How to Write a CV That Gets Interviews in Ghana (2026 Guide with Template)

Most recruiters in Ghana spend only a short time scanning a CV before deciding whether to read further. In that time, your CV must show three things clearly: who you are, what you can do, and what results you have delivered.

Many graduates and young professionals send CVs that are too long, poorly formatted, full of personal details employers do not need, and short on evidence. This guide shows you how to write a CV that gets interviews, with a simple template you can follow.

CV vs résumé: what Ghanaian employers expect

In Ghana, “CV” is the common term for the document you send with job applications. For most jobs, aim for a concise 1–2 page CV. Longer academic CVs are only expected for lecturing, research and some senior roles.

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The ideal CV structure

1. Header: full name, phone number, professional email, location (city), LinkedIn URL
2. Professional summary: 3–4 lines about who you are and what you offer
3. Key skills: 6–10 relevant skills
4. Work experience: including internships, national service and attachments
5. Education
6. Certifications and training
7. Leadership, volunteering and projects
8. References: “Available on request” or 2 referees if the job advert asks

Step-by-step: writing each section

1. Header: keep it professional

Use a professional email address (for example, firstname.lastname@gmail.com), not a nickname. Include your phone number, city and LinkedIn profile. You do not need your date of birth, religion, marital status, hometown or a photo unless the employer specifically asks.

2. Professional summary: your 10-second pitch

Write 3–4 lines tailored to the job. Example:

Accounting graduate (First Class) with national service experience in a mid-sized audit firm. Skilled in financial reporting, Excel modelling and tax compliance. Supported the audit of 12 client accounts and reduced reconciliation errors through a new tracking sheet. Seeking an entry-level accounting role in a growth-focused organisation.

3. Key skills: match the job advert

Read the job advert carefully and mirror its key skills (where you genuinely have them). Many organisations use applicant tracking systems or quick keyword scans. Mix technical skills (e.g. QuickBooks, Python, data analysis, customer service) with transferable skills (e.g. communication, teamwork, problem-solving).

4. Work experience: show results, not duties

List roles from most recent. For each role, write 3–5 bullet points that start with an action verb and, where possible, include a number or result.

National service, internships, attachments, part-time jobs and volunteer roles all count, especially for fresh graduates.

5. Education

Include your degree, institution, years and class (if it is strong). Fresh graduates can add relevant courses, a final-year project or academic awards. Experienced professionals can keep this section short.

6. Certifications and training

Add relevant certificates, for example from professional bodies, Google, Microsoft, Coursera or industry-specific training. Only list what is relevant to the job.

7. Leadership, volunteering and projects

Student leadership, church or community roles, personal projects, a business you started: these show initiative, especially when your work experience is limited. Read 7 skills every student should learn before graduation for ideas on building this section.

8. References

Write “References available on request” unless the advert asks for referees. Always ask permission before listing anyone, and brief them about the job.

Simple CV template

FULL NAME
Accra, Ghana · 024 000 0000 · name@email.com · linkedin.com/in/yourname

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
3–4 lines: who you are, your key strengths, one achievement, the role you want.

KEY SKILLS
Skill · Skill · Skill · Skill · Skill · Skill

WORK EXPERIENCE
Job Title, Organisation, City | Month Year – Month Year
• Action verb + task + result (with a number)
• Action verb + task + result
• Action verb + task + result

EDUCATION
Degree, Institution | Year – Year | Class

CERTIFICATIONS
Certificate name, Issuer, Year

LEADERSHIP & VOLUNTEERING
Role, Organisation | Year: one line on impact

REFERENCES
Available on request

Formatting rules that make a difference

• Use a clean, readable font (e.g. Calibri, Arial, Verdana) at 10–12pt.
• Keep margins consistent and use clear headings.
• Avoid heavy colours, tables and graphics that break when scanned or printed.
• Save and send as PDF, named properly: Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf.
• Check spelling and grammar twice, then ask someone else to proofread.

Common CV mistakes Ghanaian applicants make

• Including unnecessary personal details (date of birth, religion, marital status, hometown, ID numbers)
• Writing long objectives like “To work in a reputable organisation where I can use my skills…”
• Listing duties instead of achievements
• Sending the same CV for every job
• Using an unprofessional email address
• Exaggerating or inventing qualifications; background checks will expose this

Employers also look beyond your CV. See 5 things employers check before hiring you.

Write a short cover letter or email

When applying by email, write a brief message (4–6 lines) stating the role, where you saw it, one or two reasons you are a strong fit, and that your CV is attached. Use a clear subject line, for example: “Application for Marketing Officer – Ama Mensah.”

Frequently asked questions

How many pages should a CV be in Ghana?

For most jobs, 1–2 pages. Fresh graduates should aim for one strong page; experienced professionals can use two.

Should I put my picture on my CV?

Generally no, unless the employer specifically requests it. Your skills and results should be the focus.

Should I include my national service on my CV?

Yes. National service is valuable work experience. List it like any other job, with results and achievements.

Do I need to include references on my CV?

Only if the job advert asks for them. Otherwise, write “References available on request.”

Your CV is only one part of your professional brand. Your LinkedIn profile, online presence and reputation all speak for you. Learn more in how to build a personal brand on LinkedIn, or get personal help through my Professional Branding service.