Quick answer
A job application letter is a one-page, formal document that accompanies your CV and makes a direct case for why you should be considered for a specific role. It follows a fairly rigid structure — sender and recipient details, a subject line, a formal salutation, an opening that names the position, body paragraphs on your fit, and a closing call to action — but the content inside that structure should still sound like you, tailored to the actual job.
What is the standard structure of an application letter?
Hiring staff read a large volume of applications, so they expect the same basic shape from letter to letter. The standard structure has five parts:
- Sender and recipient details, and the date. Your name, phone number, email, and city at the top; the date below that; then the recipient's name (or job title), company name, and address if you have it.
- Subject line or salutation. A subject line such as "Application for the Role of Customer Service Officer" if you're writing an email, followed by a formal salutation — "Dear Mr. Okafor," if you have a name, or "Dear Hiring Manager," if you don't.
- Opening paragraph. State the exact position you're applying for, where you saw it advertised, and a single sentence on why you're applying.
- Body paragraph(s). One or two paragraphs highlighting the skills, qualifications, and experience most relevant to this specific role — not a repeat of your entire CV.
- Closing paragraph and sign-off. A short closing that thanks the reader, references your attached CV, and includes a call to action (requesting an interview or a call), followed by a formal sign-off and your full name.
What salutation and closing conventions are common in Nigeria?
Nigerian job applications generally follow British-style formal letter conventions, which are stricter than the more relaxed American style seen in some international guides. A few conventions worth knowing:
- Salutation: "Dear Sir/Madam," is still widely used when no contact name is given, alongside "Dear Hiring Manager,". If the advert names a specific person, address them by title and surname — "Dear Mr. Adeyemi,".
- Closing: the British convention pairs the salutation with the sign-off — "Dear Sir/Madam," closes with "Yours faithfully,"; a salutation that uses the person's name, like "Dear Mr. Adeyemi,", closes with "Yours sincerely,". Both remain common on application letters in Nigeria.
- Subject line: for emailed applications, a clear subject line stating the role and, where requested, a reference number, helps the letter get matched to the correct vacancy quickly.
- Tone: formal and respectful throughout, avoiding contractions and casual phrasing — this is not the place for "I'm" or "can't".
Sample letter 1: entry-level role
A full sample application letter for a first job or entry-level position, with no prior formal work experience. Copy it and replace the bracketed details.
[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Your City, State] 14 August 2026 The Human Resources Manager [Company Name] [Company Address] Dear Sir/Madam, APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER I am writing to apply for the position of Customer Service Officer, as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website] on [Date]. I recently graduated with a [Degree, e.g., B.Sc. in Business Administration] from [University Name], and I am eager to begin my career in a customer-facing role with a company as reputable as [Company Name]. During my final year, I completed a three-month internship at [Company/Organisation], where I handled customer enquiries, resolved complaints, and supported the front-desk team during peak periods. This experience taught me how to stay calm and professional under pressure, and how to communicate clearly with people from different backgrounds — skills I understand are central to this role. I am also proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable learning new customer-management software quickly. I have attached my CV for your review, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further at an interview. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, [Your Full Name]
Sample letter 2: experienced-hire role
A full sample application letter for a candidate with several years of relevant work experience, addressed to a named contact.
[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Your City, State] 14 August 2026 Mr. [Recipient's Surname] Head, Human Resources [Company Name] [Company Address] Dear Mr. [Recipient's Surname], APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF SENIOR ACCOUNTANT I am writing to apply for the position of Senior Accountant at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board/LinkedIn] on [Date]. With over six years of experience in financial reporting and audit within the [Industry, e.g., manufacturing] sector, I am confident I would bring immediate, relevant value to your finance team. In my current role as [Current Job Title] at [Current Company], I lead the preparation of monthly management accounts for a portfolio of [Number] business units, and I recently supervised a statutory audit that closed two weeks ahead of schedule. Before that, at [Previous Company], I implemented a reconciliation process that reduced end-of-month closing time by [Number] days. I hold a professional certification with [ICAN/ACCA/other body], and I am confident in [relevant software, e.g., SAP or QuickBooks], which I understand your team uses. I have attached my CV, which sets out my full work history and qualifications in detail. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your team's needs, and I am available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. Yours sincerely, [Your Full Name]
People also ask
What is the structure of a job application letter?
Contact details and date, a formal salutation, an opening paragraph naming the role, body paragraphs on relevant skills, and a closing call to action with a formal sign-off.
How do you address an application letter if you don't know the recipient's name?
"Dear Hiring Manager," or "Dear Sir/Madam," are both standard when no contact name is given in the advert.
How long should a job application letter be?
One page — roughly three to four short paragraphs — long enough to state the role and highlight your fit, without repeating your full CV.
What is the difference between an application letter and a CV?
A CV lists your full work history in structured detail; an application letter is a shorter narrative explaining why you're applying and why you fit this specific role.