You’ve updated your CV five times, changed the template, and followed all the so-called “expert” advice and not hired.
Your CV is not the real reason you’re not getting hired.
In Nigeria’s competitive job market, getting your foot in the door takes more than just a polished document. Here’s what’s really holding you back—and what you can do about it.
1. You’re Not Positioning Yourself as a Solution
Hiring managers don’t want to know what you’ve done.
They want to know how you can solve their problems.
Instead of listing duties, focus on results:
- Don’t say: “Handled customer queries.”
- Say: “Resolved 95% of customer issues within 24 hours, improving satisfaction scores.”
Action Point: Make your experience result-driven, not role-driven.
2. You’re Not Visible Where Recruiters Are Looking
In 2025, recruiters don’t just rely on CVs—they check your LinkedIn, Twitter, portfolio websites, and even Instagram.
If your online presence is invisible or inconsistent, you’re missing real opportunities.
Action Point:
- Optimize your LinkedIn headline (e.g., “Data Analyst | Excel & Power BI Expert | Helping SMEs Make Data-Driven Decisions”)
- Share your wins, certifications, or lessons from failed interviews.
- Engage with industry content and professionals.
3. You’re Applying to Every Job — Even the Wrong Ones
Spray-and-pray is not a strategy.
When you apply to every vacancy you see, you’re not tailoring your application—and hiring managers can tell.
Action Point:
- Choose 2–3 job roles that align with your experience.
- Customize each application to fit the job description.
- Use keywords from the JD and mirror the company’s tone.
4. You’re Ignoring Soft Skills and Storytelling
Employers don’t just hire skills—they hire people who despite your cv.
Your personality, communication, and problem-solving style matter more than you think.
Action Point:
- Share brief stories during interviews: “In my last internship, we had a crisis with delivery timelines…”
- Practice situational questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Show that you’re not just skilled—but also self-aware, adaptable, and team-friendly.
5. You’re Not Following Up Strategically
Sometimes, your follow-up—or lack of it—can close or reopen doors.
Action Point:
- After an interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
- Keep it short, grateful, and affirm your interest.
- If you’re ghosted, send a polite follow-up after 5–7 days.
