A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a document that provides an overview of a person’s education, work experience, skills, and other qualifications. It is typically used when applying for academic positions, research grants, or higher-level positions in industries such as finance, consulting, or engineering. A CV is usually more detailed and comprehensive than a resume and includes information about publications, presentations, awards, and other achievements. It is often requested alongside a cover letter when applying for a job or scholarship.
How To Write A CV In Nigeria Format
The format of CV writing in Nigeria follows a standard structure, which includes the following sections:
Personal Information
Start your CV with your full name, contact information (phone number, email address, and home address), and date of birth (if required)
Objective Statement
Begin the body of your CV with a concise objective statement that outlines your career goals and aspirations. This section should be tailored to the specific job or industry you are applying for.
Education
List your educational background in reverse chronological order. Include the names of the institutions attended, degree earned, graduation date, and any relevant academic achievements or honors.
Work Experience
Detail your work history starting with your most recent or current job. Include the name of the company or organization, your job title, dates of employment, and a description of your responsibilities and achievements in each role. Cite tangible results and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
Skills
List your relevant skills, both technical and soft, that are directly applicable to the job you are applying for. Include skills such as computer proficiency, language fluency, leadership abilities, and any industry-specific skills.
Certifications and Training
If you have obtained any professional certifications or completed relevant training programs, list them in this section. Include the name of the certification or training program, the institution or organization that issued it, and the date of completion.
Professional Affiliations
If you are a member of any professional organizations or associations, mention them in this section. Write the name of the organization, membership status, and position held if applicable.
References
It is common to include a list of references at the end of your CV. However, it is advisable to indicate that references are available upon request instead of including their contact information directly.
Sample of a CV
Additional Tips
- Keep your CV concise and targeted, focusing on the most important and relevant information.
- Use bullet points for easier readability and to highlight key achievements or responsibilities.
- Tailor your CV to the specific job requirements, emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the job description.
- Make sure your CV is error-free, both grammatically and typographically
- Use a professional tone and avoid personal pronouns.
- Choose a clean and easy-to-read font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and use consistent formatting throughout the document.
Fresh Graduate CV Format In Nigeria
A CV format for a fresh graduate in Nigeria may include the following sections:
Contact Information
Write your full name, the way it appears on your certificates, your home address, and your valid email address
Personal Statement
Write a brief paragraph highlighting your career objective and summarizing your skills and aspirations.
Education
List your educational background in reverse order (from the latest to the oldest) starting with the most recent degree. Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, graduation date, and relevant coursework or projects.
Work Experience
As a fresh graduate, it is possible not to have work experience but that doesn’t this section should be left blank. The work experience section can be filled with internships attended, Industrial training, teaching practice, SIWESS, and other relative experiences.
Skills
Highlight your relevant skills, such as computer proficiency, language fluency, and any specific technical or industry-related skills.
Projects and Internships
If you have completed any projects or internships during your studies, list them here. Include the name of the project or internship, the duration, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
Certifications and Training
List any relevant certifications or training programs you have completed, along with the issuing institution and date of completion.
Professional Affiliations
If you are a member of any professional organizations or societies, mention them in this section.
Awards and Achievements
If you have received any academic or professional awards, include them here.
References
Provide the names, titles, contact information (phone number and email address), and relationship of two or three professional references who can vouch for your qualifications and character.
Remember to keep your CV well-organized, concise, and free from any grammar or spelling errors. Tailor your CV to the specific job application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the position you are applying for.
Best CV Format In Nigeria
The format of a CV is dynamic and not static, therefore when you want to write a CV it’s best to research the receiver of the CV, be it a private organization, NGO, or government organization to know the most acceptable format for that organization. The best CV format can only be determined by the organization receiving the CV, so the latest format will be the most acceptable format which must have clarity and a very good quality.
Latest / Current CV Format In Nigeria
The latest CV formats include all the sections mentioned above but may include other sections like
- Professional profile
- Publications if applicable
- DOB if required for the job
CV Template In Nigeria
