This guide walks you through writing a job application letter, step by step. It also provides a sample application letter you can adapt, and a basic cover letter for a job application to work from, so that the subject is covered in full.

 

Putting together a letter of application can feel either daunting or simple, particularly when the post is one you badly want. Approach it the right way, though, and you can produce a persuasive, polished letter that sets you apart from other applicants in the eyes of prospective employers.

 

Also read Writing an application letter for a teaching job in Nigeria

 

Ejes Gist News Nigeria has assembled a detailed guide on writing a job application letter, set out in the steps below.

  1. Look into the employer and the vacancy
    Before you start drafting, take time to understand both the organisation and the position on offer. Knowing the company’s values, objectives and needs lets you shape the letter around them and show how you would help it succeed. The company website, its social media pages and news articles are all useful sources of such information.
  2. Write to the correct person
    Getting the recipient right matters if you want to create a good first impression. Where the advert names the hiring manager, use that name. If it does not, spend a little time establishing who handles recruitment — a call to the company’s front desk or a look at its LinkedIn page will usually tell you. Quote the person’s name and title in the salutation, as in “Dear Ms. Johnson” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”
  3. Make your opening count
    The first paragraph needs to be brief and to hold attention. State who you are and which post you are seeking, then explain where you came across the vacancy and what draws you to it. A short outline of your qualifications and experience can follow, for instance: “I am an experienced marketing professional with a passion for developing innovative campaigns that drive results.”
  4. Showcase the experience and skills that fit
    The main body of the letter is where you demonstrate that your background suits the role. Give concrete examples of what you have achieved and tie them to what the job demands. If the advert asks for project management experience, for instance, you might write: “As a project manager at XYZ Company, I led a team of 10 people to successfully complete a complex project within the given deadline and budget.”
  5. Let your interest in the role and the company show
    Beyond setting out your qualifications, make clear why the job appeals to you and how it fits into your career plans. Touching on any personal connection you have to the company or the sector can help, as in: “I’ve been following your company’s success for many years and am impressed by your dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.”
  6. Finish with a clear call to action
    The final paragraph should spur the hiring manager to invite you for interview. Thank the reader for considering your application, say that you would welcome the chance to discuss your qualifications in person, and give your telephone number and email address. A line conveying confidence and enthusiasm works well, such as: “I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your team and look forward to hearing from you soon.”
  7. Revise and proofread
    Go through the letter carefully before sending it. Look out for typing mistakes, grammatical slips and problems with the layout, and read it aloud to check that the sentences run smoothly and make sense. Asking a friend or a mentor to go over it and offer comments is another useful step.

 

 

A few further pointers will help you produce a strong and effective application letter:

  1. Keep the format professional: Set the letter out with a clear, concise structure. Choose a standard typeface such as Times New Roman or Arial at a legible size of between 10 and 12 pt. Your own contact details belong at the top of the page, followed by the date and the recipient’s information.
  2. Tailor every letter: A generic template rarely works. Adapt the letter to the particular job and organisation, using language and examples that reflect its values and needs, and show what you would bring to its success.
  3. Be clear and concise: Keep the letter direct and to the point. Jargon, acronyms and complicated phrasing get in the way; simple, straightforward language communicates your qualifications and experience far better.
  4. Back up what you claim: Support your statements with evidence of your qualifications and experience, drawing on specific examples and achievements that show what you can do. This helps the hiring manager see the contribution you would make to the team.
  5. Follow up: Once the letter has been sent, contact the hiring manager to confirm that it arrived and to restate your continued interest in the job. A courteous email or telephone call serves this purpose and helps keep your application in mind.

Keeping these points in view will help your letter stand out and put your qualifications and enthusiasm across effectively.

Below is an example of a straightforward job application letter:

[Your Address]

[City, State ]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[Date]

[Employer’s Name]

[Company Name]

[Address]

[City, State ]

 

Dear Hiring Manager,

I wish to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I saw the vacancy advertised on [where you found the job posting] and would be glad of the chance to join your team.

My background spans [number of years] years in [related field], and I believe the skills and qualifications I have built up make me a strong candidate for the post. [Here you can briefly mention your relevant skills and experience, and how they match the job requirements.]

I am confident that my [skill/experience/achievement] would be a valuable contribution to your company. I learn quickly, work well within a team and care deeply about [related field or industry]. Working for a company whose values and commitment to [related value or goal] match my own would be a welcome opportunity.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further at interview. Please find my resume attached for your review.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

 

Don’t forget to sign.

 

A straightforward job application letter

 

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Dear [Hiring Manager],

I wish to apply for the [position] role advertised on [website/newspaper/other source]. With my background as a [relevant experience or education], I am convinced that I hold the skills and qualifications needed to do well in this role.

While working at [previous employer], I developed valuable experience in [relevant skills or responsibilities], and I have shown that I can [specific achievement or accomplishment].

Joining your team and adding to [company name]’s success would be a welcome opportunity. I learn quickly, adapt easily and approach my work with real discipline. My skills and experience, I believe, make me a strong candidate for the role.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your name].

 

 

Further samples of straightforward job application letters:

Example 1

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am applying for the [position] role at [company name]. Having recently completed a degree in [relevant field], I would relish the chance to put my skills and knowledge to work in a dynamic, growing organisation such as yours.

While studying, I built practical experience through internships and extracurricular activities. My abilities in [relevant skills], combined with my experience in [relevant experience], make me a strong candidate for the role, I believe.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

 

Example 2

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am eager to apply for the [position] role at [company name]. With [number] years of experience in [relevant field], I have a proven record of delivering results and surpassing expectations.

In my present job at [current employer], I have shown that I can [specific achievements or accomplishments]. My skills in [relevant skills] and my experience in [relevant experience] make me a strong candidate, in my view.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Example 3

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I wish to apply for the [position] role at [company name]. I am a committed and enthusiastic individual with experience in [relevant field], and I am confident that I hold the skills and qualifications the role requires.

In previous positions at [previous employer], I gained valuable experience in [relevant skills or responsibilities] and demonstrated my ability to [specific achievement or accomplishment].

The prospect of joining your team and contributing to [company name]’s success excites me. I learn quickly, adapt readily and work hard. My skills and experience, I believe, make me a strong candidate for the role.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

 

With that, you have covered the essentials of writing a job application letter. Thanks.