I have had people asking me questions about how to write an application letter in Nigeria.
That is because most of them want to know the best way to go about it.
I know that there are countless ways to do so, and whilst I can't tell you what would work for everyone, I can give you some good ways of doing this that has worked for me in the past.
Some are based on case studies, and others are just things that I've learned through my experiences.
Writing a good application letter is a crucial aspect of the interview process.
Therefore, if you want to get hired, you need to give the interviewers a reason to remember you.
This article provides excellent tips on how to write an application letter. It is well structured with guidelines for writing job application documents.
What Is A Job Application Letter?
A job application letter is a standalone formal document you write and submit to a prospective employer to express your interest in an open position.
The letter should provide the details of who you are as a professional and individual.
It should highlight your skills, achievements, and why you are qualified for the open position you want to apply for.
A job application letter also focuses on your expertise and abilities that make you stand out among other applicants.
Your familiarities with the role and company, your personalities, professional goals, and aspirations align with the company's mission and goals.
Before I go into the steps in writing a great job application letter, let's quickly look into some tips to follow before writing your application letter.
READ ALSO: Teaching job application letter examples (+ PDF and MS Word samples)
Tips For Writing A Job Application Letter
1. Research The Company
To write a good job application letter and get hired, you need to do some background research on the company and understand the job role or position very well.
For instance, it is important you know the recruiter you are writing to, whether it's a man or woman.
You don't want to address your recruiter as a man (sir) when she's a woman (ma).
2. Emphasize Your Qualifications, Skills And Abilities
A job application letter is your opportunity to present yourself as an excellent candidate for the open position.
Focus on your relevancy to the company, like your qualifications, experiences, skills, and abilities.
3. Stay Simple And Concise
It can be tempting to write lots of detailed information about yourself, but you don't want to do that.
The hiring manager or recruiter may not take time to read it. That's why you need to make it brief and appealing.
4. Structure Your Letter Well
The structuring of your letter is very important in writing a great job application letter.
You have to structure your letter in a format that is easy to read and follow accordingly.
5. Proofread The Letter
The last stage of your letter writing is proofreading, and this is where many applicants make mistakes.
Your job application letter is your first impression, and they say, "First impression is the best expression."
You want to avoid grammatical or spelling errors and punctuations in your letter. That will help you leave a positive impression on your hiring manager or recruiter.
Now, that you've known some vital tips to follow when writing a job application letter.
Let's get into the step-by-step guide to writing an application k
letter right away.
FIND OUT: How to write a formal letter in Nigerian format
Steps In Writing A Job Application Letter
1. Use A Professional Format
Your letter should follow a professional format. You have to write your full name, address, contact information, date, and the company's information.
A professional salutation will follow, such as "Dear (name)". Make sure you address the person by name whenever possible.
And if you don't know the name, after thorough research, address your recipient by "Dear Hiring Manager or Recruiter".
2. Describe Your Interest
Here, you start your introduction by telling your recruiter your interest in the open position.
State the open position or role you are applying for, mention the company name, and specify where you saw the job posting.
3. Describe Your Qualifications
Here, you describe your qualifications, experiences, skills, and abilities for the open position you want to apply for.
Ensure your qualifications are aligned with what the company is looking forward to. Give a summary background that highlights the most important points in your letter.
Moreso, you want to explain why you are the best fit for the job. Show that you are passionate about the open position, and you can help the company achieve its objectives and goals.
4. Give Reasons Why You Stand Out
Although I have explained this in step number 3 however, I want to lay more emphasis on this.
Remember that you are not the only one applying for the open position.
There are many people like you applying for the same position, the only way you can get the job is to give the reasons why you stand out.
Give them the reasons why they should hire you over other applicants.
5. Mention Why You Want The Job
This is another important part many applicants overlook. The truth is, the company wants to know why you work with or in their company.
If you don't give them solid reasons they might not call you for an interview. So, put that in your letter.
6. Include A Professional Closing
Your closing is important when writing a job application letter. You want to thank the hiring manager or recruiter for reviewing your letter and giving other additional information needed.
Mention that you look forward to hearing from them and politely close the letter.
Common closing you can use are:
- 'Yours Faithfully'
- 'Or Yours Sincerely"
- 'Yours Truly'
If you follow these tips and steps you can write a great job application letter and get hired for the open position you applied for.
Good luck!
Got any questions? See you in the comment section.
