How to write an application letter in Nigeria to get that dream job.
Writing an application letter is one important step in the job application process, especially in Nigeria, where there is relatively high competition in the job market.
A large number of people face rejections due to poor application letters (cover letters).
About 45% of managers have rejected qualified individuals because their application letter was poorly written.
Furthermore, it might also interest you to know that 68% of hiring managers have said they take the cover letter into consideration when deciding on interviews.
This has highlighted the vital role a well-written cover letter plays in the job application process, as it can impact hiring decisions to a large extent.
A well-written application letter can make an excellent impression and help you secure an interview with the organization.
In this publication, we will walk you through the vital steps to writing a captivating application letter customized for the Nigerian job market.
Finally, we will give a sample of an application letter, which can be a guide for creating an application letter for any position.
Overview of Application Letter
An application letter, also known as a cover letter, serves as an introduction to your resume, stating your skills, qualifications, certifications, and interest in a particular job.
The application letter is submitted along with your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) and all other required documents.
These documents will be properly assessed by the organization, which will then decide if you will be invited for an interview.
Purpose of writing an application letter
Before crafting a cover letter, you must understand the purpose it serves, which will guide you in writing a standard letter.
The following are the key purposes an application letter serves:
- It introduces you to the employer, who is looking for the best candidate that will help in achieving the organizational goal.
- The application letter states your qualifications, experiences, and the reason why you are the best person for the available job position.
- It allows you to explain in detail any caveat in your resume, such as an employment gap.
- Allows you to sell yourself as the best individual by stating the specific job requirements.
- You have the ability to show your ability to communicate professionally and efficiently.
Before crafting a cover letter, it is important that you research the company and the job role you will be applying for.
Knowing about the company’s culture, values, and the requirements specified for the job will help you in writing your letter to meet the employer’s expectations.
For example, in Nigeria, many companies appreciate those who show they understand their values, what they stand for, and how they can contribute to actualizing the company’s goals.
Components of an Application Letter
When writing an application letter, it is imperative that you take into consideration the structure of the letter.
A well-crafted letter should have the following components:
Here is the text in active voice:
- Contact information: State this as the first piece of information at the beginning of your letter. It should include your full name, address, email, and phone number at the top.
- Date: Write the date of the day you are sending the letter, and it should be placed below your contact information.
- Employer’s Information: This is the information of the person or company who will receive the application letter. So write the person’s name, company name, and address. You can leave off the person’s name and write other information if the person’s name is not available.
- Salutation/Greeting: While writing the letter, address it to a specific person. You can use “Dear Mr./Mrs. (Last Name) or “Dear Sir/Madam” if the name of the person is not available to you.
- Opening Paragraph: In this section, you have to state the position you want to apply for and how you learned about the job offer. You are allowed to express your interest in the company and the available job position.
- Body of the Letter: This part of the letter is very crucial because it’s in this section that you state every piece of information that will create an impression on the employer and make them invite you for an interview.
- Closing Paragraph: Restate your interest in the available position and make sure you thank the employer. Also state that you are available for an interview and provide your contact information.
- Closing: You can end the letter with a polite and professional closing like “Yours faithfully” or “Best regards,” followed by your handwritten signature and your name, which should be typed.
Tips on How to write an Application Letter in Nigeria
If you want to write a compelling application letter in Nigeria in 2024, do the following:
- Research the company to understand the job description of the available position and state how your qualifications meet the requirements they are looking for in an individual.
- Do not use slang, abbreviations, or casual language while writing the letter. Make sure to use respectful and polite language, especially when addressing the employer.
- While writing your letter, go straight to the point. Make sure you focus on important information and avoid repeating words.
- After writing the letter, go through it carefully and check for grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors before sending the letter.
- Follow instructions, especially if the company specifies the submission process. For example, some companies may require that you submit your application and CV through email, while others will request hard copies.
- Use professional fonts like Arial or Times New Roman to draft your letter, and make sure to maintain the same spacing and alignment.
- Outline your achievements using examples and how they meet the job requirements.
Sample Application Letter
Here is a sample of an application letter for a Sales Manager position.
[Your Name]
[Address]
[City, State,]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State.]
Dear Mr., / Mrs./ Miss. [Last Name],
I am writing to communicate my interest in the Sales Manager position at [Company Name], which is advertised on [Job Portal/Company’s Website]. With a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Lagos State University (LASU) and with over five (5) years of practical experience in sales and marketing, I believe I am confident and have the expertise to contribute effectively to the growth of the company.
In my previous role at [Previous Company Name], I was able to recruit and train my sales team, and I understand what it takes to manage a team, efficiently meet sales quotas, and maintain a positive and energetic attitude as the company’s representative.
Within my first three years in the company, I exceeded quota and increased sales by about 20%, and the company gave me a top performance sales award for my achievement within a short period of time. I am confident in my ability to replicate the same result here. I have also managed a sales team and trained them to be good representatives of the company, and they are doing extremely well. With this wealth of experience, I can confidently do the same and more as a sales manager for your company.
I am passionate about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and am eager to bring my experience to your establishment. It would be a privilege to have the opportunity to discuss in detail what I can do and how I can help the company grow, and I am available for an interview. I look forward to hearing from you soonest.
Yours faithfully,
Signature (Handwritten)
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Writing a compelling application letter in Nigeria is the key to getting invited for an interview.
It requires careful preparation and paying attention to every detail in order to secure the job.
Additionally, by following the process outlined above, you can draft a well-detailed letter that shows all the vital information and increases your chances of securing an interview.
Lastly, remember that your application letter is your first impression, so you have to make it count.
If you find this article on how to write an application letter in Nigeria helpful, let us know in the comments.
