Even a strong CV loses impact if the email delivering it is sloppy. Nigerian recruiters receive hundreds of applications a day - the ones that get opened have clean subject lines, short bodies, and attachments named correctly.
The subject line
Format: "Application for [Job Title] - [Your Full Name]"
- Good:
Application for Senior Backend Engineer - Chidinma Okafor - Bad:
job application - Bad:
CV attached - Bad:
Hello Sir, please find below
If the job advert says "Use subject line: ENG-2024-005", use that exact string. ATS systems route applications by subject line.
The email body
Four to six lines. Think of it as a shorter version of your cover letter.
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Senior Backend Engineer role you posted on Openings on 10 October. I have four years' experience building fintech infrastructure at Flutterwave and Carbon, and would welcome the chance to interview.
My CV is attached as PDF. A fuller cover letter is included in the attachment.
Reachable on 0801 234 5678 (WhatsApp) or this email.
Warm regards,
Chidinma Okafor
The attachment
- PDF only. Not DOCX unless the advert explicitly asks. PDF preserves formatting across every reader.
- Named correctly. "Chidinma Okafor - Senior Backend Engineer.pdf". Not "cv.pdf" or "CV_final_v3.pdf".
- Under 2MB. Larger files trigger spam filters or get auto-rejected by ATS.
- Open before you send. If it doesn't preview correctly on your phone, it won't on theirs.
Timing
- Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11am Nigerian time, is when inboxes get the most attention.
- Avoid Friday afternoons - your email buries over the weekend.
- Avoid 2-3am "I'll just send this before bed" - it signals desperation.
Follow-up
If you have not heard back after seven days, send one short follow-up:
Dear Hiring Manager,
Following up on my application for the Senior Backend Engineer role, sent on 10 October. Happy to re-send the CV or answer any questions.
Warm regards,
Chidinma
One follow-up only. More than that reads as pushy.
Browse live openings on Openings - every listing includes the exact application email where available.