How To Write An Application Letter In Nigeria: Examples, Format, Importance

How to write an application letter in Nigeria. Application Letter is a document that is added to a resume. Application letter format in Nigeria 2024

How To Write An Application Letter In Nigeria

Application Letter In Nigeria— one of the fundamental things to consider while applying for a job either in Nigeria or anywhere in the world is learning how to write an application letter. Technically, an application letter for a job or any related purposes is a standalone document that is submitted with the impression that you'll be able to express your interest in the available position or job.

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Thus, while considering how to write an application letter in Nigeria, there are some basic steps to follow.

Duly following these basic steps on how to write an application letter in Nigeria would at least give a clear insight about your qualifications, interests and achievements in respect of the job available and the reason why you need to be hired for the position you are applying for.

Just like CV, application letters are also prioritized by employers in Nigeria. This is because you will have to submit it along with your résumé. Even when the employer doesn't require for an application letter, it is still a wise step to write one as it will definitely highlight your skills and experience unless it is specifically stated not to.

 Undoubtedly, an expertly written application letter could produce a good first impression about you to your potential hirer. This which could ultimately lead to you been called for an interview in furtherance of the necessary application process and employment.

Unlike a résumé which is mostly strictly confined to a particular format of writing, a job application letter in Nigeria provides for more room to elaborate and increase your chances of being hired.

As stated earlier, this article will aside giving guides on how to write an application letter, it'll also delve into what an application letter in Nigeria is all about, its importance to job application, application letter template and examples.

What Is An Application Letter?

An application letter, also called cover letter is a document that is added to a résumé while applying for a job.

How To Write An Application Letter In Nigeria

To write an application letter Nigeria for a job position, kindly consider the following guides and tips below.

• Analyse Information About The Company

Finding out about the company you're employing could go a long way in helping you to customize your application letter. 

Information like the area of specializations, recent awards and accomplishment in their specialized field, the culture of the company, the name of the person the letter will be addressed to and other necessary information. 

You can find such information on their official website. Any of the aforementioned information could help in drafting a job application letter with the position which one is applying for in mind.

• Analyse Information About The Job

Getting more details about the position available could help you format a better application letter. 

With such information, you can easily review the job position and compare it with your qualifications, skills and experience.

Thus, to include relevant details in your letters you'll need to know what the employer wants and what you're able to offer.

• Describe Your Interest In The Job With A Good Opening

A job application letter with a good opening is expected to create a good first impression— or better still, give the employer a brief insight about the person writing the letter and its purpose. 

Hence, the first paragraph of the letter should include the title of the job you're applying for, where you saw the job posting, your interest in the company and the role. Include in the letter at this point, the name and position of the person if your referred.

This part of the application letter is considered an appealing section of a job application letter.

• Include Your Qualifications and Experience.

The following paragraphs should include your skills, qualifications, experiences in alignment with the company's job position and goals.

Emphasis however, on the company goals. It's much preferable for an employer to employ some whose skills or qualifications has some connections with their goals. This gives an impression that the person has some experience in working with an establishment of similar goals and nature. 

For instance, a person applying for a position in a non-governmental organization will most likely state his working experiences and skills in relation to the organization. 

Thus, it's quite helpful to include your experience details in relation to the position and the organization you're applying for.

• Use A Professional Personality

Your application letter should be formal and professional as intended. Despite the fact that job application letter are required to be appealing and give some information about the person applying for a job, the person must always have in mind the situation and control his writing approach.

You are expected to be polite, formal and professional as good as possible.

• Include An Appreciation

Appreciating the person or the hiring manager who is taking time to read though your job application letter is one of the primary tings to consider. This gives a good finishing. 

Thus, an expression of such gratitude is a good way to enclose the body of the letter.

• A Professional Closing

Closing your application letter in a professional way is something required for all formal written letters. The inclusion of the names of the person writing the letter, signature and a proper conclusion using either "Sincerely" or "Best".

If you're submitting a hard copy, the closure of your application letter should be in the following format: Sincerely— Signature— Name.

However, if you're submitting via email, include your contact information under your name instead of including it in the header.

Things To Consider When Writing Application Letter In Nigeria

Application Letter Format In Nigeria—If you're writing an application letter, it's best you have a particular format in mind. This will guide the way you structure the letter. This include the length, font size, font name, spacing among other things.

This also include what should be in the heading, body and closing of an application letter directed to an employer in Nigeria.

Let us consider the best application letter format in Nigeria here.

An Application Letter Template (Nigeria)

[Your name]

[Your address]

[Your email address]

[Your phone number]

[Date]

[Name of hiring manager or supervisor]

[Title of hiring manager or supervisor]

[Company name]

[Company address]

Salutation [Dear Mr./Ms.],

[Outline where you saw the job posting and express your interest in working in this role.]

[Discuss some of your qualifications that would make you a good fit for the job.]

[Describe your past experience in a way that emphasizes your personality and skills, while also showcasing how you align with the goals of the company.]

[Express your appreciation to the hiring manager for reviewing your letter. Include any follow-up information, if applicable.]

Closing [Sincerely, Best]

[Your signature]

[Your name (printed)]

Examples Of Application Letter 

Here is an example of application letter. You can adopt the same method as used in the picture to write your won application letter.

How To Write Application Letter For A Job

Technically, as regards how to write application letter for a job, the guide is already provided. All it requires is adopting the application letter format to the context or purpose of the letter. 

An example of an application letter for a job is:

1720 Magnolia Circle 

Mount Olive, NC 28365 

May 5, 2004

Ms. Jody Jobhunt,

College Recruiter Enterprise-Rent-a-Car 

P.O Box 1735 

Wilmington, NC 28403

Dear Ms. Jobhunt:

I am writing to express my interest in the Retail Management Trainee position you listed recently on the MOC Job Network. I have reviewed Enterprise Rent-a-Car's web page and am very impressed with your company's commitment to excellent customer service and your employee development training program. I will be graduating from Mount Olive College in August and am actively seeking a retail management position.

As you will note in the enclosed resume, I have had meaningful practical experience in both retail sales and customer service. My positions at The Gap and Belk's have given me the ability to work with a wide variety of clientele. In addition, I have completed several courses in management while pursing my baccalaureate degree in business administration. My experiences as Secretary of the Mount Olive College Phi Beta Lambda (national business organization) and as a member of the MOC softball team have also helped my leadership and organizational skills.

I would like to explore the Retail Management Trainee position with you further. I will be in Wilmington the week of February 4th and would love to have the opportunity to speak with you at that time. I will call next week to see if we might identify a mutually convenient meeting time. Should you need additional information, please call me at (919) 658-1234. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Ler

How To Write an Application Letter in Nigeria With No Experience?

Simply, you can write an application letter in Nigeria with no experience by merely showing your relevant skills and achievements. Then explain why you are the perfect fit for the job and the company. Use the closing statement as a CTA and ask for an interview. Sign off with your name and details.

Importance Of Application Letter In Nigeria

Going through the loads of tips and guides stated above, it's glaring that the importance of writing an application letter in Nigeria for a job can't be overemphasized. 

1. A well written application letter created a good first impression in the mind of the employer toward the person applying for the job.
2. It creates more possibility or chances to getting employed.
3. It provides more details about the person's experiences, skills and qualifications in relation to the job posting

How to End and Follow Up on an Application Letter For A Job

The essence of an application letter is to allow the potential hirer to have an insight about the applicant, and as well create a good impression on behalf of the applicant. A good impression can increase the chance of being called for an interview.

In Nigeria, just like everywhere else, the closing and follow-up of an application letter for a job are the first essential steps to achieve this.

After closing the letter, thank the employer for the opportunity to apply for the job, and taking time to read it. In addition, provide your contact information, like your phone number and email address, so that they can get in touch with you.

You may also suggest a meeting or interview in the letter of application.

After sending your letter of application, you can also follow up with the employer for updates or consideration. You can confirm this by sending an email or putting a call through—depending on the situation. 

Noteworthy, in your application letter, whether you are closing the letter or sending a follow-up letter, ensure you accord a moderate level of respect and politeness in your tone or speech.

By employing any of these tips for closing and following up in an application letter in Nigeria, it is believed that you can make a good impression on the employer.