Why Tailor Your Resume by Country?
Different countries have distinct expectations for resume formats, tone, and length. Nigerian professionals applying internationally should adjust their resumes to meet recruiter preferences, which can increase their chances of getting interviews.
Format Differences
| Country | Length | Preferred Format | Highlights To Include |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA/Canada | 1–2 pages | Reverse chronological, bullet points | Accomplishments, GPA (if recent grad) |
| UK/Australia | 2 pages max | Compact, personal profile at top | Soft skills, referees on request |
| Germany | 1–2 pages | Europass format or neat PDF design | Certifications, salary expectations |
| Middle East | 1 page | Formal, with photo | Age, religion, languages known |
Key Elements to Change
- Contact format: Use a local example number or WhatsApp
- Spelling: British vs. American English
- Date formats: DD/MM/YYYY vs. MM/DD/YYYY
- Cultural tone: Slightly more humble in Middle Eastern or Asian resumes
Top Tips for Nigerians
- Do not include a photo on UK or US resumes; a photo is acceptable for UAE or China.
- Use action verbs like “managed” and “launched” instead of passive language.
- Quantify achievements, such as “Increased sales by 40%.”
- Add a brief personal summary in countries like the UK or Australia, if requested.
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