If you’re here, you’re probably about to write a CV and you’re trying to research the best CV format in Nigeria to know which is best for you.

Well, since you’re here, you’ll discover the best formats to use in your next application process, including some well-written examples of CV samples in Nigeria.

Let’s get started!

Quick Tip: The best CV format you can use in Nigeria is a well-written CV that aligns with your skills, experience, and the role you’re applying for. With this in mind, you can then decide to go for a chronological or functional CV format.

What Is a CV Format?

A CV format is a framework people follow when creating a CV. Being a document used when applying for jobs, recruiters do expect a CV to have seperate sections for the applicant’s personal information, past experience, education, and skills.

Some CV formats could just contain these info in a particular order, while others may give additional space for other information like certifications, volunteering experience, and achievements.

Whichever one you decide to go for, always know that the best CV is the one you create with the purpose of satisfying the interest and the requirement of the target employer. That’s why we always advise you allow the job application details to determine your CV format.

What Makes a Good CV Format?

The following are the factors that make a good CV format:

1. Legibility

When writing a CV, you should always remember that you’re creating it for someone to read. So, it is a must for the document to be legible for the reader. That said, you should always go for the best font, like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and use a good font size.

Mind you, 12pts is a preferred size when aiming for visibility.

2. Spacing

You don’t want to create a CV where the information keep flowing into one another. So, ensure each section on your CV is well-spaced.

3. Credibility

This is a very important aspect where many people get it wrong. Of course, you want to create a CV that is well-tailored to the target role. However, you need to be credible as much as possible. Otherwise, you may end up setting a trap for yourself when you eventually get called for an interview.

Read our post on the 7 Secrets of Writing an Effective CV to learn more.

Now, let’s look at the different CV formats you can use in your next application.

Here Are the Best CV Formats in Nigeria:

In Nigeria, there are several CV formats people use in their job application process. The most popular ones include:

1. Chronological CV Format:

This format is the most common in Nigeria and is ideal for those with a consistent work history. In a chronological CV, you start with your most recent work experience and work your way backward.

This format is easy to follow and provides a clear picture of your career progression.

[Full Name] [Address] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

Objective:

[Brief statement outlining your career goals]

Professional Experience:

[Most recent position, including company name, job title, dates of employment, and main responsibilities and achievements]

[Previous position, including company name, job title, dates of employment, and main responsibilities and achievements]

[Additional position, if applicable, including company name, job title, dates of employment, and main responsibilities and achievements]

Education:

[Degree, institution, dates of attendance, and any notable achievements or honors]

Skills:

[List of relevant skills, such as computer skills, language proficiency, or specific technical skills]

References:

[Contact information for at least two professional references]

So, if you’re looking for a cv format used in Nigeria, the chronological CV is a nice one to go for.

2. Functional CV Format in Nigeria:

This format is suitable for those who have gaps in their work history or have changed careers. In a functional CV, you focus on your skills and achievements rather than your work history.

This format highlights your transferable skills and how you can apply them to the position you’re applying for.

[Full Name] [Address] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

Objective:

[Brief statement outlining your career goals]

Skills:

[List of skills and achievements, organized into categories such as communication skills, leadership skills, technical skills, etc.]

Professional Experience:

[Examples of how you’ve applied your skills in previous positions, rather than listing specific job titles and responsibilities]

Education:

[Degree, institution, dates of attendance, and any notable achievements or honors]

Certifications:

[List of relevant certifications or training programs]

Volunteer Experience:

[Description of any relevant volunteer work, including the organization, dates of service, and main responsibilities]

References:

[Contact information for at least two professional references]

As you can see, the functional CV is another good choice to go for if you’re looking for a CV format to use in Nigeria.

3. Combinatorial CV Format:

As the name suggests, this format combines the elements of both the chronological and functional CV. It is suitable for those with a consistent work history but who also want to highlight their skills and achievements.

[Full Name] [Address] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

Objective:

[Brief statement outlining your career goals]

Professional Experience:

[Most recent position, including company name, job title, dates of employment, and main responsibilities and achievements]

[Previous position, including company name, job title, dates of employment, and main responsibilities and achievements]

[Additional position, if applicable, including company name, job title, dates of employment, and main responsibilities and achievements]

Skills:

[List of relevant skills, such as computer skills, language proficiency, or specific technical skills]

Education:

[Degree, institution, dates of attendance, and any notable achievements or honors]

Certifications:

[List of relevant certifications or training programs]

Volunteer Experience:

[Description of any relevant volunteer work, including the organization, dates of service, and main responsibilities]

References:

[Contact information for at least two professional references]

In this format, people prioritize the skills section as they do with the professional experience section. Thus, they provide a comprehensive overview of the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Feel free to contact us if you need help using either of these formats.

Make sure you also learn how to optimize your CV for applicant tracking system.

CV Samples in Nigeria

After reading through the 3 popular CV format in Nigeria, you’ll probably want to learn how to use the format in creating a good CV, right?

Below are different examples of CV samples in Nigeria, in line with the CV formats explained earlier.

Chronological CV Samples:

John Doe

123 Main Street, Lagos, Nigeria +234 123 4567 johndoe@email.com

Objective: To obtain a position as a Marketing Manager at XYZ Company, where I can utilize my skills and experience to help the company achieve its goals.

Professional Experience:

Marketing Manager ABC Company, Lagos, Nigeria June 2018 – Present

• Developed and executed marketing strategies that increased revenue by 20%.
• Led a team of 5 marketing professionals and provided guidance and mentorship.
• Conducted market research to identify new opportunities and trends.

Marketing Coordinator DEF Company, Abuja, Nigeria January 2016 – May 2018

• Assisted in the development and implementation of marketing campaigns.
• Managed social media accounts and increased followers by 50%.
• Created marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, and email newsletters.

Education:

Bachelor of Business Administration University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria 2012 – 2016

Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite
• Knowledge of SEO and SEM

References: Available upon request

Functional CV Sample in Nigeria:

Jane Smith

456 Second Avenue, Abuja, Nigeria +234 987 6543 janesmith@email.com

Objective: To obtain a position in Human Resources where I can apply my skills and experience to support the growth and success of the organization.

Skills:

Leadership Skills:

• Managed a team of 10 employees and increased productivity by 25%.
• Developed and implemented training programs for new employees.

Communication Skills:

• Conducted employee satisfaction surveys and presented findings to senior management.
• Mediated conflicts between employees and resolved issues in a timely manner.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with HRIS software
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations in Nigeria

Professional Experience:

Human Resources Coordinator ABC Company, Lagos, Nigeria January 2018 – Present

• Managed the recruitment process, including job postings, interviewing, and hiring.
• Conducted employee onboarding and training.
• Maintained employee records and ensured compliance with legal requirements.

Human Resources Assistant DEF Company, Lagos, Nigeria June 2016 – December 2017

• Assisted with recruitment and onboarding.
• Coordinated employee benefits programs.
• Conducted research on best practices in HR.

Education:

Bachelor of Business Administration University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria 2012 – 2016

Certifications:

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)

Volunteer Experience:

Mentor, Youth Empowerment Program XYZ Organization, Lagos, Nigeria 2018 – Present

• Provided guidance and mentorship to at-risk youth.
• Assisted in program development and implementation.

References: Available upon request

Combinatorial CV Sample:

Michael Johnson

789 Third Street, Port Harcourt, Nigeria +234 567 8901 michaeljohnson@email.com

Objective: To obtain a position as a Sales Manager where I can utilize my skills and experience in both sales and team leadership to drive revenue growth and achieve success for the company.

Professional Experience:

Sales Manager ABC Company, Lagos, Nigeria April 2019 – Present

• Increased sales by 30% through the development and implementation of new sales strategies.
• Led a team of 8 sales professionals and provided training and mentorship.
• Conducted market research and analysis to identify new opportunities and trends.

Sales Representative DEF Company, Lagos, Nigeria September 2016 – March 2019

• Prospected and generated new business leads through cold calling and networking.
• Negotiated contracts and closed sales deals with customers.
• Trained and mentored new sales representatives.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria 2012 – 2016

Skills:

Leadership Skills:

• Led and motivated sales teams to exceed targets.
• Provided training and mentorship to new sales representatives.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Developed and delivered effective sales presentations to customers.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software.
• Knowledge of sales forecasting and reporting

Achievements:

• Awarded Salesperson of the Year in 2018 for exceeding sales targets.
• Increased sales revenue by 25% during tenure at DEF Company.

References: Available upon request

Note: These are just sample CVs; you can modify them to suit individual needs and experiences. It’s important to ensure that your CV highlights your strengths, achievements, and relevant experience in a clear and concise manner, regardless of the format you choose.

Remember, you can always reach out to us if you need help writing a CV or Cover letter.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to CV formats, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are some key elements that should be in every CV, regardless of the format.

These include your contact information, education and qualifications, work experience, skills and achievements, and any relevant additional information, such as languages spoken, certifications, and volunteer experience.

No matter which CV format you choose, it’s important to keep it concise and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

Be sure to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience and emphasize how they align with the requirements of the job.

Finally, proofread your CV carefully and have someone else review it before submitting it to ensure that it is error-free and presents you in the best light possible.

Mind you, there is no single “best” CV format in Nigeria or anywhere else. The key is to choose the format that works best for your qualifications and experience and to tailor it to the job you’re applying for.

By following these tips and using the resources available, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a winning CV that will help you land your dream job.