How to Write a Motivation Letter With Examples

Have you ever heard of a motivation letter? It’s a powerful tool to help you snag that dream job and it’s becoming increasingly popular.

Let’s dive into what exactly a motivation letter is when it’s best to use one, and how to write it. And don’t worry, we’ve got some inspiring examples to share with you too!

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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.

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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? Impressing the hiring manager and making 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!

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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 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.

• Why you want the job: In the first part, tell why you want the job. Say what you like about the company and how the job fits your plans.

• What you can do: In the next part, talk about what you can do. Share things you’ve done before that show you’re right for the job. Use real examples to show your skills.

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.

How to Write a Motivation Letter

If you find that writing a resume and cover letter is a challenge, you might feel that motivation letters are intimidating as well. The good news is, they don’t have to be!

Create a Motivation Letter Template

Now you know how a motivation letter should look. Let’s get into the details.

To know exactly how to write a motivation letter for a job application, it’s really important to include all the necessary details. It should be like a regular business letter. Keep it professional and follow the usual format.

Use the steps below to show why you’re the best for the job.

1. Use a template: A motivation letter template can help you write better and not miss anything.
2. Your address: Put your address at the top or just above the date. Only add your street, city, state, and zip. No need for your name here.
3. Date: Write the full date, like “April 6, 2023.”
4. Who you’re writing to: Write the person’s title, name, and address. Make sure it’s all correct.
5. Greeting: Start with “Dear” and the person’s name or title, like “Dear Mr. Smith.” Use a colon after.
6. What to say: Split your letter into short parts. Start by stating the position or program you are interested in, then explain your motivations. Highlight your qualifications, skills, and relevant experiences that make you an ideal candidate. Be specific and provide examples or anecdotes that support your claims.
7. End your letter: Finish with words like “Sincerely” or “Thank you.” This shows you’re thankful for their time.
8. Sign it: If it’s a paper letter, leave space to sign your name. If it’s an email, you don’t need this space.

Always type your full name on the letter, whether it’s on paper or email. This shows it’s really from you, and you agree with what’s written.

If you send other documents with your letter, like a resume, say so in the letter. Write something like “Enclosures: Resume, Application.”

In emails, just say you’ve added attachments below your name or in the letter.

Motivation Letter Writing Tips

You can use the following tips as a checklist to make sure your letter is the best it can be.

• Use the hiring manager’s name: If you don’t know it, look on the company’s website or call them. If you’re not sure about their gender, just use their job title or full name without “Mr.” or “Dr.”
• Don’t just repeat your resume in the letter: Instead, add the things that didn’t fit in your resume.
• Use action verbs: to make your letter lively.
• Include resume keywords. The company might pass both your resume and letter through an applicant tracking system (ATS).
• Don’t sound too eager or make things up: They’ll find out if you’re not honest.
• At the end, include why you’re right for the job and what you hope to learn. Last, ask them to contact you or say you hope to talk soon.
• Check your letter for mistakes: Use tools like Grammarly to help.

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Motivation Letter Sample

Motivation letters are used for many reasons, so they can vary significantly. You can change the example in this section to fit your needs.

The motivation letter example below is for an entry-level job for a candidate named Raul. He hasn’t held a paying job before, but he highlights experiences that might not be on his resume.

123 Address Street

Anywhere, USA 33333

September 10, 2022

456 Workplace Lane

Anywhere, USA 33333

As a first-generation university student, I am looking for a position that will enable me to pay my tuition while making allowances for my class schedule. When I saw your job listing for a weekend Customer Service Representative on the campus information board, I felt that we would be a perfect fit for each other’s needs.

While my on-the-job experience is limited, I have a great deal of experience in dealing with customers. Throughout my teenage years, I have helped out in the family business, a small convenience and souvenir store at the heart of a tourist district.

My duties there were often public-facing, arranging items for sale and assisting customers in finding what they needed. I always did my best to help customers leave with smiles on their faces, even going above and beyond what might be expected. This resulted in many 5-star reviews for the business on Tripadvisor and Google.

Thank you for your consideration. I’d be happy to speak with you in person or via phone to discuss the position and my qualifications further.

The following motivation letter example concerns an academic program. Sue is a high school senior seeking a summer internship after graduation. Her letter is imbued with a passion for the field as well as its relationship to her career goals.

123 Address Street

Anywhere, USA 33333

Caribbean Coral Restoration Project

789 Coastal Road

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to do something to help reverse the damage humans have caused to our planet. For that reason, I was thrilled to receive an invitation to apply to the Caribbean Coral Restoration Project summer program.

Though I come from a landlocked state, I received my open water scuba certification from SDI last August. Training took place in a flooded quarry in Pembroke, Kentucky. I look forward to taking my first “real” oceanic open water dive in the warm waters near your research station.

During my high school education, I have pursued as many ecological opportunities as possible. I participated in the 4-H Club’s Wildlife Judging Team for four years, twice winning regional competitions. I also keep an action camera as a constant companion, participating in citizen science projects such as iNaturalist and Cornell University’s annual bird count.

I have been accepted into State University’s biology program, beginning next fall. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biology, I plan to pursue my master’s in marine biology. I hope to start that part of my journey with real field experience under my belt. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information. My application and resume are enclosed.

Key Takeaways

With the correct format and style, you can create a motivation letter that can win over any recruiter. To do so, remember the key points that were addressed in this guide.

• Motivation letters can effectively be used in place of cover letters when you have little experience or are applying to a university, internship, or volunteer program.
• Use professional business letter formats.
• Address your motivations and qualifications clearly in the body of your letter.
• Express your personality, passions, and motivations.

Ensuring your letter is written in this style will boost your chances, whether you’re an entry-level employee or an experienced worker.

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