Fresh Graduate CV in Nigeria: 10 Must-Know Tips to Secure Your First Job in 2025
Discover expert tips on how fresh graduates in Nigeria can write an effective CV in 2025. Learn the right format, skills to highlight, and mistakes to avoid for job success.
Fresh Graduate CV in Nigeria: 10 Must-Know Tips to Secure Your First Job in 2025
As the job market becomes more competitive in Nigeria, having a well-structured and targeted CV is now more important than ever—especially for fresh graduates. Whether you’re applying through LinkedIn, Jobberman, or email, your CV is your first shot at making an impression in under 30 seconds.
Here’s what every Nigerian graduate should know in 2025 to stand out from the crowd.
1. Start with a Professional Name and Contact Section
- Do: Begin with your full name in bold.
- Avoid: Writing “Curriculum Vitae” as a heading.
- Add: A professional email (e.g.,
john.doe@gmail.com), phone number, city location, and LinkedIn profile if available.
2. Include a Strong Career Objective or Profile Summary
Use 3–4 lines to summarize your skills, experience (including NYSC or SIWES), and career goals. Tailor this summary to each job application.
📌 Example:
“Highly motivated Economics graduate with hands-on experience in data entry and policy analysis during NYSC, seeking to contribute to public sector reforms.”
3. Clearly List Your Academic Qualifications
- Start from your most recent degree.
- Mention the institution, course, and graduation year.
- Include your CGPA only if above average.
- Avoid listing the year you started—only the graduation year is needed.
4. Add Relevant Work Experience
Even if you’re a fresh graduate, you may have experience from:
- NYSC (Primary Place of Assignment)
- Internships
- Freelance jobs
- SIWES/IT attachments
📌 Format:
Job Title – Organization
Month/Year – Month/Year
Key achievements or tasks
5. Showcase Relevant Skills
Focus on job-related hard skills such as:
- Excel/Data Analysis
- Digital Marketing
- AutoCAD
- Programming (e.g., Python, Java)
- Content Writing
Avoid generic ones like “Good communication skills” unless proven by experience.
6. Add Professional Certifications
Stand out by including certifications from platforms like:
- Google Digital Garage
- Coursera
- LinkedIn Learning
- ALX or Andela
- NYSC-acquired training
Include: Certificate title, institution, and year obtained.
7. Keep Hobbies and Interests Relevant
Include only productive hobbies like:
- Reading
- Blogging
- Sports
- Chess Avoid unserious mentions like “watching movies” or “playing video games.”
8. Reference Section: Always Include 2 Referees
Referees should include:
- Full Name
- Official Title
- Phone number
- Professional Email
🎯 Tip: Inform them beforehand. Do not list family members or friends.
9. Format for Readability and ATS
📌 Important CV format tips:
- Font: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (Size 11–12)
- Layout: One-column, simple black text on white background
- Save as:
Firstname Lastname_CV.pdf - Avoid: Colorful or overly designed CVs (unless in a creative field)
Use job-related keywords to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), such as:
- Customer service
- Data analysis
- Financial reporting
- Project coordination
10. Customize and Network
📌 Tailor your CV for each job:
- Update summary and keywords
- Highlight relevant experience and skills
Also, leverage LinkedIn to network with recruiters and alumni.
Final Thoughts for Nigerian Graduates in 2025
| Action | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Tailored CV | Increases job match |
| 1-page layout | Keeps recruiter engaged |
| Certifications | Proves ongoing learning |
| LinkedIn presence | Enhances credibility |
| Career summary | Highlights your value quickly |
Call to Action:
Need a professional CV makeover for 2025 job applications? Drop a comment or reach out via email—we’re here to help you land that first job!
