How to Write a Simple CV in Nigeria (2024)

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a document that summarizes your work experience, education, and skills. It is an important tool for job seekers, as it is often the first impression you make on a potential employer.

In Nigeria, a well-written CV is essential for landing a good job. The job market in Nigeria is competitive, and employers are looking for candidates who are qualified, experienced, and motivated. A well-written CV can help you demonstrate that you have the skills and experience that employers are looking for.

Remember that no employer has time to look at a malnourished CV that lacks the essentials a CV should contain. While there are many CV formats out there, you should be aware that there are various ways to write a CV that can get you a job in Nigeria.

If you haven’t written one, read on as this guide will teach you how to write a simple CV in Nigeria.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A WELL-WRITTEN CV IN NIGERIA?

There are several reasons why it is important to have a well-written CV in Nigeria. First, the job market in Nigeria is very competitive. There are many job seekers for a limited number of positions. A well-written CV can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Second, many employers in Nigeria use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. ATS are software programs that scan resumes for keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job opening. If your resume does not contain the right keywords, it may be rejected by the ATS before it even reaches a human recruiter.

Finally, a well-written CV can help you negotiate a higher salary. When you go to a job interview, your CV will be one of the first things the interviewer looks at. If your CV is well-written and impressive, the interviewer will be more likely to view you as a valuable candidate and offer you a higher salary.

TIPS FOR WRITING A STRONG CV

Here are some tips for writing a strong CV for the Nigerian job market:

• Be clear and concise. Your CV should be easy to read and understand. Avoid using jargon or technical language.
• Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
• Quantify your accomplishments. Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate your impact.
• Proofread carefully. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional.
• Use a professional font and layout. Your CV should be visually appealing and easy to read.
• Use white space effectively. Don’t overcrowd your CV with text.
• Use keywords throughout your CV. This will help your CV get noticed by ATS.
• Get feedback from others. Ask friends, family, or colleagues to review your CV and give you feedback.

By following these tips, you can write a CV that will help you land your dream job in Nigeria.

SECTIONS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR CV

There are certain important sections you should have in your CV that will boost your chances of landing your dream job. These categories will ensure that your employer sees the information he is looking for quickly.

Below are the categories to include in your CV and how to write each section effectively

• Contact information: Include your full name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
• Personal statement: This is your chance to make a good first impression on potential employers. Write a brief summary of your skills and experience, and highlight your accomplishments.
• Work experience: List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, including the company name, your position, and your dates of employment. Be sure to include your main responsibilities and accomplishments in each role.
• Education: List your educational background in reverse chronological order, including the name of the institution, the degree you earned, and your dates of attendance.
• Skills: List your skills and abilities, both hard and soft. Hard skills are specific technical skills that you can quantify, such as proficiency in software programs or languages. Soft skills are personal qualities that are important in the workplace, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• References: Include the names and contact information of two or three people who can provide references for you. These should be people who know you professionally, such as former employers or colleagues.

SAMPLE OF A WELL WRITTEN CV IN NIGERIA

Here we apply the above sections and provide an example of what a simple CV should look like.

• Contact information

[Your name]
[Your email address]
[Your phone number]
[Your mailing address]

• Personal statement

I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with over five years of experience in customer service. I have a proven track record of providing excellent customer service and resolving customer issues quickly and efficiently. I am also an expert in using Microsoft Office Suite and have strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Work experience

Customer Service Representative
Acme Corporation
Lagos, Nigeria
2020 – Present

* Provided excellent customer service to customers over the phone and in person.
* Resolved customer issues quickly and efficiently.
* Processed customer orders and payments.
* Maintained customer records and databases.

Customer Service Intern
XYZ Company
Abuja, Nigeria
2019 – 2020

* Assisted with customer service inquiries and complaints.
* Processed customer orders and payments.
* Maintained customer records and databases.

• Education

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
University of Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria
2016 – 2020

Associate of Arts in Business Administration
Lagos State Polytechnic
Lagos, Nigeria
2014 – 2016

• Skills

* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
* Excellent communication and teamwork skills
* Strong customer service skills
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team
* Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

• References

Available upon request.

CONCLUSION

By following these tips, you can write a simple CV that will help you stand out from the competition and land your dream job in Nigeria.