How to Write a CV That Gets You Hired in Ghana & Nigeria [2025 Guide + Templates]

Introduction

Your CV is your first impression with potential employers—make it count. In Ghana and Nigeria's competitive job markets, a well-crafted CV can be the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked.

With many companies now using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications, simply listing your experience isn't enough. You need a CV that's both human-readable and ATS-optimized.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn:

• The exact CV format recruiters prefer in Ghana and Nigeria
• How to beat ATS systems and get your CV seen by hiring managers
• Section-by-section writing strategies with examples
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Free downloadable CV templates

Key Stat: 75% of CVs are rejected by ATS before a human ever sees them. Learn how to be in the 25% that make it through.

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CV vs Resume: What's the Difference?

In Ghana and Nigeria, the terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a distinction:

CV (Curriculum Vitae):

• Comprehensive record of your academic and professional history
• Can be 2-3 pages or longer for experienced professionals
• Required for most jobs in Ghana and Nigeria

Resume:

• Concise, tailored 1-2 page document
• More common in the US and for specific industries
• Focuses on relevant experience only

For Ghana & Nigeria: Most employers request a "CV," but they typically want a 1-2 page document unless you're applying for academic or very senior positions.

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The Perfect CV Format for Ghana & Nigeria

Recommended Format: Reverse Chronological

The reverse chronological format is the most preferred by Nigerian and Ghanaian employers because it:

• Shows your most recent (and usually most relevant) experience first
• Is familiar to recruiters
• Works well with ATS systems
• Makes career progression clear

Ideal CV Length

Ghana & Nigeria Standard:

• Fresh graduates: 1 page (2 pages maximum if you have significant internships/projects)
• Mid-career (3-7 years): 2 pages
• Senior professionals (8+ years): 2-3 pages
• Academic positions: Can be longer with publications

Golden Rule: Every line should add value. Recruiters spend just 6-7 seconds on initial CV scans, so be concise.

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Essential CV Sections (In Order)

1. Contact Information (Header)

What to Include:

`

FIRSTNAME LASTNAME

Phone: +233 XX XXX XXXX (Ghana) / +234 XXX XXX XXXX (Nigeria)

Email: professional.email@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile

Location: Accra, Ghana / Lagos, Nigeria

`

Best Practices:

• ✅ Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
• ✅ Include country code with phone number
• ✅ Add LinkedIn profile (if active and professional)
• ❌ Don't include: Date of birth, marital status, photo (unless specifically requested)
• ❌ Avoid unprofessional email addresses (sweetlover@, badguy419@)

---

2. Professional Summary / Career Objective

For Experienced Professionals (3+ years):

Write a 2-3 line Professional Summary highlighting:

• Your current role/title
• Years of experience
• Key expertise/achievements
• Value you bring

Example:

`

Results-driven Digital Marketing Specialist with 5+ years of experience driving

brand growth for FMCG companies in West Africa. Proven track record of increasing

social media engagement by 200% and generating 150+ qualified leads monthly through

targeted campaigns. Expertise in SEO, Google Ads, and content marketing strategy.

`

For Fresh Graduates / Entry-Level:

Use a Career Objective (2-3 lines) stating:

• The position you're seeking
• Relevant skills/education
• What you aim to contribute

Example:

`

Recent Computer Science graduate from the University of Ghana seeking a Software

Developer role to apply strong programming skills in Java, Python, and React.

Passionate about creating innovative solutions and eager to contribute to a

dynamic development team.

`

Pro Tip: Tailor this section for every job application to match the role requirements.

---

3. Work Experience

This is the most important section for experienced professionals. List jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Format:

`

JOB TITLE | Company Name, Location

Month Year - Month Year (or Present)

• Achievement-focused bullet point with metrics

• Another accomplishment showing impact

• Responsibility that demonstrates relevant skills

`

Example:

`

MARKETING MANAGER | Unilever Ghana Ltd, Accra

January 2022 - Present

• Increased brand awareness by 40% through integrated digital campaigns across

Facebook, Instagram, and Google, reaching 2M+ Ghanaians monthly

• Managed GHS 500,000 annual marketing budget, delivering 25% ROI improvement

through data-driven optimization

• Led team of 5 marketing executives, successfully launching 3 new product lines

that generated GHS 2M in first-year revenue

• Collaborated with sales team to develop B2B marketing strategies, resulting in

30+ new corporate accounts

`

Best Practices:

• ✅ Start each bullet with strong action verbs (Led, Managed, Increased, Developed)
• ✅ Include numbers and metrics wherever possible (%, amounts, quantities)
• ✅ Focus on achievements, not just duties
• ✅ Use keywords from the job description
• ❌ Avoid vague statements like "Responsible for marketing"
• ❌ Don't use first person ("I led..." → "Led...")

Action Verbs for Different Functions:

Leadership: Managed, Led, Directed, Supervised, Coordinated, Mentored

Achievements: Achieved, Increased, Improved, Generated, Delivered, Exceeded

Communication: Presented, Negotiated, Collaborated, Facilitated, Liaised

Technical: Developed, Designed, Implemented, Programmed, Analyzed, Optimized

Creative: Created, Designed, Conceptualized, Launched, Initiated

---

4. Education

List degrees in reverse chronological order.

Format:

`

DEGREE NAME | Institution Name, Location

Month Year - Month Year

Class of degree (e.g., First Class Honours, 2:1, CGPA: 3.8/4.0)

• Relevant coursework or achievements

• Awards or distinctions

`

Example:

`

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.Sc) IN COMPUTER SCIENCE | University of Lagos, Nigeria

September 2018 - July 2022

Second Class Honours (Upper Division), CGPA: 3.75/4.0

• Final Year Project: Developed mobile app for campus event management (5,000+ downloads)

• Awarded Best Student in Software Engineering (2021)

• Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Database Management, Web Development

`

For Fresh Graduates:

• Include relevant coursework
• Mention academic projects
• List awards and honors
• Add GPA if strong (3.5+/4.0 or 2:1 and above)

For Experienced Professionals:

• Keep education brief (degree, institution, year)
• Omit CGPA if you have 5+ years experience
• Focus more on work experience section

---

5. Skills Section

Two Types of Skills:

Hard Skills (Technical): Specific, teachable abilities

• Software proficiency (Microsoft Office, SAP, Salesforce)
• Programming languages (Python, Java, JavaScript)
• Tools (Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Tableau)
• Languages (English - Native, French - Intermediate)
• Certifications

Soft Skills (Transferable): Interpersonal abilities

• Leadership, Communication, Problem-solving
• Team collaboration, Time management, Adaptability

Best Practice Format:

`

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Programming: Python, Java, JavaScript, SQL

• Tools & Platforms: Git, Docker, AWS, Google Cloud Platform

• Data Analysis: Excel (Advanced), Tableau, Power BI, R

• Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Analytics Certified

LANGUAGES

• English (Native), Twi (Fluent), French (Intermediate)

`

ATS Tip: Include skills exactly as they appear in the job description. If the job says "Microsoft Excel," don't write "MS Excel" or just "Excel."

---

6. Optional Sections (Include If Relevant)

Certifications & Professional Development:

`

CERTIFICATIONS

• Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI | 2023

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate | Coursera | 2024

• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Diploma | 2022

`

Internships (For Fresh Graduates):

`

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

DATA ANALYST INTERN | MTN Ghana, Accra

June 2023 - August 2023

• Analyzed customer data to identify churn patterns, contributing to 15% retention improvement

• Created weekly reports using Excel and Power BI for senior management

• Supported market research projects analyzing competitor pricing strategies

`

Volunteer Work / Leadership:

`

VOLUNTEER & LEADERSHIP

Mentor | Career Mentorship Initiative, University of Ghana | 2022-Present

• Mentoring 10 computer science students on career development and job readiness

President | Tech Students Association, Kwame Nkrumah University | 2021-2022

• Led 200-member organization, organizing 5 tech workshops with 500+ attendees

`

Awards & Achievements:

• Include if impressive and relevant
• Omit if too generic ("Employee of the Month")

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Beating the ATS: Optimization Strategies

What is an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?

An ATS is software that:

• Scans and parses CVs automatically
• Extracts information into a database
• Ranks candidates based on keyword matches
• Filters out CVs that don't meet criteria

In Ghana & Nigeria: Major companies (banks, telecoms, multinationals, oil & gas firms) and many recruitment agencies use ATS systems.

How to Make Your CV ATS-Friendly

1. Use Standard Section Headings

✅ Use common headers: "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills"

❌ Avoid creative headers: "My Journey," "What I've Learned," "Where I've Been"

2. Choose Simple Formatting

✅ Standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Georgia, Times New Roman (10-12pt)

✅ Clear structure with bullet points

❌ Avoid: Text boxes, tables, columns, headers/footers, graphics, images

3. Use Keywords from the Job Description

Example Job Description Extract:

"Seeking a Marketing Manager with experience in digital marketing, SEO, Google Analytics, content strategy, and social media management..."

Your CV Should Include:

• "Digital marketing" (not just "online marketing")
• "SEO" (spell it out too: "Search Engine Optimization")
• "Google Analytics" (exact match)
• "Content strategy" (exact phrase)
• "Social media management" (not "managing social media")

4. Save in the Right Format

✅ .docx (Microsoft Word) - Best for ATS

✅ .pdf - Acceptable for most modern ATS

❌ .pages, .jpg, .png - Will likely be rejected

Pro Tip: The job posting will usually specify the format. If it says "Send CV in Word format," send .docx.

5. Use Standard Job Titles

If your actual title was unconventional, you can clarify:

`

Marketing Evangelist (Digital Marketing Specialist) | Company Name

`

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CV Writing for Different Experience Levels

Fresh Graduate CV Template

Priority Sections:

1. Contact Information
2. Career Objective
3. Education (detailed)
4. Internships/Projects
5. Skills
6. Volunteer Work/Leadership
7. Certifications (if any)

How to Compensate for Limited Experience:

• Emphasize academic projects with real-world application
• Include relevant coursework
• Highlight internships, even if unpaid
• Showcase leadership in student organizations
• Include volunteer work demonstrating transferable skills

---

Mid-Career Professional CV Template

Priority Sections:

1. Contact Information
2. Professional Summary
3. Work Experience (detailed)
4. Key Skills
5. Education (brief)
6. Certifications

Focus Areas:

• Quantify achievements with metrics
• Show career progression
• Emphasize leadership and project management
• Highlight specific industry expertise

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Career Changer CV Template

Strategy: Emphasize transferable skills and relevant experience.

Example: Teacher → Corporate Trainer

• Highlight: Presentation skills, curriculum development, needs assessment
• Reframe: "Developed training materials" instead of "Created lesson plans"
• Include: Any corporate training certifications or workshops

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CV Writing Best Practices for Ghana & Nigeria

1. Tailor Every CV

Never send the same generic CV to every job. Customize by:

• Matching keywords from job description
• Highlighting relevant experience
• Adjusting your summary/objective
• Reordering skills to match requirements

2. Quantify Everything

Transform vague statements into concrete achievements:

❌ "Responsible for managing social media accounts"

✅ "Grew Instagram following from 5K to 25K (400% increase) in 6 months through targeted content strategy"

❌ "Handled customer complaints"

✅ "Resolved 95% of customer complaints within 24 hours, improving satisfaction score from 3.2 to 4.5/5.0"

3. Use Industry-Specific Keywords

Banking/Finance: Risk management, compliance, financial analysis, portfolio management, relationship management

Technology: Agile, Scrum, full-stack development, DevOps, cloud computing, API integration

Marketing: Brand management, digital campaigns, SEO/SEM, content marketing, ROI analysis

Engineering: Project delivery, quality assurance, technical specifications, safety compliance

Sales: Revenue generation, client acquisition, pipeline management, B2B/B2C sales, territory management

4. Proofread Ruthlessly

One typo can disqualify you. Check for:

• Spelling errors (use both UK and local English variations)
• Grammar mistakes
• Consistent formatting
• Accurate dates
• Correct company names and job titles

Tip: Read your CV out loud, use Grammarly, and have someone else review it.

5. Be Honest

Never lie about:

• Degrees or qualifications
• Job titles or dates
• Skills you don't have
• Achievements you didn't accomplish

Employers verify references and credentials. Dishonesty = instant disqualification.

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Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

❌ 1. Including Unnecessary Personal Information

Don't include:

• Date of birth / Age
• Marital status
• Religion
• State of origin
• Photo (unless specifically requested)
• National ID number

These are not relevant to your qualifications and can introduce bias.

❌ 2. Using an Unprofessional Email

sweetlover@yahoo.com, bigboy4u@gmail.com ← Instant rejection

✅ Use: firstname.lastname@gmail.com or initial.lastname@gmail.com

❌ 3. Writing Job Duties Instead of Achievements

❌ "Duties included managing projects, coordinating teams, and meeting with clients"

✅ "Led 5-person project team to deliver $100K software implementation 2 weeks ahead of schedule"

❌ 4. Inconsistent Formatting

• Mixing bullet styles (•, -, >)
• Inconsistent date formats (Jan 2020 vs 01/2020)
• Varying font sizes and styles
• Unaligned text

❌ 5. Generic Objective Statements

❌ "Seeking a challenging position in a reputable organization where I can utilize my skills..."

This says nothing about what you offer.

✅ "Computer Science graduate with mobile app development expertise seeking Android Developer role to create user-centric applications using Kotlin and Java"

❌ 6. Too Much Jargon or Acronyms

Explain technical terms if they're not industry-standard. Don't assume the recruiter knows every acronym.

❌ 7. Listing "References Available Upon Request"

This is assumed. Don't waste space. Prepare a separate reference list to bring to interviews.

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ATS-Friendly CV Templates (Free Download)

I've created 3 free CV templates optimized for the Ghana & Nigeria job markets:

Template 1: Fresh Graduate CV

• Perfect for university leavers
• Emphasizes education and skills
• Includes sections for projects and internships

Template 2: Mid-Career Professional CV

• For 3-10 years of experience
• Highlights achievements and career progression
• Clean, ATS-friendly design

Template 3: Senior Professional / Executive CV

• For leadership and senior roles
• Emphasizes strategic impact and leadership
• Includes sections for board positions and publications

[Note: Templates would be linked here when published]

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Step-by-Step: Writing Your CV

Step 1: Research the Job & Company (15 minutes)

• Read the job description thoroughly
• Identify required and preferred qualifications
• Note specific keywords and phrases
• Research the company's mission and values

Step 2: Choose the Right Template (5 minutes)

• Select based on your experience level
• Ensure it's ATS-compatible

Step 3: Write Your Header & Summary (10 minutes)

• Professional contact information
• Tailored summary or objective matching the role

Step 4: Detail Your Work Experience (30 minutes)

• Start with most recent position
• Use action verbs and metrics
• Focus on relevant achievements
• Incorporate keywords from job description

Step 5: Education & Skills (15 minutes)

• List relevant degrees and certifications
• Create skills section matching job requirements
• Include both hard and soft skills

Step 6: Add Optional Sections (10 minutes)

• Certifications
• Volunteer work
• Professional memberships
• Only if they add value

Step 7: Proofread & Optimize (20 minutes)

• Check grammar and spelling
• Verify ATS compatibility
• Ensure consistent formatting
• Test by pasting into a plain text editor (should still be readable)

Step 8: Save Correctly (2 minutes)

• Save as: FirstnameLastnameCV.docx (or .pdf if requested)
• Never: CV.docx, Resume.docx, Document1.docx

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CV Writing Checklist

Before Sending, Ask Yourself:

Content:

• [ ] Is my CV tailored to this specific job?
• [ ] Have I included keywords from the job description?
• [ ] Does every bullet point add value?
• [ ] Have I quantified achievements with metrics?
• [ ] Is my contact information current and professional?
• [ ] Have I removed unnecessary personal details?

Formatting:

• [ ] Is it 1-2 pages for my experience level?
• [ ] Have I used standard fonts and formatting?
• [ ] Is the layout ATS-friendly (no tables, text boxes, images)?
• [ ] Are dates consistent and accurate?
• [ ] Is it free of grammar and spelling errors?

Optimization:

• [ ] Does my summary match the role?
• [ ] Have I used action verbs to start bullet points?
• [ ] Is it saved in the requested format (.docx or .pdf)?
• [ ] Is the filename professional (FirstnameLastnameCV.docx)?

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What to Do After Sending Your CV

1. Track Your Applications

Create a spreadsheet:

• Company name
• Position applied for
• Date sent
• Job posting link
• Follow-up date
• Status

2. Follow Up Appropriately

• Wait 5-7 days after application
• Send a polite follow-up email
• Reiterate your interest
• Ask about timeline

Sample Follow-Up Email:

`

Subject: Following Up - Marketing Manager Application

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I recently submitted my application for the

Marketing Manager position (Reference: MM2025) and wanted to follow up to

express my continued interest in the role.

With my 5 years of experience in digital marketing and proven track record of

delivering 200%+ ROI on campaigns, I'm confident I can contribute significantly

to your team.

I'd be happy to provide any additional information needed. Could you kindly

share the expected timeline for the recruitment process?

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Phone Number]

`

3. Prepare for Interviews

Once you get interview calls:

• Research common interview questions
• Prepare your own questions
• Practice the STAR method
• Review your CV thoroughly (they'll ask about details)

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Additional Resources

Online CV Builders:

• Canva CV Builder (free templates)
• NovoResume (ATS-friendly)
• Resume.io

Proofreading Tools:

• Grammarly (grammar and spelling)
• Hemingway Editor (readability)
• ProWritingAid

Job Boards in Ghana & Nigeria:

• Jobberman.com (Nigeria's #1 job site)
• JobWebGhana.com
• Careers24.com
• LinkedIn Jobs

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Conclusion

A well-crafted CV is your ticket to landing interviews in Ghana and Nigeria's competitive job market. By following the strategies in this guide, you'll create a CV that:

• Passes ATS screening
• Captures recruiters' attention in seconds
• Highlights your most relevant achievements
• Positions you as the ideal candidate

Remember:

• Tailor every CV to the specific job
• Use keywords from job descriptions
• Quantify achievements with metrics
• Keep formatting simple and ATS-friendly
• Proofread multiple times

Your CV is a living document. Update it regularly with new skills, achievements, and responsibilities.

Ready to take your CV to the next level? Use CareerLead AI to get AI-powered CV reviews, personalized improvement suggestions, and access to ATS-optimized templates designed specifically for the West African job market.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I include a photo on my CV in Ghana or Nigeria?

A: Only if specifically requested by the employer. Most professional CVs in these markets don't include photos unless applying for media, entertainment, or customer-facing roles where appearance matters.

Q: How long should my CV be?

A: 1-2 pages for most roles. Fresh graduates should aim for 1 page, experienced professionals can use 2 pages. Only academic CVs or very senior positions (15+ years) should exceed 2 pages.

Q: Do I need to include references on my CV?

A: No. "References available upon request" is outdated. Prepare a separate reference sheet to bring to interviews. Only provide references when explicitly asked.

Q: Can I use a creative CV template with colors and graphics?

A: Not recommended for corporate roles. Creative templates often fail ATS screening. Use them only for creative industries (graphic design, advertising, marketing agencies) and always submit both a creative version and an ATS-friendly version.

Q: How far back should I go with work experience?

A: Generally, include the last 10-15 years of relevant experience. Older positions can be summarized briefly under "Earlier Career" or omitted if not relevant.

Q: Should I include my NYSC information (Nigeria)?

A: Only if you're a fresh graduate (within 1-2 years of completion) or if the role specifically requires it. Otherwise, it's understood that graduates have completed NYSC.

Q: What if I have employment gaps?

A: Be honest. If you have a gap:

• Use years only instead of months (2020-2022 instead of June 2020 - March 2022)
• If the gap was for study, caregiving, health, or freelancing, briefly mention it
• Focus on skills and achievements rather than dates

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Sources & Further Reading:

• Jobberman CV Writing Guide
• Resume-Example.com - Ghana & Nigeria CV Templates
• CVJury - How to Write a CV in Nigeria
• BuildRight HR - CV Writing Tips for Ghana
• African Pay - CV Writing Best Practices