An application letter is a requirement for anyone seeking to secure a job, scholarship, or admission into a prestigious institution outside Nigeria.
A well-structured and effectively written application letter can make a significant difference in standing out from the competition.
In this guide, we will provide you with expert tips and guidelines on how to write application letter in Nigeria that meets the requirements of Nigerian employers and institutions, increasing your chances of success.
Whether you’re a student, graduate, or professional, mastering how to write an application letter is essential for achieving your goals and unlocking new opportunities in Nigeria.
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What is an Application Letter
A cover letter which is also referred to as an application letter is a formal letter written and presented alongside your resume or CV in the course of applying for a job, scholarship or an admission in an institution.
The most important aspect of a cover letter is that it offers the initial opportunity for a candidate to present personal credentials, complementary abilities and accomplishments as well as to state interest in the advertised position.
Ideally, an application letter should be short, easy to comprehend, and must reflect the title of the position being applied for or the program being applied for. It should also show your interest, ability, and suitably for the position or the program and should end with a specific step, for example, an interview.
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In short an application letter is a component of an application that enables one to introduce themselves and present their credentials.
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Types of Application Letter
Here are the five types of application letters:
This letter is used to follow an advertised job opening and therefore the candidate is expected to discuss his or her qualifications to do the particular job.
A scholarship application letter is usually written for the purpose of applying for a scholarship and here you focus on the achievements as well as the financial situation of the candidate.
College or university application letter is a document used in the course of admission where one presents themselves with their educational achievements and ambitions. This letter usually outlines how the intern could be useful to the firm and what skills he/she possesses.
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Job Application Letter
A job application letter is a formal document which is usually attached to one’s resume or CV while applying for a particular position.
It is used to send a letter of application, thus giving your initial details and interest and some of your achievements, skills or experiences that may help you secure the job.
An ideal letter of application should always be concise, precise and most especially, relevant to the job. It should highlight your accomplishments, strengths, and suitability to the position as well as your passion for the job and firm.
Writing a good job application letter gives you an upper hand in order to increase your probability of being hired.
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How To Write An Application Letter
Research the Company
Understanding the company needs before writing a letter of application is very important because it provides one with a good footing and more particularly, a show of interest.
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Knowing the company and its problems you can gear your letter to emphasize how you can be useful and what valuable experience you have which will make your chance of getting selected much higher than the chances of your competitors.
First, you get an opportunity to understand the company’s culture and its values so that you are in a better position to adopt their language when writing the letter, for instance, from the posting of the job and the company’s website information. This way, not only will your supervisor receive a better letter, but overall, you will be pitching your desire and knowledge in a better way.
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Craft Out An Outline
You can write without an outline but it’s rather difficult doing it this way. An outline is useful in that it enables one to arrange the ideas, format the document and make the work flow in a logical manner. This makes the writing process to be eased and hammered to produce the best results.
Basic Structure of A Job Application Letter in Nigeria
The basic structure of a job application letter in Nigeria typically includes:The basic structure of a job application letter in Nigeria typically includes:
Introduction
Use formal words to address the recipient (Dear Sir/Ma)
Employment position and the ID provided in the job posting if available
A short self- presentation and a description of the job opening to which you are applying
Body
Broaden the description of your experience up to include areas you would like to progress to:
Paragraph 2: Your accomplishments and some activities to do must be demonstrated.
Paragraph 3: State your interest in the organisation and the position advertised
Closing
Expression of gratitude
The message sign off which typical involves using such words as Sincerely, Yours faithfully.
Your complete name and telephone number
Other Things To Note
Your writing style must be businesslike, which means that it has to involve no slang, colloquialisms or informal phrases.
Make it brief, preferably, the document should not exceed one page in length.
Use active voice and also make sure that there are no grammatical mistakes.
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The letter has to be designed depend on the job and company that the candidate is applying.
Use keywords from the job description as far as possible
As a final step it is good to improve your letter for a couple of proofs before submission
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How To Write A Stunning Introduction
This is what you should do if you want a stunning introduction to your letter.
- Grab your reader’s attention with the first word.
- Address the hiring manager
- Be formal. Address the hiring manager by his post and last name.
- Mention the job title you are applying for
- Briefly highlight your relevant skills, experience, or achievements.
- Express your excitement for the role and company.
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How To Showcase Your Skills
In turn, you can prove yourself by including a job application letter to increase your chances of employment.
Tailor your skills
Ensure that you were able to match some of your skills with the job requirements then make sure they are well displayed.
Be specific
Provide evidences by giving examples in order to illustrate the competencies at work.
Use keywords
It is advisable to use some of the keywords when writing the letter since the letter will have to go through software that scans through various documents for certain keywords before getting to the hiring manager.
Highlight achievements
Skills are not enough; individuals should go for accomplishments and outcomes of those referred to by the keyword.
Use action verbs
When using the keywords have to describe your skills, be sure to use active verbs such as managed, created, developed, and improved.
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How To Write A Perfect Conclusion
Summarize Your Interest
Remind of your interest in the position And the organization.
Reaffirm your qualifications
In this column provide a cursory summary of your skills, and relevant experience.
Call-to-Action
To do so, state that you would like to speak with someone more in-depth or an interview.
Close Professionally
The recommendations should then be concluded with formal closing like “Yours faithfully”
Include Contact Information
Please include your full name, your email address and along with the phone number.
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Common Mistakes While Writing An Application Letter
It is always important to be very careful while writing an application letter since it can be very disappointing to lose the opportunity due to some errors done. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
Typos and grammatical errors
Imagine the negative impression you can created with one mistake. Review your letter several times in order to check several times for any mistakes.
Generic Salutations
Do not use generic forms of addressing the recipient such as “Dear Sir/Madam” Instead try to use the name of the hiring manager or admission officer.
Lack of Specificity
If you do not target your letter there is a possibility that employers will see it as a mere resume for any job or program.
Poor Formatting
It is appropriate to write the letter in a standard business letter format with clear font and appropriate margins.
Inconsistencies
Make sure the tone of your letter complements the rest of your application including your resume.
Negative Tone
Use polite and more of a positive language when writing. Do not say anything bad about the former employers.
Lack Of Action Verbs
When writing your accomplishments, it is recommended to use construction words such as managed, created, as well as developed.
In the same regard, do not use formal language and many technical terms where they are not necessary.
Write in the active voice instead of passive voice and avoid making your paragraphs too long.
Thus, the application letter should be free from the following typical mistakes that would help to maximize your chances of writing a successful application letter.
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Example of A Job Application in Nigeria
Here is a job application letter for the post of Lead Engineer at Fazor:
Tayo Adeyemi
123, Ogunlana Drive, Surulere
Lagos, Nigeria
September 3, 2024
Hiring Manager
Fazor
45, Admiralty Way, Lekki
Lagos, Nigeria
Dear Hiring Manager,
Application for Lead Engineer Position
I am writing to express my interest in the Lead Engineer position at Fazor, as advertised on [Job Board/Source]. With over 8 years of experience in leading engineering teams and delivering complex projects, I am confident in my ability to drive innovation and excellence as a Lead Engineer at Fazor.
As a seasoned engineer with expertise in software development, project management, and team leadership, I possess the skills and knowledge required to excel in this role. My achievements include:
– Successfully led a team of 10 engineers to deliver a cloud-based software solution, resulting in a 30% increase in efficiency
– Developed and implemented a project management framework, resulting in a 25% reduction in project timelines
– Mentored junior engineers, resulting in a 90% improvement in team performance
I am excited about the opportunity to join Fazor and contribute my skills and experience to the success of your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Tayo Adeyemi
tayo.adeyemi@email.com
08123456789
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Conclusion
Crafting a compelling job application letter is a crucial step in landing your dream job.
With this article on how to write application letter in Nigeria and with our expert guidance, you can increase your chances of standing out from the competition and securing an interview.
If you need help writing a job application letter that showcases your skills and passion, contact us today! Our team of experienced writers is ready to assist you in creating a tailored letter that highlights your strengths and helps you achieve your career goals.
Don’t hesitate to reach out – let us help you take the first step towards your dream job!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the purpose of a job application letter?
A: it’s to introduce yourself, highlight skills, and express interest.
Q: How long should it be?
A: One page, 3-4 paragraphs.
Q: Can I reuse the same letter?
A: No, it’s best to tailor it to each job opening.
