Updated for 2026: This guide now includes new CV templates, Nigeria‑specific job tips, and latest best practices.
Introduction
Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is often the first impression you make on recruiters and hiring managers. A strong, well-crafted CV can open doors to interviews, while a poorly structured one can get ignored.
In 2026, the job market is competitive, both in Nigeria and globally. Recruiters receive hundreds — sometimes thousands — of applications per role. This guide will teach you how to create a professional CV that stands out, highlights your skills effectively, and increases your chances of landing your dream job.
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1. Understand the Purpose of a CV
A CV is not just a list of jobs you’ve held. It’s a marketing document that:
Shows your skills and achievements
Demonstrates why you’re the best fit for the job
Communicates your career progression and potential
Remember: Recruiters spend only 6–10 seconds on a first scan. A clear, professional CV is critical.
2. CV vs Resume — Know the Difference
Feature
CV
Resume
Length
2–4 pages (detailed)
1 page (concise)
Purpose
Academic, professional, or global
Job application
Content
Education, work, achievements
Highlights relevant experience
Audience
Recruiters, universities, grants
Employers and HR managers
For most Nigerian job applications, your CV should be 2 pages, including relevant work experience, education, and skills.
3. CV Structure — What to Include
A professional CV should include clear sections:
a) Contact Information
Full Name
Phone Number
Email (professional format: name@example.com)
LinkedIn Profile (optional but recommended)
Location (city and country)
b) Professional Summary / Profile
3–5 sentences highlighting your experience, skills, and career goals.
Focus on value you bring to the employer.
Example:
“Results-driven digital marketer with 5 years of experience managing social media campaigns and SEO strategies. Proven track record in increasing website traffic by 40% for top Nigerian brands. Seeking to leverage expertise in a dynamic marketing role.”
c) Skills
Include hard and soft skills relevant to the job.
Example:
Hard: Microsoft Office, Python, Data Analysis
Soft: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving
d) Work Experience
Include job title, company name, dates, and location.
List achievements rather than responsibilities. Use action verbs.
Example:
Digital Marketing Specialist — ABC Tech, Lagos (2021–2025)
Increased social media engagement by 50% in 12 months
Implemented SEO strategies that improved website traffic by 40%
Trained 3 junior marketers in content creation and analytics
e) Education
School/University, Degree, Year
Include relevant certifications if applicable
Example:
BSc Computer Science — University of Lagos (2017–2021)
Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP), 2023
f) Certifications & Training
Include short, relevant programs that boost credibility.
Examples: Google Analytics Certification, Coursera courses, HR training
g) Optional Sections
Volunteer Experience
Awards & Recognitions
Hobbies/Interests (if relevant to the job)
4. Formatting Tips for a Professional CV
a) Keep it Clear & Simple
Use legible fonts: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
Font size: 10–12pt for text, 14–16pt for headings
b) Consistent Layout
Use bullet points for readability
Align dates and headings consistently
Avoid clutter and unnecessary graphics
c) Save as PDF
Always send CV as PDF to preserve formatting
File name example: John-Doe-CV.pdf
5. Writing Tips to Stand Out
a) Use Action Words
Achieved, Implemented, Increased, Developed, Managed
b) Quantify Achievements
Example: “Increased sales by 30% in six months” is better than “Managed sales team”
c) Tailor Your CV
Customize for each job application
Include keywords from the job description — recruiters and ATS systems look for them
6. Digital Considerations (2026 Updates)
Ensure your LinkedIn profile matches your CV
Include links to portfolio websites or online projects
Use ATS-friendly formatting: simple headings, no tables or graphics that confuse software
7. Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Typos and grammatical errors
❌ Using unprofessional email addresses
❌ Including irrelevant information
❌ Making CV longer than 2 pages for corporate jobs
❌ Sending the same CV for every application
8. Nigerian Job Market Tips
Highlight local experience and achievements
Mention familiarity with Nigerian regulations if relevant
Include internships, volunteering, or entrepreneurial projects — recruiters value practical experience
Use metric-driven results (e.g., “Raised ₦500,000 in fundraising campaign”)
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long should my CV be?
A: 1–2 pages for most corporate jobs, 2–4 pages for academic or senior roles.
Q: Should I include my photo?
A: Optional. Only include if the employer requests it.
Q: Can I use a template?
A: Yes — but ensure it’s professional, clean, and ATS-friendly.
Q: Should I list all jobs?
A: Only the relevant ones from the past 10–15 years. Focus on achievements.
10. Conclusion
Creating a professional CV is a critical step in securing interviews and advancing your career. By:
✔ Structuring your CV clearly
✔ Highlighting achievements with numbers
✔ Tailoring content to each job
✔ Updating your CV for 2026 trends
…you maximize your chances of standing out in the competitive Nigerian job market.
Remember, a strong CV is not just a document — it’s your personal marketing tool. Treat it with care, update it regularly, and use it to showcase your unique skills and experiences.
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