Motivation Letter Writing Guide + Examples for 2023
Writing a motivational letter can be nerve-wracking.
When presented with the question of “Why would you like to be part of this organization?” you find yourself staring at a blank page, thinking of how to correctly word “ I'm passionate about going to college so I don’t starve to death. ”
Two hours and three coffees in, you’ve scrolled through your Facebook newsfeed (twice), watched one episode of the last season of Game of Thrones, sent angry tweets to its creators, and donated for the knee surgery of two dogs. You go back to your open Word doc and you have only managed to write: “This organization seems like fun” or “I’ll totally be a great fit” .
You know you are not this generic or basic. You’re a capable guy or gal who has a lot to offer and there are genuine reasons behind your decision to apply.
It’s just hard to put it into words… And we get that!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a motivation letter that gets you accepted anywhere.
- What a Motivational Letter Is (And Why It Matters)
How to Structure a Motivational Letter
- How to Write a Motivational Letter [+Some Helpful Tips to Get Those Ideas Out of Your Head and Into the Paper]
- How (and Why) to Create a Motivational Letter With Novorésumé
What is a Motivational Letter and Why it Matters?
A motivational letter is a one-page letter that’s used to describe why you are the perfect candidate for a certain position . It is usually attached to your resume .
You are required to write a motivational letter in these 4 specific scenarios...
- You are applying to get admitted to an educational program at a college or university (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate).
- You are applying to work at a non-profit organization.
- You are applying as a volunteer in an organization.
- You’re applying for an internship in a company.
The motivational letter shouldn’t be confused with a cover letter , the purpose of which is to highlight how specific information on your resume matches a job opening. Think of a cover letter as the introduction to your resume for a hiring manager and your motivational letter as the powerful closing sales pitch for a university or non-profit.
So why exactly does the motivational letter matter? You’re a doer more than a talker: you’ve listed everything there is to know about you on your resume. That should be enough, right? Wrong!
All organizations are looking for people who genuinely want to be there and are excited about what they do. The intent should be your driving motivation!
Writing a good motivational letter can be an absolute game-changer. It can provide a boost for your resume , but also make up for lacking required skills.
A good motivational letter is a one-pager where you introduce yourself, your story, and show your interest in the position or organization you are applying to.
There are two main ways to structure your motivational letter:
- Using the classic 3 main paragraphs structure , where your motivational letter has the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
- Using the 5-7 paragraph structure , where you divide your main body paragraph into smaller 1-3 sentence paragraphs according to the main points.
Now, which one do YOU go for? The rule of thumb is if you want to be more factual and to the point, go for the 7-paragraph structure. This way, you can use each body paragraph to discuss specific achievements or points.
If, on the other hand, you’re going for a more story-telling approach, you’d go for the 3 paragraph option, so as not to break the flow of the story.
The Structure of a Motivational Letter
Whichever structure you go for, it should consist of 3 main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Here’s what to include in each one:
Introduction: A short, engaging pitch about yourself and why you are applying. Here, you can include:
- Personal information. Who are you and what do you do?
- What are you applying for? Where?
- An intro to the bulk of your essay. Mention the general reason on why you’re applying, and then deep-dive in the bulk of your motivational letter.
And of course, don’t forget to mention contact information on top.
For example:
To: School/Organization Name
First Name Last Name
[email protected]
Phone Number
Relevant Social Media (LinkedIn, Quora, GitHub, etc.)
Dear [Name of The Contact Person] ,
My name is [Your name] and I would like to express my interest in applying for the Doctoral program in political science at [University Name] . I’ve always dreamed of becoming a politician and helping give back to my country, and I believe that a Ph.D. in politics from [University Name] would set me miles ahead to reaching my goal.
Body of the Motivational Letter: this is the main bulk of your motivational letter. This is where you really sell yourself, mentioning stories behind your achievements, skills, and passion for whatever you’re applying for.
Try to be as factual as possible - anyone that frequently reads motivational letters can tell made-up stories from the real ones. When possible, you can also use metrics to back up your qualifications.
Things You Can Mention in Your Motivational Letter:
- My passion for ______ started when ______.
- I want to ______ because ______.
- I have been part of _________ for ___ months/years. It’s the best thing for me because _______.
- I remember once when I ________, which made me realize that I _______.
- _______ resonates with me because _________.
- What distinguishes me from my peers is __________.
I developed my passion for Online Marketing during my internship at [company name] . Working in a small startup allowed me to get surface-level experience in most digital marketing channels. Now, I would like to deep-dive and gain advanced know-how by attending the [university name] program in Digital Marketing.
Conclusion:
Finally, you can wrap up the motivational letter and send it in. In this section, you can:
- Briefly summarize your main points - “ I believe I’d be a good fit for the program because of __________ ”
- Mention your overarching goal - “I’d love to be a part of _______, as it would allow me to ___________.”
- Thank the reader and conclude the motivational letter
Now that you know how to structure a motivational letter, let’s move on to the contents!
How to Write a Motivational Letter
So how do you write a motivational letter that stands out from the pool of applicants? The way to avoid generalizations and add depth to your motivational letter is by tailoring it to the specific organization and program/position you are applying to:
- When writing a motivational letter, you want to make sure you know what and where you are applying to. Find out who is in charge of deciding your fate and address them directly in your opening remarks as Dear Mrs. Smith .
- Look at the program requirements and the institution’s website. Find out the top three requirements for the position and explain how you are the best candidate.
- Demonstrate that you share the organization’s values or are exceptionally qualified through a short story or personal examples. Be specific.
- Your motivational letter should demonstrate that you really want to be there! There is a fine line between pleading and showing intelligent interest while also selling yourself. State specific reasons, demonstrate knowledge and express passion for applying to the institution or organization without showing off or begging.
- DO NOT LIE! If you write anything remotely untrue, your reader will sense it. Unconsciously, we inflate feelings and ideas when we lie. If you tell a fake story or inflate your excitement or achievements, you will be put into the “lying Pinnochio pile” . Consider your case rested and your application denied.
Questions to Answer in Your Motivational Letter [+Possible Answers]
- I would love to live in [ location of organization ], because ________.
- It is my dream to be part of [ name of program ], because _________.
- The values [ name of institution ] is based on are: [ three general values stated on their website ]. I have demonstrated _____ because I have ______ especially in ______. I also practice ______ in my professional or working life by __________.
- Requirement: Minimum 2 years of volunteering experience
I volunteered in Africa for three years. It’s one of my most fulfilling experiences because I am passionate about helping others and came out a better person. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
- Requirement: Passionate about research
I would pick a sleepless night conducting research instead of a night out anytime. I spend most of my mornings reading the last edition of the Journal of Marketing. I have worked on three separate research studies during my time at Colorado University.
- Requirement: 3,80 GPA
Achieving a Magna Cum Laude required a lot of hard work and dedication, but education has been my biggest passion in life, so there was more joy than pain in the process!
Answer some/all of these questions in a compelling way that’s true to you and your experience, then turn them into a cohesive text.
An Example of a Great Motivational Letter
We’ll demonstrate how to write an awesome and inspiring motivational letter through Jane’s letter to the admissions team of Harvard University below. She is applying for a Ph.D. in the department of Political Science.
The general requirements are : being research inclined, a demonstrated passion for Politics, and an above average performance during undergraduate studies.
The values of the university are integrity, education, respect, and accountability.
She’s using the three paragraph structuring method.
You can see how Jane highlights through personal stories:
- That she knows the history of the university and shares the same values
- That she’s genuinely excited and passionate about the program and the school
- What her qualifications are and how they’ll be a great fit for the program
- What she hopes to achieve if given the opportunity to study at Harvard
The same rules and spirit apply to non-university related motivational letters as well.
You can easily notice that Jane has essentially given a personal story of all his qualifications. After reading this letter, the admissions team will feel like they know Jane, and this is what you should also aim to do: communicate who you are through highlighting your story tailored to the institution and program you are applying for.
How (and why) to Create a Motivational Letter with Novorésumé
Now that you know how to write a motivational letter, you can decide on how it looks.
A black and white letter sheet with Times New Roman, 12-pt font size might be great for a formal document, but it does not make you stand out in the pile of grey applications.
How can you appear professional without being boring? Novorésumé's motivational letter templates and intuitive editor add the tinge of personality that you’d need to stand out from the rest.
So, let’s sum up everything we’ve covered in this post:
- A motivational letter is a formal letter which you need to write if you’re applying for university/college admissions, a non-profit, or a volunteering institution. Job applications usually require a cover letter instead.
- There are two ways to structure a motivational letter: in three paragraphs (introduction, body, conclusion) or in 5-7 paragraphs (where each paragraph highlights a different point).
- Introduce yourself and your intent in the introduction, describe and highlight your experiences in the body, and thank the reader for his/her consideration in the conclusion.
- Do your research, show genuine interest, and never, ever lie.
- If you want your motivational letter to stand out, Novorésumé takes the cake!
A motivational letter is always attached to a resume. Want to also make that stand out from the rest?
Read our guide on how to create an impressive resume and submit it with your awesome motivational letter to get accepted anywhere!
Our motivation letter templates are created to mirror the resume templates and CV templates , which is critical when creating a job application. Choosing the same templates, fonts, colors will improve your personal brand and increase your chances of being called for an interview.
Suggested Reading:
- How to Write a Resume
- Cover Letter Examples
- +150 Best Skills to Put On Your Resume
- Resume Examples - Per Industry
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- English (UK)
- Cover Letter
- How to Write a Motivation Letter in 2023 (Guide & Examples)
How to Write a Motivation Letter in 2023 (Guide & Examples)
Is your letter of motivation looking a little flat? We’ll teach you how to write a motivation letter that will inspire any recruiter to interview you.
As seen in:
If most people find writing a cover letter hard, they find writing a motivation letter nearly impossible.
Motivation letters sound odd and apply to various situations which makes it more difficult to apply specific guidelines on what they should say and how to write them.
Maybe you’ll just try to sneak past with a cover letter and hope no one notices…
Not so fast.
Motivation letters aren’t as hard as they sound and they’re simple to write once you know how. Lucky for you, we’ll tell you all the hows and whys behind a motivation letter that’ll get the hiring manager more motivated to hire you than Tony Robbins.
Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.
Create your cover letter now
Sample Cover Letter for a Resume— See more cover letter examples and create your cover letter here .
See guides on related topics:
- What is a Cover Letter?
- What is a CV?
- What is a Resume?
- What is a Cold Call Cover Letter?
- Difference Between a Cover Letter and a CV
- Difference Between a Cover Letter and a Resume
- Difference Between a CV and a Resume
- Difference Between a Cover Letter and a Letter of Intent
- How to Spell Resume?
- How to Write a Pain Letter?
What is a Motivation Letter
A motivation letter , also called a letter of motivation, is a short one-page-long letter that explains why you’re the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements. It’s usually attached to your resume when applying for a job.
A motivation letter can also be used for other situations outside the job world such as applying for an educational program at a college or university.
Due to its nature, a motivation letter is perfect for candidates applying for an internship, volunteering role, or for candidates who have little or no job experience.
So that sounds just like a cover letter or a letter of interest, right?
Not exactly.
The difference between a motivation letter vs a cover letter is that a cover letter gives specific examples of how your job experience and skills match the opening you’re applying for. A motivation letter, on the other hand, focuses more on your personality, interests, and motives for applying. That’s what makes it such a great addition to a volunteer resume , an internship resume , a resume with no experience , or an entry-level resume.
Read more: How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship
How to Write a Motivation Letter
The best way to go about writing a motivation letter is using the three part structure that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.
To write a motivation letter introduction that will grab your reader’s attention, use these tips:
- Add your up to date contact information in your letter heading . Include the addressee’s details as well.
- Refer to the hiring manager or point of contact by name.
- Mention what you’re applying for specifically; your reader doesn’t have time to guess what you might be interested in.
- Explain why you’re writing your letter of motivation. Think of your intro paragraph as a pitch that needs to engage the reader enough to want them to read on for more details and examples.
If you’re struggling to write a good intro paragraph, a good trick is to leave it for the end. That way, you’ll know what you’ve mentioned in your letter of motivation and can find it easier to summarize and point out in your intro paragraph.
Let’s move on to the second paragraph.
The body of your motivation letter is where you really turn it up a notch and sell your best points. Don’t just list a bunch of things you can do or have done and definitely don’t just rehash your resume if you’re applying for a job.
Here are some pointers on creating a killer second paragraph:
- Use specific examples that prove the motives and desire you expressed in the previous paragraph.
- Use action verbs to put some power behind your words.
- Include resume keywords not only to spice up your motivation letter, but also to get extra points in the ATS that the company might pass your motivation letter through.
We know that you really want in on whatever opportunity you’re applying for, but don’t make your motivation letter sound overly desperate and don’t lie to sound wonderful. Both those cases will just put your motivation letter on the fast track to the trash can.
Now the last paragraph. The conclusion of your motivation letter should nicely wrap up the rest of your letter. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mention why you’d think you’d be a great fit in the company or organization.
- Include what you’d like to learn or gain from your experience.
- Add a call to action to show that you’re really committed to the role.
So how does that all look put together? Check it out.
Motivation Letter Example
May 17, 2019
Ruth Tanner
1096 Locust Street
Albany, GA 31701
229-870-7478
[email protected]
Javier Alfaro
Shofer Unlimited
3705 Shobe Lane
Albany, GA 31702
Dear Mr. Alfaro,
After watching my parents give and grow through their work in NGOs, I decided that when I was ready, I would follow in their footsteps. I was excited to hear that your organization was looking for volunteer drivers to help the elderly and others with limited mobility safely move around the city. I would very much like to become a part of Shofer Unlimited.
I was raised in the spirit that it’s more important to give than to receive, especially when we already have everything we need in life. From my freshman year in high school, I’ve volunteered during my summers as a dog walker in dog shelters as well as a teacher’s aide in daycare centers. One day, I realized how hard life can be when my grandmother could no longer move around the city by herself. When I got my driver’s license, I started driving her around to doctor appointments and for other errands. I realized then that this is something that I could do for others in the exact same situation and help them continue living a relatively normal life despite their years.
I’m a friendly and outgoing person who really enjoys spending time with others and making them smile. I’m a safe driver, I’ve had my license for 2 years and haven’t received a single ticket. I believe that I’d be a perfect fit in the Shofer Unlimited team with empathy and open-minded approach to others. I’m also convinced that Shofer Unlimited will be the perfect place for me to gain even more experience in working with different people and improving my customer service skills.
I’d love to talk over the phone with you over the next week about this position and what I could bring to the Shofer Unlimited team.
Ruth may not have much experience, but she’s explained her motivation for applying for the volunteering opportunity as well as some previous experience that she’s gathered. This is definitely a motivation letter the hiring manager won’t be tossing out.
Read more: How to Write a Cover Letter
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How to Format a Motivation Letter
Now that you have the content all squared away, you still have to make sure that your letter of motivation doesn’t look like something the cat dragged in.
When formatting your motivation letter, take the following things into consideration:
- Use a professional letter font and set it to 12 pt size.
- Set your letter spacing to 1” on all sides of the page.
- Choose a good letter layout to convey your professionalism.
- Make sure you create a professional letter file title so that recruiters can find your motivation letter right away.
- Remember to choose a letter design that suits the position you want and your own personality.
- Always proofread before sending! There’s nothing more embarrassing than getting passed over because of typos on your letter or motivation.
Read more: The Best Cover Letter Outline
Key Takeaway
Writing a letter of motivation isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but it’s definitely something you can tackle with the right approach. Just remember:
- A motivation letter is a great choice if you’re just starting your career or applying for an internship or volunteering.
- Introduce yourself with an attention grabbing pitch in the first paragraph.
- Use the second paragraph to show what you already know and have done.
- Conclude with the value you could bring and a call to action.
Thanks for reading! Do you still have any questions about a motivation letter? Drop your question down in the comments below and we’ll get back to you!
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Motivation Letter Sample: How to Write One for College & Jobs
Read on to view motivation letter samples, learn how a motivational letter is different from a cover letter, and get tips for how to write and format your own letter of motivation.
To write the best motivation letter possible, take a look at the sample letter of motivation below, and then keep scrolling to find:
- what a motivation letter is
- motivation letter examples for various application types
- how to write your motivation letter
- how to format your motivation letter
Motivation letter sample
Here’s a sample motivation letter that was written for a volunteer job:
Download Volunteer Motivation Letter Sample
What is a motivation letter?
A motivation letter is a type of cover letter written to explain your reasons for making an application. Motivation letters (also known as letters of motivation, motivational letters, and motivational statements) may be requested when you apply for:
- college admission or scholarships (but if the application requirements say to write an essay, follow instructions for writing a college essay or scholarship essay instructions instead of writing a motivation letter)
- jobs (especially volunteer and internship positions)
- research funding
- loans (such as a mortgage)
- visas to visit or study in another country
- participation in conferences
Now that you know what a letter of motivation is, scroll down to view three motivational letter examples for university and career applications. If you don’t see the type of letter you need for your specific application, you can still use them for inspiration (or skip to how to write a motivation letter for tips that apply to any type of motivational letter).
Letter of motivation examples & template
Below is a motivation letter template , and sample motivation letters for three different situations, including a:
- short motivational letter
- motivation letter for a university application
- motivation letter for an internship
Short motivational letter sample
Depending on what you’re applying for, you may be asked to write a brief motivation statement. Here’s an example of how to write a short motivation letter in an online application for a scholarship:
How does your background qualify you for this veterinary studies scholarship, and what do you plan to accomplish if you receive it (150 words or fewer)?
I grew up on a farm as part of a family that was fully dependent on animals for our livelihood. I’ve spent much of my free time playing with and caring for pet dogs, cats, rabbits, and ducks since I was a toddler. So I know from firsthand experience how important animal health is. And I’ve applied that understanding to volunteering at my local vet every weekend since I was in 6th grade.
My goal is to use this scholarship to help fund the undergraduate portion of my pursuit of a PhD in Veterinary Studies. I plan to spend the first part of my professional career building a successful private practice, and ultimately I hope to create a non-profit organization that provides free veterinary telemedicine access to rural communities around the world.
Thank you for taking the time to read my application. I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Sample motivation letter for a university application
When you apply for college — whether you’re applying for undergraduate admissions or a post-graduate program — you maybe be required to submit a letter explaining what motivated you to apply.
Here’s a sample motivation letter for a graduate writing program admissions application:
Download University Motivation Letter Sample
Example motivation letter for an internship
Employers seek highly motivated people to fill their internship roles because they hope to develop interns into full-time staff members. Here’s an example of how to show why you’re applying in a motivation letter for an internship:
Download Internship Motivation Letter Sample
Motivation letter template
Download or copy/paste this motivation letter template into your preferred word processor, and replace the templated information with your own details:
[ Your Name ]
[ Your Street , City , State xxxxx | [email protected] | ( xxx ) xxx – xxxx ]
[ Today’s Date ] [ Contact Person’s Name ] [ Organization/School’s Street Address ] [ Organization/School’s City , State xxxxx ] [( xxx ) xxx – xxxx ] [ [email protected] ]
Dear [ Mr./Mx./Ms. ] [ Contact Person’s Last Name ],
My name is [ Your Name ], and I’m writing to express my interest in your [ opportunity you’re applying for ]. I’m excited to apply because [ main reason you’re applying ].
I believe I’m an ideal candidate due to my [ further explanation of the main reason you’re applying ]. Furthermore, my related areas of [ interest/experience ] include:
- [ interest or experience #1 ]
- [ interest or experience #2 ]
- [ interest or experience #3 ]
I’m truly grateful that you’ve taken the time to review my application. I look forward to [ discussing this position further in an interview/hearing from you regarding your decision ] soon. You can reach me at [ [email protected] ] or [ your phone number ].
How to write a motivation letter
Here’s how to write a motivation letter that gets you accepted or hired:
1. Do your research
To be successful, your motivation letter has to convince the reader that you’re the right type of person for the job or program you’re applying to. The requirements in the position ad or application instructions might give you enough information to go on, but you can set yourself apart from other applicants by doing some extra research.
Here’s how to research your target organization or program:
- read its mission statement on its website
- scroll through its social media feeds
- look for blogs written by current/former participants/employees
Then, take the information you find and tailor your letter to show how your motivations match their goals.
2. Write a catchy opening paragraph
Unsure how to start a motivation letter? Open with an attention-grabbing first paragraph that convinces the recruiter or hiring manager to read to the end of your letter. To write a catchy first paragraph try to figure out what about you will stand out most to the reader, based on their application requirements.
For example, let’s say you were responding to an internship ad that reads:
Seeking to fill a Journalist Intern role. Applicants must be undergraduate students who are majoring in broadcast journalism and are passionate about delivering local news in print and on camera.
Based on the above ad, a good opening paragraph for your letter of motivation would be:
I saw on LinkedIn that you’re looking for a journalist Intern, and I’m the undergraduate broadcast journalism major for the job. Since I was a child, I’ve been recording mock news broadcasts on tape and camera, submitting letters to the editor and news tips to my local news stations, and participating in every school news production possible. Now I’m finally studying to be a professional journalist, and I couldn’t be more excited to apply what I’ve learned so far in your open internship.
Whatever you’re applying for, start your motivation letter with your most relevant information . If you bury your top selling point at the end of your letter, the reader may never even see it.
After you write a good opening statement, continue describing your motivations for applying in 2–3 more paragraphs. And consider adding a bulleted list to make your motivation letter easier to read.
3. Close strong
End your letter of motivation with a paragraph that:
- thanks the reader for going through your letter
- restates your desire to get the job, program acceptance, or scholarship
- includes your phone number and email address (if applicable)
- closes with a sentence about how you’re looking forward to hearing from the reader regarding your application
Here’s an example of how to end a motivation letter written for a volunteer opportunity at an animal shelter:
Thank you for taking the time to read through my motives for applying for your open Shelter Volunteer role. I relish the chance to discuss with you in person how my unconditional love for animals of all kinds makes me an ideal candidate. You can reach me at (123) 456-7890 or james.smyt[email protected], and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
How to format a motivation letter
Usually, you should use business letter formatting for your motivation letter, which includes:
- your name and contact information in a cover letter header
- the contact person’s name and contact information in a left-aligned list
- a salutation that addresses the contact person by name (e.g., “ Dear Mrs. Johnson, ”)
- 3–4 paragraphs explaining your motivation
- a polite sign-off (we suggest “ Sincerely, ”)
- your name (either typed or both typed and signed)
However, if you’re writing your motivational letter in a box on an application form, you can just type a few paragraphs. The form you’re filling out will have other areas for your name and contact information.
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Written by Aaron Case, CPRW
Aaron Case is a Content Specialist & Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at Resume Genius, where he loves writing resume and cover letter tips that give job... more
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How to Write a Motivation Letter?
- Updated on
- Oct 11, 2022
Your resume represents your qualifications, achievements as well as strengths and weaknesses . Applying merely through a resume may reflect the general academic and professional information about you but it can also be seen as the lack of influential representation of the motivation and dedication you possess. This is where a Motivation Letter comes to the rescue as it is usually asked by academic institutions as well as organizations from the applicants. Through a motivational letter, you can convincingly transmit your passion, eagerness and diligence regarding how your dream course can enlighten your career path along with the benefits you wish to bring out to the institution or organization (whether as a student or an employee). Let’s explore how to write a motivational letter with the help of samples/examples for university, job application, internship and more!
This Blog Includes:
What is a letter of motivation/motivation letter , what is the difference between a motivational letter and cover letter, how to structure your motivation letter, motivation letter template/example, introduction, motivation letter example, dos and don’ts, sample motivation letter for university, sample motivation letter for internship, sample motivation letter for scholarship application, sample motivation letter for job application, sample motivation letter for job- 2, motivation letter for study abroad.
A motivation letter describes why you are a perfect candidate for a certain program/position. It is usually a one-page document that gets attached alongside your resume. Commonly there are 4 purposes for which one is required to draft it:
- For Admission: If you are applying to a university or college to get enrolled in an educational program for any level ( undergraduate or postgraduate ).
- For Training/Internship: If you want to get into a full-time internship with an organization.
- For Employment: When you want to apply for a job profile at an organisation.
- For Jobs in Social Sector especially NGOs: Non-profit organisations generally demand motivation letter to analyse the interests and intentions of job aspirants.
Must Read: How to Write An SOP?
Often students get confused between a cover letter and a motivational letter, it is important to keep in mind that the purpose of a cover letter is to accentuate some specific information mentioned on your resume and align it with the job requirements as well as the company profile. To put it simply, a cover letter is more of an introductory letter to your resume to the hiring authority whereas a motivational letter is mainly utilised as how your interests, motivations and aspirations match the academic program you want to study or a job profile you want to apply for. All the elite organizations are in search of individuals who would prove out to be an asset to the company. Thus, it should deliver your intent and excitement using the key feature as your motivation.
Every document a university or recruiter asks for serves a special purpose. Often than not, candidates are confused between the two such documents – Cover Letter and Motivation Letter. A cover letter is a professional letter given to an employer/recruiter along with a resume or CV. Cover Letters are generally used by companies, employers and recruiters as opposed to motivation letters that are used by university admission offices, educational institutes and internships. Both letters are intended to inform the recruiter or educational officer of why you are the perfect candidate and allow candidates to explain at length about their motivation, interests, hobbies, achievements and career/academic future.
Related Read: Cover Letter for Fresher
If you are targeting your dream institution or organization, presenting your motivation in a fascinating way can be a total game-changer. Ideally, the motivation letter should be on 1 page only in which you have to introduce yourself, describe your qualifications and achievement and highlight your interests as per the course/position you are applying to. Knowing the structure of your letter is pivotal towards comprehending the key elements that you need to add. Generally, the structure of a motivation letter can be any of the following:
- Either you can opt for a traditional methodology of a 3-paragraph motivation letter wherein there will be an introductory paragraph, body of content and conclusion.
- You can also use the 5-7 paragraph structure. Where you can divide the body of the letter in pointers elucidating 1-3 sentences paragraphs.
Coming to the discussion of choosing the format, if you want to go more factual and possess a varied number of achievements, you can select the 5-7 paragraph style through which you can individually emphasise upon each achievement by framing it into a single point. On the other hand, if you prefer the storytelling method you can choose the 3 paragraph format without giving many breaks to your letter.
Related Read: Career Objective For Internship
Format of a Letter of Motivation
Now that you know the two main structures you can choose from, let’s have a look at the major inclusions in the format of motivation letter:
A crisp, engaging pitch about yourself explaining why you want to apply. Some mandatory mentions are:
- Personal details (Name, Address, Email, Profile, Work Experience if any)
- Write about the course, internship or job profile you are applying for and also mention why,
- Start by putting down the general reasons explaining why you are applying to the course, internship or job position. Afterwards, dive into the main body of it.
For Example, the introduction for a motivation letter for a PhD application at a university is given below:
Sometimes conveying your zeal to enter an academic program or an organization could not be absolutely done by a resume as it restricts you to put forward only the facts and figures instead of the inspirations and motivation that urged you to pursue it. This is where a motivation letter comes into the view to ensure that your application should shine out from the hoard of other documents. Below mentioned are some quick tips and tricks to draft your motivation letter:
- While writing the letter, make sure you know the concerned person to whom you are applying. Research about the name and designation of the concerned individual and address them accordingly.
- Gauge the requirements of the program/profile and explain how you are the right fit for it.
- Mention how your beliefs and interests align with the organisation/university’s vision and mission
Are you planning to study abroad, have a look at our blog on Sponsorship Letter for Visa
Motivation letter is written for different purpose such as for internship, job application, university etc. Now that you know about a motivation letter, you should learn about how to write one. The best way to write it is by creating a genuine letter.
This is the main body of the letter. Describe your achievements, academic and professional journey and career aspirations. Elaborate on your skills and passions elucidating your zeal for your chosen course or job profile. Keep it factual and concise. Most of the time, the made-up stories get easily caught by the professionals who examine a variety of letters every day. It is strongly advised to maintain precision in your story. To cite the authenticity of your qualifications, you can also use metrics.
Have a quick example for motivation letter at some major add ones:
- My passion for ____ began when ______.
- I aspire to _____ because ______.
- I have been a part of _____ for _____ months/years. It’s the best thing for me because of ______.
- I remember once when I______ which made me realize that I_____.
- _______ resonates with me because ______.
- What distinguishes me from my peers is _______.
Motivation Letter Example:
Finally, to conclude, you can wrap up your letter and read it thoroughly before sending. Here are some of the points to help you with the concluding paragraph of the Motivation letter.
- Summarize your major points: “ I believe that I would be an appropriate fit for the program because of _____ ”
- Mention your long term goals: “ I would be obliged to be a part of _____, as it would allow me to _____ ”
- Finally, pay regards to the reader with a ‘thank you’.
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Once you are familiarized with the structure and elements of a motivation letter, let’s provide you with a motivation letter examples and samples to help you understand the tone and style as well.
The best way to write a motivation letter to write down all your ideas, experiences and achievements align them with your future career goals and then craft a creative and thoughtful essay to impress your employers or university admissions, officer.
A motivation letter is designed to help the employer gain an insight into why you are the perfect candidate for the position. Following the proper structure, writing short sentences and talking about your experiences, skills, education is essential for a motivation letter.
‘Yours Sincerely’ or ‘Best Regards’ or ‘Thank you for your time’ are perfect sentences to end a motivation letter.
You can begin a motivation letter with Dear Sir/Madam or if you are aware of the person you are addressing then you can mention their name and designation.
Thus, we hope that this blog has familiarized you with the key features of a motivation letter with the help of examples and samples for job, internship, university and more! If you are planning to apply for an academic program abroad, our Leverage Edu experts are here to guide you throughout the admission process of your chosen university while also helping you craft impressive SOP and LOR s as well as motivation letters to ensure that you get successfully shortlisted and fulfil your dream to study abroad!
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How to write a motivational letter for your first job – Two easy to use examples
So you have or are about to finish your university degree ? Congratulations, you have completed a major milestone. Make sure to celebrate it appropriately. However, whilst you have accomplished one major achievement, you also face an immediate new challenge: How to find your first job. Competition for entry level jobs is fierce and you need to write a very strong job application to get an invitation for an interview. One of the most overlooked aspects of an application is the motivational letter or sometimes also called a cover letter. As this is the first thing a recruiter will see, you need to make sure that you make an excellent first impression. Here is how to do it:
- Put your most convincing evidence first. You need to make an impact in the first few sentences. Talk about your current or most relevant job first
- Focus on achievements in your current and previous roles rather than merely your responsibilities. Quantify these wherever possible
- Illustrate your achievements with brief but specific examples, explaining why these are relevant to this role. You can refer the employer to the CV for more detail
- Concentrate on the areas which differentiate you from the competition rather than the basic job criteria
- Demonstrate how well you have researched the role and the job context when explaining your career motivation
- Explain your rationale if you are seeking a career change or sideways move
- Be succinct. Ask a friend to go through it with you and edit out any wordy sentences and redundant words
- End on a note of enthusiasm and anticipation.
Example 1: Motivation letter for a job as a Business Analyst
Dear Sir/Madam,
In May 2019 I will graduate from [university name] with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Minor in Finance. I read your posting for the Business Analyst role with great interest and I’m convinced that I would be a great addition to your team.
My strong work ethic is evident from the fact I have served as President of the [student activity] concurrent with my academic studies, as well as paid summer internships in [name of the internship] at [name of the company] as well as [name of the internship] at [name of the company]. These experiences have enabled me to gain a realistic view of the demands and challenges of the Business Analyst position.
As Summer Associate at [name of the internship company], I was responsible for monitoring fundamental economic, industrial, and corporate developments through the analysis of information obtained from financial publications and services, investment banking firms, government agencies, trade publications, company sources, and personal interviews.
As an {internship name] at [name of the internship company], I worked on a number financial reports, including cash flow reporting, profit and loss account, and balance sheet analysis. My work has been used for companywide presentations.
In addition to my practical experience I’ve also always stayed focused on academics and I’m expected to graduate with a 3.9/4.0 GPA.
With the combination of these professional and academic experiences, I am looking forward to discussing the opportunity to join your organisation. Please find my CV attached.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Betty Schulz
Example 2: Motivation letter for a job as an IT Consultant
I would like to apply for the position of IT Consultant recently advertised on the [source] vacancy board. I expect to graduate from my master’s course in [subject] at the [Department] at the [university name].
As you can see from my enclosed CV, I worked during my undergraduate degree at the [university name] gaining valuable experience as an IT business analyst with [company name] and as a volunteer with [company name].
At [company name], one of my key achievements was to design and implement a company-specific information system which has resulted in a 25% reduction in administration time for the company.
Also, as part of the internship at [company name], I completed a 60 page report on how a good information system strategy could be developed and implemented by senior managers. Working as a volunteer with at [company name] further developed my cultural awareness and relationship management skills, qualities also relevant to the work of an IT consultant.
As well as these qualities, my graduate studies have also developed my skills in researching a topic, making presentations, writing reports and analysing data.
One of the main reasons for choosing IT consultancy as a career is that I have for a long time been interested in business but also fascinated by how technology and information systems can improve organisational effectiveness. The variety of working on different projects across different sectors of work also appeals to me.
My reasons for applying to [company name] are as follows: First, the range of clients [company name] works with is considerably broader than many of the other major IT consultancy firms that I have been researching. I recently read an article on [source] about the innovative work you have done both in the public and private sectors relating to IT systems mergers and information security, an area I’m very interested in. Secondly, having attended your recent presentation at [university name or name of the graduate fair] and having spoken with [name of the recruiter], I was impressed by the enthusiasm with which he talked about his work and the many opportunities at [company name] for ambitious graduates.
I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to discussing my application with you in greater detail. Should you require any further information please get in touch.
Peter Smith
Looking for even more templates? Check out our guides and templates for motivational letters for graduate school and cover letter for internships .
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ResumeCoach » Blog » Professional Letters » How to Write a Motivation Letter, With Examples
How to Write a Motivation Letter, With Examples
What is a motivation letter? Perhaps you have never used this increasingly popular job acquisition tool.
Below, we will examine what a motivation letter is, when you should use one, and how to write it. We will also share some motivation letter examples to inspire you.
What Is a Motivation Letter?
A motivation letter or letter of motivation explains why you are the perfect candidate for the job. It is short, only one page in length. It contains examples of your achievements and interests.
Usually, motivation letters are attached to your resume when you are applying for a job. They can also be used in non-employment situations, such as when you apply to a college or university, an educational program, an internship, or a volunteer role.
“But, wait a second,” you may be thinking. “Isn’t that what a cover letter is for?” There are similarities and differences between these two documents. We will discuss them below.
Motivation Letter vs. Cover Letter
At first glance, a cover letter and a letter of motivation might appear to be the same thing. They are each one page or less in length, and they accompany your resume and/or application. The intent of both types of letters is to convince the hiring manager to consider your application further.
There is one big difference between these two types of letters, however. Cover letters provide specific examples of how your education, skills, job experience, and achievements match the requirements for the job at hand. Cover letters focus on your work experience.
Motivation letters, on the other hand, are broader in scope. Rather than specifics, motivation letters exemplify your interests, personality traits, and your motives for applying.
That means that motivation letters are perfect for when you have little or no relevant experience. We’ll examine this further in the next section.
When to Use a Motivation Letter
As mentioned above, motivation letters can be used instead of cover letters when you have little or no experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. That means that this type of letter is especially useful in specific circumstances.
Motivation Letter for University
Your passion and enthusiasm for a university or course of study may not come across in your application alone. Use your motivation letter to highlight things like your family’s history with the university, why you’ve always wanted to attend that specific school, or why you are a good fit for one of their programs.
Motivation Letter for Job
When you are seeking your first entry-level job, you may not yet have any work experience to include on your resume. But you may have qualities and enthusiasm that set you apart as a good fit.
Other Times to Use Motivation Letters
You can also use motivation letters to explain why you are an ideal candidate for a volunteer position or an internship.
How to Write a Motivation Letter
If you find resume and cover letter writing 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
Your motivation letter should be professional and formatted as a business letter . You can use the following motivation letter format tips to easily create your own business letter template. Save the template on your device or on the cloud, as it will be useful for any professional letters you need to write.
Your motivation letter should follow this format:
- Sender’s address . This is your address. Include it on the letterhead (header) at the top of the page, or one line above the date. There’s no need to include your name here – just your street address.
- Recipient’s address . Write the title, name, and mailing address of the person to whom you are writing.
- Salutation. This is the opening greeting. In business letters, you will typically use the salutation “Dear” followed by the person’s full name or title and last name. Punctuate the salutation with a colon at the end.
- Letter body. Specifically mention the position or program you are interested in. Express your motivations, desires, and suitable examples
- Closing . End your letter with “Sincerely,” “Thank you,” or “With gratitude,” followed by a colon.
- Signature. Leave at least four line spaces in order to sign your name if sending a physical copy.
- Type your full name .
- Enclosures (optional). If sending a physical copy of your letter by mail, you can write “Enclosures: Resume, Completed Application” or the like to indicate and identify other paperwork contained in the letter. In an email, you can mention attachments in the letter body.
Motivation Letter Writing Tips
You can use the following tips as a checklist to make sure your motivation letter is the best it can be.
- Use the hiring manager’s name . It is always best to address the hiring manager or point of contact by name. If you don’t know their name, do your research – check the organization’s website or give them a call. You can use their full name (i.e., Chris Smith) or their title and last name (Dr. Smith). If you are unsure of the recipient’s gender or preferred pronouns, use gender-neutral titles (such as their job title) or the first and last name sans the title.
- Don’t rehash your resume. Rather than repeating yourself, use the motivation letter to include things that didn’t fit your resume.
- Use action verbs to breathe life into your letter.
- Include resume keywords . The company might pass both your resume and motivation letter through an applicant tracking system (ATS).
- Don’t beg. You want to make it known that you want the position, but you don’t want to sound desperate.
- Don’t lie or exaggerate.
- In the closing paragraph , include why you would be a good fit for the position, what you would like to learn, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Then, include a call to action , such as “Please feel free to contact me if you require further details,” or “I look forward to interviewing with you soon.”
- Proofread your letter . Nothing hurts your professionalism faster than typos or other errors. Use a proofreading program like Grammarly to check for mistakes you might have missed.
Motivation Letter Sample
Because motivation letters are used in such a wide variety of circumstances, their content will necessarily vary. You can tailor the format and content of the following example to fit your unique needs.
The following example concerns an entry-level job. Raul has not yet held any paid positions, but he highlights the relevant experience that might not be evident on his resume.
Text Format:
123 Address Street
Anywhere, USA 33333
September 10, 2022
ABC Company
456 Workplace Lane
Dear Mr. Smith:
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.
With gratitude:
Raul Ascencio
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.
March 1, 2023
Cindy Diver
Caribbean Coral Restoration Project
789 Coastal Road
Nassau, Bahamas
Dear Dr. Diver,
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
- 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.
- Express your personality, passions, and motivations.
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In this article, we'll cover:
What Is a Motivation Letter?
Motivation letter examples, motivation letter structure, motivation letter template, motivation letter format, tips on how to write a motivation letter.
If you're looking to apply for a job, internship, or scholarship, you may be asked to submit a motivation letter and other application materials. In a job search context, a motivation letter for work shows your passion and eagerness to pursue a certain career and demonstrates how your values blend with the organization's mission.
When writing a motivation letter, you may encounter the following difficulties:
- Distinguishing a letter of motivation from a cover letter and a letter of intent.
- Knowing “What do you write in a motivation letter for jobs?”
- Knowing how to write a motivation letter and how long a motivation letter should be
Worry no more, we're going to clear up all confusion regarding both motivation letters for jobs and motivation letters for internships. You can also find a template and samples for your reference below. Let’s get started!
A motivation letter, a.k.a. a letter of motivation, is a short letter that expresses your interest and explains why you’re a qualified candidate for a certain program/position. It's commonly attached to your CV or resume - hence why it's also referred to as a motivational letter for a CV.
There are other terms used to refer to a motivation letter, including:
- A letter of interest
- A statement of purpose
- A motivation statement
Note that a motivational letter shouldn’t be confused with a cover letter as it puts an emphasis on your personality, interests, and motives for applying. A cover letter, on the other hand, is submitted to present your skills and professional experience related to the job opening.
For that reason, a letter of motivation is perfect if you are applying for an internship/volunteer role, or if you have little or no relevant experience. That means motivation letters are commonly required by university admission offices, educational institutes, and internship programs. During a job search, you can also write a motivational statement for your job application that acts as the introduction to your CV/resume for the hiring manager.
In general, there are 4 purposes for writing a motivation letter:
- Motivation letters for school admission – are used when you wish to enroll in an educational program of any level (undergraduate or postgraduate) at a college/university.
- Motivation letters for internship – are used when you’re looking to be an intern at a company.
- Motivation letters for volunteering activities - are used when you want to be a volunteer in an organization.
- Motivation letters for work - are used when you’re seeking employment.
A well-written motivation letter needs to convey the following information to the readers:
- What position are you applying for?
- What motivates you to apply for this role/program?
- What skills and qualities do you possess that will benefit the organization?
- Can you provide any compelling facts to prove that?
- What are your career goals?
- How will you bring value to the organization?
We’ll demonstrate what a powerful letter of motivation looks like through the following samples:
Motivation letter for job example
Motivational letter for internship with no experience.
Katherine Connor 7223 Fern St, Fontana, CA 92336 [email protected] (+310)-142-1098
May 20, 2022
Dave Leimone Hiring Manager Mind & Mills Media 9315 Main Str., Riverside, CA 92501
Dear Mr. Leimone,
My name is Katherine Connor and I am writing this letter to apply for the Account Manager position at your agency, Mind & Mills Media. With over 8 years of experience in consulting and account managing, I have developed a robust skill set that allows me to effectively build trusted relationships with valuable clients as well as implement high-impact projects.
In my former role as a PR Account Manager, I’ve fulfilled all my duties and achieved some notable successes including:
- Spearheading new customer service initiatives, resulting in a 130% increase in business volume.
- Negotiated contracts worth over $7.5 million.
- Resolving issues regarding CRM, leading to a 25% boost in key client retention.
Together with my exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills, I believe that I match all job requirements perfectly. This opportunity would also help me advance my career as it has always been my dream to work in such a client-oriented company as Mind & Mills.
I have attached my work portfolio and resume below for your review. Thank you for considering my application and please let me know if you have any questions.
Kind regards, Katherine Connor
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to express my interest in the Finance Intern position at NVP Group. As a final year Master's student in Accounting & Finance at the University of Waterloo, I believe that the skills and knowledge acquired during my 6 years of studies will allow me to fulfill all job tasks efficiently.
Specifically, I have completed various courses in the finance field, including: macroeconomics, microeconomics, personal finance, project management, and financial accounting. I possess strong analytical skills with thorough attention to detail and a can-do attitude.
My main interest in working at NVP Group stems from its impressive reputation, recognized as "Northwestern America's Most Trusted Firm" for three consecutive years. Moreover, the corporation’s diverse clientele and well-established internship program would provide me with a precious opportunity to pursue my dream career as a Finance Reporting Analyst.
Thank you for reviewing my application and considering me as a candidate for the Finance Intern role at NVP Group. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
With gratitude, Tina Le [email protected] cakeresume.com/tinale
When writing a motivation letter, you will need to include the following 6 sections:
1. Letter header
The header of a motivation letter should include the following information:
- Your contact info (name, email, phone number, Facebook/LinkedIn)
- Date written
- The recipient's info (name, job title, email, physical company address)
For example:
Kaylee Nguyen 903 Fern St, Fontana, CA 92336 [email protected] linkedin.com/kayleeng
April 19, 2022
Catarina Leimone Customer Relationship Manager Galaxy Media 9815 Main Str., Riverside, CA 92501
2. Salutation
The most common way to greet the reader is “Dear Hiring Manager" who will receive and review your letter in the first place. However, you can also try to address the recipient directly to make your motivation statement more personal and sincere by using their last name, like this:
Dear Mr/Mrs + [Last Name],
3. Opening paragraph
Here are some tips for a great motivation letter’s start that will grab the reader's attention at once:
- Introduce who you are and what role/program you're applying for.
- Make a strong statement about your interest in joining the organization/company.
- Keep this paragraph within 2-3 short sentences.
Here’s an example of a motivation letter’s opening paragraph :
“I am writing this letter to express my interest in the Finance Intern position at NVP Group. As a final year Master's student in Accounting & Finance at the University of Waterloo, I believe that the skills and knowledge acquired in 6 years will allow me to fulfill all job tasks efficiently.”
4. Body paragraph(s)
As the main body of a motivation letter, this paragraph is written to provide the following details:
- Your educational background, relevant work experience, academic and/or achievements, and career aspirations.
- Your skills through practical examples and metrics.
- Your positive personal traits.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your body paragraphs within 200 words. Being concise and direct is always the best way to go when writing a motivation letter, as you don’t want to bore the readers with irrelevant details.
Here’s an example of a motivation letter’s body paragraph :
“I've completed a variety of courses in the finance field, including: financial accounting, macroeconomics, microeconomics, personal finance, and project management. I possess strong analytical skills with thorough attention to detail and a can-do attitude.
My main interest in working at NVP Group stems from its impressive reputation, recognized as "Northwestern America's Most Trusted Firm" for three consecutive years. Moreover, the corporation’s diverse clientele and well-established internship program would provide me with a precious opportunity to pursue my dream career as a Finance Reporting Analyst.”
5. Closing paragraph
In this part of your motivation letter, it's important to mention your future plans, demonstrate what you expect to learn from the program/job, and thank the reader.
Useful tips for writing a strong motivation letter’s ending are:
- Keep it within 3 sentences.
- Be sincere, positive, and professional.
- Include a CTA.
Here’s an example of a motivation letter’s closing paragraph :
“ I believe that this opportunity would help me upskill my career as a Social Media Specialist. I've attached my work portfolio and resume below for your review. Thank you for considering my application and please let me know if you have any questions.”
6. Sign off
To end a motivation letter, simply follow this format:
Best regards, [Your name]
Make sure you include a proper email signature if you submit your letter of motivation via email, like this:
Regards, Kaylee Tran
[email protected] +886-981-234-567
If you are in a rush to write a motivation letter for your job or academic program application, use this complete motivation letter template and personalize it with your own information.
[Your name] [Your address] [Your email address] [Your phone number]
[Date written]
[Recipient’s name] [Company name] [Company physical address]
Dear Mr./Mrs. [Last Name] ,
My name is [your name ] - a [professional title/college major] . I am writing this letter to apply for the [job title/scholarship/internship] role at [organization name] . I feel that my skills, educational background (and relevant experience - if any) make me an ideal candidate for this role.
I am thrilled to join [organization name] because [motives/reasons for applying] . Moreover, this opportunity will allow me to gain [knowledge] and [skills] .
With [personal trait] and [soft skill] , I am confident that I would be an asset to your organization.
Enclosed with this letter are [documents attached] for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Whether you're writing a motivation letter for a job or academic purpose, make sure it looks neat and professional. Let's go over all the important elements regarding the motivation letter format.
- Letter format – The basics of font size are 12pt for body text and 14-15 for headings.
- Font – Top 10 best fonts for a letter of motivation are: Arial, Cambria, Calibri, Didot, Garamond, Georgia, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Trebuchet MS, and Veranda.
- Spacing – The standard letter spacing is 1” on all sides of the page, but you can adjust it accordingly based on the space.
- Motivation letter length – The letter should be sent as a PDF instead of a Word file because the reader won’t encounter any trouble opening and reading the document.
- Email format – The ideal length for a motivation letter sent through email is around 250-400 words.
💡 Tailor the letter content to the program/job requirements.
As a general rule of thumb, you should customize both your CV and motivation letter for the specific role instead of using the same document for the application. By doing so, you can stand out from the crowd of generic applicants and prove to the hiring manager that you're the best fit.
Besides including keywords from the program/job description in your letter of motivation, you can also address the person in charge of the hiring to make your motivation letter more personalized.
💡 Explain how the position helps you achieve your career goals.
It's important to be specific in this part of your motivation letter. Recruiters want to know not only about your career goals but also what you expect to learn from the position. These can reflect your passion and vision on the career path. Therefore, they will see your sincerity in working with them in the long run and be sure that hiring you will be a win-win situation.
💡 Demonstrate how your values align with the organization’s mission.
Whether your personal values align with the company's mission is another important aspect that the hiring manager will consider while reviewing your motivation letter for work.
Here’s how you can find out a company's values and work environment:
- Look for online reviews about the company or employer.
- Check out the company’s website and social media pages.
- Reach out to employees working there for insights.
💡 Show your personality.
It's always important to be original and unique, especially when writing a motivation letter. To avoid sounding like everyone else, leave out some of the most overused phrases in motivation letter samples, such as:
- an ideal candidate for this role
- bring more value
- go above and beyond
Another way to write with personality is providing specific examples and sharing your personal experience in the former role. Hence, recruiters can better understand who you are.
💡 Avoid repeating the contents of your resume.
Keep in mind that a motivational letter for a resume should not simply restate the contents of your resume. In fact, it acts as an accompanying letter that writes about your motivation to apply for the job or program and provides more insights into your skills and capabilities that don’t fit into your resume.
With CakeResume, you can easily create a resume online, free download your resume’s PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Land your dream job, create your resume online (free download) now!
Create resume
--- Originally written by May Luong ---
With the intention of helping job seekers to fully display their value, CakeResume creates an accessible free resume/CV/biodata builder, for users to build highly-customized resumes. Having a compelling resume is just like a piece of cake!
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- Motivation Letter
A motivation letter is used to express interest in applying for a job position within a company. Using this ready-made Motivation Letter from Jotform Sign , you can fill out and e-sign this document for any company you may be applying for. Just customize the design to better suit your needs and complete the fields on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Customizing this Motivation Letter template is easy with our drag-and-drop builder. Add a logo, change the letter text, choose a new font, and make other changes in a few quick clicks. If you’d like references to co-sign your letter, you can even set up a signing order to forward it to multiple signers automatically! Save time drafting letters with this free online Motivation Letter.
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Letter of Authorization
A letter of authorization is an agreement between the person, known as the principal, authorizing another, known as an agent, to perform certain functions or powers in order to perform the duties of the principal. This letter also contains the period of effectivity of the contract of agency between the principal and the agent. Share Jotform’s free Letter of Authorization via email and securely collect e-signatures from any device. Once signed, a finalized PDF document will be sent to your inbox — ready to download, print, and share with the appropriate parties.You can make changes to this Letter of Authorization in just a few easy clicks using Jotform’s intuitive form builder. Simply drag and drop to add or remove text fields, include additional signature fields, change fonts and colors, include your own branding and letterhead, and other design changes. Ditch messy paper forms and streamline your e-signature process with this free Letter of Authorization from Jotform. If you want to take your signing process online, create an e-sign document with Jotform Sign.
Professional Letter of Recommendation
A professional letter of recommendation is used by a prospective job applicant when applying for a position at a different company. Usually written by a previous supervisor, this letter highlights the skills, personality, and qualities of the applicant that is related to the job position they are applying for. Share this Professional Letter of Recommendation via email, which the respondent can then fill out and sign from any device. Once signed, a finalized PDF document will be automatically sent to your inbox and ready to present to the hiring manager.Make updates to this Professional Letter of Recommendation in seconds without any coding. Using Jotform’s drag-and-drop builder, you can easily add or remove form fields, choose new fonts and colors, personalize automated emails, and much more. Land your next big job with Jotform’s free and fully customizable Professional Letter of Recommendation. If you want to take your signing process online, create an e-sign document with Jotform Sign.
Resignation Confirmation Letter
Need a quick and professional way to confirm your employees' resignations? No problem. With Jotform’s Resignation Confirmation Letter, you can build a confirmation letter to send to your employees who have recently resigned for both yours and their records. Oversee the signature process from start to finish in one centralized place. Share via email or embed in your internal management portal and start collecting resignation confirmation signatures today.Customizing your Resignation Confirmation Letter is easier than ever with Jotform’s drag-and-drop form builder. Update your business’ terms and conditions, add or remove form fields, change fonts and colors, and make other design changes — no coding required. Create your letter, send it straight to your former employees, and start collecting signatures seamlessly. To send and sign documents in seconds, customize this template and share it with Jotform Sign.
These templates are suggested forms only. If you're using a form as a contract, or to gather personal (or personal health) info, or for some other purpose with legal implications, we recommend that you do your homework to ensure you are complying with applicable laws and that you consult an attorney before relying on any particular form.
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Letter Templates
Whether you need to draft polished consent letters or confirmation letters, our customizable Letter E-Sign Sign Templates will help you generate and organize letters for your company — for free! To get started, customize and publish any of our free templates for confirmation letters, consent letters, cover letters, letters of recommendation, and more. Submissions made through your online letter form will automatically be converted into polished, professional PDFs that are easy to download, print, and email.
Using our PDF Editor, you can modify any letter template to perfectly match your needs. Feel free to change the fonts and colors, add a text box for terms and conditions, write a personalized message, and stamp your logo for a more personal touch. Your custom letter template will instantly convert every form response into easily-accessible PDFs. If you’d like to send your clients confirmation letters or copies of their submissions, simply set up an autoresponder and enable PDF attachments. With an automated letter template, you’ll never have to manually write or sort paper letters for your business again.
Job Promotion Letter Templates
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Create a cover letter for an internal position. Works on all devices. Drag and drop to design in seconds. Collect e-signatures faster. No coding.
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Create a letter to congratulate your employee for their promotion. Works on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. Easy to customize. Collect e-signatures.
Thank You Letter for Promotion
Express your thanks for a recent promotion at work professionally. Intuitive online letter builder. Works on smartphone, tablet, and mobile devices.
Promotion Cover Letter Template
Create a promotion cover letter to send to your employer. Design to match your personal branding. Ready-made template. Works on all device types.
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Create a letter of recommendation for employees looking to be promoted. E-sign in seconds. Drag and drop to personalize your letter. Share and embed.
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Create a professional letter of recommendation in seconds. Works great on any device. Android and iOS compatible. Easy to customize and share. No coding required.
Letter of Recommendation for Student
Create and collect letters of recommendations for students with Jotform Sign. Drag and drop to customize. Works on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.
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Create and collect letters of recommendations for your coworkers. Drag and drop to customize. Works on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. No coding.
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Letter of Recommendation for a Teacher Colleague
Create a letter of recommendation for your teacher colleagues. Create, send, and e-sign in seconds. Drag and drop to customize. No coding required.
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Create and collect community service letters of recommendation. Great for volunteer applications. Drag and drop to customize. E-sign in just seconds.
Customer Service Recommendation Letter
Create a customer service recommendation letter fast with Jotform Sign. Fill out and e-sign from any device. Easy to customize and share. No coding.
Resignation Letter Template
Simple Resignation Letter
Show respect to your supervisors by using this Simple Resignation Letter when leaving the job position. This will help both parties to have a positive farewell to each other.
Professional Resignation Letter
Create and sign professional resignation letters fast. Great for HR departments. Automate your workflow to save time. Get e-signatures on any device.
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Create a signable letter of authorization. Works seamlessly on any device. Android and iOS compatible. Convert to PDF. Easy to customize and share. No coding.
Confirm your employee’s resignation with this easily customizable letter. Create once, send multiple times. Works on any device — desktop, tablet, and mobile.
Job Confirmation Letter
Create a job confirmation letter and send it out for signature. Works great on any device. Easy to customize. Download the finalized document as a PDF.
Income Verification Letter
Create an income verification letter that works for your business. Easily customizable. Works on all devices — iOS and Android. Download immediately as a PDF.
Contract Termination Letter
Create a document to terminate your contracts. Works great on any device. Fill out and sign with ease. Customize with our drag-and-drop builder.
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Create a professional 30 day notice to send to your landlord. Download responses as PDFs instantly. Works on Android and iOS devices. Easy to customize.
Proposal Letter
Create a proposal letter with this ready-made template. Easy to customize and share via email. Fill out and e-sign from any device. Converts to a PDF.
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Complete verifications of employment for your employees. Great for HR departments. Easy to customize and fill out on any device. Automate your workflow.
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Working remotely has been gaining traction in the United States during the past few years. In fact, from 2005 to 2017, the number of people telecommuting increased by 159%, according to a study from FlexJobs.
Letters of introduction are mainly used to express interest in a job that has not been advertised, while cover letters are used to express interest in a job that has been advertised.
Motivational letters or letters of encouragement are designed to stimulate the reader to take action to fix a specific problem outlined in the letter. These letters are frequently part of an effort to raise funds or recruit volunteer partic...
A motivational letter is a one-page letter that's used to describe why you are the perfect candidate for a certain position. It is usually
A motivation letter , also called a letter of motivation, is a short one-page-long letter that explains why you're the perfect candidate for the
A motivation letter is a personal document detailing your professional skills and reasons for applying for a course of study, a scholarship or a
Confused about the difference between a motivation letter vs. a cover letter? A motivation letter is written to prove your passion for an
This is the main body of the letter. Describe your achievements, academic and professional journey and career aspirations. Elaborate on your skills and passions
Dear Sir/Madam,. I would like to apply for the position of IT Consultant recently advertised on the
A motivation letter or letter of motivation explains why you are the perfect candidate for the job. It is short, only one page in length. It
Aug 2, 2022 - A motivation letter for a job is an official letter stating your motivation or interest in applying for the job position. A motivation letter
Tailor the letter content to the program/job requirements. · Explain how the position helps you achieve your career goals. · Demonstrate
a bit more of your personality and indicate why you are suitable for the particular job position. So make sure that your motivation letter supports your CV
A motivation letter is used to express interest in applying for a job position within a company. Using this ready-made Motivation Letter from Jotform Sign