A CV has one job: to make someone decide, in seconds, that you are worth reading properly. In Nigeria, where popular roles draw very high application volumes, that first pass is often automated.
What it needs
- Name and contact. A phone number with WhatsApp and a professional email address.
- Location. City and state. It matters for commuting, especially in Lagos.
- Experience. Employer, role, dates and what you actually did.
- Education. Degree, institution, and NYSC completion where relevant.
- Certifications. Professional and technical, with dates.
What to leave out
Full identification numbers, marital status, state of origin, religion, date of birth. None of it helps the decision.
Getting past screening
Larger employers use systems that read plain text. That means:
- Simple format, no tables or columns
- Use the exact words from the job advert
- Avoid graphics, icons and design-heavy layouts
Professional certifications carry weight
ICAN, ACCA, CIPM, PMP, COREN registration and similar qualifications are recognised markers in their sectors. List them clearly.
In oil and gas and engineering, safety certifications with valid dates are frequently a filter.
Describe the work, not the title
"Operations Officer" says little. "Managed reconciliation for 12 branch accounts, reduced monthly close from five days to two, and supervised a team of four" says a great deal more.
Use numbers wherever you have them.
Length
One to two pages. Beyond ten years of experience, two is reasonable; below that, one well-used page is stronger.
If you are targeting remote roles abroad
A portfolio or links to real work will matter more than the CV itself, and measurable results are expected.
Keep it current
A complete profile means employers find you in their searches, even when you are not actively looking.