A well-written cover letter can be the difference between your CV being ignored and getting that all-important interview call. In Nigeria’s competitive job market, recruiters often receive hundreds of applications for a single position, and your cover letter is your chance to stand out.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to write a Nigerian-style cover letter that is professional, persuasive, and tailored to the job you want.
You can try our cover letter generator – Here
1. Understand the Purpose of a Cover Letter
Your cover letter is not a copy of your CV. Instead, it should:
- Introduce you to the employer
- Explain why you’re the best fit for the role
- Highlight key achievements that match the job requirements
- Show that you understand the company’s needs
Think of it as your sales pitch to the recruiter.
2. Research Before You Write
Before you start typing:
- Check the job description: Note the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
- Research the company: Understand their industry, values, and current challenges.
- Find the recruiter’s name: If possible, address your letter to a specific person instead of “Dear Sir/Madam.”
You can try our cover letter generator – Here
3. Use the Correct Nigerian Cover Letter Format
Recruiters in Nigeria prefer clear, simple, and professional layouts.
Basic Structure:
- Header: Your name, address, phone number, and email
- Date
- Employer’s contact details
- Salutation (Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name])
- Opening paragraph – Introduce yourself and the position you’re applying for
- Middle paragraph(s) – Show how your skills match the job
- Closing paragraph – Express enthusiasm and invite them to contact you
- Signature
4. Write a Strong Opening
Your first line should grab attention. Avoid generic phrases like:
“I am writing to apply for the position of…”
Instead, try:
“With three years of experience increasing sales revenue by 40% in the FMCG sector, I am excited to apply for the Sales Executive role at XYZ Company.”
This immediately shows your value.
5. Match Your Skills to the Job
In the body of your letter:
- Pick 2–3 key requirements from the job description
- Show specific achievements related to those skills
- Use numbers, percentages, or measurable results when possible
Example:
“At ABC Ltd, I managed a team of 10 and implemented a customer feedback system that reduced complaint resolution time from 5 days to 2 days.”
6. Keep It Short
Recruiters spend less than 30 seconds scanning a cover letter.
Aim for 150–250 words — one page maximum.
7. End with a Clear Call-to-Action
A strong closing could be:
“I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your team’s goals. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.”
8. Common Mistakes Nigerian Job Seekers Make
- Copy-pasting generic cover letters for every job
- Focusing on what you want, instead of what the company needs
- Using casual language (e.g., “Hi” instead of “Dear”)
- Ignoring instructions in the job posting
- Submitting without proofreading for grammar and spelling errors
9. Sample Nigerian Cover Letter
(You can adapt this to suit your industry and role.)
John Okafor
12 Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos
+234 812 345 6789
[email protected]
10 August 2025
HR Manager
XYZ Company
Victoria Island, Lagos
Dear Mrs. Adeyemi,
I am excited to apply for the Digital Marketing Officer position at XYZ Company. With over four years of experience driving online campaigns that boosted website traffic by 65% and increased sales by 30%, I believe I can deliver similar results for your team.
In my current role at ABC Ltd, I developed social media strategies that grew our Instagram followers from 5,000 to 25,000 in under a year. I also spearheaded a Google Ads campaign that generated over ₦10 million in revenue. These results were achieved by combining data-driven marketing with creative content.
I am impressed by XYZ Company’s innovative approach to digital engagement and would be proud to contribute my expertise to further your growth. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at 0812 345 6789.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
John Okafor
You can try our cover letter generator – Here
10. Final Tips
- Always customize your cover letter for each job.
- Use a professional email address (e.g., [email protected]).
- Attach your cover letter as a PDF to preserve formatting.
You can try our cover letter generator – Here
