professional referees. These should be people who have worked with you in a professional capacity, such as a former manager or supervisor. Always ask for their permission before listing them as a referee.

CV Formatting and Presentation

A great CV is not just about the content; it's also about the presentation. A clean, professional format makes your CV easy to read and navigate.

• Length: Aim for a maximum of two pages. A one-page CV is often sufficient for fresh graduates.
• Font: Use a clean, professional font like Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman, or Helvetica. Use a font size of 10-12 points for the body text and 14-16 points for headings.
• Layout: Use clear headings, bullet points, and sufficient white space to avoid a cluttered look. Consistency in formatting is key.
• File Format: Always save and send your CV as a PDF. A PDF preserves your formatting across all devices and prevents accidental edits. Name the file professionally, e.g., Adekunle_Bello_CV.pdf.

Writing a CV for Different Career Stages in Nigeria

CV For Fresh Graduates and NYSC Corpers

• Lead with your strengths: If you have limited work experience, place your Education section before your Work Experience section.
• Highlight internships and volunteer work: Treat these experiences like real jobs. Use bullet points to showcase your accomplishments.
• Focus on transferable skills: Emphasize skills gained from university projects, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs that are relevant to the role.
• Use a Career Objective: State your career goals and enthusiasm for the role.

CV For Mid-Career Professionals

• Showcase progression: Your CV should tell a story of growth. Highlight promotions and increased responsibilities.
• Focus on quantifiable achievements: At this stage, employers want to see the tangible value you can bring. Use data to back up your claims.
• Use a Professional Summary: This should be a powerful snapshot of your expertise and biggest career wins.

CV For Senior-Level Executives

• Emphasize leadership: Focus on your strategic impact, leadership skills, and ability to drive business results.
• Highlight P&L responsibility: Mention your experience with budget management, cost reduction, and revenue generation.
• Consider a multi-page CV: For executives with extensive experience, a three-page CV may be acceptable, but it must be packed with high-impact information.

How to Write an ATS-Friendly CV for Nigerian Jobs

Many large companies in Nigeria now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs before they are seen by a human recruiter. An ATS scans your CV for keywords and phrases from the job description. If your CV isn't optimized for ATS, it may be rejected before a human ever sees it.

How to make your CV ATS-friendly:

1. Mirror the Job Description: Use the exact keywords and phrases found in the job description. If it asks for a “Project Manager,” use that exact title, not “Project Coordinator.”
2. Use a Simple Format: Avoid tables, columns, images, and fancy graphics, as these can confuse the ATS. A clean, single-column layout is best.
3. Use Standard Section Headings: Use conventional titles like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
4. Spell Out Acronyms: The first time you use an acronym, write it out in full with the acronym in parentheses, e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO).”
5. Save as PDF or .docx: These are the most ATS-compatible formats.

Common CV Mistakes Nigerian Job Seekers Make

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors: This is the #1 CV killer. It screams carelessness. Proofread your CV multiple times and have a friend review it.
2. Using a Generic, One-Size-Fits-All CV: Tailor your CV for every single application.
3. Lying or Exaggerating: Never lie about your experience or qualifications. You will be caught, and it can ruin your professional reputation.
4. Unprofessional Email Address: As mentioned earlier, create a professional email for your job search.
5. Poor Formatting: A cluttered, hard-to-read CV will be ignored.
6. Focusing on Duties, Not Achievements: Don't just list your tasks; show your impact.
7. Making it Too Long: Respect the recruiter's time. Keep it concise and relevant.

Your CV is a Living Document

Writing a great CV is a skill that takes time and effort, but it is one of the best investments you can make in your career. Your CV is not a static document; it should evolve as you gain new skills and experience.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a professional, compelling, and tailored CV that stands out in the competitive Nigerian job market and significantly increases your chances of landing that all-important interview.

Remember to be strategic, be truthful, and showcase the unique value that only you can bring to an organization. Now go and craft that winning CV!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Writing a CV in Nigeria

Q1: What is the best CV format for Nigeria?

The reverse-chronological format is the most preferred by Nigerian recruiters as it clearly shows your most recent experience first.

Q2: How long should my CV be?

For most professionals, a two-page CV is ideal. For fresh graduates or those with less than 5 years of experience, a one-page CV is often sufficient.

Q3: Should I include a photograph on my Nigerian CV?

No, it is not standard practice and is generally discouraged to avoid unconscious bias. Only include a photo if the job advert specifically requests it (e.g., for some acting or customer service roles).

Q4: Is it necessary to include my date of birth or state of origin?

No, this information is not required and should be omitted. It is irrelevant to your ability to do the job.

Q5: How do I handle a gap in my employment history on my CV?

Be honest but strategic. You can briefly explain the gap in your cover letter if necessary (e.g., for family reasons, further education, or travel). On the CV, you can focus on any skills you gained or courses you took during that time.