P_How to Write a Motivation Letter

How to Write a Motivation or Cover Letter Research Before you start typing make sure you have a solid notion of the program or internship you are applying to. This can be as easy as checking out their official website or looking through brochures that are usually provided at your college or job fair. Look through their history, values and description of the program and highlight or select what you consider to be relevant key points to include in your application. Understanding the basic structure Mastering the basic structure of a motivation or cover letter is crucial. An organized letter is easier on the eye and catches the attention of the reader. •

Paragraph 1: Briefly introduce yourself and tell you want to apply and why.

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Paragraph 2: Explain the importance of the course/degree/internship in your life and as the next step on your career or academic path. Explain the logic behind your choice and what led up to that choice – for example, if you are applying for a degree or a specific course, did you chose it because of its teaching methods, the quality of the academic program, because it has renown professors or the excellence of the school? This is where you should include as best as you can the research you have made previously. You should, of course, use your own words.

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Paragraph 3: Mention work experience, relevant activities or hobbies that are relevant to your application. Don’t over clutter your letter with meaningless activities that have nothing to do with what you are applying for.

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Paragraph 4: Explain any distinctive personality traits with examples you have and why they are beneficial for your application. You should tie these personality traits with the information you have given previously or else you will end up praising yourself with nothing to back you up. For example, if you have participated in an association in school and mentioned that in paragraph 3, you can use that example as something that has improved your ability to work in group and cooperate, which can be something decisive for the job you are applying for.

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Paragraph 5: Finish by summarizing your goals for the program, your wish to be involved and how it could benefit you in the long run and benefit them as well. Try to make a memorable closing comment.

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Be wary of quotes in your motivation letter. Many people do it these days because it looks smart on a cover letter but most of the time, applicants use quotes from publications they never read. That can look pretentious for some recruiters and in other cases, if an interview is required, they can ask about that particular quote or where you read it. Don’t try to be funny or humorous in your letter, unless you know the precise person who will read your letter or if it somehow has to do with the position you are applying to. You never know who’s behind the screen reading your application and a recruiter with a lack of humour may ignore a brilliantly written cover letter because of that. Don’t take political, religious or any personal viewpoints. Once again, you never know who is reading your application and a motivation letter should be neutral and to the point. Don’t start every sentence with “I”. The key is to talk about yourself without sounding pretentious or arrogant so try to come up with different ways to explain your background and goals. Try not to repeat things you’ve already mentioned in your application form. You can mention an activity in order to explain your motivation but not for the sake of just making a list of everything you have ever done. That’s what an application form and CV are for; a cover letter is the key to convince the recruiter to choose you, based on your passion for the program. Don’t use vocabulary you would never use in other occasions. Be formal, neutral and concise but don’t try to look smart just by using words you need to look up in the dictionary.