How to Write a Nigerian-Standard CV That Gets Shortlisted

Career Guidance · 10 min

Your CV is often your first opportunity to impress an employer. In Nigeria's competitive job market, recruiters may spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to move you to the next stage. A well-written CV doesn't guarantee you'll get the job, but it significantly increases your chances of being shortlisted. This guide explains how to create a professional, Nigerian-standard CV that highlights your strengths and meets employers' expectations. What Recruiters Look For Recruiters want to quickly answer four questions: Are you qualified for the role? Do you have relevant experience? Do you possess the required skills? Is your CV clear, professional, and easy to read? If they can't find these answers quickly, your CV may be overlooked. The Ideal CV Structure 1. Personal Information Include only essential details: Full Name Phone Number Professional Email Address Location (City and State) LinkedIn Profile (if available) Avoid including: Religion Tribe or Ethnicity Marital Status (unless specifically requested) Nationality (unless relevant) Date of Birth (unless required) 2. Professional Summary Write a brief summary of who you are professionally. Example: Results-driven customer service professional with over three years of experience in client relations and administrative support. Skilled in communication, problem-solving, and Microsoft Office. Passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and contributing to organizational growth. Keep this section between 3–5 lines. 3. Key Skills List skills that are relevant to the role. Examples: Microsoft Excel Microsoft Word Customer Service Data Entry Communication Teamwork Project Coordination Time Management Problem Solving Always tailor your skills to match the job description. 4. Work Experience List your experience starting with the most recent position. Use this format: Job Title Company Name Location Month Year – Month Year Then describe your achievements using bullet points. Instead of writing: Responsible for customer service. Write: Responded to over 50 customer inquiries daily while maintaining a 95% satisfaction rating. Reduced response time by implementing a better ticket-tracking process. Assisted in preparing weekly operational reports for management. Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities. 5. Education Include: Degree or Qualification Institution Graduation Year Example: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science University of Lagos 2023 6. Certifications Include relevant certifications such as: Google Digital Skills Google Project Management Microsoft Certifications Cisco Networking Academy Coursera Linked Nations SDG Academy Alison Udemy (for practical skills) 7. Projects (Optional) If you're a fresh graduate or changing careers, projects can demonstrate practical experience. Example: Inventory Management System Built an inventory management application using Laravel and MySQL. Reduced manual stock tracking through automated reporting. 8. References Instead of listing referees, simply write: References available upon request. Only provide referees when an employer asks. Formatting Tips Keep your CV to one or two pages. Use professional fonts such as Calibri, Arial, or Aptos. Font size should be between 10 and 12 points. Use consistent spacing and headings. Save your CV as a PDF before sending it. Name the file professionally, for example: Segun_Arinze_Musa_CV.pdf Avoid filenames like: CV New Final Final.pdf My CV Latest.docx Common Mistakes That Cost Applicants Interviews Avoid these common errors: Spelling and grammatical mistakes. Using an unprofessional email address. Including irrelevant personal information. Sending the same CV for every job application. Listing responsibilities without measurable achievements. Using poor formatting or inconsistent fonts. Including false information or exaggerated experience. Tailor Every Application One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending the same CV to every employer. Read the job description carefully and adjust your: Professional summary Skills Work experience Keywords This helps your CV match what recruiters—and many Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—are looking for. Final Checklist Before Sending Your CV Before you click "Apply," ask yourself: Is my CV easy to read? Have I removed all spelling and grammar errors? Have I tailored it to this specific job? Have I highlighted measurable achievements? Is my contact information correct? Have I saved it as a PDF with a professional filename? If you answered "Yes" to all of the above, your CV is ready to submit. Conclusion A great CV isn't about using fancy templates or filling multiple pages. It's about presenting your qualifications clearly, professionally, and in a way that shows employers you're the right fit for the role. Remember: your CV gets you the interview, but your skills and preparation help you secure the job. At Prydea, we're committed to helping job seekers build stronger careers. Explore our career resources for more practical guides, interview tips, and job search advice to increase your chances of landing your next opportunity