Introduction
If you’re a fresh graduate in Nigeria with no work experience, writing a CV might feel overwhelming. You may wonder: “What do I even include?” or “Will employers take me seriously?”
The truth is, many employers understand you’re just starting out. What matters most is how you present your skills, education, and potential.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to write a CV with no experience, tailored for the Nigerian job market. Whether you studied Engineering, Accounting, Mass Communication, or any other course — this article is for you.
Why Employers Will Still Consider You
Even without a formal job history, employers in Nigeria look for:
Trainable candidates
Strong communication skills
Problem-solving ability
Leadership potential
Eagerness to learn and grow
Your goal is to package your experience creatively — from education to projects, internships, and extracurricular activities.
Structure of a CV With No Experience (Nigeria Edition)
Here’s what your CV should include:
Contact Information
Professional Summary / Personal Statement
Education
Skills
Internships / Volunteering / NYSC
Certifications & Courses
Extracurricular Activities
References
1. Start With a Compelling Personal Statement
This is your pitch. Use 3–4 lines to describe who you are, what you studied, and what you’re looking for.
Example:
A highly motivated Economics graduate from the University of Ibadan with strong analytical and communication skills. Passionate about research and data-driven decision-making. Eager to contribute to a forward-thinking organization and grow within the field of finance.
2. Highlight Your Education
Since you don’t have formal work experience, your academic background becomes the star of the show.
What to include:
Degree and course
University name
Year of graduation
Notable achievements (e.g. class of degree, projects, awards)
Example: B.Sc. in Business Administration Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria — 2023 Second Class Upper Division Final Year Project: The Impact of Digital Marketing on Consumer Behavior in Nigeria
3. Showcase Your Skills
Employers want to know what you can do. Highlight both soft skills and technical skills relevant to the role.
Example of Soft Skills:
Communication
Teamwork
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Example of Technical Skills:
Microsoft Excel
Basic HTML/CSS
SPSS or data analysis
Graphic design with Canva
4. Add Internships, Volunteering or NYSC (If Completed)
Even unpaid roles count as experience. Include:
Role or title
Organization name
Duration
Tasks handled
Example: Intern, Access Bank Plc – Lagos June 2022 – September 2022
Assisted with customer service and account opening processes
Managed daily data entry and administrative tasks
Gained hands-on experience with banking software
5. List Certifications and Online Courses
Nigerian recruiters value self-development. If you’ve taken online courses, add them.
Example:
Digital Marketing Fundamentals – Google Digital Skills for Africa (2023)
Excel for Beginners – Coursera (2022)
6. Mention Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Roles
Were you a student leader, volunteer, or active in a club? These show responsibility and initiative.
Example:
President, Student Union Government, UNIBEN (2021–2022)
Organized annual Career Talk with over 800 student attendees
7. Keep References Simple
You can write: References available on request Or list one or two mentors or lecturers (with permission).
Sample CV Format for Nigerian Fresh Graduates
Here’s a clean, one-page template:
[Full Name] Phone: 080XXXXXXXX Email: youremail@gmail.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourname
Professional Summary Recent graduate of [Course] from [University], passionate about [Your Field]. Strong in [Key Skills]. Seeking an entry-level role to apply my skills and grow professionally.
Education B.Sc. in [Course] — [University], [Year] Graduated with [Grade] Project: [Project Topic]
Skills
Teamwork
Microsoft Office
Communication
Time Management
Excel / Data Analysis
Experience Intern — [Company Name], [Location] [Month – Month, Year]
[Task 1]
[Task 2]
Certifications
[Course Title] – [Platform], [Year]
Activities
[Club/Role] – [Responsibility], [Year]
References Available on request
Final Tips to Get Interviews
Customize your CV for each job — use keywords from the job description.
Save as PDF, not Word.
Keep it 1 page unless you have major projects or experience.
Pair your CV with a strong cover letter.
Conclusion
Writing a CV with no experience as a Nigerian fresh graduate is possible — and it can be powerful. Focus on your education, skills, projects, and potential. Employers don’t expect perfection; they want to see promise.
Now that you know how to write a CV with no experience, start applying confidently. Your first job in Nigeria might be just one application away.
Want a free CV template or help tailoring your CV to a specific job? Drop your course or field in the comments below!
