Motivation letter template
To write a strong motivation letter, focus on clarity and directness. Highlight why you’re applying and what you bring to the table. Mention your qualifications, experience, and specific reasons for your interest in the opportunity. Avoid unnecessary fluff and aim to make every sentence count.
Structure your letter logically. Start with a brief introduction, followed by your motivation, and conclude with a call to action. This clear structure helps your reader follow your points easily. Tailor each letter to the position or program you’re applying for; generic letters stand out for all the wrong reasons.
Be confident, yet humble. Showcase your skills and experiences, but don’t exaggerate. Let your genuine interest and commitment come across. This balance will make your letter more relatable and convincing.
Lastly, keep the tone professional but approachable. A friendly yet formal approach will leave a lasting impression, making you seem both competent and approachable.
Here’s the revised version:
Ensure your motivation letter is clear and concise. Start by stating your interest in the position and why you’re drawn to the company or organization.
Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve applied these skills in previous positions or projects.
Be honest and direct about your aspirations. Share what you aim to achieve in the role and how you plan to contribute to the team’s success.
- Use a professional but approachable tone.
- Avoid repeating information already included in your CV or resume.
- Keep your letter to one page.
- Personalize it for each job application to show genuine interest.
End with a call to action, expressing your eagerness to discuss the opportunity further in an interview.
- Choosing the Ideal Format for Your Letter
Use a professional, clean format to ensure your letter is easy to read and visually appealing. Stick to a traditional structure with clear sections: your contact information at the top, followed by the recipient’s details, a formal greeting, the body of the letter, and a polite closing. This approach is universally accepted and ensures that the reader can easily follow the content.
For the font, opt for something simple and readable, such as Arial or Times New Roman, in a 10-12 point size. Keep margins at 1 inch on all sides for a neat presentation. The alignment should be left-justified throughout the document. A well-organized letter reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
Ensure consistency in formatting. Use the same font and size throughout the document, and avoid excessive use of bold or italics. This helps maintain a polished, cohesive look.
Open with a strong and clear statement of your intent. Indicate immediately why you are applying and what excites you about the opportunity. Avoid generic openings–get straight to the point. For example, express how your skills align with the company’s goals or how the role fits your career aspirations.
Make Your Opening Personal
Avoid using impersonal phrases like “To whom it may concern.” Address the reader directly, preferably by name, if you have that information. A personalized introduction creates a stronger connection and shows you’ve done your research. If you’re uncertain, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a safe option.
Be Concise and Specific
Keep your introduction brief. Focus on your motivation and what makes you an ideal candidate. Avoid unnecessary background details that don’t directly support your application. The first few lines should leave the reader eager to continue and explore how you will contribute to their organization.
| What to Include | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Clear reason for applying | Overly formal or distant tone |
| Personal connection to the role | Generic statements |
| Concise and direct language | Excessive background details |
Clearly state how your skills align with the job description. Focus on specific qualifications the employer is seeking, and match them with your experience. Show your understanding of the company’s needs and explain how you can fulfill them.
Be direct and concise. Avoid listing generic traits or skills; instead, provide concrete examples of how you have demonstrated the required qualities in past roles. Highlight achievements that directly relate to the job’s responsibilities.
Keep the tone confident but humble, acknowledging your strengths while expressing your interest in learning and growing within the company. Ensure you address how your goals align with the employer’s objectives, demonstrating your commitment to contributing to their success.
Lastly, tailor your letter to each specific job application. Generic letters do not resonate with employers who want to see that you’ve put thought into how you can meet their expectations.
Highlight how your values align with the company’s mission and working environment. Reflect on experiences where you embraced similar values in past roles or personal projects. If the company emphasizes teamwork, share examples of successful collaboration or how you thrive in team settings. For a company focused on innovation, discuss your proactive approach to problem-solving and learning new skills. Tailor your examples to the specific traits and culture of the company, showcasing how you’ll contribute positively to their existing team dynamics.
Focus on specific outcomes and measurable results. When detailing achievements, include numbers, percentages, or tangible examples to showcase your impact. For example, instead of stating you “improved sales,” mention you “increased sales by 30% within six months.” This makes your success quantifiable and gives a clear picture of your abilities.
Be concise and direct. Avoid unnecessary details or vague statements that don’t add value. Keep the focus on what you accomplished and how it benefited the organization or project. For instance, “Led a team of five to complete a project two weeks ahead of schedule, saving the company $10,000” communicates both leadership and efficiency.
Use strong action verbs. Words like “spearheaded,” “achieved,” and “optimized” highlight your active role in the success. These verbs convey initiative and drive, making your achievements stand out in a competitive environment.
End your motivation letter with a strong call to action that leaves a lasting impression. Summarize your key points concisely, and directly express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Reaffirm your commitment to contributing to the role or organization you’re applying for, and offer a glimpse of the value you can bring. Avoid vague statements and focus on clarity and purpose.
Be Confident and Direct
Avoid leaving the reader with uncertainty. Clearly state that you look forward to discussing how your skills align with the position. For instance, “I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and am confident that my background in [specific skill/industry] will allow me to make a positive impact.”
Express Gratitude
Finish by thanking the reader for their time and consideration. A simple “Thank you for considering my application” adds a polite and professional touch that strengthens your closing statement.
Keep your motivation letter concise and to the point. Use clear, simple language that directly addresses the key points the employer is looking for.
- Focus on how your skills match the job description.
- Highlight relevant experience that aligns with the role’s requirements.
- Avoid generic statements–show, don’t tell, how you fit the company culture and values.
- Express your genuine interest in the specific role and company.
- Close with a strong call to action, inviting the reader to follow up or arrange an interview.
Each section of your letter should serve a purpose. Make sure your writing stays focused and avoids unnecessary fluff. This will help your letter stand out by demonstrating your understanding of the position and your enthusiasm for the opportunity.