What Is a Motivation Letter?
So, what is a motivation letter, you ask? Well, it’s a short letter that explains why you’re the perfect fit for a job. We’re talking just one page here. It’s your chance to highlight your achievements and showcase your interests.
Typically, you’ll attach a motivation letter to your resume when you apply for a job. But that’s not all. You can use it in other situations, like applying to a college or university, an educational program, an internship, or even a volunteer role.
Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t that what a cover letter is for?” Great question! There are indeed similarities and differences between these two documents. We’ll break it down for you in just a bit.
Motivation Letter vs. Cover Letter
Now, let’s talk about cover letters and motivation letters. They might seem pretty similar at first glance—both are 1 page or less and go along with your resume and application. Their goal? To impress the hiring manager and make them seriously consider your application.
But here’s the scoop: there’s one key difference between these two types of letters.
Cover letters dive into the nitty-gritty, with specific examples of how your education, skills, job experience, and achievements perfectly align with the job requirements. They concentrate on highlighting your work experience.
On the flip side, motivation letters take a broader approach. Instead of focusing on specifics, they showcase your interests, personality traits, and the reasons behind your application. They’re great when you don’t have much relevant experience to share. We’ll dig into this more in the next section.
See? Cover letters and motivation letters each have their own superpower. Let’s discover how to make the most of motivation letters for your dream job!
When to Use a Motivation Letter
As mentioned above, if you lack experience directly related to the position you want, a motivation letter can be a real game-changer. It’s perfect for those entry-level roles you’re aiming for.
1. Motivation letter for university
Now, let’s dive into some specific situations. When it comes to applying to university, your application alone might not fully capture your passion and excitement. That’s where a motivation letter jumps in to save the day.
Use it as a platform to highlight your special connections with the university, why you’ve always dreamed of attending that specific school, or why you’d be an amazing fit for their programs. Show them the real you!
2. Motivation letter for a job
And when it’s time to land your very first entry-level job, you might not have the work experience to boast about on your resume just yet. But don’t worry! Your enthusiasm and unique qualities can shine through in your motivation letter. It’s all about what makes you stand out from the crowd.
3. Other times to use motivation letters
Here’s something super cool: motivation letters aren’t limited to just education or employment. They can work their magic for other opportunities too.
Just imagine the impact a motivational letter could have on your application for a volunteer position or an internship. It could be a total game-changer.
How to Format a Motivation Letter
The structure of a motivation letter is very important because it helps you present your ideas and showcase your desire to make a real impact in a new company.
In this section, we’ll dive into the key parts of a motivation letter: the introduction, body, and conclusion. But that’s not all! We’re also here to guide you on what to include in each section, so you can create a compelling, well-formed letter.
Introduction and recipient information
Starting your motivation letter with a professional salutation is the way to go. It shows that you mean business. Make sure to address the recipient by their name and title if you have that information. It adds a personal touch and shows that you’ve done your homework.
But if you don’t have the recipient’s name, don’t stress. You can use a general salutation like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” It’s totally okay and still professional.
Next comes the introduction. It’s all about giving a brief introduction of yourself and stating the purpose of the letter. Are you applying for a job, internship, or scholarship? Let them know! Keep it concise and to the point.
Body
Write a letter to say why you want the job and what makes you good at it. Split the body into 2 or 3 paragraphs, so it’s easy to read.
Conclusion
Finish your motivation letter layout by going over what you said and showing how excited you are about the job.
Let them know you’re ready to talk more and give them a way to contact you. Close your letter with words like “Sincerely” and then put your name.
A well-structured letter, with attention to detail, effectively presents your eagerness and qualifications for the position.
