How to Write a CV for Job Application in Nigeria (With Samples & Examples)
In Nigeria’s fast-evolving and competitive job market, your CV isn’t just a document—it’s your first impression, your personal brand, and your entry ticket to the interview room. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, a well-written CV can open doors and set you apart from hundreds of other applicants.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to write a professional CV tailored for Nigerian job applications, complete with detailed samples and examples that reflect local standards and expectations.
What is a CV?
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a detailed written overview of your educational background, work experience, skills, and other credentials. Unlike a résumé, which is typically brief and tailored for specific roles, a CV in Nigeria can range from 1 to 3 pages, depending on your experience.
In Nigeria, the terms CV and résumé are often used interchangeably, but employers generally expect a detailed summary of your professional background.
Why Is a CV Important in Nigeria?
In many Nigerian industries—especially banking, oil & gas, IT, education, healthcare, and civil service—employers receive hundreds of CVs for one job position. A well-structured CV that speaks clearly to the job role gives you an edge.
A strong CV:
- Highlights your most relevant strengths
- Demonstrates your professional growth
- Shows that you understand the job description
- Reflects your attention to detail
Essential CV Format in Nigeria
Let’s break down the standard sections of a Nigerian CV and how to fill each effectively.
- Contact Information
This goes at the top of your CV.
Include:
- Full Name (bold and capitalized)
- Phone Number (active and reachable)
- Professional Email (avoid nicknames or slang)
- Home Address (optional but sometimes preferred)
Example:
Bravery Tom
Phone: 0812 345 6789
Email: [email protected]
Address: No. 5 Nelson Mandela Street, Calabar
- Career Objective or Profile Summary
This is your elevator pitch. It should be short—2 to 4 sentences max—and clearly state:
- Who you are (student, graduate, experienced professional)
- Your field or area of expertise
- Your key strengths or achievements
- What you are looking for in a job
Do: Tailor this section to the job you are applying for.
Don’t: Use generic lines like “seeking a challenging opportunity…”
Example for a fresh graduate:
A diligent and passionate graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with strong research and writing skills. Eager to contribute to content creation and media management in a reputable media organization.
Example for an experienced professional:
A results-oriented sales professional with over 5 years of experience in FMCG and B2B marketing. Proven track record of increasing sales by 30% year-on-year and building long-term client relationships. Seeking a sales manager role in a dynamic, growth-focused company.
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- Educational Background
List your education history starting from the most recent. Include:
- Name of the institution
- Degree obtained
- Dates attended
- Grade/CGPA (only if 2:1 or above)
Example:
University of Lagos – B.Sc. in Accounting
2016 – 2020
Second Class Upper (CGPA: 4.12/5.00)
- Work Experience / Employment History
This is often the most scrutinized section. Even if you only have internship experience, make it count. Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and achievements. Focus on measurable results.
Tips:
- Start with the most recent job
- Use action verbs (managed, improved, developed)
- Mention achievements using numbers if possible
Example:
Marketing Officer – QuickServe Ltd, Lagos
March 2022 – Present - Increased digital engagement by 65% through targeted Facebook and Instagram campaigns
- Managed 3 brand activation projects, reaching over 10,000 people
- Conducted customer satisfaction surveys and improved service response rate by 30%
- Skills Section
Here, list a mix of technical and soft skills relevant to the job.
Examples:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Data Analysis using Excel and Google Sheets
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Customer relationship management (CRM software)
- Certifications & Professional Development
Employers value ongoing learning. Include any relevant online or offline certifications.
Examples:
- Google Digital Marketing Certification – 2023
- Project Management Essentials – Coursera, 2022
- Human Resource Management – CIPM Nigeria (In view)
- Achievements & Awards (Optional but recommended)
If you’ve been recognized or awarded, even during school or volunteer work, include it here.
Examples:
- Best Intern Award – Union Bank Nigeria (2022)
- Winner, Faculty Debate Competition – University of Abuja (2019)
- NYSC Merit Award – Ogun State (2021)
- Hobbies & Interests (Optional)
Mention interests that demonstrate creativity, teamwork, or discipline.
Examples:
- Volunteer work with NGOs
- Public speaking
- Blogging about tech trends
- Playing football
- Reading self-help books
- Referees
Usually 2 people, preferably one academic and one professional.
Include:
- Full name
- Job title
- Organization
- Email address
- Phone number
Example:
Dr. Mrs Nnena
Lecturer, Dept. of Computer Science, MOAU
Email: c. [email protected] | Phone: 081 096 5374
Complete CV Sample for a Fresh Graduate
BOLUWADE ADEBAYO
Phone: 0701 234 5678 | Email: [email protected]
Address: Plot 15, Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja
Career Objective
Ambitious and detail-oriented graduate of Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University with excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Keen on building a career in finance and data analytics.
Education
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
B.Sc. Economics
2017 – 2021
Second Class Upper (CGPA: 4.10/5.00)
Internship Experience
Finance Intern – Access Bank Plc, Abuja
Jan 2021 – June 2021
- Supported loan processing and credit analysis
- Assisted in the reconciliation of customer accounts
- Created Excel reports for daily branch transactions
Skills
- Proficient in MS Excel, Word & PowerPoint
- Strong numerical and data interpretation skills
- Team player and great communicator
- Basic knowledge of SQL and Python
Certifications
- Data Analytics Basics – IBM SkillsBuild (2023)
- Financial Modelling & Valuation – Udemy (2022)
Referees
Dr. Ifeoma Igbokwe
Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Economics, OAU
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 0806 789 1234
Tips for Writing a Winning Nigerian CV
- Customize your CV for each job—match keywords from the job description.
- Keep it neat and professional—use clean fonts and uniform formatting.
- Don’t lie—be honest about your qualifications and experience.
- Include a cover letter—especially for formal job applications.
- Save as PDF—unless otherwise stated.
Common CV Mistakes to Avoid in Nigeria
- Using WhatsApp nicknames as your email address
- Including irrelevant work history or personal details
- Spelling errors and bad grammar
- Using one CV for every job (instead of tailoring it)
- Making it too long or too short
Final Thoughts
Your CV is more than just a summary—it’s a marketing document. It should sell you as the best candidate for the job, tailored to each position you apply for. With the right format, relevant content, and a professional tone, your CV can be the key that unlocks interviews and opportunities in Nigeria’s competitive job market.
References:
blog.writersgig: How to Write a CV for Job Application in Nigeria
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