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In Nigeria’s highly competitive job market, a well-structured CV (Curriculum Vitae) or Resume can make all the difference in landing that dream role. Employers often receive hundreds of applications for a single position, and they typically spend only a few seconds scanning each CV. You need to stand out right from the start. In this article, we will look at the key components of a Nigerian-friendly CV, along with the top dos and don’ts to ensure you get noticed.
Understand the Purpose of Your CV
Your CV serves as your personal marketing document. It gives potential employers a snapshot of who you are, what you can do, and how you fit into their organization. To make a strong first impression, highlight your skills, achievements, and relevant experience. Remember, you want to quickly show that you are worth calling in for an interview.
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Top CV Dos
Design Your CV to Each Role
Why It Matters: Recruiters are looking for candidates who meet the specific requirements of a job.
How to Do It:
- Read the job description thoroughly and identify key skills or qualifications mentioned.
- Adjust your CV to include those skills in your summary, experience, or skills section.
- Show clear evidence of how you have used these skills in previous roles.
Use a Clear and Professional Format
Why It Matters: A cluttered layout makes it hard for employers to find the information they need.
How to Do It:
- Use a readable font size (between 10 and 12 points).
- Organize your CV sections clearly: Contact Details, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Additional Achievements.
- Keep bullet points concise and consistent.
Highlight Relevant Achievements
Why It Matters: Employers want to see how you contributed to past organizations, not just your job description.
How to Do It:
- Use action words like “led,” “managed,” “increased,” or “improved” to describe your achievements.
- Whenever possible, quantify your results (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%,” or “Led a team of 10”).
- Highlight awards, recognitions, or significant projects to show your potential value.
Keep It Brief
Why It Matters: Many Nigerian HR managers spend only a few seconds scanning each CV. Long CVs can be overwhelming.
How to Do It:
- Aim for 1-2 pages if you have under 10 years of experience.
- Focus on the most recent and relevant experience instead of listing every single job you have had.
Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Why It Matters: Many companies use ATS software to filter CVs before a human even sees them.
How to Do It:
- Use standard section headings like “Work Experience” and “Skills.”
- Include keywords from the job description naturally throughout your CV.
- Submit your CV in a compatible format like Word (.docx) or PDF if requested.
Top CV Don’ts
Don’t Include Irrelevant Personal Information
Common Mistake: Including your marital status, religion, or local government area.
Why to Avoid: Most employers don’t need this information to evaluate your qualifications, and it can lead to unconscious bias.
What to Do Instead:
- Focus on professional details such as skills, experience, and academic achievements.
Don’t Use Unprofessional Email Addresses or Photos
Common Mistake: Using email addresses like [123johnny@example.com] or adding a social media selfie to your CV.
Why to Avoid: Your contact details should reflect a professional image.
What to Do Instead:
- Stick to a simple email address with your name, such as [johndoe@example.com] just make it professional.
- If a photo is not explicitly requested, omit it entirely.
Don’t Overuse Graphics or Fancy Fonts
Common Mistake: Adding too many design elements and using unusual fonts.
Why to Avoid: Most hiring managers prefer a clean layout. Too many graphics can confuse applicant tracking systems.
What to Do Instead:
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- Keep your layout simple, using standard fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman.
- Use minimal formatting—bold or italics can help emphasize important points without cluttering.
Don’t Lie or Exaggerate
Common Mistake: Inflating achievements or fabricating qualifications.
Why to Avoid: Employers often run background checks, and any discrepancy can lead to disqualification.
What to Do Instead:
- Be truthful about your skills and experiences.
- If you lack experience in a certain area, highlight your willingness to learn or relevant transferable skills.
Don’t Forget to Proofread
Common Mistake: Spelling and grammar errors can turn off potential employers.
Why to Avoid: A simple mistake can suggest carelessness or a lack of attention to detail.
What to Do Instead:
- Check your CV thoroughly. You can use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review it.
- Read it aloud to catch awkward wording or missing punctuation.
Essential Sections of a Nigerian CV
- Contact Information
- Include your full name, phone number, and a professional email address.
- Your location is often sufficient (e.g., Lagos, Nigeria). No need for a full home address.
- Professional Summary
- Write a brief paragraph (2-3 sentences) highlighting your experience and key skills.
- This section should capture the hiring manager’s attention immediately.
- Work Experience
- List your positions in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
- For each role, state the job title, company, location, and employment dates.
- Use bullet points to describe accomplishments, not just responsibilities.
- Education
- Mention your degree, institution name, and graduation dates.
- If you have a high GPA or significant academic honors, list them here.
- Skills
- Separate your skills into “Hard Skills” (technical skills like programming, data analysis) and “Soft Skills” (communication, teamwork).
- Ensure these align with the job requirements.
- Additional Achievements or Certifications
- Highlight any awards, notable workshops, or certifications you have acquired.
- This section can include professional memberships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that are relevant to the role.
Final Tips to Stand Out
- Use the Right Keywords:
- Each industry has its own set of popular keywords. If you are applying for a banking role, use terms like “financial analysis,” “compliance,” or “customer service” where relevant.
- Focus on Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
- Reflect on what sets you apart—maybe it’s your ability to code in multiple languages, manage complex events, or create effective marketing campaigns.
- Be Honest but Confident:
- Show genuine enthusiasm for the role and highlight your successes confidently.
- Recruiters appreciate sincerity and passion.
- Always Update Your CV:
- Each time you gain a new skill or certification, add it to your CV promptly.
- Updating regularly ensures you have a ready-to-send CV whenever an opportunity arises.
- Prepare a Cover Letter:
- A strong cover letter can boost your application.
- Use the cover letter to go into more detail about your experiences and explain why you are a great fit.
Sample Of A CV
Below is a concise sample CV that follows the guidelines mentioned in the article. You can adapt it to suit your own background, job role, and industry.
John Doe
Phone: +234 *** *** ****| Email: [JohnDoe@example.com]
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Professional Summary
Results-driven Project Coordinator with over 3 years of experience managing cross-functional teams and ensuring timely project deliveries. Skilled in stakeholder communication, budgeting, and process optimization. Looking to leverage proven leadership and coordination skills to contribute to a fast-paced organization.
Work Experience
Project Coordinator | GreenTech Solutions, Lagos
July 2020 – Present
- Managed a team of 8 to deliver IT projects within strict timeframes and budgets.
- Improved project delivery speed by 20% through effective scheduling and resource allocation.
- Facilitated stakeholder communication by creating detailed project reports and hosting weekly status meetings.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate project risks early.
Administrative Officer | Brightwave Consulting, Lagos
Jan 2018 – June 2020
- Coordinated daily administrative tasks such as scheduling client appointments and organizing training sessions.
- Maintained a 95% client satisfaction score by addressing inquiries promptly.
- Streamlined the company’s document management system, reducing paper-based processes by 40%.
- Oversaw vendor relationships and implemented cost-saving initiatives.
Education
- B.Sc. in Business Administration, University of Lagos, 2017
- Graduated with Second Class Upper (2:1)
- President, Business Students Association (2016)
Skills
- Project Management: Agile methodologies, resource allocation, scheduling
- Communication: Client relations, stakeholder presentations, report writing
- Technical Skills: MS Project, Trello, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Soft Skills: Problem-solving, team leadership, negotiation
Certifications & Achievements
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) – Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Award for Excellence in Administration – Brightwave Consulting (2019)
- Volunteer Coordinator – Lagos Tech for Good Initiative (organized free coding lessons for underprivileged youth)
Additional Information
- Languages: Fluent in English and Yoruba
- Interests: Tech conferences, volunteering in community development programs
References
List out your references here.
Conclusion
Building a winning CV for the Nigerian job market doesn’t need to be complicated. By focusing on clarity, relevance, and professionalism, you can make a strong first impression on potential employers. Design your CV for each position you apply for, highlight your achievements clearly, and avoid common mistakes like using unprofessional email addresses or providing irrelevant information.
With a well-crafted CV, you’ll be one step closer to standing out from the crowd and landing the interview call. Invest time in perfecting your CV, and it will pay off as you advance in your career. Good luck with your job search!