Applying for jobs abroad requires more than just a regular CV. International employers expect professionalism, clarity, and global standards. If you’re a Nigerian aiming to work overseas or land a remote job with foreign companies, knowing how to craft the right CV for international jobs can make all the difference. This guide will show you how to structure your CV, highlight global skills, and avoid common mistakes.

Understanding International CV Standards

An international CV (similar to a résumé) is a concise document that focuses on skills, achievements, and experience tailored to the job. Unlike some Nigerian formats that include unnecessary personal details, global CVs are clean, professional, and result-driven.

Key Differences Between Local and International CVs

Local CVs

• May include age, marital status, state of origin
• Sometimes lengthy and informal

International CVs

• Focus on achievements and qualifications
• Professional tone and global formatting
• No personal data like religion or local address

Essential Sections of a CV for International Jobs

1. Contact Information

Include your full name, professional email, phone number (with country code), LinkedIn profile, or portfolio link.

Example:
Oluwaseun Hamza | +234-813-000-1234 | seunham@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/seunhamza

2. Professional Summary

A brief 2–3 sentence introduction highlighting your skills and career goals.

Example:
“Digital Marketing Specialist with 4+ years of experience in SEO and content strategy, helping global brands increase online engagement. Seeking remote opportunities with international teams.”

3. Work Experience

List roles in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities.

Example Format:
Social Media Manager – XYZ Agency (2021–2023)

• Increased Instagram engagement by 45%
• Led content campaigns for international clients

4. Education

Include degrees, institutions, and graduation years. Add certifications from global platforms like Coursera, Google, or HubSpot.

5. Skills Section

Include relevant technical and soft skills.

Technical Skills: SEO, Data Analysis, Python, Project Management
Soft Skills: Communication, Team Collaboration, Problem-Solving

6. Certifications and Training

International employers value continuous learning. Include:

• Google Digital Marketing Certification
• PMI Project Management Course
• Coursera Data Analytics Certificate

7. Languages (Optional)

If you speak multiple languages, list them, global companies value multilingual talent.

Tips for Writing a CV That Stands Out Globally

• Use International Formatting

Use a clean, modern layout with bullet points. Avoid colors, graphics, or fancy fonts.

• Quantify Achievements

Employers want results. Use metrics like percentages and numbers.

Example: “Improved sales by 30% through strategic email campaigns.”

• Avoid Personal Information

Do not include age, religion, tribe, marital status, or local address.

• Use Action Verbs

Start bullet points with words like led, managed, created, improved, increased.

Common Mistakes Nigerians Make on International CVs

• Including photos (unless requested)
• Using generic objectives like “To work in a reputable organization…”
• Listing all jobs instead of relevant roles
• Poor grammar and formatting

Tools to Create a Professional CV

• Canva: Free modern CV templates
• Resume.io: International standard templates
• LinkedIn: Build and export your CV directly

Tailoring Your CV for Remote Jobs

If you’re applying for remote roles, showcase digital tools and communication platforms you use.

Example Skills: Slack, Zoom, Asana, Google Workspace

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Should I include my photo on an international CV?
   No, unless the employer specifically requests it. Most companies prefer text-only CVs.
2. Do I need a cover letter for global applications?
   Yes, a personalized cover letter increases your chances and shows motivation.
3. Can I use the same CV for all jobs?
   No, tailor your CV for each job based on skills and job description.

Conclusion

Writing a strong CV for international jobs is the first step to landing global opportunities. Focus on achievements, skills, and professionalism to stand out.

Ready to find new roles? Visit LagosJobs.com.ng today for verified job listings tailored for Nigerians!