To get a job in Nigeria, most tomes you need to write an application letter for that position you want. Writing an application letter may not be as easy as you might think. Most of the time, the anxiety might cause your mind to go blank but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process of how to write an application letter in Nigeria.
What is an Application Letter?
To write an application letter for a Job, you first need to understand what it is, so you don’t mistake it for something else.
An application letter is also known as letter of application or cover letter. It is a document sent with your resume that gives additional information on your skills and experience.
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Application letters should not be too lengthy, It should contain just 3 paragraphs. The first paragraph should explain why you are writing, the position you are applying for and how you came across the vacancy. On the second paragraph, you tell the employer about your skills and why you are suited for the job. Finally, the last paragraph of the application letter should be a simple thank you for consideration and stating how you would follow up.
Why Should You Write an Application Letter?
In Nigeria today, and the world generally, there is a high rate of unemployment. Every job vacancy usually has more applicants than you can count. That means that if an organization were to release a statement saying “Petroleum Engineer Needed” they would receive hundreds of applications from highly qualified individuals. The organization hiring starts filtering these applicants to find the one or few people suited for the job.
Getting one person from a hundred seemingly qualified people is no easy task and your application letter is stage one of getting hired or ignored. If you can create an attractive and reasonable application, that alone is a huge step at getting hired.
10 Major Tips to Consider when writing an Application Letter
These are crucial facts to consider when writing an application letter. You should always have these tips at mind before you write an application letter;
- Do a good background check on the organization you’re applying for
- Think hard on what the employer wants and how you tend to deliver
- Keep in mind that the space for writing a letter is limited (one page)
- Point out only the skills you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for
- Use traditional fonts and a standard font size for writing application letters
- A good application letter must be straight to the point and should not exceed one page
- Be sure to state the exact position you’re applying for
- Jot your application letter down on pen and paper before typing.
- Attach your resume to your application letter
- Be sure to proof reed your application letter for grammatical errors
7 Major Parts of an Application Letter
There are 7 major parts or sections of a good application letter;
Your Address as the Job Seeker
This is the first part of your application letter. It is located at the top right side of your document. It is made up of your home address and the date you wrote the letter. See example below;
No 9 Egbelu Street,
Okporo, Rumudara
Portharcourt,
Rivers State,
26th October 2022.
Employer’s Contact Address
This address id the second part of the application letter, it is located under your address as the job seeker on the left hand side of the document. See example below;
The Human Resource Manager,
Cyber Nigeria Limited
Eneka Road, Rukpokwu
Portharcourt.
Salutation
An official salutation comes immediately after the company address usually in the form of Dear Sir or Dear Madam. If you do not know the gender of the employer, you can just state Dear Sir/Madam
Application Letter Heading
The heading of your application letter must contain the position you are applying for. Examples below;
- Application for a post of driver in your organization
- Application for the post of Engineer in Cyber Resources
Application Letter Body
As stated earlier, the body of your application letter contains three major parts or sections;
- First Paragraph: Why you are writing – mention the job you are applying for and where you found the listing.
- Middle Paragraph(s): What you have to offer the employer – mention why your skills and experience are a good fit for the job.
- Last Paragraph: Say thank you to the hiring manager for considering you and note how you will follow up.
Letter Closure
After you have written your application, it ends with a complementary closure that must come of as polite. Most used complementary closure are “Yours Faithfully” and “Yours Sincerely”.
Name and Signature
This is the last part of your application letter, where you add your name and signature. Note that your signature must be hand written.
How to Write an Application Letter in Nigeria (Sample)
No 9 Egbelu Street,
Okporo, Rumudara
Portharcourt,
Rivers State,
26th October 2022.
The Human Resource Manager,
Cyber Nigeria Limited
Eneka Road, Rukpokwu
Portharcourt.
Application for a post of position in organization
Dear Sir/Ma:
I am writing in response to your advertisement in location of advertisement for a job title. After reading your job description, I am confident that my skills and my passion for technology are a perfect match for this position.
I would bring to your company a broad range of skills, including:
- Skill
- Skill
- Skill
I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this position with you. If you have questions or would like to schedule an interview, please contact me by phone at phone or by email at email. I have enclosed my resume for your review, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Signature
Conclusion
Application letters are not difficult to write. If you follow the steps written above, you should have no problems. Remember that every job you see online or offline, there are many people clamoring for the same job. You must make your application letter stand out from the crowd. This increases your chances of getting employed or at least proceeding to the next round of screening.
