Why Banks Reject Your CV
- Age restrictions: You didn’t clearly state your date of birth, or you’re above their strict cut-offs.
- Grade requirements: You hid your degree class. If it’s a 2:1 requirement, make it obvious.
- Terrible formatting: Your CV isn’t scannable.
- No NYSC certificate: You didn’t clearly state that you’ve completed NYSC.
- Typos: Banking requires attention to detail.
You’ve applied to GTB, Access Bank, Zenith… all of them. And all you get is that painful “We regret to inform you” email. Or worse, silence.
Let me tell you exactly what goes on in the HR offices of these tier-1 banks.
The 2:1 and 26-Year-Old Rule
First things first. Nigerian banks have strict criteria for entry-level roles. Typically, you need a 2:1 (Second Class Upper) and you must be under 26.
If you meet these criteria, put them at the very top of your CV. Don’t make me hunt for your age or your grade. If I have to search for it, I’m tossing your CV.
Attention to Detail
Banking is about precision. If you are applying to manage people’s money, but you can’t even spell “Customer Service” correctly on your CV, why should I hire you?
Proofread your CV. Better yet, get a harsh friend to proofread it.
The Generic Application
“I am a hard-working individual looking to work in your esteemed organization.”
Which organization? You copied and pasted this from Google. Tailor your professional summary to the banking sector. Mention analytical skills, customer focus, and financial acumen. Stop sending the exact same CV you sent to that digital marketing agency.