How To Write The Best Application Letter in Nigeria

There are several things Recruiters consider before selecting the candidate they deem worthy of the position. An application letter is sure one of those things they consider. You may not be able to get everything right but at least get your application right by following the teachings of this article on How To Write An Application Letter in Nigeria.

Most people think an application letter is the least important factor in determining whether you will be given a job.

In the current crowded Labour market, it is expedient that a Job applicant makes all available moves to increase the possibilities of landing a job in Nigeria. An application letter is an important prerequisite to securing a job in Nigeria.

What is an Application Letter?

An application letter is a self-document that expressly represents one’s Personality, Qualifications, Experiences, and interests concerning how it benefits a company’s demands and goals.  

Writing an Application letter to land a job in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized as it is the first impression your prospective employer gets about you, which can either prompt an interview or not, depending on how it is written.

Here are some steps to follow before writing an application letter that will give you an edge over other job applicants in the congested labor market. The tips shared here will help or cement your knowledge in the field. Take a scroll with us as we share the tips. 

How to Write An Application Letter in Nigeria

Make use of these crucial tips to come up with the best application Letter in Nigeria.

Make Research About the Company

The first tip is that you need to do some work on research about the Companycompany you wish to work for. It might not necessarily be extensive, but reasonable enough to give an insight into the Company’s ways. 

Writing an application letter without proper knowledge about the Companycompany you want to work for is like putting a cart before a horse.

Research about the Company company exposes you to the Values, Goals, and demands of the Company company. You also learn more about the hiring process, which will help tailor your application letter. 

Proper research eases your mind, gives you the confidence to write your application letter extraordinarily, and helps align your competencies with the Company’scompany’s standard.

Create an Outline

An outline is nothing more than the layout or ideas you want your letter to be built on. Creating an outline helps improve your letter’s disposition, making it distinct and inviting.

This outline will address how you want each point organized within the letter and the arrangement. 

The framework you set will determine how your letter will pan out. If you want a good application letter, then spend a good time creating the best outline. You don’t need to give a full write-up when preparing your outline. Think of the process as setting the building blocks for a new building or creating the blueprint. 

Create Drafts

Writing an application letter that will stand out involves creating a draft of your letter, as the draft is a quick overview of what your letter is about.

When writing the draft, you need not be weary of the grammar and the style. It would help if you got the ideas out first. You can have as many copies of a draft as the time permits but remember you do not need to spend the whole writing process on the draft. 

A draft is an outlined idea that serves as a prototype for your actual letter. It is the draft that is later fine-tuned into the final letter. 

Also, check out How To Become A Petroleum Geologist.

How to Structure an Application Letter

An application letter must embody the following.

Address

We all know that an application letter is an example of a formal letter and, as such, contains two addresses – the recipient and the writer.

The writer’s address should be in this format. 

Your:

•  Residential Address
•  Email
•  Phone number
•  Date.
• Name of Hiring Manager
• Title of Hiring Manager
• Company Name
• Company Address

Heading

The heading should be in bold capital letters. It should follow this format: APPLICATION FOR THE (POSITION NAME).

Salutation

As stated earlier, an application letter is an example of a formal letter; as much as your letter must convey your qualifications, experiences, and interests, it is equally important to compose it formally.

The tone and the style of the writing must be professional. Before going into the details, you need to acknowledge the recipient formally. 

“Dear Sir/Madam” is a formal way of writing your salutation.

Note: Even if you know the hiring manager’s name, it is safe and advisable to use the formal greeting – Dear Sir / Madam.

Body of the Letter

The boy is integral to your letter and must be formal and professionally intended. The body of your letter should be developed in paragraphs, making it neat and easy to read.

• The first paragraph – The composition of this paragraph should include the title of the job, the job posting, and your interest in the Company company and the Position. It is a captivating section of your letter as it will provide your employer insight into your knowledge of the Company company.
  
• The Second Paragraph – This is a self-pitching section where you write about your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Use some confident wording for marketing yourself, as your employer will not only read but also look out for the tune of your writing.
  
• The Third Paragraph– This is a continuation of the second paragraph; it entails how your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments can benefit the Companycompany and how you are the best candidate for the job.
  Making your contribution known to your employer shows you are serious about the job and passionate about the Company’scompany’s growth.
  
• The Fourth paragraph – This is the concluding paragraph and is best composed with a positive and Appreciative tune. i.e., Thank the employer for taking the time to review your letter and mention that you look forward to hearing from them.

Closing Remark

In the closing remark, use the opportunity to point the recipient’s attention if they have another document they need to check or any form of reference. In addition, you need to create the impression that you appreciate them for the opportunity and you are expectant of their feedback. 

To end your letter. Use:

• Yours faithfully,
• [Signature]
• [Your full name].

Important Things to Consider When Writing an Application Letter

• Make use of formal language
• Avoid using Contractions such as Can’t, won’t, instead of ” cannot and will not.”
• Make use of a legible Font.
• Avoid wordiness. Make your letter precise, concise, and simple.

Final Thoughts: How To Write An Application Letter in Nigeria

Your chances of getting the job can be improved or diminished by your application letter. Job searchers must know how to format their letters to increase their hiring chances. To write a suitable application letter, Make Research About the Company, Create an Outline, and Create Drafts.

Before you go, check out How to Get a Job as a Cocktail Waitress.