Things to Ditch for the Nigerian Job Market (and Beyond)
In Nigeria’s bustling job market, landing your dream role requires a resume that shines. It’s your chance to make a powerful first impression, showcasing your skills and experience to potential employers. But with so much competition, it’s crucial to craft a document that stands out for the right reasons.
This guide delves into what not to include on your Nigerian resume, helping you avoid common pitfalls and present yourself in the best possible light.
The Power of a First Impression
Imagine your resume as a handshake in the digital age. It’s a brief introduction that sets the tone for your candidacy. A well-crafted resume grabs the hiring manager’s attention, highlighting your qualifications and making them eager to learn more. Conversely, a cluttered or unprofessional document can land you in the “no” pile before you even get a chance to showcase your potential.
Standing Out in a Competitive Field
The Nigerian job market is a dynamic landscape. With a growing population and a thriving economy, competition for top jobs is fierce. By carefully tailoring your resume and eliminating unnecessary information, you ensure your skills and experience take center stage.
Now, let’s delve into specific details you can ditch from your Nigerian resume to create a document that gets you noticed.
Personal Information Gone Wrong
While some personal details are essential for job applications, including too much can backfire. Here’s what to keep off your Nigerian resume:
Date of Birth: Not Always Necessary
Unless you’re applying for a government position where age is a requirement, your date of birth isn’t crucial. Focusing on your skills and experience demonstrates your value as a candidate, regardless of age.
Marital Status: A Private Affair
Your marital status has no bearing on your professional capabilities. Keeping this detail off your resume avoids any potential biases and allows your qualifications to speak for themselves.
Religion: Keeping Faith Out of the Application
Nigeria is a nation with diverse religious beliefs. Including your religion on your resume is unnecessary and could lead to unconscious bias.
Full Address: Sharing Just Enough
Including your full residential address is no longer standard practice. Your city and state are sufficient for most applications. If an interview is secured, you can provide a more detailed address during that stage.
Content Cues to Cut
Your resume should showcase your professional achievements, not generic statements. Here are some content elements to ditch:
The Objective Statement: A Relic of the Past
The objective statement, a relic from a bygone era, used to outline your career goals. However, it’s now considered redundant. Hiring managers are more interested in your skills and what you can bring to their company, not your generic aspirations.
Irrelevant Work Experience: Focus on What’s Relevant
While including all your work experience might seem tempting, it can clutter your resume. Focus on experiences directly related to the job you’re applying for. This demonstrates a clear career path and relevant skill development.
Clichéd Skills and Phrases: Be Specific and Action-Oriented
Vague statements like “excellent communication skills” or “team player” are overused and lack impact. Instead, showcase your skills through specific achievements and action verbs. For instance, instead of saying “good communication skills,” replace it with “developed and delivered impactful presentations to a team of 20.”
Formatting Faux Pas
A well-formatted resume is easy to navigate and visually appealing. Here’s how to avoid formatting faux pas:
Inconsistent Formatting: Maintaining Professionalism
A resume with inconsistent fonts, spacing, and margins screams unprofessionalism. Use a consistent, easy-to-read font throughout your resume. Maintain consistent spacing between sections and bullet points.
Typos and Grammatical Errors: Proofread Like a Pro
Typos and grammatical errors create a negative impression. Proofread your resume meticulously before submitting it. Consider having a trusted friend or colleague review it for any errors you might have missed.
Length Matters: Keeping it Concise and Compelling
A lengthy resume can overwhelm hiring managers. Aim for a concise document, ideally one to two pages long. This ensures the most relevant information is readily accessible.
Additional Don’ts for Nigerian Resumes
Here are some additional details to avoid including on your Nigerian resume:
References: Wait for the Interview
Unless specifically requested, don’t include a list of references on your resume. Reserve this information for the interview stage, allowing you to tailor your references to the specific role.
Unprofessional Email Address: Make a Good First Impression
Your email address is often the first point of contact with a potential employer. Ditch nicknames or anything unprofessional. Use an email address that clearly identifies you, ideally using your full name or a professional variation.
Outlandish Fonts and Colors: Simplicity is Key
While a touch of personality is good, a resume isn’t the place for flashy fonts or distracting colors. Stick to a professional, easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman. Use black or a dark grey for text and avoid using excessive colors or graphics.
Conclusion: Crafting a Resume that Gets You Noticed
By eliminating unnecessary information and focusing on relevant skills and experience, you can create a Nigerian resume that grabs attention and lands you that coveted interview. Remember, your resume is a marketing tool, so present yourself in a way that highlights your value and compels employers to learn more.
Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions to help you further polish your Nigerian resume:
FAQs
Should I include a career summary instead of an objective statement?
Yes! A career summary is a concise overview of your skills and experience, tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. This is a much more effective way to showcase your value proposition compared to a generic objective statement.
How much work experience should I list on my Nigerian resume?
Focus on the most relevant experience for the position you’re applying for. Generally, aim for 10-15 years of experience listed, with a focus on the most recent and impactful roles.
What are some strong action verbs to use in my skills section?
Instead of generic verbs like “responsible for,” use action verbs that showcase your achievements. Examples include “managed,” “developed,” “implemented,” “increased,” “spearheaded,” and “negotiated.”
Is it okay to have a creative resume for a creative job?
For certain creative fields like graphic design or marketing, a slightly more creative resume format can be acceptable. However, ensure it remains professional and easy to navigate.
What if I don’t have a lot of professional experience?
If you’re a recent graduate or have limited professional experience, focus on relevant coursework, volunteer work, or internships. Highlight any skills or achievements gained through these experiences.
By following these tips and tailoring your resume to each job application, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a document that gets you noticed in the competitive Nigerian job market.