Your CV is more than just a document listing your qualifications—it is your personal marketing tool. Before an employer meets you, your CV introduces your skills, experience, and achievements. A well-written CV can open the door to interviews, while a poorly written one may prevent you from being considered, regardless of your qualifications.
If you’ve been applying for jobs without getting interview invitations, your CV may need improvement.
This guide explains How to Write a Professional CV That Gets Interviews, providing practical advice that will help you present yourself as a strong candidate to potential employers.
A professional CV is:
Recruiters often spend only a short time reviewing each application. Your CV should quickly communicate why you deserve an interview.
Place your contact details at the top of your CV.
Include:
Avoid including unnecessary personal information such as religion, marital status, age, or state of origin unless specifically requested.
Your professional summary is one of the first sections recruiters read.
In three to five sentences, explain:
Results-driven customer service professional with over three years of experience supporting customers across retail and financial services. Skilled in complaint resolution, communication, and relationship management with a proven ability to improve customer satisfaction.
This immediately tells recruiters what you offer.
List your work history in reverse chronological order.
For every position include:
Instead of listing duties alone, demonstrate impact.
Numbers make your achievements more credible.
List:
If you’re a recent graduate with limited work experience, your education section can appear before your work experience.
Your skills should match the requirements of the vacancy.
Examples include:
Avoid listing skills you cannot confidently demonstrate.
Certifications show employers that you’re committed to continuous learning.
Examples include:
Include only certifications relevant to your career.
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending the same CV to every employer.
Before submitting your application:
Tailored CVs perform significantly better than generic ones.
Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications.
To improve compatibility:
An ATS-friendly CV increases the chances of your application reaching a recruiter.
Avoid these mistakes:
Proofread your CV carefully before every application.
Unless an employer specifically requests one, including a photograph is generally unnecessary.
Recruiters are primarily interested in your qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.
For most professionals:
Focus on relevance rather than length.
Yes. Tailoring your CV significantly improves your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems and attracting recruiters.
AI can help improve wording and structure, but always review the final document to ensure it accurately reflects your experience and remains authentic.
Your professional summary and work experience are usually the sections recruiters review first.
Update your CV whenever you gain new experience, complete a certification, develop a new skill, or achieve a significant milestone.
Learning How to Write a Professional CV That Gets Interviews is one of the best investments you can make in your career.
A strong CV doesn’t simply describe what you’ve done—it demonstrates the value you can bring to an employer. By tailoring your CV, highlighting measurable achievements, and presenting your information clearly, you’ll improve your chances of securing interviews and advancing your career.
If you’re unsure whether your CV meets today’s recruitment standards, consider using the JobReady CV & Career Kit from LagosJobs.ng. It provides professionally designed templates, practical guidance, and expert resources to help you submit stronger applications with confidence.
This post was last modified on July 3, 2026 6:01 pm
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