Ingrid Bells
Finding a job in Nigeria is tough enough to stand out you need to examine how to design a CV that passes ATS systems in 2025: A Nigerian Job-Seeker’s Guide.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Imagine sending out dozens of CVs and hearing nothing back, not even a rejection.
Chances are, your CV isn’t even being read by a human.
Let’s fix that.
What Is an ATS and Why Should You Care?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software recruiters use to filter and rank CVs before they ever see them.
If your CV doesn’t pass the ATS scan, it gets trashed no matter how qualified you are.
In 2025, over 90% of Nigerian recruiters and international companies use some form of ATS like Workable, BambooHR, or Zoho Recruit.
That means your first interview depends on how machine-friendly your CV is.
Common Reasons ATS Rejects Your CV
If your CV keeps disappearing into the void, one of these might be the culprit:
- Unclear formatting: Tables, text boxes, or multiple columns confuse ATS bots.
- Wrong file type: Always submit as a .docx or .pdf (unless stated otherwise).
- Missing keywords: If the job says “data analysis” but your CV says “data review,” the bot won’t connect them.
- Fancy fonts or icons: ATS can’t read them. Stick to simple, clean formatting.
- Irrelevant information: Overloaded CVs reduce keyword density and ranking accuracy.
How to Design an ATS-Friendly CV That Gets Seen
- Use a Simple, Professional Layout
Keep it clean and scannable. Use one column, clear section headings, and consistent font sizes.
Stick with fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica. They’re easy for bots to read.
- Optimise Keywords Naturally
The trick is to mirror the job description.
If the ad says “Project coordination, stakeholder management, and data reporting,” make sure those exact phrases appear in your CV.
Pro tip: Use tools like Jobscan or Resumeworded to compare your CV with the job post before applying.
- Tailor Your CV for Every Job
Gone are the days of using one CV for every role.
Customise your profile summary, skills section, and key achievements to match the specific role you’re applying for.
- Quantify Your Achievements
Recruiters love numbers because they show measurable impact.
For example:
❌ Responsible for customer service
✅ Improved customer satisfaction by 25% in six months
- Avoid ATS Killers
Stay away from:
- Tables or columns
- Photos and graphics
- Headers and footers
- Special characters (✓ ★ ✦ etc.)
- Use Clear Headings
Your headings should be recognisable to both bots and humans. Examples:
- Profile Summary
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
- Save and Name It Right
Save your CV as:
Firstname_Lastname_JobTitle.docx
Example: Chinedu_Obi_DataAnalyst.docx
It looks professional and helps recruiters find it easily.
ATS-Approved CV Example (2025 Format)
Profile Summary:
Results-driven Data Analyst with 4+ years of experience in data visualisation, business intelligence, and process improvement across hospitality and retail sectors.
Core Skills:
SQL | Excel | Power BI | Data Cleaning | Predictive Analysis | Stakeholder Reporting
Experience:
Data Analyst – Savvy Suites Lagos (2021–2024)
- Automated data validation processes, reducing errors by 40%
- Built dashboards to improve sales forecasting accuracy
Education:
- BSc in Statistics – University of Lagos
Certifications:
- Google Data Analytics | Power BI for Business (Coursera)
How to Check If Your CV Passes the ATS Test
- Copy and paste your CV into a plain text file like Notepad.
If it still looks readable, it’s likely ATS-friendly.
- Run it through a free ATS checker like Jobscan, ResumeWorded, or Rezi.
-
Aim for 80% or higher compatibility before sending it out.
Bonus: Free ATS CV Template for Naysblog Readers
Want a ready-made ATS-friendly CV template that recruiters love?
Subscribe to Naysblog below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox.
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FAQs About ATS CVs in 2025
Q: Can I use Canva or design tools to make my CV?
A: Avoid them for job applications. Most designs break ATS formatting. Use Word or Google Docs instead.
Q: Should I include my photo?
A: No. Nigerian employers and ATS bots prefer clean text CVs without graphics.
Q: How long should an ATS CV be?
A: One to two pages max. Focus on relevant experience only.
Q: What if I’m changing careers?
A: Highlight transferable skills and relevant keywords from your target role.
Final Thoughts
Your CV is your first impression, but in 2025, it’s also your digital handshake with an algorithm.
Make it clear, keyword-rich, and tailored, and you’ll stand out in both human and machine eyes.
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