How to Address a Cover Letter Professionally that Converts

You’ve done it. You’ve found a job vacancy that feels like a perfect fit. You spent hours polishing your CV until it shines. You’ve even written a powerful, persuasive body for your cover letter, full of your achievements and skills.

Now you’re at the very last, tiny step, and you freeze.

How do you start it?

Do you go with the classic, “safe” Dear Sir/Ma? Or is that what everyone else is doing? What if the hiring manager is a woman? What if they're younger and see “Sir/Ma” as old-fashioned?

Welcome to one of the most debated and anxiety-inducing parts of the Nigerian job application process. How you address a cover letter in Nigeria is your first handshake. It’s your first test of professionalism, resourcefulness, and attention to detail. Get it wrong, and your perfectly crafted letter might feel “dead on arrival.”

I’m here to tell you that this single step matters. In a market this competitive, you cannot afford to be average.

This is the ultimate, in-depth guide on how to address a cover letter in Nigeria. We are targeting 4000+ words, so we will cover everything:

• The Two Meanings of “Address”: We'll cover both the literal contact information blocks (your address, the company's address) and the crucial salutation (the “Dear…”)
• The Great “Dear Sir/Ma” Debate: A deep dive into why it’s a lazy, high-risk default in 2025 and what you are really signaling when you use it.
• The Gold Standard: A step-by-step, practical guide on how to find the hiring manager's name (it’s easier than you think).
• The “Naija Respect” Factor: How to correctly use titles like Dr., Engr., Barr., and Chief.
• The Definitive Ranking: The best-to-worst cover letter salutations, with examples.
• Full Templates for every scenario: a bank, a tech startup, a government role, and an unsolicited application.

By the time you finish this guide, you will be able to address any cover letter with complete confidence, setting you apart from 90% of other applicants before they've even read your first sentence.

The Literal Address

How to Format the Contact Blocks

Before we get to the salutation, let's cover the “address” in its most literal sense. This is the block of text at the very top of your letter. It’s the visual “container” for your message, and getting it right signals professionalism and attention to detail.

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS)—the software used by major Nigerian companies like MTN, Shell, KPMG, and all the big banks—also scans this section. A clean format is essential.

1.1 Your Contact Information (The Sender's Header)

This is your professional letterhead. It should be at the very top of the page. It can be left-aligned or centered, but left-aligned is the modern business standard.

What to Include:

• Your Full Name: e.g., Chiamaka Eze (Make it bold to stand out).
• Your Location: You no longer need your full street address. “Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria” or “Asokoro, Abuja, FCT” is perfect. It tells them you're local without compromising your privacy.
• Your Phone Number: Use the full international format: +234 801 234 5678. Make sure this is your primary number, preferably one on WhatsApp.
• Your Professional Email Address: This is a non-negotiable. Your career chances die with an email like hotboy_segun@yahoo.com or princess_tola@gmail.com.
  • Good: chiamaka.eze@gmail.com or c.eze@outlook.com.
  • Bad: sexy_chi@hotmail.com, ogakpatakpata@yahoo.com.
• Your LinkedIn URL: This is no longer optional in 2025. It’s your professional “second CV.” Customize your URL on LinkedIn to be clean.
  • Good: linkedin.com/in/chiamaka-eze
  • Bad: linkedin.com/in/chiamaka-eze-a123b45c/

Example Header (Left-Aligned):

Adebayo T. Johnson Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria +234 909 876 5432 | adebayo.johnson@gmail.com | https://www.google.com/search?q=linkedin.com/in/adebayojohnson

1.2 The Date

Below your contact information, leave one line of space and add the date. Use the standard Nigerian/British format. This small detail shows you are a business professional.

• Correct (Recommended): 27th October 2025
• Acceptable: 27 October 2025
• Incorrect (US Format): October 27, 2025 (Avoid this)
• Incorrect (Lazy): 27/10/25 (This is too informal for a business letter)

1.3 The Employer's Information (The Recipient's Address)

Below the date, leave another line of space and add the company's information. This is crucial. It shows you have tailored this letter and not just sent a generic blast.

• Hiring Manager's Name (if found): e.g., Ms. Funke Ibrahim
• Hiring Manager's Title: e.g., Talent Acquisition Manager
• Company Name: e.g., Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank)
• Company Address: Again, city and state are fine. e.g., Victoria Island, Lagos

1.4 Putting It All Together: The Perfect Header Format

Here is what the entire top section of your cover letter should look like. This format is clean, modern, professional, and ATS-friendly.

Chidubem Okafor Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria +234 812 345 6789 | c.okafor@gmail.com | https://www.google.com/search?q=linkedin.com/in/chidubem-okafor

27th October 2025

Ms. Tolu Adetola Head of People Operations Paystack Ikeja, Lagos

The Salutation

The Great “Dear Sir/Ma” Debate

Now we arrive at the heart of the matter. The single most common point of failure for Nigerian job applicants.

For decades, “Dear Sir/Ma” has been the default. We were taught it in school. It feels respectful. It feels safe.

I am here to tell you that in the modern job market, “Dear Sir/Ma” is the laziest, weakest, and most high-risk salutation you can use.

It’s not necessarily a fatal error—an old-school manager at a government ministry might not even notice. But in a competitive, private-sector role, this is what “Dear Sir/Ma” signals to a modern recruiter:

1. It’s Lazy: It screams, “I did not do the bare minimum of research.” It took you zero seconds to type, and it shows.
2. It’s Impersonal: It's a “To Whom It May Concern” in a Nigerian wrapper. It creates zero personal connection. You are addressing a faceless wall, not a human being.
3. It’s Outdated: In a world of tech startups, multinationals, and LinkedIn, it makes you sound old-fashioned and out of touch.
4. It's a Gamble: What if the hiring manager is a 30-year-old woman who finds “Ma” stuffy? What if the company has a strong diversity policy and prefers gender-neutral terms? You’ve created friction before they’ve even read your first sentence.

Your cover letter's goal is to make you stand out. “Dear Sir/Ma” makes you blend in with the 500 other “average” applicants who did the same thing.

You can do better. And you must.

The Gold Standard

How to Find the Hiring Manager's Name

The single best way to address a cover letter is by using the hiring manager's name. It’s personal, respectful, and shows initiative. It turns a generic blast into a direct, personal communication.

“But it's too hard! I can't find it!”

You can. It takes 10 minutes. Here is your step-by-step guide.

Method 1: LinkedIn (Your #1 Tool)

This is where you will find the name 80% of the time.

• Step 1: Check the Job Post Itself.
  • Look at who posted the job on LinkedIn. Often, the recruiter's or hiring manager's profile is right there. The post might even say, “For more info, contact Tunde Adebayo.” Boom, you have your name: “Dear Mr. Adebayo,”.
• Step 2: Search for the Recruiter.
  • Go to the LinkedIn search bar. Type: Hiring Manager at [Company Name].
  • Try variations: Talent Acquisition at [Company Name], Recruiter at [Company Name], Head of HR at [Company Name].
• Step 3: Search for the Department Head (The Best Tactic).
  • The “hiring manager” is often the Head of the department you're applying to.
  • Applying for a sales role? Search: Head of Sales at [Company Name].
  • Applying for an engineering role? Search: Head of Engineering at [Company Name].
  • Find the person? You've got your name. This is infinitely more powerful.

Method 2: The Company Website

• Check the “About Us,” “Our Team,” or “Leadership” page.
• If you're applying for a senior role, the head of your division will almost certainly be listed.
• For example, if you're applying to a law firm, the “Managing Partner” or “Head of Chambers” will be on their website.

Method 3: A Professional Phone Call (The “Bold” Move)

• This is an advanced, high-confidence move, but it works. Call the company's front desk.
• You: “Good morning, I'm preparing an application for the [Job Title] role advertised on your website. To whom should I address my cover letter?
• Receptionist: “Oh, you can send that to Mr. Emeka Okonkwo. He's the Head of IT.”
• You: “Thank you so much. Could you help me with the correct spelling of his name?”
• You are now a legend. You've shown initiative, and your letter will be 100% accurate.

Method 4: Educated Guessing

• This is a last resort. If you find the Head of HR's name is “Funke Ibrahim” but can't find the Head of Marketing, “Dear Ms. Ibrahim,” is still a thousand times better than “Dear Sir/Ma.”

The “Naija Respect” Factor

Using Names & Titles Correctly

Once you have a name, you must use it correctly. In Nigeria, titles are a huge sign of respect. Getting this right is critical.

1. Mr., Mrs., and the All-Important “Ms.”

• For Men: Dear Mr. Adebayo, (Simple).
• For Women: This is where many get it wrong.
  • Do not use Mrs. unless you are 100% certain she is married and uses that title professionally (e.g., Mrs. Ibukun Awosika).
  • Do not use Miss unless you know she is unmarried. It sounds like you're addressing a child.
  • The Gold Standard: Ms. (pronounced “Mizz”).
  • Ms. is the female equivalent of Mr. It is the professional, respectful standard and does not refer to marital status.
  • Rule: When in doubt, always use Ms.. Dear Ms. Eze, is perfect.

2. When Gender is Unclear

• You find a name like “Bimpe,” “Alex,” or “Ayo,” and you're not sure of their gender.
• Do not guess.
• The Fix: Use their full name. Dear Bimpe Adewale, or Dear Ayo Johnson,. This is a modern, gender-neutral, and completely professional solution.

3. The Power of Professional & Academic Titles in Nigeria

• In our culture, “small respect” is not enough. If someone has earned a title, use it. It shows you have done your research and are part of the culture.
• Dr.: If they have a Ph.D. or are a medical doctor, use Dear Dr. Okonjo,.
• Professor: Dear Professor Soyinka,
• Engr.: This is a very common and respected Nigerian title. If you're applying to an engineering firm and the head is Engr. Bello, using Dear Engr. Bello, shows you “get it.”
• Barr.: For lawyers. Dear Barr. Falana,
• Chief, Otunba, Alhaji, etc.: If you are applying to a very traditional, “old-money” Nigerian company, and the chairman is Chief Emeka Anyaoku, using his title is a sign of deep respect.
• Rule: Using their professional title is always better than Mr./Ms. Dear Dr. Ibrahim, beats Dear Mr. Ibrahim, every time.

The Definitive Ranking

Best-to-Worst Salutations

Here is your ultimate cheat sheet for choosing a salutation.

Rank 1 (Gold Standard): The Specific Name & Title

This is the goal. It shows research, respect, and confidence.

• Dear Mr. Adebayo,
• Dear Ms. Ibrahim,
• Dear Dr. Eze,
• Dear Engr. Bello,
• Dear Professor Okon,

Rank 2 (Silver Standard): The Safe, Modern Default

Use this when you have searched everywhere and cannot find a name.

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• This is the best alternative to “Dear Sir/Ma.” It's professional, gender-neutral, and directly addresses the person reading your letter. It is standard in modern, global business.

Rank 3 (Bronze Standard): The Specific Role or Team

This is also very good and shows you've at least targeted the letter.

• Dear [Job Title] Hiring Team,
• Dear Digital Marketing Hiring Committee,
• Dear Head of Engineering,
• Dear Graduate Recruitment Team,

Rank 4 (The “Average” Option): The Old Classic

This is what 90% of your competition will use. It's not fatal (in most places), but it's lazy and makes you blend in.

• Dear Sir/Ma,
• Dear Sir/Madam,

Rank 5 (The “Avoid” List): Too Old or Too Cold

• To Whom It May Concern,
• This is what your grandfather used. It is cold, archaic, and signals you are addressing a faceless void. It’s even worse than “Dear Sir/Ma.”

Rank 6 (The “Fatal Error” List): Too Informal

• Hi,
• Hello,
• Good Morning,
• Hi [Company Name] Team,
• This is a business letter, not a WhatsApp chat. Using these is an instant sign of unprofessionalism and will likely get your application binned.

The Bookends

Subject Lines & Closings

How you “address” a letter also includes the subject and the closing.

How to Address the Purpose (The Subject Line)

This is non-negotiable for email applications and a good idea for the letter itself. It tells the recruiter exactly what this document is about.

Make it Bold and Clear.

The Formula: RE: APPLICATION FOR THE [Job Title] POSITION (JOB ID: [If any])

Examples:

• RE: APPLICATION FOR THE SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST (FA-045)
• RE: APPLICATION FOR 2025 GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMME
• RE: APPLICATION FOR SIWES (IT) PLACEMENT – MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
• RE: INQUIRY FOR NYSC PLACEMENT (LAGOS – LA/25A/1234)

How to “Close” the Address (The Complimentary Close)

This is the final piece of the puzzle. There is a simple, unbreakable rule of British/Nigerian business etiquette.

THE GOLDEN RULE:

1. If you started with a specific name (Dear Mr. Adebayo,):
   • You MUST end with: Yours sincerely,
2. If you started with a generic salutation (Dear Hiring Manager, or Dear Sir/Ma,):
   • You MUST end with: Yours faithfully,

This tiny detail is a shibboleth—a secret password. Getting it right instantly signals that you are a polished professional. Getting it wrong signals you don't know the rules.

The Final Block:

Yours sincerely,

(Leave 3-4 lines of space for your digital/wet signature)

Adebayo T. Johnson

Putting It All Together (Full Nigerian Examples)

Let's see this in action. Here are 5 scenarios showing the full addressing block (Header, Date, Recipient, Subject, Salutation, and Closing).

Example 1: The Gold Standard (Applying to a Bank)

• Scenario: You're applying for an Analyst role at Access Bank. You searched LinkedIn and found the Head of Graduate Recruitment is “Ms. Funke Ibrahim.”
• Result: A perfectly tailored, professional letter.

Chiamaka Eze Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria +234 801 234 5678 | chiamaka.eze@gmail.com | https://www.google.com/search?q=linkedin.com/in/chiamaka-eze

27th October 2025

Ms. Funke Ibrahim Head of Graduate Recruitment Access Bank PLC Victoria Island, Lagos

RE: APPLICATION FOR THE 2025 GRADUATE ANALYST PROGRAMME

Dear Ms. Ibrahim,

[Your powerful letter body goes here…]

Yours sincerely,

Chiamaka Eze

Example 2: The Modern Default (Applying to a Tech Startup)

• Scenario: You're applying for a UI/UX role at a tech startup in Yaba. The job was posted on Jobberman with a generic careers@startup.ng email. You searched but can't find a name.
• Result: You use the safe, modern default.

David Akpan Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria +234 812 345 6789 | david.akpan.dev@gmail.com | https://www.google.com/search?q=linkedin.com/in/david-akpan

27th October 2025

The Hiring Manager [Startup Name] Yaba, Lagos

RE: APPLICATION FOR THE UI/UX DESIGNER POSITION

Dear Hiring Manager,

[Your powerful letter body goes here…]

Yours faithfully,

David Akpan

Example 3: The “Naija Respect” (Applying to an Engineering Firm)

• Scenario: You're a Civil Engineer applying to a top Nigerian construction firm. You check their website and see the Head of Engineering is “Engr. Mustapha Bello.”
• Result: You show deep cultural and professional respect.

(Your Name & Header)

27th October 2025

Engr. Mustapha Bello Head of Engineering [Construction Firm Name] Maitama, Abuja, FCT

RE: APPLICATION FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEER (SITE) POSITION

Dear Engr. Bello,

[Your powerful letter body goes here…]

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)

Example 4: The Unclear Gender (Full Name Fix)

• Scenario: You're applying to a creative agency. The job was posted by “Ayo Johnson” on LinkedIn. You're not sure if Ayo is male or female.
• Result: You bypass the problem professionally.

(Your Name & Header)

27th October 2025

Ayo Johnson Creative Director [Agency Name] Ikeja, Lagos

RE: APPLICATION FOR THE JUNIOR COPYWRITER ROLE

Dear Ayo Johnson,

[Your powerful letter body goes here…]

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)

Example 5: The “Old School” (Applying to a Government Ministry)

• Scenario: You are applying for a role at a Federal Ministry. You can't find the name of the HR Director.
• Result: This is one of the few times “Dear Sir/Ma” is less of a risk. But… a better option still exists.

(Your Name & Header)

27th October 2025

The Director, Human Resources Federal Ministry of [Ministry Name] Federal Secretariat, Abuja, FCT

RE: APPLICATION FOR THE [Job Title] POSITION

Dear Sir/Ma,

[Your powerful letter body goes here…]

Yours faithfully,

(Your Name)

Note: Even in this case, Dear Director, Human Resources, is a much stronger and more specific salutation than “Dear Sir/Ma.”

Final Checklist & Key Takeaways

You now have all the tools. How you address your cover letter is your first test. Don't fail it.

1. “Address” Means Two Things: Get the Contact Blocks (your info, date, company info) clean and right.
2. “Dear Sir/Ma” is Dead (or Dying): It's the lazy, average, high-risk option. Avoid it.
3. Research is Your Weapon: Spend 10 minutes on LinkedIn. Find a name. It's the #1 way to stand out.
4. The New Default: If you can't find a name, the new, safe, modern standard is Dear Hiring Manager,.
5. Respect the Titles: In Nigeria, Dr., Engr., and Prof. are not optional. Use them.
6. Use Ms. for Women: It's the professional standard.
7. Know the Golden Rule:
   • Dear [Name], -> Yours sincerely,
   • Dear [Generic], -> Yours faithfully,

You are no longer an average applicant. You are a resourceful, respectful, and detail-oriented professional. Go and address that letter with the confidence of someone who is about to get the job.