CV MASTERCLASS: Why HR is Ignoring Your CV, The Old Format vs. The 2026 Standard

You have applied for 50 jobs this month. You have the degree, you have the skills, and you even prayed about it. Yet, your phone is silent. No email, no invite, just vibes and insha'Allah. The hard truth? Your CV might be stuck in 2010. If your CV still opens with your State of Origin and Local Government Area, you are already losing the battle. In this guide, we are tearing down the Old Nigerian Format and showing you exactly how to build a CV that forces Recruiters to call you.

In the Nigerian job market, an HR manager spends an average of 7 seconds looking at your CV. If they don't see what they need in those 7 seconds, you are in the No pile zone. It’s not personal, yes you got that right? because I have been through same before, it’s business. Here is how to fix your CV today.

1. Delete the Biodata Section

Unless you are applying for a Federal Government job or the Military, nobody cares about your Local Government Area (LGA), Religion, or Marital Status. except if it's mandatory by the company.

In 2026, private companies in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt care about one thing: Can you do the job?

• Remove: Religion, LGA, State of Origin, Date of Birth.
• Keep: Phone Number, Email, LinkedIn URL, and Portfolio Link (if you have one).

2. The Objective vs. Professional Summary

Stop writing: "I am looking for a challenging role in a reputable organization to learn and grow."

This sounds like you want to take from the company instead of contributing to it, now most companies don't looking for people who they will tell what to do but who can tell or give positive ideas or skills that will contribute to dynamic improvement of the company. So, instead, write a Professional Summary that shows what you're contributing not taking.

The Fix: "Results driven Sales Associate with 4 years of experience in the FMCG sector. Proven track record of increasing monthly revenue by 20% using digital marketing tools. Ready to leverage negotiation skills to drive growth for (You input the Company name)."

See the difference? The second one smells like money to the employer.

3. Focus on Achievements, Not Duties

This is the biggest mistake Nigerian job seekers make. You list your duties: e.g "I was responsible for customer service."

So what? anyone can be responsible. But did you do it well?

Change this: "Responsible for managing social media pages."
To this: Grew Instagram following from 1,000 to 15,000 in 6 months and generated N2M in sales via DM marketing.

Numbers don't lie. Use them.

4. Beat the Robots (ATS Optimization)

Many big companies (like Banks, Oil & Gas, and Tech firms) use software called ATS to filter CVs before a human ever sees them. If your CV is full of graphics, columns, or photos, the robot can't read it.

• Format: Use a clean Word document or PDF. No fancy graphics.
• Keywords: If the job description says e.g "Project Management," make sure the phrase "Project Management" is in your CV.
• Font: Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Time News roman.

5. The Referees Available on Request Rule

Stop wasting precious space on your CV listing your Pastor or your Uncle in Ijebu Ode or Ado Ekiti as a reference. If the company wants references, they will ask for them after the interview. Use that space to list more Skills or Certifications instead.

You can DOWNLOAD 2026 CV STANDARD TEMPLATE HERE

Lastly: Your CV is Your Marketing Flyer

Treat yourself like a product. Your CV is the flyer. If the flyer is dusty and boring, nobody buys the product. Take an hour today to audit your CV using these tips. The job market is tough, but a sharp CV makes it much easier.

Editorial Note: A Quick Word From Us

Look, we’ve all been there, applying for jobs like it’s a full-time prayer session, but the only response you get is silence. At Thenationjob, we’re tired of seeing great Nigerian talent get ignored because of an Old Format CV. This guide was put together by our team after talking to HR managers who are tired of seeing the same boring formats from 2010. We’ve updated everything for the 2026 market to make sure your CV doesn't just sit in a pile, but actually gets you that "You are invited for an interview" email. Take these tips seriously, they really work. his post contains verified frameworks and a downloadable template to give you a competitive edge.

Next Step: Once your CV gets you that interview, you need to know how to talk about money. Read our guide here: How to Answer "What is Your Salary Expectation?"