How To Write A Resume In Nigeria

In Nigeria’s competitive job market, a well written resume is essential for standing out from the crowd and securing your desired job. How to write a resume in Nigeria is one question that comes to mind.

With a high unemployment rate and a large pool of qualified candidates, it’s crucial to make a strong first impression on potential employers.

A resume is often the first point of contact between a job seeker and a hiring manager, and it can make or break your chances of getting an interview.

When a resume is written well, it not only showcases your skills, experience, and achievements but also demonstrates your professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to communicate effectively.

In Nigeria’s job market, where many candidates may have similar qualifications and experience, a good resume can be the deciding factor in getting noticed by hiring managers and recruiters.

Furthermore, a good resume can help you to:

Increase your chances of getting shortlisted for an interview
Showcase your relevant skills and experience to potential employers
Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas and achievements in a clear and concise manner
Stand out from other candidates with similar qualifications and experience
Boost your confidence and preparedness for the job search process

In this blog post, we will provide you with practical tips and advice on how to write an effective resume that will help you succeed in Nigeria’s job market.

Wherever you fall in the job search ladder – fresh graduate, experienced professional, or career changer, this guide will help you know how to create a resume that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements and increases your chances of landing your dream job.

UNDERSTANDING THE NIGERIAN JOB MARKET

Nigeria’s job market is rapidly evolving, with various industries experiencing significant growth and transformation.

To increase your chances of success, it’s important to understand the current state of the job market and the industries that are in high demand. Here are some key insights you may find valuable:

Growth Industries:

Technology and IT: Nigeria’s tech industry is booming, with a growing demand for skilled professionals in software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.
Healthcare: The healthcare industry is expanding, with a need for qualified medical professionals, nurses, and healthcare administrators.
Renewable Energy: As Nigeria shifts towards sustainable energy sources, careers in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are gaining traction.
E-commerce: Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular, creating opportunities for professionals in digital marketing, logistics, and supply chain management.
Agriculture: Nigeria is focusing on agricultural development, leading to a demand for experts in crop management, animal husbandry, and agribusiness.

In-Demand Skills:

Digital skills: Proficiency in digital tools, software, and platforms is highly valued across various industries.
Data analysis: Companies need professionals who can interpret and make data-driven decisions.
Communication and collaboration: Effective communication, teamwork, and leadership skills are essential in today’s work environment.
Problem-solving and adaptability: Professionals who can adapt to changing circumstances and find innovative solutions are highly sought after.
Foreign languages: Knowledge of languages like Chinese, French, etc, are becoming increasingly valuable in the Nigerian job market.

By understanding these trends and demands, you can tailor your resume, skills, and experience to meet the needs of the evolving job market, increasing your chances of success in your career journey.

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME IN NIGERIA:

CLEAR AND CONCISE OBJECTIVE STATEMENT

When writing a resume, your objective statement is the first thing that recruiters and hiring managers read.

It’s essential to make a good first impression by writing a clear and concise objective statement that highlights your career goals and job aspirations.

Here are some tips to help you write an effective objective statement:

a. Keep it short and sweet (no more than two sentences):

Your objective statement should be brief and to the point. Aim for a maximum of two sentences that clearly convey your career goals and job aspirations. Remember, the goal is to entice the reader to read further, not to tell your entire story.

b. Use keywords related to the job you’re applying for:

Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to show that you have the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for.

This will help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eye of the hiring manager.

c. Avoid clichés and generic statements:

Phrases like “results-oriented professional” or “team player” are overused and don’t add much value to your objective statement. Instead, focus on specific skills, achievements, or experiences that set you apart from others.

d. Focus on what you can bring to the organization, rather than what you hope to gain:

Your objective statement should highlight what you can bring to the organization, rather than what you hope to achieve or gain from the job.

This shows that you’re focused on contributing to the company’s success, rather than just advancing your own career.

e. Customize your objective statement for each job application:

Don’t use the same objective statement for every job application.

Tailor it to each job description and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.

Here’s a sample objective statement that follows the tips provided:

“Experienced Digital Marketing Specialist seeking a challenging role at XYZ Firm, where I can leverage my expertise in campaign development, team leadership, and data analysis to drive business growth and revenue increase.

With a proven track record of success in managing cross-functional teams and delivering results-driven marketing strategies, I am excited to bring my skills and passion to a dynamic organization like XYZ Firm and contribute to its continued success.”

This objective statement:

– Is concise and to the point (only two sentences)

– Uses keywords related to the job description (Digital Marketing Specialist, campaign development, team leadership, data analysis)

– Avoids clichés and generic statements

– Focuses on what the candidate can bring to the organization (expertise, skills, passion)

– Is customized to the specific job application (mentions XYZ Firm and its goals)

By following these tips, you can write an effective objective statement that showcases your skills, experience, and career goals, and helps you stand out from the competition.

HIGHLIGHTING RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

When writing your resume, it’s essential to highlight your relevant work experience and skills to demonstrate your value and qualifications to potential employers. Here are some tips to help you do so effectively:

a. Emphasize achievements over responsibilities:

Instead of just listing your job responsibilities, focus on the specific achievements and results you’ve accomplished in your previous roles. This shows that you’re a proactive and results-driven professional who can make a real impact.

b. Use specific numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements:

Using specific numbers and metrics helps to make your achievements more tangible and impressive.

Instead of saying “increased sales significantly,” say “increased sales by 25%.”

This provides a clear and concrete idea of the specific value you brought to the table.

Example:

“Managed a team of 10 people, resulting in a 25% increase in productivity and a 30% decrease in project timelines.”

“Reduced costs by N976,000 per quarter through efficient resource allocation and process optimization.”

By using specific numbers and metrics, you’ll demonstrate your ability to drive results and make a positive impact on the organization.

Additional tips:

– Use percentages, amounts, or other relevant metrics to quantify your achievements.

– Be specific and precise when using numbers and metrics.

– Use numbers and metrics to highlight your achievements in context, rather than just listing them.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to effectively highlight your relevant work experience and skills, and demonstrate your value and qualifications to potential employers.

USE KEYWORDS AND ACTION VERBS TO DESCRIBE YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Using keywords and action verbs is crucial to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eye of the hiring manager.

Keywords are specific words and phrases that are relevant to the job description, while action verbs are words that describe your skills and experience in a way that hits.

WHY ARE KEYWORDS IMPORTANT?

– Help your resume pass through ATS and increase the chances of it being seen by the hiring manager

– Show that you have the specific skills and qualifications the employer is looking for

– Help you stand out from other candidates who may not have the same level of expertise

Examples of action verbs:

– Managed

– Created

– Developed

– Improved

– Increased

– Enhanced

– Built

– Designed

– Implemented

– Optimized

Examples of keywords as could be found in a job description:

– Project management

– Data analysis

– Marketing strategy

– Team leadership

– Customer service

– Time management

– Budgeting

– Problem-solving

Tips for using keywords and action verbs:

– Use keywords from the job description to describe your skills and experience

– Use action verbs to begin each bullet point in your work experience section

– Use a mix of keywords and action verbs throughout your resume to avoid repetition

– Use keywords and action verbs to highlight your achievements and results, rather than just listing your responsibilities

INCLUDE RELEVANT EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:

When writing your resume, it’s essential to include relevant education and certifications to demonstrate your expertise and qualifications to potential employers. Here are some ways to do so effectively:

EDUCATION:

Degree and Field of Study: Include your highest level of education completed, including the degree and field of study. For example: “Bachelor of Science in Computer Science” or “Master of Business Administration (MBA)“.

Relevant Courses: If you’re a recent graduate or student, include relevant courses that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the field. For example: “Completed courses in data analysis, marketing strategy, and project management“.

Academic Achievements: If you have any notable academic achievements, such as a high GPA or academic awards, be sure to include them.

CERTIFICATIONS:

Relevant Certifications: Include any certifications that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example: “Certified Marketing Professional (CMP)” or “Certified Data Analyst (CDA)”.

Certification Dates: Be sure to include the date you earned the certification, as well as any relevant renewal dates.

Certification Issuer: Include the name of the organization that issued the certification, such as “Google Analytics” or “HubSpot”.

Extra tips:

Keep it Relevant: Only include education and certifications that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Be Specific: Avoid generalizations and be specific when describing your education and certifications.

Keep it Concise: Keep your education and certifications section concise and easy to read.

For Example:

Education:

– Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, ABC University (2018-2022)

– Completed courses in data analysis, marketing strategy, and project management

Certifications:

– Certified Marketing Professional (CMP), XYZ Institute (2022)

– Certified Data Analyst (CDA), UVW University (2020)

By following these tips, you’ll be able to effectively demonstrate your expertise and qualifications to potential employers.

USE A CLEAR AND EASY TO READ FONT AND LAYOUT:

When it comes to resume writing, the font and layout you choose can make a significant difference in how your resume is received by recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Here’s why using a clear and easy-to-read font and layout is important:

Readability: A clear font and layout ensures that your resume is easy to read and understand, even at a glance. This is important because hiring managers often have to review many resumes quickly.
Professionalism: A clean and simple layout conveys professionalism and attention to detail, which are valuable qualities in any candidate.
ATS compatibility: Many companies use ATS to screen resumes before they even reach a human recruiter. A clear font and layout increase the chances of your resume passing through ATS successfully.
Visual appeal: A well-designed layout and font can make your resume more visually appealing, which can help you stand out from other candidates.

Here are some tips for choosing a clear and easy-to-read font and layout:

Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, and avoid decorative or hard-to-read fonts.
Use a font size between 10 and 12 points for body text and 14-16 points for headings.
Use a clean and simple layout with clear headings, bullet points, and white space to make your resume easy to scan.
Leave sufficient margins (at least 0.5 inches) to ensure your resume is easy to read and print.
Use a consistent font and layout throughout your resume to create a professional and cohesive look.

When you use a clear and easy-to-read font and layout, you can ensure that your resume is effective in communicating your skills and experience to hiring managers and ATS, increasing your chances of landing an interview.

COMMON MISTAKES AND TIPS TO AVOID THEM WHEN WRITING A RESUME:

Typos and errors: A single mistake can make a negative impression and raise doubts about your attention to detail. So, proofread multiple times, carefully review your resume for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues.
Lack of clarity and concision: Use clear and concise language to ensure your resume is easy to read and understand. Avoid using jargon or overly technical terms that may confuse the reader.
Inconsistent formatting: Use a consistent format throughout your resume to make it visually appealing and easy to scan.
Irrelevant information: Only include relevant work experience, skills, and education to avoid confusing the reader. Tailor your resume to match the requirements and keywords in the job description.
Overuse of buzzwords and clichés: Use action verbs and specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Lack of quantifiable results: Use specific numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work, such as “increased sales by 25% in 6 months.”
Unprofessional email address: Use a professional email address as your contact information.
Inappropriate or outdated font: Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.
Photos or irrelevant images: Unless you’re an actor or model, avoid including photos or irrelevant images.
Inconsistent verb tense: Use a consistent verb tense throughout your resume.
Too long or too short: Aim for a resume that is one to two pages in length.
Lack of relevant keywords: Use keywords from the job description to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
False information: Always be honest and accurate when representing your experience and qualifications.
Not getting feedback: Ask a friend, mentor, or career counselor to review your resume and provide feedback.
Using an outdated resume: Keep your resume up-to-date and review it regularly to ensure it accurately reflects your current skills and experience.

By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and create a resume that stands out to potential employers.

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME IN NIGERIA: CONCLUSION.

Here are the key takeaways from this blog post:

– A resume should have a clear goal of getting an interview.

– Recruiters spend only 6 to 10 seconds to review a resume.

– A resume should be ideally one page, front side only.

– Use language that is clear, precise and professional.

– Ensure that your contact information is correct and professional.

– Highlight your technological skills.

– Focus on your accomplishments rather than responsibilities.

– Use statistics and data to demonstrate your accomplishments.

– Keep the most important information in the top fold.

– Ensure that your resume is error-free.

– Customize your resume according to the job you are applying for.

As a job seeker in Nigeria, you know how tough the job market can be. With so many qualified candidates vying for a limited number of positions, it can be challenging to get noticed. But, with the right tools and strategies, you can increase your chances of success.

That’s where an effective resume comes in. A well-crafted resume will help you get noticed by potential employers and land an interview. And, with the tips and advice provided, you have everything you need to write a resume that truly stands out, today!