Application Letter Format in Nigeria
Most of the time, some employers prefer to receive an application letter for a vacant position instead of a CV and cover letter. You should use a standard application letter when applying for a job because that’s puts you a standard level ahead of your interview.
Writing a standard application letter will help showcase your personality, your skills, and relevant achievements that is definitely going to thrill the hiring manager’s attention. Application letter basically highlights the key qualifications that qualify you for a role because a standard application letter can impress a possible employer, and it sets you ahead of other applicants. In your letter, you’d also want to point out your familiarity with the organization to which you’re applying.
In this article, we will discuss how to write an application letter in Nigeria;
What is the application letter format?
- Research and properly understand the organization and job role.
2.Making a decision on your application format.
- Address the heading of the letter
- Address the letter to the Hiring Manager or recruiter
- State why you are interested in the position
- Mention noteworthy things like Education background
- Include key aspects that make you stand out amidst other applicants.
- Express gratitude
- Closing
Application Letter Format in Nigeria
RESEARCH AND PROPERLY UNDERSTAND THE COMPANY AND JOB ROLE
Its important to make a research about the company before you go ahead in writing your application letter. The essence is to know the organization, and the job role you’re applying for. This will ensure that your prospective employer notices your application amongst others. Now apart from the fact that you will stand out, researching a company and understanding the role of the position before writing your letter will make it more easier for you to compose your letter.
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MAKE A DECISION ON YOUR APPLICATION FORMAT
Just after making your research on the company, and you getting a sufficient understanding of the job role. You are expected to create a rough draft of the application letter, supporting it with your research before writing the final one. Another step is addressing the header of your application letter is important. Although, ‘salutation’ is one aspect of the application letter that the employer or hiring manager will likely see first as soon as they open the application letter, not withstanding, the heading of your letter should be written with care. You need to use a proper business heading for your application letter, the heading should include your name, contact information, address and date, on the right side of your application letter, then if need be, the name of the hiring manager, the company’s name, and the company’s address, on the left side of your letter.
ADDRESS THE LETTER TO THE HIRING MANAGER OR RECRUITER
How you address the hiring manager or recruiter is very important as he/she can sense your manner of tone from the way you write. Treat the receiving party with respect when you are writing your application letter. Be polite, and use formal and proper language when writing. Avoid using any slang or shortened words because this might provoke the recipient. Also address your letter carefully with a typical business greeting, like ‘Dear Mr/Mrs.’, ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘Dear Hiring Manager’.
STATE WHY YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE JOB
Describing your interest should be your introduction, but you must be brief. As much as you are giving your prospective employers reasons why you are the most reliable for the job, you really should not bore them. Due to the high number of candidates your employer has on a daily, they wont be ready to spend much time reading a single application letter looking like some history book. Keep it short!
MENTION NOTEWORTHY THINGS LIKE EDUCATION
Finish this section by saying how long you have been at this occupation and mention any other qualifications from formal training courses taken, extra-curricular or outside academic education that could help qualify you for this position, that’s if not already mentioned above.
INCLUDE KEY ASPECTS THAT STANDS YOU OUT
When you are writing your application letter, consider how you’ll be able to combine some aspects of your personality in relation to the position. It is important put in key aspects in your application letter that stands you out as an applicant.
EXPRESS GRATITUDE
Before you sign out in your letter, express your appreciation to the hiring manager manager for reviewing your letter and considering you for the position. The hiring manager is taking the time to read what you must have written, it is only proper and right to express your gratitude politely and professionally in your last paragraph.
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CLOSING
Close the letter on a good note. The hiring manager has taken time to read your application letter, he might have even done this in one of those Lagos traffics, you have to thank him or her in taking time to read your letter. A formal application letter closing note should be polite, courteous, and respectful. For example; Yours ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Faithfully’.
