Learn how to write an application letter in Nigeria. Have you ever wondered why you haven’t been able to land your dream job despite being adequately qualified for the position? You may have sent several applications without getting a response. I have been there once, till I was fortunate enough to realize that I have not been selling myself as the ideal candidate the right way.
The process of getting a job placement begins with the quality of your application letter. This is the reputation that precedes you and what will make an employer determine if you are the right fit for the job.
To get this write, first, you must understand the various types of letters that we have.
Types of Application Letter in Nigeria
The three major categories of application letters:
- Job application letters,
- Personal application letters, and
- Academic application letters.
While all these are formal letters, the differences in these types of applications are in the context of each. Job application letters are written when you are applying for different job roles.
Personal application letters are those that address your personal needs like letters for loans, internships, rental, etc.
While academic application letters are for scholarships, testimonials, leave of absence, etc.
How to Write an Application Letter in Nigeria
Certain parameters and regulations guide writing the perfect application letter that will be a game changer for you. Here is the right guideline you should adhere to for every piece of information you will write in your job application letter.
Your contact information
The only exception to addresses in a job application letter is when you are applying through an email. This is because it already includes both the recipient’s and the applicant’s addresses. However, if you are not writing an email application letter, this is the first information every hiring manager wants to see in your letter. It will include, name, address, city/state/zip code, phone number, email address, and date.
Employer’s contact information
Employer’s contact information: their name (If you have their contact), job title/position, company, address, city/state/zip code.
The Salutation
This is where you specifically address the application letter’s recipient by their last name, “Dear Ms./Mr./Mrs. last name.” However, this is only if you know it. However, in any case, if you don’t, simply write “Dear Sir/Ma.”
The subject line
This is to be included when you are sending your application through email. The subject line should be 5 to 10 words and it will include your name and what you are applying for. For example, “Hannah Donaldson, Store Manager Application.”
The body of the letter
This is where the hiring manager will get more insights into each applicant’s qualifications and determine if they are the best candidate for the job. It is divided into the first, middle, and final paragraphs.
The first paragraph will introduce you as a candidate and state why you are writing the letter. State the job you are applying for, where you hear about the job, with a brief explanation of why you are the best fit.
The middle paragraph should be specific in mentioning your qualifications and relevant skills to the job. Use this section to sell yourself as the right candidate based on the knowledge you have gotten through research about the company and your experience working in such roles before. Give them an example of when you have done something similar with quantifiable results achieved through your effort. For example, you can mention how your expertise helped the annual revenue growth increase by fifteen percent.
Then, the final paragraph which is the concluding part of your letter. Here you will end the letter with enthusiasm and let the hiring manager know you look forward to being part of their organization and thank them for considering you for the role.
The complimentary close
Here you will professionally sign off the letter. You can write closing salutations such as, “Sincerely”, “Kind Regards”, “Respectfully” or “Best Regards” then leave a space, and write your name. However, for a hard copy letter, kindly include your signature which precedes the name.
5 Tips for Writing a Great Job Application
Make adequate research on the company
This easily comes in as the first rule of job application letter writing. You can’t make a convincing argument for the job or customize a tour application better when you know next to nothing about the company. Take time to know all the details that will help you customize your letter better such as the values and organizational culture, required skills of the job, the projects and partnerships of the organization, and if you can the name of the hiring manager.
Prioritize professionalism
This makes them know that you mean business and are ready for the role Right, from your address, letters recipient, and salutation, up till the very end, do not deviate from portraying a high level of formality. You need a job and not a friend, so do not be caught addressing the recipient by their first name. Stick to the last name or simply “Dear Sir/Ma” and this goes for all sections of the letter.
Always proofread every application
This is quite crucial because it is easy to pass your message across when it is grammatically correct. Luckily for you, the Internet is your friend. If you are having trouble with the correct placement of your punctuations, spelling, right usage of subjects or verbs, or even the right tenses to use, you can always search the internet to put you on the right track. Every one of us can forget even the easiest spelling sometimes and there is nothing to be ashamed of about this. Use your dictionary and the Internet to help out if you must. You can even ask a friend to help you proofread for any grammatical errors you may have made. By all means necessary, ensure you carefully read through your application letter at least three times, to ascertain that everything is written and spelled correctly.
Let your application letter specifically fit every job
Each job has specific skills that are required of the applicants before they can be considered. For instance, you may be a data analyst, however, the specific skills required by the employer are Excel and Tableau. In this case, even when you are quite proficient in Python, the employer doesn’t want you to dwell on that. At a glance, they should be able to see that the skills in your letter match those required for the job. In essence, let your application letter be tailored to the specific job requirements.
Do not copy and paste your resume into your application letter
This may be the last tip but it is of great importance. Your resume application letter is not your resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV). Since your resume has been submitted alongside your application, rest assured that the hiring manager has seen all the information in it. No need to repeat yourself, all you need to do in your application letter is to “Sell yourself.” Let your relevant skills and experiences for the job be highlighted in the letter. This will help convince the hiring manager that you are a good fit for the particular position.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say you have no experience but are willing to learn?
This can be tricky but it is important to highlight your dedication to learning and growth, mention the non-work experience skills that you have, and how dedicated you are to building the best professional background.
What do you say when applying for a job with no experience examples?
You can say, “I am dedicated to developing my professional skills at your organization.” “I have taken courses and worked on academic projects that have prepared me for this position” or “Although I don’t have any direct experience in this role, I am confident in my skills that I could manage the role efficiently with results to show for it.”
How do you describe yourself as willing to learn?
Mention your educational degree and credentials, certificates, skills, and how impactful learning the skills have been for you.
How do you introduce yourself?
State your name, what you do, and your skills that fit the job descriptions and experiences. Keep the personal details to the barest minimum.
Conclusion
Do not forget that though an application letter is short, the attention to detail on what the employer wants and how your skills match the job description is all that matters.
