How to Write a Professional CV That Gets You Hired in Nigeria (Template + Examples)
How to Write a Professional CV That Gets You Hired in Nigeria (Template + Examples)
Last Updated: September 6, 2025 (Africa/Lagos)
Abdullahi Bima, a fresh graduate from UNILAG, applied for 25 jobs after NYSC but didn’t get a single interview. She later discovered her CV was just a list of schools and grades, with no clear structure or relevance to the roles. Like many Nigerian job seekers, she thought “just send something” was enough. But in today’s competitive market, a professional CV can make or break your job hunt.
This guide will show you exactly how to craft a Nigerian CV that gets recruiters’ attention, passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and helps you land interviews.
Summary Box
Who this helps:
- Final-year students
- NYSC members
- Fresh graduates
- Job seekers changing careers
What you’ll learn:
- The correct Nigerian CV format recruiters prefer
- Step-by-step guide to writing each CV section
- Free template + real Nigerian examples
- Tips for ATS-friendly CV writing
Time to implement: 1–2 hours
Why Your CV Matters in Nigeria
In Nigeria, employers often receive hundreds of applications per role. Your CV is the first impression you make. Recruiters spend less than 10 seconds scanning it before deciding whether to keep reading.
A well-written CV:
- Shows your skills, achievements, and value clearly
- Helps you stand out in a crowded job market
- Passes automated ATS filters
- Increases your chances of getting called for interviews
The Ideal Nigerian CV Format
In Nigeria, recruiters prefer a concise 2-page CV (maximum 3 pages if you have 10+ years’ experience).
Standard Nigerian CV Format (Recommended Order)
- Contact Information (Full Name, Phone, Email, LinkedIn)
- Professional Summary (3–4 lines tailored to the role)
- Key Skills (bullet points with relevant skills)
- Work Experience (reverse chronological order)
- Education (most recent first)
- Certifications/Trainings (if any)
- Achievements/Projects (quantifiable if possible)
- Referees (Optional: “Available on request”)
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Using “Curriculum Vitae” as the heading (just use your Name)
- Including personal details (age, religion, marital status, state of origin) — not required unless asked
- Writing long paragraphs instead of bullet points
- Adding irrelevant work history
Step-by-Step CV Writing Guide
1. Contact Information
- Full Name (bold, larger font)
- Phone number (WhatsApp accessible preferred)
- Professional email (not “lovelyqueen@yahoo.com”)
- LinkedIn or personal portfolio link
2. Professional Summary
A 3–4 sentence career snapshot showing your skills, experience, and goals.
Example (Good):
Results-driven Accounting graduate with 2 years’ experience in auditing and financial reporting. Skilled in Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, and data analysis. Seeking to contribute to a dynamic finance team in a growth-oriented company.
Example (Bad):
I am hardworking, honest, and God-fearing.
3. Key Skills
Use bullet points. Tailor to the job.
- Financial Reporting
- Data Analysis (Excel, Power BI)
- Project Management
- Content Writing & SEO
- Customer Service & Communication
4. Work Experience
Use Action + Result style, not just job duties.
Example:
Customer Service Intern – Access Bank Plc (July–Dec 2023)
- Responded to 50+ customer inquiries daily, reducing complaint resolution time by 20%
- Assisted with account documentation and KYC compliance
5. Education
List your most recent qualifications.
Example:
B.Sc. Economics – University of Lagos (2019–2023) – Second Class Upper
6. Certifications
- Google Digital Marketing Certificate (2024)
- ICAN Foundation (in progress)
7. Achievements/Projects
- Organized campus job fair with 500+ attendees
- Developed a personal finance blog with 20k monthly readers
ATS-Friendly CV Tips
Most Nigerian companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). To pass ATS screening:
- Use simple fonts (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman)
- Save in Word (.docx) or PDF format
- Use keywords from the job description
- Avoid tables, text boxes, or images
Nigerian CV Example (Graduate)
Case Study: Ada’s CV Transformation
Ada, a UNN graduate, applied for 15 graduate trainee roles but got no response. A career coach helped her:
- Rewrite her CV with a strong summary
- Add achievements instead of duties
- Remove unnecessary personal details
Result? She got 3 interview invites within a month — and landed a role at a fintech startup.
Expert Advice
💬 “Always create a master CV, then tailor it to each job description. Recruiters notice generic applications immediately.” — HR Manager, Lagos
💬 “Highlight achievements with numbers. For example: ‘Increased sales by 15%’, not just ‘Worked in sales.’” — Career Coach, Abuja
💬 “Keep your CV short and simple. Two pages are enough, even if you have many experiences.” — Graduate Recruitment Consultant
Free Nigerian CV Template (Copy-Paste)
[Full Name]
Phone | Email | LinkedIn
Professional Summary
[2–4 lines about your career goals, key strengths, and achievements]
Key Skills
- [Skill 1]
- [Skill 2]
- [Skill 3]
Work Experience
Job Title – Company (Date)
- Achievement/Task 1
- Achievement/Task 2
Education
Degree – Institution (Year)
Certifications
- Certificate Name (Year)
Referees
Available on request
Actionable Insights (Quick Recap)
- ✅ Keep your CV 2 pages max
- ✅ Use bullet points, not long paragraphs
- ✅ Tailor each CV to the job role
- ✅ Use keywords from the job description
- ✅ Highlight achievements with numbers
- ✅ Save as PDF or Word (.docx)
- ✅ Remove personal details (age, religion, marital status)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best CV format in Nigeria?
A simple 2-page, ATS-friendly CV with summary, skills, experience, and education.
Should I add age or marital status?
No. Only include them if the employer specifically requests.
Can I use the same CV for every job?
No. Always tailor your CV to match the job description.
What file format should I send?
PDF is best, but Word (.docx) is also acceptable.
How do I write a CV without work experience?
Focus on skills, internships, school projects, leadership roles, and certifications.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Writing a professional CV in Nigeria doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right structure and focus on achievements, you can stand out and secure more interviews.
Have you struggled with CV rejections before? Share your experience in the comments.
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Read next: How to Write a Winning CV for Internship Applications [Free Template]
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