Before You Hit “Apply”… Let’s Talk About Your CV
A practical, no-fluff guide to CV writing that actually gets you noticed.
Your CV isn’t just a document listing where you’ve worked or what degree you earned.
It’s your first impression.
Your personal marketing tool.
Your ticket to the interview room—if it’s done right.
In today’s competitive job market, especially with companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hundreds of applications for one role, a strong CV is no longer a bonus. It’s a requirement.
Your CV is Your Foot in the Door
You may have the skills, experience, and passion for the job but none of that matters if your CV doesn’t represent you well. Think of it this way: before a recruiter meets you, your CV speaks for you. And it needs to speak clearly, confidently, and directly to the job at hand.
Unfortunately, many people are still using:
- The same CV they used 2–3 years ago
- Generic templates found online
- Descriptions that sound like job duties, not achievements
- One single version for every job application
This approach leads to missed opportunities and unanswered applications.
Before You Submit Your Next Application, Ask Yourself:
1. Is this CV tailored to the job role?
Every role is different. Every company has its own culture and expectations. Sending a general CV is like sending a general message—you might be heard, but you won’t be remembered.
2. Am I showing the right skills and achievements?
You only have a few seconds to show that you’re the right fit. Use that time wisely. Focus on the skills and experience that matter most for the position.
3. Have I used powerful, clear language?
Avoid fluff. Avoid vague descriptions. Use strong action verbs and quantifiable results:
– “Increased sales by 20% in 3 months.”
– “Managed a team of 5 virtual assistants.”
– “Streamlined onboarding, reducing admin time by 40%.”
4. Is my CV layout clean, modern, and easy to read?
Make your CV visually appealing: Use consistent fonts, bold headers, bullet points, and white space. A cluttered CV gets skipped—clean layouts are key.
What Makes a CV Stand Out in 2025?
In 2025, employers and recruiters expect your CV to be:
- ATS-compliant: This means no fancy graphics, text in images, or confusing formats.
- Targeted: Customized to match the job title, keywords, and industry.
- Results-Oriented: Clear metrics, KPIs, and success stories.
- Easy to scan: A recruiter should understand your value within seconds.
- Digitally appropriate: Think about how your CV looks on mobile and desktop.
CV Writing Tips for Job Seekers in Nigeria (and anywhere else)
If you’re applying for roles locally or abroad, your CV should:
- Use British English spelling (if applying in Nigeria or UK-based markets).
- Include a brief Career Summary or Profile at the top.
- Focus more on skills and outcomes than just job titles.
- Leave out outdated elements (e.g. marital status, full address, passport photo).
- Be saved and sent as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These little details can cost you big opportunities:
- Using the title “Curriculum Vitae” at the top instead of your name
- Adding outdated or irrelevant work experience
- Using long paragraphs instead of bullet points
- Not proofreading for grammar or spelling errors
- Forgetting to add your LinkedIn profile or contact email
Pro CV Writing Is an Investment in Your Future
Whether you’re applying for jobs in administration, customer service, HR, virtual assistance, remote work, or freelance gigs, your CV should reflect not just where you’ve been—but where you’re going.
A professionally written CV:
- Helps you land interviews faster
- Positions you as a serious candidate
- Saves time with fewer rejections
- Gives you confidence when you hit “apply”
So… When Was the Last Time You Updated Your CV?
Still using the same document from two years ago?
Still unsure if your CV is working for you or holding you back?
Let’s fix that.
I help professionals just like you:
- Rewrite, reformat, and reposition your CV
- Highlight your strengths and key skills
- Make your CV job-ready and industry-competitive
