For fresh graduates and students in Nigeria, writing a strong Curriculum Vitae (CV) is often the biggest challenge when applying for internships. Many applicants are rejected not because they lack ability, but because their CV fails to show value. Your CV is your first impression, and you need to make it stand out.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

1. The best CV format for internships in Nigeria

2. A simple structure you can follow

3. A free CV template you can use

4. Practical tips to stand out and get hired

A CV for internship in Nigeria is a short document that highlights:

1. Your education

2. Your skills

3. Any experience (internships, projects, volunteer work)

4. Relevant coursework or class projects

5. It tells employers and recruiters: “This is what I can do, even as a beginner.”

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Using long, confusing formats

• Adding unnecessary personal details (religion, state of origin, marital status)

• Listing skills without proof

• Sending the same CV to every company

• Poor formatting and spelling errors

1. Personal Information

Include: Full Name, Phone Number, Email, LinkedIn.

Do NOT include Religion, State of Origin, Marital Status.

2. Career Objective

Keep it short (2–3 lines).

Example:

A motivated graduate seeking an internship opportunity to apply my skills, gain hands on experience, and contribute to organizational growth.

3. Education

List clearly:

• B.A in English Language – University of Lagos (2024)

• Relevant coursework (optional)

4. Experience (Even if Limited)

Include internships, NYSC, volunteer work, or projects.

Example:

Social Media Assistant (Volunteer)

• Managed Instagram page, increased engagement by 30%

• Created and scheduled posts

5. Skills

• Soft skills: communication, teamwork

• Hard skills: Excel, writing, design

6. Certifications (Optional)

• Google Digital Marketing Certificate

• Any relevant online course

Getting an internship in Nigeria is competitive, but your CV can give you an edge.

Remember:

1. Keep it simple and clear

2. Highlight skills and experience

3. Show results, even small ones

4. Start applying today with [interns.ng] where you’ll find:

• Free CV builder (ATS optimized) [https://www.interns.ng/tools/cv-builder]

• Latest internship openings [https://www.interns.ng/internships]

• Entry level roles for fresh graduates

Quick Recap

• Use a clean, simple CV format

• Keep it to one page

• Include experience (even small ones)

• Focus on skills and measurable results