2025/2026 Approved Format for Writing CVs for International Job Recruiters

2025/2026 Approved Format for Writing CVs for International Job Recruiters

Introduction

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, job seekers from countries like Nigeria and other developing nations are tapping into international job markets. Whether you’re aiming for a role in healthcare, construction, IT, education, or agriculture, your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is the gateway to that dream job abroad. But here’s the challenge: what works for a local Nigerian employer may not impress international recruiters.

The 2025/2026 approved CV format has evolved to meet global standards. From ATS (Applicant Tracking System) compatibility to highlighting visa sponsorship eligibility, you must structure your CV to stand out in a competitive global job market.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to craft the perfect CV for international jobs—especially those with free visa sponsorship. This guide is tailored specifically for Nigerian and African job seekers, though the strategies work globally.

Why You Need a Global-Standard CV in 2025/2026

Many Nigerian job seekers fail to land international jobs not because they lack qualifications, but because their CVs don’t meet international standards. Here’s why updating your CV to global format matters:

1. Passes ATS Systems used by recruiters

2. Highlights visa sponsorship readiness

3. Emphasizes international experience or adaptability

4. Aligns with cultural and regional expectations

Key Elements of an International CV (2025/2026 Format)

Let’s now break down the updated CV sections that recruiters abroad expect to see.

1. Header/Contact Information

Include:

1. Full Name (as on your passport)

2. International phone number (with +234 for Nigeria)

3. Professional email (e.g., not: “finegirl2002@gmail.com”)

4. LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)

5. Location: City, Country (e.g., Lagos, Nigeria)

Avoid:

1. Passport number

2. Marital status

3. National ID

2. Professional Summary / Personal Statement

This is a 2–4 line statement at the top of your CV. It should state:

1. Your professional identity

2. Years of experience

3. Key strengths

4. Type of role you’re seeking

5. Readiness for relocation/visa sponsorship

Example:

Resourceful and certified Nursing Assistant with 5+ years of experience in patient care across hospitals and private homes. Adept in elderly care and trained in first aid. Actively seeking international opportunities with visa sponsorship in Canada, UK, or Australia.

3. Core Skills & Competencies

Include keywords relevant to your industry and role. This improves your chances with ATS software.

Examples:

1. For Nursing: Patient Monitoring, Geriatric Care, First Aid, Medication Administration

2. For Construction: Blueprint Reading, Masonry, Safety Compliance, Carpentry

3. For IT: Java, Python, Cloud Computing, DevOps, UI/UX

Use bullet points and limit to 10–12 core skills.

4. Work Experience (Chronological Order)

Each role should follow this format:

1. Job Title

2. Company Name, Location

3. Dates (Month, Year – Month, Year)

4. 3–5 bullet points describing achievements and duties using action verbs

Example:

Certified Nursing Assistant
LifeSpring Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
January 2021 – Present

1. Provided compassionate care to over 15 elderly patients weekly

2. Monitored vitals and administered medications

3. Maintained daily health records

4. Assisted in physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises

Tip: Highlight international standards or tools you’ve used.

5. Education

Start from the most recent. Format:

1. Degree or Certificate

2. Institution Name, Country

3. Graduation Year

Example:

B.Sc. in Microbiology
University of Uyo, Nigeria
Graduated: 2020

2025/2026 Approved Format for Writing CVs for International Job Recruiters

6. Certifications & Training

Mention only relevant and recognized certifications:

Example:

1. First Aid & CPR (Red Cross, 2023)

2. IELTS (Band 7.5 – 2024)

3. Microsoft Azure Administrator (2023)

4. NEBOSH Health & Safety (for construction workers)

7. Languages

State fluency level:

1. English (Fluent – Professional Proficiency)

2. French (Conversational)

3. Hausa/Yoruba/Igbo (Native)

8. Volunteer Experience / Internships

International employers value volunteer work, especially in caregiving, customer service, and hospitality roles.

9. References

It’s okay to write:

References available upon request.

Or list 2 professional references, especially if they’re from previous employers abroad or major institutions.

Formatting Tips (2025/2026)

1. Font: Use Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica (Size 11–12)

2. Length: Max 2 pages

3. Format: PDF (not Word document)

4. Layout: Clean, organized, and professional

5. Avoid: Fancy colors, profile pictures, long paragraphs

CUSTOM CV TEMPLATE FOR CONSTRUCTION JOBS (INTERNATIONAL/VISA SPONSORSHIP FOCUSED)

[FULL NAME]

[Your Home Address – City, State, Country]
 Phone: [+234 XXX XXX XXXX]
Email: [yourname@gmail.com]
Nationality: Nigerian
Visa Status: Willing to relocate | Requires visa sponsorship
Job Role Target: Construction Laborer | Skilled Worker | Site Assistant | Carpenter | Mason
LinkedIn (optional): [linkedin.com/in/yourname]

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Hardworking and physically fit construction worker with over [X years] of hands-on experience in large-scale residential, commercial, and road construction projects. Demonstrated ability to read blueprints, operate machinery, and carry out safety-first, deadline-driven work. Eager to relocate and contribute to global infrastructure with reliability, teamwork, and a can-do attitude. Seeking a construction role in a progressive company with visa sponsorship.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Concrete Mixing & Pouring

• Bricklaying & Blockwork

• Site Preparation & Clean-up

• Operating Construction Equipment

• Safety Compliance (HSE standards)

• Blueprint Reading

• Scaffolding & Demolition

• Physical Strength & Stamina

• Teamwork & Punctuality

WORK EXPERIENCE

Construction Worker
Giant Build Ltd, Lagos, Nigeria
Jan 2022 – Present

• Assisted with the construction of multi-storey commercial buildings and roads.

• Mixed concrete, laid bricks, and carried out masonry tasks under tight deadlines.

• Ensured proper site clean-up, maintained safety protocols, and supported supervisors in daily duties.

• Operated basic machinery (cement mixers, drills, wheelbarrows).

Construction Labourer (Internship)
BuildMaster Nigeria Ltd
Feb 2021 – Dec 2021

• Supported skilled tradesmen in carpentry, painting, and foundation work.

• Transported materials and maintained tidy and hazard-free job sites.

• Developed teamworking and time-management skills.

EDUCATION

National Diploma in Civil Engineering
Federal Polytechnic, Uyo – 2020
Graduated with Distinction | Relevant coursework: Site Engineering, Construction Planning

SSCE (WAEC)
Community Secondary School, Akwa Ibom
Graduated: 2016

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• Construction Safety and Health Certificate – 2023

• Manual Handling and Lifting – 2022

• First Aid Certification – 2023

• Basic Construction Blueprint Reading – 2021

LANGUAGES

• English (Fluent)

• Ibibio / Hausa / Yoruba (Basic – if applicable)

REFERENCES

Available on request.

 

ONE-ON-ONE CV FORMATTING TIPS

• Font style: Use Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman (Size 11 or 12)

• Margins: 1 inch (standard)

• Keep to 2 pages maximum

• Use bullet points (not paragraphs) under each job role

• Save as PDF unless stated otherwise

• Ensure consistency in spacing and format

• Tailor your Professional Summary and Core Competencies to each specific job

• If applying through an agency or recruiter: highlight “Visa sponsorship required” in your summary or after your name

COVER LETTER FORMAT FOR CONSTRUCTION VISA JOBS

Here’s a professional and personalized template tailored for construction jobs abroad, especially in the UK, Canada, Australia, or USA.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Home Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[yourname@email.com]
 [+234 XXX XXX XXXX]
 [Today’s Date]

Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]

APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKER POSITION – REQUEST FOR VISA SPONSORSHIP

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Construction Worker position advertised by your organization. As a hardworking and dedicated individual with over [X years] of practical experience in the construction industry, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team, while growing professionally in a reputable international environment.

Throughout my career in Nigeria, I have gained hands-on experience in areas such as site preparation, bricklaying, mixing and pouring concrete, and general labor duties on large-scale projects. I am physically strong, reliable, and safety-conscious with a proven ability to work collaboratively under pressure and deliver quality results.

I am particularly interested in this role because of your company’s reputation for high-quality infrastructure and workforce development. I am willing and able to relocate immediately and am open to receiving visa sponsorship to enable me contribute to your ongoing and future projects.

Enclosed with this letter is my CV, which provides additional details about my experience and qualifications. I would be honored to discuss how I can become a valuable part of your workforce. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

2025/2026 Approved Format for Writing CVs for International Job Recruiters

Top Mistakes Nigerians Make on International CVs

1. Overstating qualifications without evidence

2. Using local terminologies (e.g., “WAEC” instead of “Senior School Certificate Examination – SSCE”)

3. Adding unnecessary details (tribe, religion, gender)

4. Submitting unformatted Word documents

5. Ignoring the specific requirements in job descriptions

Tailoring Your CV for Visa Sponsorship Jobs

When applying for jobs with visa sponsorship, your CV must explicitly indicate that:

1. You are open to relocation

2. You are legally eligible for visa processing

3. You understand immigration protocols

Use keywords like:

1. “Visa sponsorship available”

2. “Open to international relocation”

3. “Eligible for H-2B or LMIA”

Testimonials

Uchenna O. (Lagos):
“I had applied to over 50 jobs in Canada with no feedback. After rewriting my CV using this international format, I landed three interviews in one month. Today, I work in Alberta as a Care Assistant.”

Fatima M. (Abuja):
“The biggest change for me was the professional summary. It helped recruiters know I was visa-ready and serious. I now have a job in Dubai as a housekeeping supervisor.”

FAQs About CVs for International Jobs

Q1: Should I include a passport photograph?

A: No. Most countries like the UK, USA, Canada do not require photos unless specified.

Q2: Is it okay to use a Nigerian phone number?

A: Yes, but always include your country code (e.g., +234).

Q3: Do I need to include my NYSC?

A: Yes, especially if applying for entry-level or graduate roles. Explain it as “Mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC) – Nigeria.”

Q4: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL listed on my CV?

A: Yes, especially for jobs in English-speaking countries. Mention your score if available.

Q5: Can I use a Canva CV template?

A: Yes, but make sure it’s ATS-friendly and saves correctly in PDF format.

Conclusion

Your CV is the first impression you make on international job recruiters. In 2025/2026, it’s no longer enough to just have qualifications you need a globally competitive CV that ticks all the right boxes, especially when applying for visa sponsorship jobs. Make sure it’s clear, concise, relevant, and tailored for every job you apply for. Avoid generic submissions. Use this guide to revise and refine your CV and you’ll increase your chances of securing interviews and job offers from abroad.