A C.V. (Curriculum Vitae) is a written document that shows your education, skills, work experience, and achievements. It is often used to apply for jobs, internships, scholarships, or even university programs. For students in Ghana, a good CV can help you stand out from others and increase your chances of getting what you want.
As an employer, I have reviewed hundreds of CVs and my best advice will be to keep it simple, straight to the point and honest. Most employers/HR sift through many applications, so keeping it simple and straight to the point works in your favour. Do NOT lie on your CV! If you are called for an interview, it will be obvious that you do not have the skills or education you lied about, which wastes both you and your potential employer’s time. Most importantly, you will NOT get the job if you lie!
This article will guide you step-by-step on how to write a strong CV, whether you are a fresh graduate or a student with some experience.
Why Is a C.V. Important?
A good C.V. helps employers or organisations to:
- Know who you are
- Understand what you can do
- Decide if you are the right person for the opportunity
1. Start with Your Personal Information
At the top of your CV, write your basic information clearly. Do not write about your whole life story! Sadly, I’ve seen CVs where students wrote one whole page about how their parents were sick, there was no money, etc., which is why they have no work experience or couldn’t further their education. Employers do not care about that. Keep it short and straight to the point, as seen in the example below. Make sure your email and phone number(s) are active; most employers do not have the patience to keep reaching out if they don’t hear from you, and there are many applicants to choose from, especially here in Ghana.
Example:
Name: Ama Mensah
Phone: 024 123 4567
Email: ama.mensah@gmail.com
Address: Madina, Accra
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amamensah (optional)
GitHub: https://github.com/kwame-tech (optional)
Tips:
- Use a professional email (not something like sweetgirl123@gmail.com)
- If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, it’s good to create one
- If you studied an IT-related course, add an existing GitHub account or create one.
- Your religion is not required
- Add multiple phone numbers if possible
- You can add your age or date of birth
2. Write a Strong Career Objective
This is a short sentence or two that explains your goals and what you are looking for. It should be clear and match the opportunity you’re applying for. Do not use one career objective for all applications. Edit it and make it relevant for each job you apply for, unless it’s the same role. For example, if you are an Arts student applying for a job at the bank, your career objective should be different from when you apply for a teaching job. The same applies when you are a fresh graduate or a more experienced graduate: check the examples below.
For Fresh Graduates:
“A hardworking and motivated university graduate with a degree in Accounting, seeking an entry-level position to grow my skills and contribute to a company’s success.”
For More Experienced Students:
“Second-year IT student with hands-on experience in web development through freelance projects and internships. Looking for a part-time role to apply my skills in a real-world environment.”
3. Education Background
List your educational history from the most recent to the oldest. Include the name of the school, the course/programme, and the years attended.
Example:
University of Ghana, Legon
BSc. Computer Science (2020 – 2024)
Accra Academy
WASSCE – General Science (2016 – 2019)
Tips:
- You can include your GPA or any honours if they are good (e.g., First Class, Second Class Upper)
- You can also add your electives for SHS and relevant courses for tertiary programmes
4. Work Experience or Internships
If you have done internships, national service, part-time jobs, or even volunteer work, list them here. Mention what you did and what you achieved.
For Fresh Graduates (Include National Service):
National Service – Ghana Revenue Authority, Kumasi
Role: Accounts Assistant (2023 – 2024)
- Helped with monthly tax reports
- Assisted customers with basic tax filing questions
For Students with Experience:
Intern – MTN Ghana, Accra
Role: Customer Support Intern (June 2023 – August 2023)
- Answered customer calls and solved problems
- Recorded feedback and submitted weekly reports
5. Skills
List the skills that are relevant to the job or opportunity. You can divide them into:
- Technical Skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, Excel, HTML, Data Analysis)
- Soft Skills (e.g., Communication, Teamwork, Time Management)
Example:
- Good at using Microsoft Word and Excel
- Excellent communication and teamwork
- Basic knowledge of Python and HTML
- Strong problem-solving skills
6. Certifications or Training
If you have taken short courses or certifications (online or in-person), list them here. You can add any other relevant certificates.
Example:
- Google Digital Skills for Africa (Completed in April 2023)
- Introduction to Data Science – Coursera (January 2024)
7. Achievements or Awards (If Any)
Mention any prizes, scholarships, or achievements you are proud of.
Example:
- Best Graduating Student – Department of Sociology, 2023
- Volunteer of the Year – Youth Empower Ghana, 2022
8. Hobbies and Interests (Optional)
Only include this if you have space or if the job is related to your interests. If you are a fresh graduate, keep your C.V. on one page. If there is still space, due to a lack of work experience, you can include your hobbies that will paint you in a good light. Mentioning reading as a hobby is good if you are a literature student applying for a job in a publishing company.
Example:
- Reading personal development books
- Volunteering and organizing events
- Playing football
9. References
Write “Available on request” or list 1–2 people who can speak about your abilities.
Example:
Mr. Kwame Adjei
Lecturer, University of Cape Coast
Phone: 020 456 7890
or
References available on request.
Tips for a Good C.V.
✅ Use a simple and clean format (black font, clear headings)
✅ Keep it short – 1 page for students/fresh graduates, max 2 pages for graduates
✅ Check for spelling and grammar errors
✅ Always update your C.V. when you learn something new
✅ Save and send your C.V. as a PDF, unless the employer says otherwise
Final Example: Short C.V. for a Fresh Graduate
Name: Josephine Addo
Phone: 020 345 6789 | 054 895 2049
Email: josephine.addo@gmail.com
Address: Takoradi, Western Region
Objective: A highly motivated graduate with a BA in Political Science, seeking an opportunity to work in public service and contribute to national development.
Education:
University of Ghana, Legon – BA Political Science (2020–2024)
- Public Administration
- International Relations
Holy Child School – WASSCE (2016–2019)
- Elective Mathematics
- Govenment
- Economics
Experience:
National Service – Ministry of Gender, Accra (2024–2025)
- Supported research and policy preparation
- Attended public meetings and wrote reports
Skills:
- Good at writing and research
- Team player and fast learner
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
References: Available upon request
Here are two sample C.V.s for Ghanaian Students:
Conclusion
Writing a good C.V. is an important step in starting your career. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a student with some experience, make sure your C.V. is simple, clear, and honest. Take time to plan it well and match it to the job or opportunity you are applying for.
