People often have the misconception that the art of letter writing is one of the simplest things to do until the time comes when they are required to write one.
A well-written application letter is a prerequisite for an interview invitation.
As a result, I’ll go into great depth on how to write a good application letter for a job in Nigeria.
When applying for a job in Nigeria, a cover letter is a formal introduction between you and the potential employer you are addressing.
Most of the time, it helps you obtain an edge over other job applicants by giving your future employer a reason to believe you are better than the rest.
The Nigerian labour force faces stiff competition in the job market, mainly when positions are advertised due to the influx of thousands of graduates each year. You get to see thousands of applicants showing interest.
An application letter can make or break your chances of being hired, so make it stand out.
A cover letter or application letter is required when applying for jobs. If you have a resume/CV and a piece of writing that outlines your most vital selling points and professional achievements, you should include it with the application.
If you follow the guidelines in this article, you’ll be able to stand out from the swarm of bland and stale applications.
You will clearly understand how to write a good application letter for a job in Nigeria.
Let me know in the comment if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to hear from you.
I wish you success with your job application.
Table of contents
Application Letter Overview
Application letters accompany your resume and describe your qualifications for a position.
For most, it explains why you’re a good fit for the position you’re applying for.
An application letter is a means of promoting yourself as a candidate for employment. A good application letter explains why you want to work for a company and outlines your best skills and capabilities.
Let the employer know why you should be selected for an interview and how you can benefit them in your application.
Your chances of getting a job begin with your ability to compose a strong application letter.
You will not get an interview if you do not impress the hiring manager with your application letter.
How to Write a Good Application Letter for a Job in Nigeria
Here are the steps to write a good application letter for a job in Nigeria;
- Make an Outline
- Create a Draft
- Salutations
- Work on Your Words
- Customise Your Application
- Paint a Picture of Yourself
- Include Your Contact Info
- Close The Letter
Make an Outline
There is a set format for a job application letter, just like any other official letter.
You’ll have an easier time writing your application letter if you’ve previously created an outline based on your research and knowledge of the organisation.
For now, scribble down the headings for the paragraphs and any other ideas that occur to you.
The following is an example of an application letter format that you could use if you were applying for a job in Nigeria:
- Company’s address
- Salutation
- Introductory paragraph: “Strong leadership; excellent customer service; efficient use of resources.”
- Reasons for applying “How your experience matches their requirements.”
- Your skills and what you can bring to the table.
- Summarise, thank
- Close
Create a Draft
Based on your research, knowledge of the firm, and the position’s role, you should write a draft copy of your application letter before writing the official one.
During the final phases, you will have the opportunity to fine-tune every aspect of your draft.
You should not just choose a sample letter for a job application from the internet and copy and paste it into your draft.
Write it yourself.
Salutations
If you’re writing a job application, you must pay attention to your salutation, which is the first thing the employer or hiring manager sees when opening your document.
‘Dear Sir/Madam’ should be used if you don’t know the receiver’s name.
Write Your Letter
Talk about your strengths and achievements in the opening paragraph.
Think of it as a one-minute spiel.
Keep your sentences brief and meaningful by avoiding clichés and platitudes.
Focus on the employer’s demands in the second paragraph of your application letter, detailing your professional experience. It’s time to show off some of your most impressive accomplishments.
If you’re an entry-level applicant, please provide information about your academic background, such as your SAT scores, degrees, honours, and achievements.
In the third paragraph, you should convey your enthusiasm for the organisation and underline how well your values and purpose align with the company’s requirements.
Write your rough draft, then review it numerous times to remove clichés, platitudes, or meaningless sentences.
When describing yourself, don’t use phrases such as “I’m hardworking“ or “I’m creative.”
- Firstly, such assertions have become a common refrain.
- Secondly, the quality of your work will demonstrate your dedication to the task at hand.
Work on Your Words
It would be best if you expressed yourself with great wording than the average applicant would want.
Don’t squander space in your application letter using generic, meaningless lines expressing nothing about you.
Creating an attention-grabbing opening that speaks to the demands of the business and highlights your strengths will take some effort and study on your part.
As soon as you clearly understand the qualities an employee in this job should possess, you will be able to write appropriately to the employer’s expectations.
To highlight your abilities and achievements, you could begin your letter with something like this:
“I am a three-time award winner for my exceptional sales expertise on the Dangote sales team.
I can help Maggi’s sales team generate more income by bringing my proven sales and product knowledge to the table.
To the company’s credit, you’ve shown your know-how and desire to use it.
Towards the end of the letter, you should concentrate more on what you can provide the firm rather than what you can get from them. Close with a promise.
“I will appreciate the opportunity to discuss your present aims for the sales of Maggi cubes and seasoning, as well as to demonstrate how the ideas and solutions
I developed while working for the Dangote company may translate into expansion for Maggi.”
“I’d be pleased to meet with you to discuss how I can assist your company in increasing sales and cutting costs.”
Avoid saying, “I can’t wait to meet you in person.”
It’s pointless. That doesn’t hold any promise. You won’t be any different from the rest of the applicants. You need to stand out.
Customise your Application
After you’ve completed the majority of your application letter, continue to fine-tune it until it’s perfect.
Check whether the specifications you’ve provided and the skills you’ve stated align with the job descriptions.
When applying for a job, you must emphasise that you can meet a company’s objectives and expectations.
Paint a Picture of Yourself
Employers can review your resume and learn about your previous achievements.
On the other hand, you’d want to demonstrate to him who the natural person is behind all these achievements.
It’s essential to show that you’re more than simply a collection of facts by describing your personality in a few words.
Include Your Contact Info
Please include your contact information in your letter to make it easy for the employer to contact you.
Before you begin your application, make sure you have the proper letterhead.
Your contact information should include your name, home address, phone number, and email address.
Close the Letter
You can close with ‘Yours Sincerely, or Best Wishes’ and your full name and signature.
Include your contact information below your name if you send an email rather than putting it in the message’s header.
Proofread Your Letter
If you are applying for a job in Nigeria, you should ensure that your cover letter follows the Nigerian application letter outline mentioned above.
Check each statement for clarity and shorten lengthy phrases. Remove any jargon or slang that may have slipped in.
Be friendly yet formal at the same time.
By concluding your application letter on a positive note, you leave a favourable impression that can assist you in obtaining an interview.
Conclusion
Following my steps, writing a good application letter for a job in Nigeria is more straightforward than most people think. But you will need to do some initial research.
Graduates are scrambling to find work in Nigeria’s crowded labour market. When you have a well-written application letter, no one can ignore it. You will stand out.
If you’re careful to avoid clichés and make your application stand out, you can get an interview with a plain resume. One page is the maximum. Be sure to go through it many times with a clearer head.
In addition, you should approach it as a significant piece of writing that reflects some aspect of your persona.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
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