sample cover letter for job application in nigeria

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Cover Letter for a Job Application

The Cover Letter for a Job Application is a formal letter addressed to a prospective employer about the job applicant's interest in the employer's employment . In most cases, a cover letter is required when making an employment application to outline the important information required in a job application.

In this document, the form filler will be required to provide the name , address , email address and phone number of the job applicant , the name , and address of the prospective employer and if the employer is an organization, the position of the person whom the letter will be addressed to (for example, the human resources manager), the role or position the job applicant is applying for , the job applicant's core skills and accomplishment that makes the job candidate a good fit for the job they are applying for.

How to use this document

Depending on the requirement of the prospective employer, this document may be delivered by hand or electronically .

If the job applicant is required to deliver this document by hand , after filling this form, the job applicant should sign the document and deliver it to the prospective employer together with a copy of their CV or resume and other necessary documents required by the prospective employer and keep a copy of the document for record purposes.

If it is to be delivered electronically, the document may be adapted in an electronic form and sent electronically. If successful, the job applicant may receive an Employment Offer

Applicable laws

There are no laws regulating the content and use of cover letters of job application, it is only a thing of common practice by most employers for record purposes.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.

Cover Letter for a Job Application - FREE - template

Country: Nigeria

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Looking for a sample cover letter for your job application? Explore our professionally written cover letter samples for over 1600+ job titles, to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter. Our cover letter samples will give you insight into how other professionals market their accomplishments and skills to make lasting impressions on recruiters. These cover letter examples are free for use and can be downloaded in PDF and Microsoft Word format.

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How to write an application letter in Nigeria (with example)

Probably you are a school leaver looking for a job, or you are already working and seeking greener pastures. With a large population of Nigerians seeking job opportunities, you must be able to write a competent application letter. That will make you stand out and convince your prospective employer that you are the right one for the job. Learning how to write an application letter in Nigeria can save you a lot and land you your dream job. Amoo Abdulrazaq Abioye, an experienced resume expert and freelance writer with over a decade of experience, provides insights on crafting a successful application letter.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Your contact details, the recipient's contact details, subject line, introduction, body paragraphs, application letter sample in nigeria, what not to include in your nigerian application letter.

A job application letter is an essential part of the recruitment process. It is the first and most important document that employers will review when considering you for a job opportunity. Standard writing is essential, whether you submit the application letter in soft or hard copy. Here you will learn how to write a competent application letter in Nigeria.

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How to write an application letter in Nigeria

Among the skills to master when writing a letter of application in Nigeria is formatting. Proper formatting ensures that your letter is up to standards and the recipient can easily read it.

Amoo Abdulrazaq Abioye , a seasoned resume expert and freelance writer, shared with Legit.ng the essential components required to compose a compelling and attention-grabbing application letter. He said:

Research the company you are sending the application to. When you've all the details about the copy and the position you are sending the application for, this will give you an edge over another applicant because you will have a strong opening.

Abioye's go-to step-by-step list includes:

• Strong Opening: The only way to grab the attention of HR (Human Resource) is to categorically state why the company will benefit from you and why your goal aligns with the company mission and vision statement. You can include some achievements from your previous companies in the opening, but make it concise.
• The secondary paragraph should be your Uniqive Value Proposition (UVP); you have to showcase your skills here and how you can help the company better.
• Brief and Concise: Don't use ambiguous words; make it clear and concise; your application letter read time should not be more than a minute. In contrast, the company can also see the value you are bringing.
• Call to action: This is where most of us refer them back to resumes for more information and let them know you are available to answer any questions.

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Application letter format in Nigeria should include the following:

• A salutation
• A subject line
• An introduction
• A conclusion

Check out some key points you must pay attention to as you learn how to write a job application letter in Nigeria.

When writing your contact details in an application letter, it is essential to include the following:

• Address: Include the full address of your current residence. This information should include the street name, city, state, and postal code.
• Phone number: Include a valid phone number where the recipient can easily reach you.
• Email address: Include an up-to-date email address that is professional and appropriate.
• A link to your website or professional social media profiles: This is an excellent way to provide employers with additional information about yourself and your skills.

N/B: You should write these contact details at the top right corner of your application letter.

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The contact details typically include the following:

• The name and job title
• Company address
• Email address
• Phone number

It is recommendable to address your application letter to a specific individual. Addressing it to a particular individual gives the recipient an immediate personal connection and increases their chances of reading your letter.

You should write a friendly and professional salutation. If possible, address the hiring manager or recruiter by name. If it's impossible to address them by name, use a generic title like "Hiring Manager" or "Human Resources Professional."

Avoid overly casual language like "Hey" or "What's up?" in the salutation.

The subject line for an application letter should be brief but informative. A good subject line should meet the following standards:

• The subject line should convey the letter's purpose and provide just enough information so that the recipient knows what the letter is about.
• It should be clear, concise, and direct so that the reader will be interested in reading it.
• It should include a relevant keyword or phrase related to the job and your qualifications so you can stand out from other applicants.
• You should be creative and use language that will grab the recipient's attention.

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The introduction of an application letter should capture the reader's attention and provide a brief overview of why you are writing. It should include a few lines stating who you are and why you are writing. Express your enthusiasm for the position or opportunity, as this can set you apart from other applicants.

The body paragraphs should include strong action words and emphasize your qualifications. Here's how you do it:

• Start by introducing yourself, your skills, and how you are the perfect fit for the job.
• Explain why your qualifications make you well-suited for this position and highlight any awards or achievements you have.
• Provide evidence and examples of how you've displayed these traits in the past.
• End the body paragraph by expressing your enthusiasm for the position and how you plan to use your skills to achieve success in this role.

Ensure each body paragraph is concise and to the point. That will show the reader that you understand the position and why you're the right person for the job.

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The conclusion of your application letter should be strong and clear , and that is because it is the last impression you are leaving with the reader. It is important to reiterate your enthusiasm and interest in the role and give thanks for their advance consideration.

You should also include a call to action, such as asking the employer to contact you for an interview. Mention how much you look forward to hearing from them and what makes you an ideal candidate.

Use a formal sign-off to leave a good impression. Here are some key points to take note of.

• Nigeria's standard sign-off for an application letter is "Yours faithfully."
• That should be followed by your signature and then your full name, written in capital letters.
• If you know the recipient's name, you can use a more personalized sign-off such as "Yours sincerely."
• Sign-offs should always be written in full, without any abbreviations. That is necessary to show respect and professionalism to the recipient.
• Always double-check your sign-off before sending your application letter, as any spelling mistakes could damage your chances of receiving a response.

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The following sample demonstrates how you can apply the above format when writing an application letter for a job in Nigeria.

[Your Name]

[Your current Address]

[Your contact number]

[Email Address]

[Your Social media/Web address link]

[Hiring manager]

[Company address]

[Email address]

[Phone number]

Dear [sir/Madam/Name of hiring manager]

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF A FINANCIAL ANALYST

I developed an interest in this position after reading your advertisement in The Nation Newspaper of January 10th 2023, for the post of Financial Analyst. My first-class grade in Accounting, professional qualification (ACA), PhD in finance, and 15 years of cognate experience make me well qualified for this position.

My confidence is backed up by the understanding that this post requires a strong analytical mind, self-initiative and the ability to work under minimum supervision. I pride myself in all these attributes, as evidenced by my promotions and professional awards in the past.

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You may reach me at the address I have provided or through my telephone number for an interview where you can access my ability to add value to [Company name].

Thank you for your attention and consideration.

Yours faithfully,

[Your signature]

[Your full name]

Abioye also shared a sample of an application letter that secured him a job offer with the company he applied to. He mentioned:

There is no one way to do anything; I always tell my mentees that you must be creative. Many cover letter templates are online, but your creativity in fine-tuning them to what you need will make you stand out.

I have written over 2000 covers in the past, but I'll share one that got my client an interview with a salary of over $200,000 per annum. Example below:

Please accept this letter expressing my interest in the Medical Device Technologist position. I am a highly motivated and progress-focused Medical Device Design Engineer with a long-standing background in the Medical Device industry. With a track record of initiative and dependability, I have devised strategic initiatives that will prove valuable to Medical Systems, Inc.

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Throughout my career, I have perfected my medical device testing and determining product specifications abilities. I am a capable and consistent problem-solver skilled at prioritizing and managing projects with proficiency.

In my previous role, I contributed management, leadership, and project management toward team efforts and business improvements. I am progressive-minded and in tune with new developments in my field, I have proven to be effective and collaborative with solid innovation talents. I enjoy joint brainstorming sessions, which allow me to coordinate activities to achieve a common goal.

Please take a moment to review my attached resume and credentials. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you regarding my candidacy. I appreciate your consideration.

When writing an application letter, there are a few things to avoid. They include the following:

• Refrain from including too much personal information, which can be considered unprofessional.
• Make your letter precise and to the point, avoiding overly detailed descriptions of your experiences and qualifications irrelevant to the job you are applying for.
• Avoid using casual language or slang, as it can be off-putting to potential employers.
• Refrain from providing false information or exaggerating your qualifications, as it could disqualify you from the job.

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An application letter is an essential document in your job search. The letter has the potential to make a good impression on prospective employers and help you have the edge over the rest of the candidates. You should write it with clarity, precision and professionalism to ensure you make the best first impression possible. Hopefully, you now know how to write an application letter in Nigeria. You just need to be confident.

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Mercy Mbuthia (Lifestyle writer) Mercy Mbuthia is a content writer with five years of experience writing on various topics, including biographies, entertainment, and lifestyle. She joined the Legit team in 2019. Mercy earned a Master of Science (Food, Nutrition & Dietetics) from Dedan Kimathi University in 2022. Her articles have appeared on several media sites such as The Health Channel, The Nation, Tekrati, ValiantCEO and Celebrity Leader. In 2023, Mercy finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: [email protected]

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How to Write a Professional Cover Letter for Job Application in Nigeria

Writing a professional cover letter to submit for an application is a serious hurdle for many job seekers in Nigeria. In fact, many don’t even know how to draft a cover letter. Aside from a professional CV that can appeal to the employer, the next thing that matters is your cover letter.

Photo Credit: Esther Omonigho Airemionkhale

Table of Contents

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a single-page letter you attach to your application. 

A cover letter is meant to summarize all the details you have listed in your resume. 

Therefore, it is required to apply for every job except there is a specific instruction from the employer not to attach a cover letter to the resume you submit during an application process.

Your cover letter is expected to be in line with the job you are applying for. 

That is to say; the cover letter will have to display your knowledge of what the job involves and how your competence and skillsets can meet the need of the company you are applying to.

Tips to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

Find out who to address the cover letter to.

Avoid making the mistake of many job seekers. Don’t address your cover letter with “To whom it may concern.” 

Go the extra mile to get information about the right person the cover letter should be directed to. 

Note that this will take some of your time. Nevertheless, it is worth it.

It is possible that the name of the addressee is not included in the job advertisement. What you have to do here is to call any contact on the advert belonging to the company or call the advertiser to get more information. 

After you are sure about the right person, the cover letter must be addressed to – use either “Mr.” or “Ms.” and their last name.

Get the necessary information about the job

Since you know where to address the cover letter, try to find more information about the employer’s expectations. 

This will equip you with the right words to use to court their attention. 

Furthermore, you can contact create a correspondence with the company where you can ask to know more about the job description. Note down the answers you get and ensure that they define the content of your cover letter.

Get more information about the company

Information about the company is the last thing to find out before proceeding to draft your cover letter. 

With this information, you can easily win the employer’s heart with a cover letter that meets his expectation.

Here are some useful tips on how to get information about a company :

• Use the name of the company as the keyword to look for information online.
• Once you get the link to the company’s website, click on the “About us” page. This will give you the full details of what the company stands for in terms of service and value.
• In case the company’s name is not included in the job advert you saw, call the recruitment agency in charge to ask about the name of the company and other information you may like to get.

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Essential Factors to Make Your Cover Letter Professional

Make it easy to read and understand.

Understand that a cover letter is for you to sell your skills and not the number of vocabulary you can speak. Use simple expressions that are easily understood compellingly. 

Also, beautifully organize the content using a font of 12 font. Simplicity is key.

Make it short

Avoid writing too much. A cover letter shouldn’t exceed one page. An employer will not have that luxury of time to spend reading just your cover letter. For this reason, your cover letter should be about 300-500 words. Therefore, always ensure that you say the most important things that can help you get the job.

Tailor it to the company and the job

One interesting thing about the corporate world is that different companies have a particular need they are trying to meet. 

This defines the caliber of people they look out for during the application process. 

On your end, write a cover letter that shows that you have a good sense of awareness about a particular company’s goal at a time and explain how your skillets can move them towards achieving the goal.

Remember the different parts of an essay you were taught in school. 

The knowledge is very relevant in writing your cover letter. The way you write your introduction, body, and conclusion has a long way to make your application stand out.

You can see the   application process for jobs at the United Nations.

Essential tips on how to write a professional cover letter

Introduction.

• Don’t write, “I’m writing to apply for (job title). This is what an average applicant will write. Something like “I’m excited to be applying for (job title)” is correct.
• Explain how you got to know about the vacancy to show your level of social awareness.
• Begin your letter with a tone of confidence. Don’t use any technique that can make it seem like you are apologizing or being arrogant.
• Expand your resume by giving relevant details about your achievement, work experience, and other relevant information.
• Make sure you quantify your achievement.

Make it evidential. For instance, if you are talking about the level of sales you recorded, you can say, “I recorded a 44% increase in sales.”

• Demonstrate how you fit into the cultural background of the company.

If it is a multinational company, it would be nice to highlight your foreign language skills.

• Carefully select the words you use. Avoid the use of clichés.
• Use verbs that accurately describe your role
• In case you use an acronym, ensure you include its meaning.
• Directly tell the hiring manager to contact you for an interview.
• End the letter with a familiar sign-off; 

For example, sincerely, regards, best regards, and 

finally, append your signature.

Also: Learn how to write a winning essay for a competition.

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About Author

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Isreal Winlade is a content creator and creative writer with awards and recognition. A graduate of French and winner of Erasmus+ scholarship. He is currently an M.A student in European Literary Culture at the University of Strasbourg, France. Outside class, he is committed to freelance writing, translation from French to English and vice versa, nature photography, debating, and pressing his phone.

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