In today’s competitive job market in Nigeria, landing a good job can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Companies receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of CVs for every vacancy, so standing out is essential.
A well-crafted CV can help you get noticed, showcase your skills, and ultimately, land that interview. In this blog post, we’ll explain the steps you need to create a standout CV for the Nigerian job market.
We’ll cover tips, tricks, and examples and address frequently asked questions to make your CV unforgettable.
1. Understanding the Purpose of a CV
A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is a document that outlines your educational background, skills, work experience, and other relevant achievements.
Unlike a resume, which is usually one page, a CV can be longer—especially in Nigeria, where a detailed CV is often preferred.
The main goal is to showcase your value to potential employers by highlighting relevant achievements and skills. A great CV isn’t just a list of your experiences; it’s your first chance to show employers what you bring.
2. Start with a Strong Profile Summary
A profile summary, or objective, should be a brief statement at the beginning of your CV that outlines who you are and what you bring to the position. This section should be concise (2–3 sentences) and tailored to the role you’re applying for. Here’s an example:
“A results-driven and analytical graduate with a passion for solving complex problems, specializing in data analysis and IT support. Seeking an opportunity to leverage my skills in a dynamic team environment within the tech industry.”
This tells the employer that you have the skills they’re looking for and are ready to apply them to benefit their company.
3. Highlight Key Skills
Like anywhere else, employers in Nigeria have specific skills they’re looking for. Include hard and soft skills, but focus on those that align with the job description. Some high-demand skills in Nigeria right now include:
- Technical Skills: Digital marketing, data analysis, coding, accounting software, Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Soft Skills: Problem-solving, teamwork, communication, adaptability, and time management.
Make a list under the “Skills” section, using bullet points so it’s easy to read. Keep it concise and use relevant keywords that match the job description.
4. Detail Your Work Experience
This is the backbone of your CV. The goal here is to show what you did and how you added value in each role. When describing your experience, use action verbs (like “managed,” “improved,” “designed”) and quantify results if possible. For example:
XYZ Ltd., Abuja
Marketing Assistant (March 2022 – August 2023)
- Developed social media strategies that increased engagement by 20%.
- Conducted market research, identifying opportunities that boosted sales by 15%.
- She assisted in creating digital marketing campaigns, reaching over 5,000 potential customers monthly.
In Nigeria, having a detailed work history on your CV is okay. For experienced professionals, you can list up to 3–4 jobs, but be concise.
5. Add Your Education and Certifications
List your educational background, including the institution’s name, degree earned, and graduation year. If you graduated with honours or received a notable award, mention it here.
Nigerian employers also appreciate certifications and extra qualifications, especially in IT, accounting, or project management. Some popular certifications include:
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) Certifications
- Digital Marketing Certifications (Google, Facebook)
- Data Analysis Certifications (IBM, Google, LinkedIn)
Example:
University of Lagos, Lagos
BSc. in Accounting (Second Class Upper, 2020)
Certifications
- Google Digital Marketing Certification, 2021
- PMP (Project Management Professional), 2023
Editors pick
6. Include Volunteer Experience (If Relevant)
Volunteer work can add significant value to your CV. If you’ve done any community service, NGO work, or church volunteer work, include it here. This demonstrates that you’re a well-rounded candidate, a quality many Nigerian employers admire.
7. Formatting Tips for Nigerian CVs
Good formatting can make a big difference in whether your CV is read or skipped. Here are some tips:
- Use Clear Headings: Make it easy to navigate with headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
- Bullet Points: Use bullets instead of paragraphs to improve readability.
- Keep It Neat and Simple: Avoid fancy fonts or colours; Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial at 10–12 points is ideal.
- PDF Format: Send it as a PDF to avoid formatting issues when submitting it electronically.
8. Tailor Your CV for Each Job
A more than one-size-fits-all approach is needed. Tailoring your CV for each job can significantly boost your chances of being noticed. Before applying, read the job description carefully and adjust your CV to highlight relevant skills and experience that match the role.
9. Use Keywords to Beat the ATS
Many Nigerian companies, especially larger ones, use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs before they reach human recruiters. Include keywords from the job description in your CV to increase your chances.
For instance, if the job requires “project management” or “data analysis,” make sure those words appear in your CV where relevant.
10. Keep Your CV Up-to-Date
Finally, update your CV regularly. Don’t wait until you’re actively job-hunting to make updates. When you complete a project or acquire a new skill, add it to your CV.
FAQs on CV Writing in Nigeria
Q1: How many pages should a CV be?
Answer: Ideally, your CV should be between 1–2 pages for recent graduates and entry-level professionals and up to 3 for experienced professionals. Recruiters prefer shorter CVs but don’t cut out important information just to make it fit.
Q2: Should I include my age, marital status, and religion?
Answer: While these details are often included on Nigerian CVs, they’re not always necessary. Include them if the job requires it or you feel it adds value. However, they’re not mandatory.
Q3: Is it okay to use colour on my CV?
Answer: Use colours sparingly, if at all. A simple black-and-white CV is typically more professional. Limit it to headings or subtle elements if you must use colour, but ensure it prints well.
Q4: Should I put my picture on my CV?
Answer: Generally, Nigerian employers do not expect a picture unless specified. Focus more on showcasing your skills and experience. However, a photo might be required if it’s a creative role (like modelling or media).
Q5: Do I need references on my CV?
Answer: You can write “References available upon request” instead of listing full details. This saves space and keeps your CV tidy. Only provide references when the employer asks.
Final Words
Crafting a standout CV takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Remember, your CV is your first impression on potential employers—make it count.
Follow these steps, update and tailor it to each application to maximize your chances. Creating a unique, relevant, and professional CV might be the push you need to land your dream job in Nigeria.