African CV format: example and tips
Most English-speaking African countries, such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, follow a British-style CV, while French-speaking countries follow French customs. Two clear pages work almost everywhere.
At a glance
| What it is called | CV |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 pages (up to 3 for senior roles) |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Photo | Usually left out; optional in French-speaking countries |
| Personal details | Name, city, phone, email and LinkedIn. Leave out ID numbers, religion and marital status. |
| Language | English, French or Portuguese, as in the job post |
Country by country
| Country | Length | Photo | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria & Ghana | 2 pages | Leave out | Referees are often listed, or offered on request |
| Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania | 2 pages | Leave out | Referees are often listed at the end |
| South Africa | 2–3 pages | Leave out | Say if you hold a work permit, if you are not a citizen |
| French-speaking Africa (Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon…) | 1–2 pages | Optional | A French CV that starts with a short “Profil” |
| Egypt & North Africa | 1–2 pages | Optional | See the Middle East & North Africa guide |
Example
Free while Seerty is in beta.
Local tips
- Lead with a short summary and achievements with numbers, as in the UK style.
- If you list referees, ask them first and give a current phone number and email.
- Name your professional bodies and licences (for example ICAN, ACCA or your engineering board).
- For jobs in the Gulf or Europe, follow that region’s customs instead.
Is this format ATS-friendly?
Yes. Whatever the country, keep one column, real text and standard headings. Every CV made with Seerty is built this way, so you can follow local customs without confusing applicant tracking systems.
Customs change between employers and industries. When a job post asks for something specific, follow the job post.
Other countries
Europe Asia Middle East & North Africa Latin America United States United Kingdom Canada Australia Germany UAE Saudi Arabia Bahrain Qatar India Pakistan Philippines Egypt
Created by Seerty in Bahrain, for job seekers everywhere