Getting a job these days is a tough competition. You apply for one with high hopes but end up with a rejection email.
What if you’re not doing something right? What if your application letters aren’t hitting the right points?
Today, we’ll be discussing how to write an application letter, showing you a simple job application letter format that you can use for any position.
Table of Content
What is an Application Letter?
An application letter is more commonly referred to as a cover letter, according to Indeed. It is a formal document submitted to back up a résumé or CV when applying for a job.
An application letter highlights your relevant skills, accomplishments, and experiences, connecting them to what makes you an ideal candidate for the position.
While some organizations expressly request that applicants submit application letters along with their resumes, others don’t. However, it is advisable to always submit an application letter for any position. And that’s why we’re going to show you how to write an application letter in Nigeria for any position.
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How to Write an Application Letter in Nigeria for Any Position
Your application letter tells the hiring team whether or not to move you up for an interview. So, it is important to put your best foot forward. Now is not the time to draft mundane details that are already in your CV. Rather, it’s an opportunity to really express your uniqueness and relevance for the vacant position.
In this section, we’ll show you how to write the best application letter for a job vacancy in Nigeria. No matter the position you’re applying for, these steps are applicable.
Step 1: Read About the Job
Your first step to drafting the best application letter for a job vacancy is to read thoroughly about the job. Familiarize yourself with the following information:
- The role you’re applying for: Read the job description, qualifications needed, and other relevant details. This would help you determine which of your experiences and achievements are the best fit for the role.
- The company culture: The culture of some organizations makes them the best fit for creative application letters, while for others, it would be best to maintain 100% professionalism.
- The cover letter specifications, if any.
- The company’s milestones, history, awards, etc. This will help you create connections between your experiences and their mission, highlighting how you’re best fit to advance their goals
Also read: 7 Proven Ways to Get a Nursing Home Job With No Experience
Step 2: Draft the Basics
Once you’re done conducting thorough research on the job you’re applying for, start drafting the basics of your cover letter. These include your personal information, cover letter title, etc. Here are all the details:
- Name and contact information: You may choose to write this as a header on the top of the page, like a CV format, or you can draft it like a letter, placing it at the top right corner of your page
- After your personal information comes the hiring manager’s name or title, company name, and company address. These should be written on separate lines at the top left corner of the page, e.g:
The Hiring Manager,
Tesco Foods Plc.,
No 54, Jabi Lane,
Maitama, Abuja
- Under the above information, comes a formal salutation to the hiring manager, e.g., Dear Sir, or Dear Mr Markle
- Finally, a captivating title for your cover letter, though this is optional
This step may look trivial, but it’s very important. Most hiring managers will not go beyond this part if it’s not properly written. So if you want to learn how to write an application letter in Nigeria for any position, you’ll have to perfect this step.
Step 3: Draft a Standout Introduction
Your reviewers are bored. They’ve read hundreds—if not thousands—of applications, and they’re bored. So your job is to reignite their feelings by drafting a captivating introduction.
A good introduction can begin as a story, quote, statistics or any such intriguing approach. However, ensure you tie the introduction to a relevant point.
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Bad Introduction: Lacks Captivating Details
I am writing to express interest in the position of a Team Manager at Tesco Foods Plc. I am a graduate with 19 years of experience in food science….
Exemplary Introduction
I failed. Six years ago, I stood nervously in front of a panel, about to defend my thesis. I had rehearsed every line and memorized every data point—but halfway through, I froze. My hands shook, my slides didn’t load, and the room felt heavier with every second. It was the lowest point in my academic journey. But it was also the turning point. That day taught me that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. I went back, rewrote my research, sought feedback, and two months later, I returned to that same room and delivered a distinction-worthy defense. That experience gave me resilience, determination, and humility. It is these qualities I now bring to a role as a Student Coach.
To give your introduction a more human touch, you can state some of your interests and hobbies, but ensure they connect to the job. For instance, if you’re applying for a Museum manager role, you can talk briefly about your love for arts.
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Step 4: Boast About Key Achievements, Experiences and Qualifications
Next, write about your key achievements in line with the role you’re applying for. You don’t need to discuss every achievement or experience you have; simply highlight the ones that are relevant to your application.
Step 5: Close in Grand Style
As you begin to wrap up your draft of the best application letter for a job vacancy, you can state a simple, witty fact in the last paragraph, for instance:
With the global economic crisis, no company can afford to waste a single penny—every organization needs razor-sharp eyes on what goes in and out of their coffers. That’s why having a meticulous and detail-oriented financial accountant is more important than ever. I’ve often been commended for my exceptional eye for detail, and it’s this strength I bring to the table. I am confident that with my skills and dedication, I can help Tesco Foods Plc. optimize its resources and drive smarter financial decisions.
Finally, thank the hiring manager for reading and for considering your application. Don’t forget to sign out!
Bonus Tip: How to Format the Best Application Letter for Job Vacancy
Writing the best application letter for a job vacancy goes beyond the content—it’s also important to have an attractive and standard layout. Here’s how to format the best application letter for a job vacancy:
- Your font size should be 10 points minimum, and 12 points Maximum
- Use a standard professional font, e.g. Arial or Times New Roman
- Align your text to the left, and use 1-inch margins
- Paragraph, punctuate and capitalize appropriately, and check for spelling errors
- Spacing out your words and paragraphs adequately
Remember, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. So make the best first impression on the hiring team; otherwise, they may not even go as far as reading your content, no matter how captivating it might be.
Also read: 10 Business Ideas for Students in Nigeria
Simple Job Application Letter Sample
Now let’s get down to a practical example. Below is a simple job application letter that you can tweak for any job vacancy in Nigeria.
It contains all the elements we have discussed in the previous section on how to write an application letter in Nigeria for any position.
Click to download a simple job application letter (WORD)
Click to download a simple job application letter (PDF)
Simple Job Application Letter Template
Now that you’ve seen what a simple job application letter looks like, it’s time to draft yours! Click the link below for a simple job application letter template.
Click to download a simple job application template
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is how to write a simple job application letter:
Research the job and company
Draft your personal information, the hiring manager’s personal information, and the letter title
Start with a captivating introduction
Continue with your relevant skills and experiences
Conclude with a key detail and appreciation to the hiring team
Sign out.
If you have no previous work experience and would like to apply for a job, you can still write an outstanding application letter. Simply follow the steps in this article for the best application letter for a job vacancy. To make up for your zero work experience, state your qualifications, volunteer roles (if any), and positions held in school/church. For instance, if you’re applying for an Executive Assistant role and you’ve served as a Sunday School Teacher before, highlight how that role developed your skills in organizing, managing tasks, communication, and handling pressure—qualities that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Click here to download a simple job application letter format in Nigeria.
Conclusion: Write the Best Application Letter for a Job Vacancy
If you made it all the way here, you’ve learned how to write an application letter in Nigeria for any position.
It’s time to put what you’ve learned into practice! Pull out your pen and your paper (or a digital notepad), conduct in-depth research on that dream position, and start drafting the best application letter for a job vacancy! Good luck!
We have also written on some remote job opportunities like the ones that pay weekly, and the one that pay $30/hour without any degree needed. Do well to check them out and also stay connected to this blog for more job updates.
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References
- Cvjury.com – The Ultimate Guide: How to Write a Cover Letter in Nigeria
- Indeed.com – How To Write an Application Letter (With Template and Example)
