How to Write a CV that Gets You Hired Fast

Finding a job in today’s competitive market can be tough, but having a well-written CV can make all the difference. Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is often the first impression employers have of you, and in many cases, it determines whether you get invited for an interview or overlooked. Unfortunately, many job seekers in Nigeria and across the world struggle to write a CV that stands out.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to write a CV that gets you hired fast, the key sections to include, common mistakes to avoid, and expert tips to make your CV attractive to recruiters.

What is a CV?

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a document that outlines your educational background, work experience, skills, and achievements. Employers use it to assess whether you are a good fit for a job. Unlike a résumé (which is usually shorter), a CV can be more detailed, especially if you are applying for academic, research, or specialized roles.

In Nigeria and many other countries, the terms CV and résumé are often used interchangeably. However, for most job applications, what employers want is a clear, concise, and well-structured CV.

Why a Good CV Matters

Recruiters often receive hundreds of applications for a single job. On average, hiring managers spend just 6–8 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to keep reading or move on. That means your CV must grab attention quickly.

A well-written CV can:

• Get you shortlisted for interviews faster.
• Showcase your skills and achievements effectively.
• Make you stand out from other candidates.
• Increase your confidence during the job search.

Key Sections of a Winning CV

To write a CV that gets you hired fast, you need to structure it properly. Here are the essential sections:

1. Contact Information

This should be at the very top of your CV. Include:

Full name

• Phone number (ensure it is active and professional)
• Email address (use a formal one, e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
• LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
• Location (city and state, not full home address)

2. Personal Profile (Career Summary)

This is a short paragraph (3–5 sentences) at the beginning of your CV. It summarizes who you are, your skills, and what you bring to the table.

Example:

“A results-driven marketing graduate with 3 years of experience in digital campaigns, content creation, and social media management. Skilled in SEO, analytics, and customer engagement. Looking to leverage expertise to drive brand growth at a forward-thinking organization.”

3. Work Experience

This is the heart of your CV. Employers want to see what you have achieved in past roles.

• List jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
• Include: Job title, company name, location, and dates worked.
• Use bullet points to highlight your responsibilities and achievements.
• Start each bullet point with action verbs such as managed, developed, achieved, implemented, increased.

Example:

• Digital Marketing Intern – ABC Media, Lagos (2022 – 2023)
• Developed content strategies that increased website traffic by 30% within 3 months.
• Managed the company’s Instagram account, boosting followers from 5,000 to 12,000.

4. Education

List your educational qualifications, starting with the most recent. Include:

• Degree or certification obtained
• School/University name
• Years attended

Example:

B.Sc. in Computer Science – University of Lagos (2018 – 2022)

5. Skills

Highlight both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (personal qualities).

Examples of hard skills:

• Data Analysis
• Graphic Design (Photoshop, Canva, CorelDRAW)
• Digital Marketing (SEO, Google Ads, Email Marketing)
• Programming (Python, Java, HTML, CSS)

Examples of soft skills:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Time Management

6. Certifications & Training (Optional)

If you’ve completed extra training or online courses, include them here. This shows employers that you are committed to learning.

Example:

• Google Digital Skills for Africa – Digital Marketing Certificate
• Coursera – Data Analytics Specialization

7. Achievements (Optional but Powerful)

Employers love candidates who can show measurable results. Instead of just listing duties, highlight achievements.

Example:

• Awarded “Best Sales Intern” for exceeding monthly sales targets by 20%.
• Published 5 articles in a national newspaper.

8. References

You can either include references at the end of your CV.

Tips for Writing a CV That Gets You Hired Fast

Now that you know the structure, here are some expert tips to make your CV stand out:

1. Tailor Your CV for Each Job

Don’t use the same CV for every application. Customize it by matching your skills and experiences to the job description.

2. Use Keywords

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs. Use keywords from the job advert to increase your chances of passing the ATS.

3. Keep It Concise

For most jobs, your CV should not be longer than 2 pages. Recruiters prefer clear and easy-to-read documents.

4. Quantify Your Achievements

Numbers stand out more than vague statements. Instead of writing “improved sales,” say “increased sales by 25% within 6 months.”

5. Choose the Right Format

Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (size 10–12). Use clear headings and enough white space.

6. Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don’t use casual email addresses (e.g., coolguy123@gmail.com).
• Don’t include unnecessary personal details like age, religion, or marital status (unless specifically requested).
• Avoid spelling and grammar errors—proofread your CV carefully.

Common CV Formats You Can Use

1. Chronological CV – Best for candidates with strong work history.

2. Functional CV – Focuses on skills rather than job titles (good for fresh graduates).

3. Combination CV – Mixes both skills and experience.

Example CV Template

Here’s a simple structure you can follow:

1. Name/ Phone | Email | LinkedIn | Location

2. Personal Profile

Brief summary of skills, experience, and career goals.

3. Work Experience

• Job Title – Company Name, Location (Dates)
• Responsibility/Achievement 1
• Responsibility/Achievement 2

4. Education

• Degree – University, Year
• Skills
• Skill 1
• Skill 2
• Skill 3
• Certifications (Optional)
• Achievements (Optional)

5. References

Available upon request.

How to Make Your CV Stand Out in Nigeria

In Nigeria’s competitive job market, you must go the extra mile:

1. Keep it professional: Use simple formatting, avoid unnecessary graphics.

2. Highlight internships and volunteer work: Employers value practical experience.

3. Show digital skills: Many jobs now require basic knowledge of IT, social media, or data tools.

4. Update regularly: Each time you gain new experience or skills, update your CV.

Final Thoughts

Your CV is your personal marketing tool. It tells employers why they should choose you over other applicants. Writing a CV that gets you hired fast requires clarity, customization, and confidence. Focus on achievements, keep it concise, and tailor it to every job application.

Remember: A CV alone won’t get you the job, but it will get you the interview—and that’s the first step to being hired.

So, whether you’re a fresh graduate, an experienced professional, or someone looking to switch careers, use the tips above to craft a CV that opens doors to new opportunities.