How to Write a CV in Sierra Leone: Format & Guide 2026

Sierra Leone's economy has been rebuilding steadily, driven by mining, agriculture, and a growing services sector anchored in Freetown. The professional job market is shaped by a mix of government employment, international NGOs, and private sector growth in telecoms and banking. English is the official language and the language of all formal CVs; employers expect a structured, professional document that reflects both qualifications and character.

The Sierra Leone CV Format

CVs in Sierra Leone follow the British format: formal, chronological, and written in English. One to two pages is the standard length. The document is titled "Curriculum Vitae" at the top, followed by personal details and a professional profile. For public service applications, the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) of the Government of Sierra Leone may require a specific application form alongside the CV.

Use a clean font such as Times New Roman or Arial at 11-12 points. Clear section headings and consistent formatting are essential. A disorganised or poorly formatted CV signals a lack of professionalism in a competitive market.

Language and Personal Information

All professional CVs are written in English. Include your full name, address (town and district), phone number, and email address. Date of birth is commonly included, particularly for civil service and public sector applications. Nationality is standard. Marital status is optional and increasingly omitted in private sector applications. Do not include your National Identification Number (NIN) on your CV.

Professional Photo

A professional headshot is commonly included on Sierra Leonean CVs, particularly for public sector and formal private sector applications. Use a recent, formal photograph with a neutral background and professional attire. Place it in the top-right corner. If you do not have a professional photo, omit it rather than including an informal one.

Education

List qualifications in reverse chronological order. The most recognised local institutions are the University of Sierra Leone (USL), which encompasses Fourah Bay College (FBC) — the oldest university in West Africa, founded in 1827 — and the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS). Njala University is the main institution for agriculture and sciences outside Freetown. The Milton Margai Technical University provides technical and vocational programmes. Many Sierra Leoneans hold degrees from universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Ghana.

West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results are the standard secondary school credentials. Include subjects and grades for recent graduates.

Work Experience

List employment in reverse chronological order. For each role, provide employer name, job title, employment dates, and three to five bullet points covering responsibilities and achievements. Quantify results where possible.

Employers that Sierra Leonean recruiters recognise include the Government of Sierra Leone (ministries and agencies), National Westminster Bank Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), Rokel Commercial Bank, Africell Sierra Leone, Orange Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Ports Authority, National Power Authority (NPA), Sierra Rutile (minerals mining), and international organisations including UNDP Sierra Leone, World Food Programme (WFP), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and International Rescue Committee (IRC).

Key Sectors

The public sector is the largest formal employer, managed through the HRMO. Mining is the economic backbone: iron ore, rutile, bauxite, and diamonds drive export earnings, with companies such as Sierra Rutile and Tonkolili Iron Ore as key private employers. Telecoms (Africell, Orange) and banking are the main private sector growth areas. The international humanitarian and development sector, including UN agencies and major NGOs, is a significant employer in Freetown for graduates with language skills and technical qualifications.

Skills and Certifications

List technical skills, software proficiencies, and professional certifications. For finance professionals, ACCA and ICSA qualifications are recognised by Sierra Leonean banks and international organisations. Health professionals may hold licences from the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Council or the Sierra Leone Nursing and Midwifery Board. Engineering certifications from the Engineers Registration Council of Sierra Leone (ERCSL) are relevant for technical roles.

Declaration

An authenticity declaration is expected in Sierra Leonean CVs for public sector applications: "I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief." For private sector applications, it is optional but widely used.

Cover Letter

A one-page cover letter is expected for most professional and public sector applications. Address it to the hiring manager or the relevant office by name where possible. A strong, specific letter that explains why you are applying to this organisation, not just this role, stands out in a competitive market.

Common CV Mistakes in Sierra Leone

• Including the NIN on the CV: This is a security risk and is not appropriate.
• Vague descriptions of international or NGO work: Specify your role, project scope, donor, and measurable outcomes.
• Omitting referees: Two professional referees with full contact details are expected at the end of the CV.
• Using a functional format: Chronological is strongly preferred; a functional CV raises questions about employment gaps.
• No quantified achievements: "Managed the budget" is weaker than "Managed a project budget of Le 500 million with zero unplanned variance."