Best CV Format for OND Holders in Nigeria (with Samples & Tips)
Introduction: Why Your CV Matters as an OND Holder
For many fresh graduates and job seekers in Nigeria, having only an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) can feel limiting—especially in a job market where B.Sc. and HND qualifications often dominate. But here’s the truth: your CV can make all the difference.
If written properly, your CV can present you as confident, capable, and ready to work—whether you’re applying for internships, entry-level roles, or even industrial training (IT) positions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best CV format for OND holders, show you how to structure it professionally, what to include (and what to avoid), and give real-life tips to help you stand out—even without a degree.
What is an OND and Why Should Your CV Highlight Its Value?
OND stands for Ordinary National Diploma, usually obtained from polytechnics in Nigeria after a two-year course. Though not equivalent to a university degree, it is a recognized qualification for technical, administrative, and support roles across industries like:
- Banking and finance
- IT and telecommunications
- Hospitality and tourism
- Oil and gas
- Government jobs
- NGOs and private firms
👉 Your goal is to build a CV that proves your OND education gives you the skills and experience employers need.
H2: Best CV Format for OND Holders
H3: Recommended CV Structure
Here’s a simple and effective CV format OND holders should follow:
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary
- Skills
- Education
- Work Experience / Industrial Training (IT)
- Certifications & Trainings
- Projects (if any)
- Referees
Let’s break these sections down.
1. Contact Information
Keep it simple and professional.
Example:
Lateef A. Musa
Ikeja, Lagos
0803 123 4567
lateefmusa@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lateefmusa
2. Professional Summary
Write a short paragraph (3–4 lines) highlighting your skills, education, and career goals.
Example:
Resourceful OND graduate in Business Administration with hands-on internship experience in customer service and administrative tasks. Skilled in MS Office, data entry, and team collaboration. Eager to contribute to a dynamic organization while building on professional skills.
3. Skills Section
Use bullet points. Include hard skills and soft skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Example:
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Email & digital communication
- Record keeping & data entry
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Time management
4. Education
List your OND qualification clearly, including the institution and dates.
Example:
Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Business Administration
Yaba College of Technology, Lagos
2019 – 2021
Grade: Upper Credit
5. Work Experience / IT Placement
Even if it’s just one internship or volunteering, it matters. Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Example:
Admin Intern – Access Bank Plc, Ikeja
March 2021 – September 2021
- Managed document filing system and ensured all customer records were properly sorted.
- Assisted in processing customer account opening forms.
- Handled customer inquiries via phone and email.
- Achieved 100% record accuracy and reduced complaint follow-ups by 20%.
6. Certifications & Trainings (if any)
Show extra effort. Even free online courses matter!
Examples:
- Digital Marketing – Google Digital Skills for Africa (2022)
- Customer Service Training – Jobberman Soft Skills Training (2023)
7. Projects
Optional but powerful. If you did any school project or freelance work, include it.
Example:
Final Year Project: “The Impact of Customer Relationship Management on SME Growth” – Conducted field research, analyzed data using Excel, and presented findings to a faculty panel.
8. Referees
Two is enough. Use professionals or lecturers who can vouch for you.
Example:
Dr. A. B. Ogunleye
Lecturer, Business Admin
Yaba College of Technology
0803 456 7890 | abogunleye@yabatech.edu.ng
How to Tailor Your CV to Each Job
Customizing your CV for different roles increases your chances of success.
Here’s how:
- Use keywords from the job description (e.g., “Data Entry Clerk,” “Sales Support”).
- Emphasize relevant skills. If it’s a customer service role, highlight interpersonal skills and experience.
- Adjust your professional summary to match the job.
Real-Life Case Study: Amaka’s Journey with Her OND CV
Background: Amaka had only an OND in Mass Communication and no formal job experience. She was struggling to get interviews.
What Changed:
- She rewrote her CV using the format above.
- She included her school project and online training in social media marketing.
- She applied to 10 targeted roles.
Result:
In 3 weeks, she landed an interview at a Lagos-based media agency—and got hired as a Social Media Assistant.
👉 Moral of the story: A strategic CV beats a fancy degree when tailored well.
Common Mistakes OND Holders Make on Their CVs
Avoid these:
- Using one generic CV for every job
- Including irrelevant information (religion, state of origin, etc.)
- Using unprofessional email addresses (e.g., sexygal123@gmail.com)
- Not mentioning internships or school projects
- Writing in ALL CAPS or using fancy fonts
Tips to Make Your OND CV Stand Out
- Keep it one page, max two pages
- Use a simple font like Arial or Calibri
- Save and send your CV in PDF format
- Always proofread for grammar and spelling errors
- Include a LinkedIn profile if available
Conclusion: Your OND is Enough—With the Right CV
Having an OND isn’t a limitation—it’s a starting point. With the right CV format, you can confidently position yourself for internships, entry-level jobs, and even freelance gigs. Your CV is your personal marketing document, and when written well, it opens doors.
So, take what you’ve learned here and rewrite that CV like your future depends on it—because it does.
Call to Action:
👉 Ready to create your winning CV?
Download our free OND CV template or contact us for a CV review today! Let’s help you land that job faster.
3 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get a job with just an OND?
Absolutely! Many Nigerian companies hire OND holders for junior and support roles. You just need a well-structured CV that highlights your skills, internship experience, and attitude to learn.
2. What if I don’t have any work experience?
No problem. Focus on your school projects, volunteering, or industrial training. Also, take short online courses and add them to your CV to show initiative.
3. How long should my OND CV be?
One page is ideal for OND holders. If you’ve had IT, projects, and multiple certifications, two pages are okay—but never more than that.