How to Write a Simple CV for Your First Job Application

Applying for your first job can feel difficult when you have little or no work experience to include. However, a good CV is not only a list of previous jobs. It is a short document that shows an employer who you are, what you can do and why you may be suitable for the opportunity.

Your first CV should be clear, honest and easy to read. You can include your education, relevant skills, school projects, volunteering, internships, certifications, personal projects and other activities that demonstrate responsibility or ability.

What should a first-job CV contain?

A simple CV normally includes these sections:

• Contact details
• Personal profile or career objective
• Education
• Skills
• Work experience, volunteering or relevant activities
• Projects, achievements or certifications
• References, if requested

You do not need to include every section if it does not apply to you. For example, a student without formal employment can focus on education, skills, projects and volunteer activities.

1. Add accurate contact details

Place your name and contact information at the top of the CV. Include:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• City and state, if relevant
• LinkedIn profile, portfolio or professional website, if you have one

Use an email address that looks professional, such as one based on your name. Avoid addresses that contain offensive words, excessive numbers or nicknames that may appear unsuitable for work.

You usually do not need to include your full home address, national identification number, bank details, passport number, date of birth or marital status unless an employer specifically and legitimately requests information during a later stage of recruitment. Never put passwords, PINs or other private security details on a CV.

2. Write a short personal profile

A personal profile is a brief introduction of about two to four sentences. It should mention your current position, useful strengths and the type of opportunity you are seeking.

For example:

Recent secondary school graduate with strong communication, organisation and basic computer skills. Interested in an entry-level customer service or administrative role where I can learn quickly, support customers and contribute to a professional team.

Avoid vague statements such as “I am the best candidate” or “I can do everything.” Instead, connect your strengths to the type of job you want.

3. Present your education clearly

If you are applying for your first job, your education may be one of the strongest parts of your CV. Start with your most recent qualification and work backwards.

For each entry, include:

• Name of school, polytechnic, college or university
• Qualification or course
• Location, where useful
• Completion date or expected graduation date

You may include relevant subjects, projects or achievements if they relate to the job. For example, someone applying for a junior digital role could mention a computer science project, website assignment or data-related coursework.

Do not exaggerate grades, qualifications or attendance. If you are still waiting for results, write “results pending” or state the expected completion date.

4. List skills that match the job

Read the job description carefully and identify the skills the employer is looking for. Then include the skills you genuinely have.

Useful skills for some entry-level roles may include:

• Written and verbal communication
• Customer service
• Microsoft Word, Google Docs or spreadsheets
• Social media management
• Typing and record keeping
• Teamwork and time management
• Problem-solving
• Basic research and internet use
• Graphic design or video editing
• Knowledge of a Nigerian language or another useful language

Be specific where possible. “Good with computers” is less useful than “Able to create and format documents, send professional emails and organise information in spreadsheets.”

5. Include experience beyond paid employment

You can have valuable experience even if you have never held a formal job. Consider including:

• Internships and industrial training
• Volunteer work
• National service or community activities
• Student leadership positions
• Family business responsibilities
• Freelance work
• Online projects or creator work
• School or university projects

Describe what you did and, where possible, what you achieved. For example, instead of writing “Helped at a shop,” write “Assisted customers, recorded sales and arranged products at a family retail shop during weekends.”

Use action words such as organised, assisted, created, prepared, managed, researched, supported and coordinated. Keep every claim truthful and be ready to explain it during an interview.

6. Add projects and certifications

Personal projects can help demonstrate initiative. A project might include creating a simple website, managing a school event, running a small online shop, designing promotional materials or producing educational content.

Describe the project briefly, including your role and the skills involved. For example:

Created a simple online catalogue for a small clothing business and organised product descriptions and customer enquiries through social media.

You may also list relevant short courses and certifications. Include the course name, provider and completion date where available. Do not add certificates you did not complete or credentials you cannot verify.

Choose a simple CV format

For most first-job applications, a one-page CV is enough. Use a clean layout with:

• A readable font
• Clear headings
• Consistent spacing
• Short bullet points
• Normal margins
• Black text on a light background

Avoid excessive colours, decorative graphics, complicated tables and long paragraphs. A recruiter should be able to find your education, skills and contact details quickly on a phone or computer.

Save the finished document as a PDF unless the employer requests another format. Use a professional file name, such as Chinedu_Okafor_CV.pdf, rather than mynewcvfinal2.pdf.

Adjust your CV for each application

A CV should not be exactly the same for every job. Make small changes to highlight the most relevant information.

For example, an applicant seeking a customer service role should emphasise communication, patience, problem-solving and experience assisting people. Someone applying for a junior technology role may give more space to computer skills, software, online projects and technical training.

Do not copy the job description word for word. Use relevant terms naturally and only when they describe skills you actually possess.

Common first-CV mistakes

• Spelling and grammar errors
• Using an unprofessional email address
• Including false qualifications or inflated experience
• Writing the same generic CV for every role
• Adding unnecessary personal information
• Using a crowded design that is difficult to read
• Listing skills without showing how they were used
• Submitting a file with an unclear name
• Failing to check the employer’s application instructions

Before sending your CV, read it slowly and ask someone you trust to review it. Check names, phone numbers, dates and email addresses carefully. A small error in your contact details could prevent an employer from reaching you.

A quick final review

Before submitting, confirm that:

• Your contact details are correct.
• Your profile matches the job.
• Your education is listed from newest to oldest.
• Your skills are relevant and truthful.
• Your experience uses clear action words.
• The document is easy to read on a mobile phone.
• The CV has been checked for spelling errors.
• The file is saved in the format requested by the employer.

A first CV does not need to prove that you already know everything. Its purpose is to show that you are prepared, honest, willing to learn and able to contribute. Focus on evidence from your education, responsibilities, projects and everyday activities, then present that information clearly for the specific job you want.