Best CV format for freshers and fresh graduates in Nigeria

How to write a graduate CV with little experience — NYSC, projects, skills, and first-job applications.

By Cephas Tope

What this is

Fresh graduates in Nigeria often worry they have “nothing to put” on a CV. Recruiters still hire for potential: clarity, relevant coursework, NYSC, internships, campus leadership, and side projects. Lead with a summary aimed at the job family (graduate trainee, sales, teaching, tech). Put education and class of degree near the top, then NYSC state and PPA if completed or ongoing. Add internships, SIWES, industrial training, and freelance or volunteer work with real outcomes. Skills should be honest and role-specific (Excel, Canva, Python, classroom management, POS, customer service). Skip long soft-skill lists. Include certifications from recognised providers when relevant. Apply widely to verified graduate and entry-level roles on Handmework, and build your document in the CV builder so formatting stays clean across phones and ATS tools.

What to do first

Use a real vacancy with a company name. Write only dates, titles, and results you can defend in an interview. Apply through the method on the listing. Never pay a processing fee or share an OTP. Save the PDF and the date you sent it. If the employer did not post pay, leave money off the document.

Common mistakes

Use a real vacancy with a company name. Write only dates, titles, and results you can defend in an interview. Apply through the method on the listing. Never pay a processing fee or share an OTP. Save the PDF and the date you sent it. If the employer did not post pay, leave money off the document.

How Handmework fits

Use a real vacancy with a company name. Write only dates, titles, and results you can defend in an interview. Apply through the method on the listing. Never pay a processing fee or share an OTP. Save the PDF and the date you sent it. If the employer did not post pay, leave money off the document.

After you apply

Use a real vacancy with a company name. Write only dates, titles, and results you can defend in an interview. Apply through the method on the listing. Never pay a processing fee or share an OTP. Save the PDF and the date you sent it. If the employer did not post pay, leave money off the document.

Use a real vacancy with a company name. Write only dates, titles, and results you can defend in an interview. Apply through the method on the listing. Never pay a processing fee or share an OTP. Save the PDF and the date you sent it. If the employer did not post pay, leave money off the document.

Frequently asked questions

Can a fresh graduate use a one-page CV?

Yes — one page is ideal when experience is limited. Focus on education, NYSC, projects, and skills.

Should I list unrelated student jobs?

Yes if they show reliability or customer-facing skill. Keep them short and emphasise transferable results.

Should I invent numbers or survey stats?

No. Only use figures the employer posted or results you can defend in an interview.

Do I pay to apply?

No. Walk away from processing fees, “slot” charges, and anyone who wants your OTP.