INTRODUCTION
First and foremost, it is no longer news that in Nigeria’s competitive job and scholarship environment, your CV is often the first and only chance you get to impress a recruiter, employer, or scholarship panel. Many qualified Nigerians miss opportunities not because they lack skills, but because their CVs fail to communicate their value clearly.
This guide explains how to write a professional CV that gets noticed in Nigeria, what to include, what to avoid, and how to tailor your CV for both jobs and scholarships. So pay attention to all the information contained in this article and make corrections to your CV and resume respectively.
Why Your CV Matters More Than You Think
Recruiters in Nigeria often receive hundreds of applications for a single position. On average, a CV gets less than 10 seconds of attention during the first screening.
A good CV helps you:
- Pass the initial screening stage
- Get shortlisted for interviews
- Appear professional and serious
- Stand out among similar candidates
A poor CV can get you rejected instantly—even if you are qualified.
CV vs Resume: What Nigerians Should Use
In Nigeria, the terms CV and resume are often used interchangeably. However:
- CV (Curriculum Vitae): More detailed, commonly used for jobs, scholarships, internships, and academic roles
- Resume: Shorter and more concise, often used for corporate or international roles
👉 For most Nigerian applications, a well-structured CV (1–2 pages) works best.:
Step-by-Step How to Write a Professional CV in Nigeria
1. Start with Clear Contact Information
Your contact details should appear at the top of your CV:
Include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- City and state (optional)
Avoid:
- Nicknames
- Casual emails like sweetboy123@gmail.com
Example:
David Dung
Abuja, Nigeria
david.dung@email.com | 080xxxxxxxx
2. Write a Strong Professional Summary
This is a 2–4 line summary that explains who you are and what you offer.
Good professional summary example:
“Detail-oriented Business Administration graduate with internship experience in customer service and data management. Skilled in Microsoft Excel, report writing, and teamwork, with a strong interest in professional growth.”
Avoid:
- Long paragraphs
- Vague statements like “hardworking individual”
3. List Your Education Properly
Start with your most recent qualification.
Include:
- Degree or certificate
- Institution
- Year of completion
- Class of degree (if good)
Example:
B.Sc. Economics – University of Jos (2024)
Second Class Upper
If you are a student or recent graduate, education can come before work experience.
4. Present Work Experience Clearly
This includes:
- Paid jobs
- Internships
- SIWES
- Volunteer roles
Format:
- Job title
- Organization
- Duration
- Key responsibilities or achievements (bullet points)
Example:
Administrative Intern – XYZ Company (2023)
• Assisted in data entry and filing
• Supported customer inquiries
• Prepared weekly reports
Focus on what you did, not just job titles.
5. Highlight Relevant Skills
Skills should match the job or scholarship you’re applying for.
Examples:
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Communication skills
- Research and data analysis
- Teamwork
- Time management
❌ Avoid listing irrelevant or exaggerated skills.
6. Add Certifications and Online Courses (If Any)
Online courses can boost your CV when used properly.
Include:
- Course name
- Platform (Coursera, Google, Alison, etc.)
- Year completed
Example:
Google Digital Marketing Certificate – Google (2025)
Only include courses relevant to the opportunity.
7. Include Volunteer Work and Leadership Experience
This is especially important for:
- Scholarships
- Entry-level jobs
- NGO or development roles
Volunteer experience shows:
- Responsibility
- Leadership
- Community involvement
8. References: What Nigerians Should Know
You can either:
- List referees with contact details
- Or write: “References available on request”
Make sure your referees:
- Know you well
- Are aware you listed them
- Common CV Mistakes Nigerians Make
Avoid these common errors:
❌ Spelling and grammatical errors
❌ Too many pages (3–5 pages for entry-level roles)
❌ Copy-paste CVs for every job
❌ Poor formatting and fonts
❌ Including false information
These mistakes reduce credibility.
CV Formatting Tips That Work in Nigeria
- Use simple fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman
- Font size: 10–12 (body), 14–16 (headings)
- Use bullet points
- Save as PDF unless stated otherwise
- Keep it clean and easy to read
A neat CV shows professionalism.
CV Tips for Scholarships
When applying for scholarships, try to:
- Emphasize academic achievements
- Include leadership and volunteer work
- Mention relevant online courses
- Align your CV with the scholarship goals
Scholarship panels value clarity, relevance, and growth potential.
Final Thoughts
A professional CV is not about being flashy—it’s about being clear, honest, and relevant. When done right, your CV can open doors to jobs, internships, and scholarships in Nigeria and beyond.
Take time to review and improve your CV regularly. Small improvements can lead to big opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long should a CV be in Nigeria?
1–2 pages for most entry-level and mid-level roles.
Q2: Should I include my age or marital status?
Not necessary unless specifically requested.
Q3: Can I use the same CV for jobs and scholarships?
Yes, but tailor the professional summary and skills section.
Q4: Are online courses important on a CV?
Yes, when they are relevant and from reputable platforms.
Q5: Who should have a CV in Nigeria?
Anyone applying for jobs, internships, scholarships, or professional opportunities in Nigeria should have a CV, including students, graduates, and working professionals.
Q6: When should I create a CV?
You should create a CV as early as possible—during school, before NYSC, or before actively applying for jobs or scholarships.
Q7: Is there a minimum age requirement to have a CV?
No. There is no minimum age requirement. Anyone can have a CV, including students and young people applying for internships, scholarships, or training opportunities.
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