Lecture 4.4: CV and Application Writing — Lecture Series 5: Communication in English

📋 Lecture Overview

Learning Objectives

Understand the purpose and function of a CV
Distinguish CV types: chronological, functional, combined
Identify all sections of a complete professional Nigerian CV
Write a well-structured cover / application letter
Tailor CV and application letters to specific job requirements
Avoid common CV and application writing errors

Topics Covered

What Is a CV?
CV vs. Résumé
Types of CV
Sections of a Complete CV
Annotated Model CV
The Application / Cover Letter
Annotated Model Application Letter
CV and Letter Writing Do’s and Don’ts

Prerequisite

Lectures 4.1–4.3 (Essay Writing and Letter Writing) should be completed before this lecture. The principles of formal letter writing from Lecture 4.3 are directly extended and applied here.

← Lecture 4.3 — Letter Writing

Section I

What Is a CV?

A Curriculum Vitae (from the Latin, meaning "course of life") is a comprehensive written document that presents a person’s educational background, professional experience, skills, achievements, and qualifications. It is the primary document used in the Nigerian job market and in academic applications to introduce oneself to potential employers, institutions, or selection committees (Paltridge & Starfield, 2020, p. 112).

The CV is not merely a list — it is a carefully curated, strategically organised argument that the applicant is the best candidate for the position being applied for. Every section, every bullet point, and every word choice should serve the purpose of convincing the reader that this particular person possesses exactly the qualifications, experience, and character the role requires.

In the Nigerian context, a well-written CV is often the only representation of a candidate before an interview is offered. Employers and human resources departments may receive dozens or hundreds of CVs for a single position. A CV that is poorly formatted, grammatically incorrect, inappropriately lengthy, or missing key information will be eliminated without the candidate ever knowing. Understanding what makes a CV excellent is therefore a career-critical skill (Andrews & Smith, 2019, p. 88).

CV vs. Résumé — An Important Distinction

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive document presenting the full record of a person’s academic and professional life. In Nigeria and the UK, CVs are typically 2–4 pages (longer for senior academics or professionals). A CV includes all qualifications, publications, conferences, professional memberships, and detailed experience. Used for most professional and academic applications in Nigeria (Paltridge & Starfield, 2020, p. 114).
Résumé: A shorter (1–2 page) document common in the United States and Canada, tailored specifically to one job application. It includes only the most relevant experience for that particular role, omitting anything not directly applicable. The résumé is less common in Nigeria but is increasingly used for international applications and positions with global companies. The principles of good writing apply equally to both.

Section II

Types of CV

The three main types of CV serve different needs depending on your career stage, career history, and the nature of the role being applied for (Hacker & Sommers, 2021, p. 224).

Type	Structure	Best For	Nigerian Application
Chronological CV	Experience listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first). The standard and most widely used format.	Candidates with a consistent, relevant work history. Employers can quickly see career progression and the most recent experience.	The most common format used in Nigerian professional applications. Recommended for graduates and experienced professionals alike unless there are specific gaps or career changes to manage.
Functional CV	Skills and competencies are listed first and emphasised, with less detail on the chronology of employment. Work history is present but de-emphasised.	Career changers, those with employment gaps, or candidates whose skills are more impressive than their job titles suggest.	Less common in Nigeria but useful for graduates applying for roles in a field different from their degree discipline, or for those returning to work after a gap.
Combined CV	Begins with a skills summary, then presents a full chronological work history. Combines the advantages of both formats.	Experienced professionals who want to highlight transferable skills while also demonstrating a strong career record.	Increasingly used by Nigerian mid-career professionals applying for senior positions. Also useful for academic applications where both research skills and employment history matter.

📌

For Nigerian University Graduates: The chronological CV is the recommended format for most first-job applications. It is familiar to Nigerian employers, easy to read, and clearly presents your educational qualifications — which, as a recent graduate, are your primary asset. Ensure your most recent degree and most relevant academic achievements appear prominently (Andrews & Smith, 2019, p. 92).

Section III

Sections of a Complete Professional CV

A complete, professional Nigerian CV typically contains the following sections, in this order. Each section serves a distinct purpose and should be presented with careful attention to formatting, accuracy, and relevance (Oshima & Hogue, 2021, p. 198).

The Eight Essential Sections of a Nigerian Professional CV

1. Personal Information / Contact Details: Full name (in bold, slightly larger font), phone number, professional email address, city and state of residence, and optionally a LinkedIn URL. Do not include date of birth, religion, ethnicity, marital status, or a photograph unless specifically requested — these details are not required in a modern professional CV and may expose you to discrimination. Your email address must be professional (e.g., a.okonkwo@gmail.com, not "fancyboy2002@yahoo.com").
2. Personal Statement / Professional Summary: A concise paragraph of 3–5 sentences summarising who you are professionally, your key qualifications, and what you bring to the role. This replaces the old-fashioned "Objective" section. It should be tailored to the specific job and should immediately make the employer want to read more. It answers: who are you? what can you do? what are you seeking? (Hacker & Sommers, 2021, p. 228).
3. Education: Listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Include: name of institution, degree awarded, year of graduation, and class of degree or CGPA if strong. Include secondary school (WAEC/NECO) details if you are a recent graduate. Include NYSC completion year. Do not include primary school.
4. Work Experience / Professional Experience: Listed in reverse chronological order. For each role: job title, name of organisation, dates of employment (month and year), and 3–5 bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs: "Coordinated...", "Developed...", "Managed...", "Analysed...", "Facilitated...". Quantify achievements where possible: "Managed a team of 8 staff" is stronger than "Managed staff."
5. Skills: A concise list of relevant professional and technical skills: software proficiency, languages spoken, research methods, project management tools, laboratory techniques (if applicable). Distinguish between proficiency levels where relevant. Only list skills you genuinely possess — interviewers frequently test claimed skills directly.
6. Professional Memberships and Certifications: Membership of relevant professional bodies (NMA, NBA, NSE, NUJ, ICAN, CIPM, etc.), relevant professional certifications (PMP, Google Analytics, IELTS, etc.), and any awards or honours received. Include the year obtained.
7. Publications and Research (if applicable): For academic and research positions, list any published articles, conference papers, research projects, or dissertations in the appropriate citation format. For non-academic applications, this section may be omitted or replaced with "Projects."
8. Referees: List two or three referees who can speak to your professional or academic competence. Always seek permission before listing anyone as a referee. Include their name, title, organisation, and contact details. "References available upon request" is acceptable in some contexts but listing named referees is stronger. Nigerian employers typically expect referees to be included.

Section IV

Annotated Model CV

Study the following model CV carefully. It demonstrates correct structure, formatting, language, and content for a recent Nigerian university graduate applying for a professional role.

ADAEZE NGOZI OKONKWO

08012345678 · a.okonkwo@gmail.com · Lagos, Nigeria · linkedin.com/in/adaeze-okonkwo

Professional Summary

A motivated and detail-oriented Mass Communication graduate with a Second Class Upper degree from the University of Lagos, specialising in public relations and media management. Demonstrated ability in content development, stakeholder engagement, and digital communication through academic projects and NYSC service. Seeking a communications officer role in a forward-thinking organisation where I can contribute to strategic communication goals and continue developing professionally.

Education

B.Sc. Mass Communication — Second Class Upper (4.32/5.0)2018–2022

University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos

Final Year Project: "The Role of Social Media in Political Mobilisation During the 2019 Nigerian General Elections" (Distinction)

West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) — 8 Credits2018

Queens College, Lagos — including English Language (A1), Government (A1), Economics (B2)

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) — Certificate of National Service2022–2023

Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Abuja

Work Experience

Communications Assistant (NYSC Posting)Aug 2022 — Jul 2023

Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Abuja

Drafted press releases, social media content, and internal communications for the Ministry’s Public Affairs department
Coordinated media coverage for three ministerial press conferences, liaising with journalists from 12 national outlets
Managed the Ministry’s Facebook page, growing the follower base by 34% over 8 months through consistent content strategy
Prepared weekly media monitoring reports for the Director of Public Affairs

Student Intern — Public RelationsJun — Aug 2021

Insight Publicis Nigeria, Victoria Island, Lagos

Supported account managers in the development of PR campaigns for three client accounts in the FMCG sector
Conducted media monitoring and prepared daily clippings reports
Assisted in writing and editing client newsletters and blog content

Skills

Digital Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced), Google Workspace, Canva, Hootsuite, Mailchimp
Communication: Press release writing, media relations, stakeholder engagement, public speaking
Research: Qualitative research methods, media monitoring, content analysis
Languages: English (fluent), Igbo (native), Yoruba (conversational)

Certifications and Awards

Google Digital Marketing Certificate — Google Skillshop (2023)
Best Graduating Student — Department of Mass Communication, UNILAG (2022)
Student of the Year — NYSC FCT State Secretariat (2023)

Referees

Prof. Chidi Okafor — Head of Department, Mass Communication, University of Lagos · c.okafor@unilag.edu.ng · 0803XXXXXXX
Mr. Emeka Eze — Director of Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture · e.eze@minfo.gov.ng · 0801XXXXXXX

Key features of this model CV: Clear contact details with professional email. Personal summary tailored to communications roles. Education listed in reverse chronological order with specific achievements. Work experience uses strong action verbs and quantified achievements. Skills are organised by category. Awards are included. Referees are named with contact details. Estimated length: 2 pages — appropriate for a recent graduate.

Section V

The Application / Cover Letter

An application letter (also called a cover letter) is a formal letter submitted alongside your CV when applying for a job, postgraduate programme, scholarship, or other opportunity. While the CV lists your qualifications and experience, the application letter tells your story — it explains why you are applying, why you are the right person, and how your specific background connects to this specific opportunity. A generic application letter that could have been sent to any employer is as bad as no letter at all (Hyland, 2019, p. 156).

Structure of a Professional Application Letter — Four Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 — Opening: State Your Purpose: Clearly state the position you are applying for, where you saw the advertisement (or how you learned of the opportunity), and a brief, compelling statement of why you are interested. Be specific about the role and the organisation. "I wish to apply for the position of Communications Officer advertised in The Punch newspaper of 12 April 2026" is professional. "I am writing to express my interest in working for your esteemed organisation" is vague and unimpressive.
Paragraph 2 — Education and Relevant Qualifications: Highlight your most relevant educational qualifications — not as a repeat of your CV, but as a focused argument for your suitability. Mention your degree, class, institution, and any particularly relevant coursework, research, or projects. Connect your academic background directly to the requirements of the role: "My final-year project on digital media strategy directly addresses the content development responsibilities outlined in your job description."
Paragraph 3 — Experience and Demonstrable Skills: Present your most relevant professional or practical experience as evidence of your ability to perform the job. Describe one or two specific achievements or responsibilities that directly align with what the employer is seeking. This paragraph should make the employer feel that you already understand the role and have demonstrated competence in similar work. Use quantified achievements where possible (Paltridge & Starfield, 2020, p. 120).
Paragraph 4 — Closing: Call to Action: Express enthusiasm for the role, indicate that your CV is enclosed/attached for further review, and request an interview or further discussion. Provide your availability and preferred contact method. Thank the reader for their time and consideration. End with an appropriate formal sign-off.

Annotated Model Application Letter

17, Adeola Crescent
Surulere, Lagos
a.okonkwo@gmail.com
08012345678

15 April 2026

The Human Resources Manager
Sterling Bank Plc
20 Marina Street
Lagos Island, Lagos

Dear Sir / Madam,

RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

I write in response to your advertisement for the position of Corporate Communications Officer published on Sterling Bank’s careers portal on 10 April 2026. Having closely followed Sterling Bank’s innovative communication strategy and its commitment to positioning Nigerian financial services for a younger, digitally engaged audience, I am confident that my background in strategic communication and digital media makes me an exceptionally strong candidate for this role.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication (Second Class Upper Honours) from the University of Lagos, where my studies concentrated on public relations, media management, and corporate communication. My final-year research project — which examined the use of social media in financial services branding — earned a distinction and provided me with analytical insights directly relevant to the digital communication responsibilities outlined in your job specification.

During my NYSC posting at the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, I managed a social media audience of over 45,000 followers, grew the Ministry’s Facebook engagement by 34% within eight months, and drafted communications for three ministerial press events. Prior to this, my internship at Insight Publicis gave me hands-on experience in campaign development, media relations, and stakeholder management across FMCG accounts. I am confident these experiences have equipped me with the communication, analytical, and organisational skills your Corporate Communications team requires.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to Sterling Bank’s communication goals and would welcome the chance to discuss my application further at your convenience. Please find my curriculum vitae attached for your consideration. I am available for interview at any time and can be reached at the telephone number and email address above.

Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration.

Yours faithfully,

ADAEZE NGOZI OKONKWO

Key features: Full formal letter format with sender address, date, recipient address, and subject line in bold. Organisation-specific opening (not generic). Educational qualifications linked to role requirements. Experience quantified (45,000 followers, 34% growth). Confident but not arrogant tone. Professional closing. The letter is four substantive paragraphs — approximately one page — the appropriate length for an application letter.

Section VI

CV and Application Writing — Do’s and Don’ts

✓ CV and Application Do’s

Tailor both CV and cover letter specifically to each job and each employer — generic applications are immediately apparent and rarely succeed
Use a clean, professional font (Calibri, Garamond, Times New Roman) in 11–12pt; ensure consistent formatting throughout
Use strong action verbs at the start of every experience bullet: Developed, Led, Managed, Coordinated, Analysed, Designed, Achieved
Quantify achievements wherever possible: numbers, percentages, team sizes, budgets managed, outcomes achieved
Proofread meticulously: a single spelling error can eliminate an otherwise excellent candidate
Save and submit in PDF format to preserve formatting across all devices and operating systems
Keep your CV to 2–3 pages as a recent graduate; 3–4 pages for mid-career professionals
Use consistent date formats throughout (e.g., "Aug 2022 — Jul 2023" throughout, not mixed with "2022/2023")

✗ CV and Application Don’ts

Do not include photograph, religion, ethnicity, tribe, or marital status unless specifically required by the employer
Do not use "Objective" statements (“My objective is to obtain a challenging position...”) — replace with a professional summary
Do not use informal or unprofessional language anywhere in either document
Do not list referees without their prior knowledge and permission
Do not exaggerate or falsify qualifications, grades, or experience — these claims are verified, and discovered dishonesty ends careers
Do not submit a cover letter that begins with “I am writing to humbly apply...” — the word "humbly" is inappropriate in professional applications
Do not use dense paragraphs in the experience section — use bullet points for clarity and scannability
Do not include irrelevant personal hobbies unless they directly demonstrate relevant skills (e.g., "Team Captain, University Football Club" demonstrates leadership)

Section VII

Practical Writing Tasks

✏

Practical Writing Activity — Section VII

CV and Application Letter Writing Tasks

Complete the following writing tasks. All responses must follow the professional standards and structures taught in this lecture.

1Write your own complete chronological CV using the model in this lecture as a guide. Include all eight sections. Your CV should be 2–3 pages and tailored to your chosen career field. Submit for peer review — each student should review one classmate’s CV and provide written feedback on structure, content, language, and formatting.
2Find a real job advertisement posted by a Nigerian company on Jobberman, LinkedIn, or any credible recruitment platform. Write a 4-paragraph application letter responding to that specific advertisement, using the model in this lecture as your guide. The letter must be tailored to the specific role and organisation — generic letters will not be accepted.
3Rewrite the following weak experience bullet point as two strong, quantified, action-verb-led bullet points: "I was responsible for helping with the social media of the company and also I did some writing and helped to plan events during my time there."
4A student writes this personal statement: "My objective is to work in a good company where I can grow and contribute to the organisation." Rewrite this as a professional summary of 3–5 sentences for a graduate applying for a banking role, using the model in this lecture as your guide.
5Read the following application letter opening and identify at least FIVE specific problems with it. Then rewrite the opening paragraph professionally: "Dear Sir/Ma, I am humbly writing this letter to inform you of my desire to work in your very prestigious and esteemed organisation. I am a graduate and I have experience and I believe I can add value if given the opportunity."

Conclusion

Key Takeaway

Your CV and application letter are the first impression you make on a potential employer — and in the Nigerian job market, where competition is intense and opportunities are precious, that first impression may be your only one. A well-crafted CV communicates not just your qualifications but your professionalism, your attention to detail, your communication ability, and your seriousness of purpose. These are qualities every employer seeks (Andrews & Smith, 2019, p. 100).

This lecture completes Module 4: Writing Activities. You have now studied essay writing at both foundational and advanced levels, formal and informal letter writing, and professional CV and application writing. The writing competencies developed across all four lectures of this module — clarity, structure, evidence-based argument, appropriate register, and meticulous accuracy — are the foundation of all professional communication. These skills will serve you across every module of this course and throughout your career (Paltridge & Starfield, 2020, p. 130).

Examination Questions

Lecture 4.4 — CV and Application Writing

10 Questions · 30 Marks

1Multiple Choice

Which of the following best defines a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

A. A short one-page document listing only skills relevant to one specific job

B. A comprehensive written document presenting a person’s education, experience, skills, and achievements

C. A letter written to an employer explaining why you want a job

D. A testimonial written by a referee about a candidate’s abilities

[1 mark]

2Distinguish

Distinguish between a chronological CV and a functional CV. For each, state who it is best suited for and give one specific reason why, drawing on examples from the Nigerian graduate job market.

[4 marks]

3Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT appropriate to include in a modern professional Nigerian CV?

A. A professional summary of 3–5 sentences

B. Religion and ethnic group

C. Relevant professional certifications

D. Named referees with contact details

[1 mark]

4Rewrite

Rewrite the following experience description as two strong, professional, action-verb-led CV bullet points: "I worked in the marketing department and my job was to help with social media and to write some content and also I helped to organise events."

[4 marks]

5Multiple Choice

In an application letter, what is the primary purpose of the third paragraph?

A. To state the position being applied for and where the advertisement was seen

B. To present relevant professional experience as evidence of suitability for the role

C. To request an interview and provide contact details

D. To describe your educational qualifications in detail

[1 mark]

6Write Out

Write a professional personal statement / summary of 4–5 sentences for a final-year Engineering student at the University of Port Harcourt, applying for a graduate trainee position at an oil and gas company. The statement must be specific to the field and the type of role.

[4 marks]

7Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the correct way to sign off an application letter when you know the recipient’s name?

A. Yours faithfully,

B. Yours sincerely,

C. Best regards,

D. Thanks and God bless,

[1 mark]

8Identify Problems

Identify FIVE specific problems in the following application letter opening, and explain why each is problematic: "Dear Sir/Ma, I am humbly writing to bring to your kind attention my strong desire to work in your esteemed organisation. I am a graduate of the University of Nigeria and I have passed all my courses. I am hardworking, honest and God-fearing and I believe your company will benefit greatly from my skills."

[5 marks]

9Multiple Choice

In what format should a CV ideally be saved and submitted for professional applications?

A. Microsoft Word (.docx) so the employer can edit it if necessary

B. PDF format to preserve formatting across all devices and operating systems

C. Plain text (.txt) for maximum compatibility

D. JPEG image format for easy sharing on social media

[1 mark]

10Essay

Write a four-paragraph application letter applying for a position of your choice at a real or fictitious Nigerian organisation. Your letter must follow the four-paragraph structure taught in this lecture, demonstrate knowledge of the organisation and role, and use professional formal English throughout. The letter must be 280–350 words.

[8 marks]

References

Andrews, R., & Smith, A. (2019). Developing Writers: Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age. Open University Press.

Hacker, D., & Sommers, N. (2021). A Writer’s Reference (10th ed.). Bedford/St. Martin’s.

Hyland, K. (2019). Second Language Writing (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Lunsford, A. A. (2021). The St. Martin’s Handbook (9th ed.). Bedford/St. Martin’s.

Murray, R., & Hughes, G. (2019). Writing Up Your University Assignments and Research Projects (3rd ed.). Open University Press.

Oshima, A., & Hogue, A. (2021). Writing Academic English (5th ed.). Pearson Longman.

Paltridge, B., & Starfield, S. (2020). Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Nwofor, I. C. (2022). Professional document writing in Nigerian tertiary institutions: A survey of graduate competencies. Journal of Applied Linguistics in Africa, 8(2), 44–62.

Usman, A. O. (2021). Teaching CV and application letter writing in Nigerian universities: Challenges and best practices. African Journal of Language and Communication Studies, 4(1), 18–37.

Wingate, U. (2019). Academic Literacy and Student Diversity: The Case for Inclusive Practice. Multilingual Matters.

Next — Module 5

Lecture 5.1 — Introduction to Logic and Arguments

What is logic · Valid and invalid arguments · Sound and unsound reasoning · Deductive vs inductive

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