How to Write a Perfect Application Letter in Nigeria
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Are you seeking employment? Or you saw an employment advert and want to apply for the job. One of the requirements for the job is that you write an Application letter but do not know where to start or what to write about.
Also, you want to write an attractive application letter to get the job. That letter that will pave the way for you to have the job can be written by you.
All you have to do is read this post till the end to find out the best way to write that application letter that will put you through to the job.
How to write an application letter in Nigeria is a question seen on the lips of Almost every job seeker who wants to get that job.
Sometimes, only your CV can not give you the job, especially when the recruiter wants to be sure that you know why you think your qualifications fit the job description, and for that reason, you are the best person for that job.
Related: Check Out the 7 Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Cover Letters
Rules for Writing a Perfect Application Letter in Nigeria
To write the perfect application letter that will get the job for you in Nigeria today, there are rules that you need to obey, and there are crucial things that you need to bear in mind if you want to get the job.
You must first remember that the letter must be written in a formal format.
Other things to take note of include:
Make Extensive Research
Once you see a job vacancy advert, the first thing to do is for you to do extensive research about the job. Know the job description and requirements, the Company’s background, and things they expect from you, and finally, you have to find out the method or mode of application.
Knowing these things will help you write the application letter because you must also explain why you think your qualification fits the job description.
Do not Beat about the Bush, i.e. Be Short and Specific.
Your employer or the company manager you want to apply to may not have all the time in the world to read just one application letter when they have many other things to attend to.
Thus, if you want the employer or recruiter to consider your application letter, you must go straight to the point. If you write a long letter, it may be skipped simply because it is lengthy.
List the Benefits of the Employer if you are Employed.
While writing your application letter, you must list what your employer will gain if they employ you in their establishment.
Describe Yourself
This does not mean that you should state your physical features, such as your complexion, but rather reveal your personal qualities in a way you couldn’t in your CV or Resume.
You can include your experience level in the job and why you want to work under their firm, and remember, be brief.
Style
As I stated earlier, you have to write your letter formally or business-likely because you are not writing to someone you know or related to you.
Proofread
After writing your letter, proofread it (i.e. check for grammatical errors and other types of errors which you may have made in the course or writing and correct them before rewriting it.
How to Write a Perfect Application Letter in Nigeria
To write a perfect application letter in Nigeria, you must have an application letter that contains all the parts of a formal letter,r and that part of a formal letter is listed below:
Contact Information
To write a perfect application letter in Nigeria, you must first ensure your application letter has two addresses: one for the sender and the second for the receiver.
Sender’s address (your contact information)
Your contact information is on the top right-hand side of your letter, and this is what it must contain:
- Your street address
- Your city or state Zip code
- email address
- Phone number
- Date
Reciever’s address (your employer’s contact address)
- Professional title or rank
- Company’s name
- Address
- The Company’s city or state Zip code
Salutation
After the contact information, the next part is a greeting or salutation. You greet the recipient by simply saying, “Dear Mr./Mrs. +Last name”; if you do not know the recipient’s name, the salutation will be “Dear sir/madam”.
Note: you have to be formal.
Heading
Every formal letter has a heading, so your letter needs a heading that must align with the job you are applying for. Also, the position you are applying for must appear in your heading. E.g. Application for the Job of an Accountant, Application for the Job of a Computer Operator and so on.
Note: the heading must bear the job or post you are applying for
Body of the Letter
This is the part where the employer expects to see everything concerning you., your skills and qualifications, how you think it will benefit the Company and what you plan to accomplish as their employee.
And you can break it down into three distinct paragraphs;
- In the first paragraph, you mention the type of job or the position and where you saw the advert
- The second paragraph is the most important because it bears relevant details about you, such as your qualifications, experience, accomplishments, and how it will benefit the establishment.
- In the third paragraph, which contains your conclusion, you thank the employer, stating how you would feel if offered the job.
Complimentary Close
After writing the body of the letter, you have to close it, which is what you call a complimentary close. You politely do this, and you can do that using some terms like “Yours sincerely”, “Yours faithfully”, etc.
Afterwards, you put in your handwritten signature followed by your full name and contact address(email, mobile number).
Example
No. 23 Ogoja Road
Abakaliki.
08135271919,
address@email.com
12th October, 2023.
The Managing Director,
Dreamlink Concept Limited,
Beside NEPA junction,
Abakaliki.
APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF SALES REPRESENTATIVE
I humbly wish to apply for the post of Sales Representative in your establishment. I saw the advertisement Yesterday, 11th October 2023, in one of the newspapers and decided to apply.
I am honest and humble and recently graduated from the University of Lagos, where I bagged a First Class Degree in Business Administration.
I have also undergone many trainings in customer service and public relations, where I learned the ethics of customer service and acquired the basic skills of a sales representative, which include;
- Good communication skill
- Excellent listening skill
- Improved product management skills and other business-based skills
I will apply these skills and the experience I have gained thus far as a sales representative, which i believe will improve the company’s progress and development for the success and growth of this establishment. I have also attached my CV and other documents as proof.
I am looking forward to a reply. Thanks in anticipation.
Yours sincerely
(your signature)
Your name
Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Perfect Application Letter in Nigeria
To write a perfect application letter in Nigeria, these are things you should do and what not to do.
Dos:
- Specify the job you are applying for
- Address the letter to the person in charge
- State the reasons why you show interest in that particular job
- State your qualifications and skills
- Be formal
- Proofread the letter before submission.
- Deliver it to the correct address
- Enclose your resume with the letter
- Thank the reader for their time to read the letter
Don’ts:
- Do not copy another person’s letter. Write yours
- Never address the letter to someone else
- Do not fail to specify the job you are applying for
- Don’t write a long note (more than one page)
- Do not use contractions like I’m, you’ve, won’t, etc.
- Never fail to proofread your work
- Do not fail to enclose your resume
Application letter Writing: 4 parts to an acceptable application letter
Conclusion
Writing an application letter is not a big deal, provided you follow the right steps and obey all the formal letter-writing rules. Also, do not write a long letter cause that can cause the employer or recruiter to lose interest in your application.
So, I will advise you to write your application very clearly and state what your employer will benefit from employing you and how that will increase the company’s or establishment’s progress or success.
For more guidance on how to write a perfect application letter in Nigeria, you can drop your comment in the comment section below.
