The Rules of CV Length

  • Entry-Level (0-3 years): 1 page. Strictly 1 page.
  • Mid-Level (3-8 years): 2 pages maximum.
  • Senior/Executive (10+ years): 2-3 pages.
  • Academic/Medical (CV/Resume): Can be longer, depending on publications.

You graduated from Unilag two years ago. Your only work experience is NYSC and a 3-month internship at a tech startup. Why is your CV 4 pages long?

Are you writing a novel?

Trim the Fat

Nigerian job seekers love to pad their CVs with irrelevant information.

I do not need to know your primary school. I do not need to know your marital status, your religion, or your local government of origin (unless applying for a specific government quota job).

I don’t need a half-page list of generic “Core Competencies” like “Hardworking” and “Team Player”.

The 6-Second Rule

Recruiters spend about 6 seconds scanning a CV. If I have to flip to page 3 to find out where you actually worked last year, you’ve lost me.

Be ruthless. Cut out any bullet point that doesn’t directly prove you can do the job you are applying for. Condense your education. Keep your bullet points punchy.

If Elon Musk can fit his CV on one page, so can you.