How to Write a CV That Gets Interviews in Nigeria (2026 Guide)

In Nigeria’s competitive job market, your CV is more than a document; it’s your first interview. Recruiters often scan a CV for 5–10 seconds before deciding whether to shortlist or skip. That means your CV must be clear, relevant, and results-focused at first glance.

At RecruitTech HR Solutions, we review hundreds of CVs every month, and we’ve seen what works and what instantly gets rejected. This 2026 guide breaks down exactly how to write a CV that passes recruiter screening, beats Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and lands interviews in Nigeria and abroad.

Why Most CVs Get Rejected

Many job seekers still use outdated CV formats or generic templates that don’t match modern hiring standards. Common mistakes include:

• Listing duties instead of achievements

• Using one CV for every job application

• Poor formatting and cluttered design

• Missing keywords recruiters search for

• Including irrelevant personal details

Recruiters today don’t just read CVs they scan for proof of value.

What Recruiters in Nigeria Look for in a CV (2026 Hiring Trends)

Hiring managers now prioritize:

• Skills and measurable results

• Industry-specific keywords

• Digital tools proficiency

• Evidence of impact

• Clear career progression

This shift means your CV must show what you achieved, not just what you were responsible for.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Winning CV

1. Start With a Strong Professional Summary

Your summary should instantly position you as the right candidate.

Example:

Results-driven Social Media Manager with 3+ years of experience increasing brand engagement by 60%, generating leads through data-driven campaigns, and managing multi-platform content strategies for Nigerian and international brands.

2. Highlight Skills That Match the Job Description

Recruiters search CVs using keywords. If your CV doesn’t include them, you may never get seen.

Include both:

• Hard skills: SEO, data analysis, CRM, content strategy, project management

• Soft skills: communication, leadership, problem-solving

3. Show Achievements, Not Responsibilities

Instead of writing:

❌ Managed social media accounts

Write:

✅ Managed 5 brand accounts, increasing engagement by 45% and generating 300+ qualified leads in 4 months.

Numbers make your experience credible and impressive.

4. Use an ATS-Friendly Format

Many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before human review.

To pass ATS screening:

• Use standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills)

• Avoid graphics and tables

• Use simple fonts (Arial, Calibri)

• Save as PDF or Word document

5. Customize Your CV for Each Application

Generic CVs rarely get interviews. Tailoring your CV increases your chances dramatically.

Adjust:

• Skills section

• Keywords

• Summary

• Relevant achievements

Recruiters can instantly tell when a CV is copied and sent everywhere.

6. Keep It Concise and Relevant

Ideal CV length in Nigeria:

• Entry level → 1 page

• Mid level → 1–2 pages

• Senior level → 2 pages max

Delete outdated experiences that don’t support your current career goal.

7. Include a Strong Work Experience Section

Example:

• Developed email marketing campaigns that improved open rates from 18% to 39%.

• Led a content strategy that increased website traffic by 72% in 6 months.

8. Add Relevant Certifications and Tools

Employers in Nigeria now prioritize candidates who show continuous learning.

Examples:

• Google Digital Marketing Certificate

• HubSpot Email Marketing Certification

• Meta Ads Certification

Tools section example:

Tools: Google Analytics, HubSpot, Canva, Hootsuite, Excel, WordPress

9. Proofread Like a Professional

Grammatical errors signal carelessness.

Before sending:

• Check spelling

• Confirm dates

• Ensure consistent formatting

One typo can cost you an interview.