How to Write a Cover Letter for Nigerian Jobs (With Sample)

Many Nigerian job applications still ask for a cover letter, whether you are applying to a bank graduate programme, an NGO, a multinational or a small business through email. Yet many applicants send a generic letter that begins “I wish to apply for the above-named position” and repeats their CV. Recruiters reading hundreds of applications skip those quickly. This guide shows you how to write a short, specific cover letter that gets read, with a structure you can reuse, a sample, and tips for email applications and online portals.

What a cover letter is for

Your CV lists what you have done. Your cover letter explains why you fit this specific role at this specific organisation, and gives one or two pieces of evidence. It also shows that you can write clearly, which matters for almost every office job. A good cover letter is short: usually 250 to 400 words, or three to five paragraphs.

Before you write: research for 15 minutes

1. Read the job description twice. Highlight the top three to five requirements: skills, experience, qualities.
2. Check the organisation’s website and LinkedIn page. Note its products, recent news, values or projects.
3. Find a name. If the advert names a recruiter or hiring manager, address them. If not, “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine.
4. Match your evidence. For each top requirement, write down one example from your work, NYSC, internship, school project or volunteering.

The five-part structure

1. Header and greeting

For a letter attached as a PDF, include your name, phone number, email and LinkedIn URL at the top, then the date and the recipient’s name and organisation. For an email application, the email itself can serve as the cover letter (see below).

2. Opening paragraph: the role and your hook

Name the role, where you saw it, and one strong reason you fit. Skip the clichés.

Weak: “I write to apply for the above-named position advertised in your organisation.”

Stronger: “I am applying for the Customer Experience Associate role advertised on LinkedIn. In my NYSC year at a microfinance bank, I handled an average of 40 customer enquiries a day and helped reduce the branch’s complaint backlog, and I would like to bring that experience to your team.”

Only use numbers you can back up. If you don’t have a figure, describe the result in words.

3. Evidence paragraph(s): match their needs

Pick two or three requirements from the job description and give a short example for each. A useful pattern is: requirement → what you did → result. This is the same idea as the STAR method we explain in our interview tips guide.

4. Why this organisation

One or two sentences showing you know who they are: a product you use, an expansion, a value that matches yours. This is what separates your letter from a copy-paste one.

5. Closing: a confident next step

Thank them, say you would welcome an interview, and sign off. “Yours faithfully” is traditional when you don’t know the name; “Yours sincerely” when you do; “Kind regards” is common in email.

Sample cover letter (graduate role)

The details below are fictional and for illustration.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am applying for the Graduate Trainee (Finance) role advertised on your careers page. I graduated with a BSc in Accounting from the University of Ibadan and completed my NYSC at a state revenue office, where I supported the team reconciling daily collection records.

Your advert asks for strong Excel skills and attention to detail. During NYSC I built a simple spreadsheet tracker that helped my supervisor spot mismatches between bank records and receipts more quickly. You also mention teamwork under deadlines. As my department’s final-year project coordinator, I organised a group of five to submit our research on time, despite the strike disruptions.

I am drawn to your company because of its growth into new states and its focus on training graduates through structured rotations. I would value the chance to learn across finance functions while contributing to accurate reporting.

Thank you for considering my application. My CV is attached, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute.

Yours faithfully,
Adaeze Okafor
0803 000 0000 | adaeze.okafor@email.com

Email applications: the email is the cover letter

Many Nigerian employers ask candidates to “send CV to careers@company.com”. In that case:

• Subject line: use exactly what the advert asks for. If nothing is specified, use “Application: [Job Title] – [Your Name]”.
• Body: write a shorter version of your cover letter (120–200 words) directly in the email. Do not send a blank email with only attachments.
• Attachments: your CV as a PDF named “Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf”, plus a cover letter PDF if requested.
• Professional email address: use a simple name-based address.
• Check twice: the right company name, role and attachments. Sending a letter addressed to another company is a common, fatal mistake.

Online portals and ATS

Large employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS). If there is a cover letter box, paste plain text without special formatting. Use the same keywords as the job description where they truthfully describe you. Our ATS-friendly CV guide explains how these systems read documents.

Common mistakes Nigerian recruiters complain about

• Starting with “I humbly apply” or “I wish to apply for the above-named post.”
• Repeating the entire CV in paragraph form.
• Writing more than one page.
• Including irrelevant personal details such as state of origin, religion or marital status unless the employer specifically requests them.
• Spelling errors, especially in the company name.
• Begging tone (“please give me this job, I have been unemployed for long”). Be confident and focused on what you offer.
• Using the same letter for every job.

Tailoring quickly when applying to many jobs

You don’t need to start from zero each time. Keep a master document with:

• three or four strong opening hooks;
• a bank of evidence paragraphs for common requirements (communication, Excel, sales, customer service, leadership, problem-solving);
• a list of “why this company” notes for target employers.

Then assemble and adjust for each job. Ten minutes of tailoring beats sending fifty identical letters.

Pair it with a strong CV

Your cover letter gets attention; your CV confirms it. If your CV needs work, the CV Templates Pack includes Classic, Modern and Graduate layouts in Word and PDF, designed to be readable by ATS. For the next step, read our LinkedIn profile tips, since recruiters often check your profile after reading your letter.

Final proofreading checklist

• Correct company name, role title and recipient.
• No spelling or grammar errors; read it aloud once.
• Under one page, with your contact details included.

Frequently asked questions

Do Nigerian employers still read cover letters?

Many do, especially for graduate programmes, NGOs and roles requiring good writing. Where it’s optional, a short tailored letter can still set you apart.

How long should a cover letter be?

Usually 250 to 400 words and never more than one page.

Should I mention salary expectations?

Only if the advert asks. If it does, give a researched range. See our salary negotiation guide.

Can I use AI to write my cover letter?

You can use tools to help draft, but edit heavily so it reflects your real experience and voice. Generic, obviously generated letters are easy to spot.

What if I have no work experience?

Use NYSC, internships, SIWES, school projects, volunteering, church or community roles, and side hustles as evidence of skills.

This guide is general career information. Always follow the specific instructions in each job advert.