Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Professional CV in Nigeria

Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is your first impression with Nigerian employers. A poorly written CV can cost you opportunities, no matter how qualified you are. A well-structured CV, on the other hand, opens doors.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a CV that gets noticed in Nigeria.

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📌 Step 1: Choose the Right CV Format

In Nigeria, the reverse chronological format is the most common. This means listing your most recent experiences first.

Basic CV sections include:

1. Contact Information
2. Professional Summary
3. Education
4. Work Experience
5. Skills
6. Certifications & Training
7. References (optional, “Available on request”)

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📌 Step 2: Start with Contact Information

At the top of your CV, include:

• Full Name (bold and clear)
• Phone Number (active and reachable)
• Email Address (professional — avoid nicknames)
• Location (e.g., Lagos, Nigeria)
• LinkedIn Profile (if available)

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📌 Step 3: Write a Professional Summary

• A 3–4 sentence introduction summarizing who you are, your skills, and your career goals.
• Example:
  “Result-oriented accounting graduate with 2 years’ internship experience in auditing and financial reporting. Skilled in Excel, QuickBooks, and tax compliance. Seeking to contribute to a reputable firm’s finance team.”

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📌 Step 4: List Your Education

• Start with the most recent.
• Include degree, institution, and graduation year.
• Example:
  B.Sc. Accounting – University of Lagos, 2022

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📌 Step 5: Highlight Work Experience

• Use reverse chronological order.
• For each job, list:
  • Job Title
  • Company Name & Location
  • Dates (Month/Year – Month/Year)
  • 3–5 bullet points of achievements & responsibilities

✅ Use action verbs (e.g., managed, improved, developed).
✅ Quantify results where possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 25% in 6 months”).

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📌 Step 6: Add Relevant Skills

Include hard skills and soft skills:

• Hard Skills: MS Office, Data Analysis, Project Management, Digital Marketing, AutoCAD, etc.
• Soft Skills: Leadership, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving.

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📌 Step 7: Include Certifications & Training

Employers in Nigeria value extra training. Examples:

• Google Digital Skills for Africa (Digital Marketing Certificate)
• ICAN/ACCA (Accounting certifications)
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• CISCO/Oracle IT certifications

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📌 Step 8: Keep References Simple

• You can write: “References available on request”.
• Alternatively, include two referees (usually senior professionals who can vouch for you).

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📌 Step 9: Format Professionally

• Keep it 1–2 pages maximum.
• Use clear fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, 11–12 pt).
• Avoid bright colors, fancy borders, or unnecessary graphics.

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📌 Step 10: Proofread and Tailor

• Check grammar and spelling errors.
• Tailor your CV to each job by highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences.

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✅ Final Tips

• Do not include sensitive details (religion, marital status, state of origin, photos) unless specifically requested.
• Keep your CV updated — add new skills and experiences regularly.
• Combine with a strong cover letter to stand out.