How to Write a CV in Nigeria – Practical Guide

How to Write a CV in Nigeria – Learn how to write a winning CV in Nigeria in 2025 with this practical guide. From formatting to key sections and expert tips, this guide will help you craft a professional CV that stands out.

Your CV (curriculum vitae) is your first impression on a potential employer, summarizing your education, skills, work experience, and achievements. Whether you’re applying for a teaching position, finance role, or any other job, crafting a well-structured CV is crucial.

In this guide, we will break down how to write a CV in Nigeria in 2025, covering key sections, formatting tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your CV professional and compelling.

How to Write a CV in Nigeria – Key Details at a Glance

Key Takeaways

• Your CV should be tailored to the job you’re applying for rather than a generic template.
• Keep it concise and professional, highlighting relevant experience and achievements.
• Avoid common mistakes like unnecessary personal details, buzzwords, or listing your full home address.
• Structure matters! Use a clear format with properly labeled sections for easy readability.

How to Write a Good CV in Nigeria

Before you start writing, understand that your CV is not about you—it’s about what your prospective employer needs. Employers have job openings for a reason, and your CV should demonstrate how you can solve their problems.

For example, if you’re applying for an Analyst role, think:
👉 Why does the company need an analyst?
👉 How can I position my experience to show that I meet their needs?

This strategic thinking helps craft a CV that sells your value rather than just listing your qualifications.

Correct CV Format in Nigeria

There is no one-size-fits-all CV format, but a standard CV should have the following sections:

1. Personal Details

This section should include:
✔ Full Name
✔ Location (City, State – no need for full address)
✔ Email Address (professional format, e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com)
✔ Phone Number

🔹 What to Avoid:
🚫 Using an unprofessional email (e.g., hotguy1997@xyz.com)
🚫 Providing your full home address for security reasons
🚫 Using someone else’s phone number

2. Career Summary (Overview Section)

This is a brief paragraph at the start of your CV summarizing your experience and what you bring to the table.

Tips:
✔ Keep it short and focused (3-4 sentences).
✔ Avoid overused buzzwords like “hardworking” and “goal-driven” unless you can back them up.
✔ Ensure it aligns with the rest of your CV.

💡 Example:
“Results-driven Data Analyst with 3+ years of experience in financial modeling and business intelligence. Proficient in SQL, Python, and Excel, with a track record of improving data processes and driving business insights.”

3. Skills Section

Your skills should align with the job you’re applying for.

Examples:
✅ Digital Marketing – SEO, Google Ads, Content Strategy
✅ Programming – Python, JavaScript, SQL
✅ Finance – Financial Analysis, Budgeting, Risk Management

🔹 What to Avoid:
🚫 Listing generic skills like “Microsoft Word” unless relevant
🚫 Including skills that you cannot confidently demonstrate

4. Professional Experience

This section should focus on work experience relevant to the role you’re applying for.

How to structure your experience:
Job Title | Company Name | Location | Dates

• Responsibility 1 (What you did + result achieved)
• Responsibility 2 (What you did + result achieved)

💡 Example:
Marketing Specialist | XYZ Ltd | Lagos | Jan 2022 – Dec 2024

• Developed and executed social media campaigns, increasing engagement by 40%.
• Managed a team of 3, improving content production efficiency by 25%.

🔹 If you have no work experience:

• Include volunteer work, internships, freelance projects, or extracurricular activities.
• Demonstrate transferable skills from school, church, or community projects.

5. Education

List only your higher education (university, polytechnic, or any relevant degrees).

✔ University Name | Degree | Year of Graduation
✔ Only include GPA if specifically requested
✔ If you have multiple degrees, list the most relevant first

🔹 What to Avoid:
🚫 Listing primary/secondary school details unless it’s your highest level of education
🚫 Including unrelated certifications

6. Certifications & Training

If you have certifications that boost your employability, list them here.

✔ Google Digital Marketing Certification
✔ PMP (Project Management Professional)
✔ CISCO CCNA (Networking)
✔ Data Science Bootcamp Certification

🔹 What to Avoid:
🚫 Listing outdated or irrelevant certifications

7. Referees Section

Employers may contact referees to verify your background. However, you don’t have to list them unless requested.

✅ The best approach: Write “Available on request.”
✅ If listing referees, inform them in advance and ensure their contact details are correct.

🔹 What to Avoid:
🚫 Listing referees without their permission

Common CV Questions Answered

How Many Pages Should Your CV Be?

• One page is best for fresh graduates or entry-level candidates.
• Two pages max for mid-level professionals with relevant experience.

Should You Add a Photo to Your CV?

• No. Nigerian employers do not require photos on CVs.
• It helps prevent bias and keeps the focus on your qualifications.

Final Thoughts on How to Write a CV in Nigeria

A strong CV increases your chances of getting called for an interview. Keep it simple, relevant, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

✔ Focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities.
✔ Use professional language, avoiding clichés.
✔ Proofread carefully to eliminate errors.

Follow this guide, and you’ll have a professional CV that stands out in Nigeria’s competitive job market in 2025.