Want to land your dream job in the UK?
Your CV is your first impression — so make it count. Here’s how to write a professional, UK-standard CV that will get noticed by employers.
💼 Before You Start
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📝 Understanding the UK CV
A UK-standard CV (Curriculum Vitae) is usually more detailed than a Nigerian-style résumé. It focuses on your work experience, skills, and achievements — usually no more than two pages long.
1. CV Format & Structure
- Keep it concise: Stick to one or two A4 pages.
- Use reverse-chronological order: Start with your most recent role or qualification.
- Be clear and professional: Use headings like Education, Work Experience, Skills.
- Font: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, size 10–12.
- Be consistent: Maintain the same formatting throughout.
2. Contact Information
Include:
- Full name
- City (e.g., London or Manchester)
- UK phone number & email
Avoid including personal details such as date of birth, marital status, or full home address — they aren’t required in UK job applications.
3. Professional Experience
List your employment history in reverse order. For each role, include:
- Job title, company name, and dates
- 3–5 bullet points showing your key duties and achievements
- Action verbs such as “managed,” “developed,” or “delivered”
- Results where possible — e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”
Example:
Marketing Assistant – ABC Ltd, London (Jan 2023 – Present)
- Increased website traffic by 20% through targeted social media ads.
- Improved follower engagement by 15% with weekly content plans.
- Boosted email open rates by 10% through improved design and copy.
4. Education & Qualifications
Include your most recent qualifications:
- Degree title (e.g., BSc in Marketing)
- University name and location
- Dates attended
- Relevant coursework or projects
Example:
University of Manchester | BA (Hons) Marketing | 2019 – 2022
Relevant modules: Business Studies, Marketing Strategy, Digital Media.
5. Skills
Highlight both technical and soft skills.
Examples:
- Digital Marketing & SEO
- Content Creation
- Data Analytics
- Communication & Teamwork
- Problem-Solving
6. Optional Sections
Personal Statement – A short introduction summarising who you are and what you bring.
“A results-driven marketing graduate with proven success in content strategy and community growth. Keen to support brand development in a fast-paced UK environment.”
Courses & Certifications – Add relevant professional training (e.g., Google Digital Garage, CIPD Level 5).
Volunteering – Showcase leadership or community service experience.
Languages – Add languages spoken, e.g., English (fluent), Yoruba (native).
Right to Work – If applicable, briefly state your visa situation:
“Currently on a Graduate Visa (expires 2026) — requires sponsorship after expiry.”
7. CV Optimisation (ATS Tips)
Many UK employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs.
To pass these filters:
- Include keywords from the job description.
- Avoid fancy formatting or graphics.
- Save your file as PDF or .docx.
💡 Quick Tips for Nigerians in the UK
- UK recruiters value clarity and achievement — not long summaries.
- Avoid using “Curriculum Vitae” as the title; just use your name.
- Tailor your CV for each job application.
- Always proofread — grammar matters!
🧭 Final Thoughts
Your CV is your personal marketing tool — make sure it reflects your skills, UK experience, and career goals. Combine a clean layout with clear results, and you’ll stand out in the UK job market.
🚀 More Visa Sponsorship Jobs
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⚠️ Disclaimer
Naija UK Connect is not a recruitment agency. We only share job opportunities and resources to support Nigerians in the UK. Always verify the authenticity of any job posting before applying.
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