How to Write a Professional CV to Apply for Jobs in Abroad 2025- In today’s competitive global job market, how well you present your a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is your golden ticket to getting noticed by employers abroad that will need your services. Whether you’re applying for any jobs in a foreign land your CV must meet international standards and present you as a highly qualified, professional candidate for the job you are applying for.
In this article, we will reveal all you need to know about how to write a professional CV for abroad jobs that will gain you that desired job of yours, including formatting, structure, tips, and mistakes to avoid.
But before we continue, let us give you a proper understanding of what is a CV.
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What is the Full Meaning of CV
The full meaning of CV is Curriculum Vitae.
What is a CV ?
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a comprehensive document that outlines your work experience, education, skills, certifications, and achievements. It is often required when applying for academic, professional, or skilled jobs internationally.
While some countries use the term “resume,” most international employers accept a CV, especially when applying for skilled visa or immigration-based roles.
Key Differences Between Nigerian and International CV Standards
Before creating your CV for abroad jobs, understand these key differences:
Nigerian CVs International CVs May include personal details like age, gender, religion Avoids unnecessary personal info due to anti-discrimination laws May be long and wordy Should be brief, focused, and easy to scan Unstructured format Highly structured with clear sections and bullet points Emphasizes job duties Emphasizes achievements and impact
What you need to know about a Professional CV for Abroad Jobs
Below is the standard format recruiters abroad expect:
1. Contact Information
Include your:
-
Full name
-
Phone number (with international code e.g., +234)
-
Professional email address
-
LinkedIn profile (optional but highly recommended)
-
Location (e.g., Lagos, Nigeria)
Don’t include: age, marital status, religion, or passport number unless requested.
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2. Professional Summary / Career Objective
This should be a 3-5 sentence summary of who you are and what you offer.
Example:
Highly motivated customer service professional with 5+ years of experience in resolving client issues and improving satisfaction. Seeking to contribute to a fast-paced international team in a remote customer success role.
3. Key Skills
List 6–10 skills that are relevant to the job. Use industry keywords to pass ATS (Applicant Tracking System) checks.
Examples:
Project Management
Data Analysis (Excel, Power BI)
Digital Marketing (SEO, Google Ads)
Graphic Design (Canva, Adobe Photoshop)
Software Development (Java, Python)
Remote Collaboration (Slack, Zoom, Trello)
4. Work Experience
List your experience in reverse chronological order. For each role, include:
Job Title
Company Name
Location (City, Country)
Employment Dates (Month/Year – Month/Year)
3–5 Bullet Points Highlighting Achievements
Tip: Use strong action verbs like led, increased, implemented, reduced, improved.
Example:
Digital Marketing Assistant
BlueSky Agency, Lagos, Nigeria
Jan 2021 – Feb 2024
Increased social media engagement by 45% through targeted content strategy
Managed monthly Google Ads campaign with $1,000 budget
Conducted SEO audits and improved blog visibility by 60%
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5. Education
Include:
Degree Name
Institution
Year of Graduation
Country
Example:
B.Sc. in Computer Science
University of Lagos, Nigeria – 20206. Certifications & Training
Only include relevant certifications, especially those recognized internationally.
Examples:
Google Digital Marketing Certificate – 2023
AWS Cloud Practitioner – 2024
IELTS (Band 7.5) – 2024
PMP Certification – 2023
7. Languages
If you speak multiple languages, especially English and others in demand (like French or German), mention your proficiency level.
Example:
English – Native
French – Intermediate (B2)
8. Volunteer Work / Projects (Optional)
This shows initiative and extra experience, especially if you are entry-level.
Example:
Volunteer Tutor
Teach for Nigeria – 2022
Taught mathematics to underserved students, improving test scores by 25%
Tips for Writing a CV That Gets You Hired Abroad
Tailor Your CV to Each Job
Use the job description to guide what to emphasize in your CV. Match your skills and experience to the job requirements.
Keep It to 1-2 Pages
Recruiters abroad prefer concise CVs. Only include relevant details and avoid unnecessary fluff.
Use a Clean, Professional Layout
Use Arial or Calibri (size 11–12)
Add clear headings and bullet points
Use consistent formatting
You can use templates from:
Canva.com
Zety.com
Novoresume.com
Proofread and Edit Carefully
Avoid grammatical errors. Ask someone to review it or use tools like Grammarly.
Use Keywords from Job Listings
Most companies use ATS software to scan CVs. If your CV lacks the right keywords, it may never reach human eyes.
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