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Motivation Letter: Definition, Samples, Template, Format and More
You might be at a point in your life where you’re applying for a job, a university, a Master’s program, a PhD, an internship, or a scholarship. If so, a motivation letter is a critical part of your application. But what exactly is it, why is it important, and how do you write one that stands out? Let’s dive into the essentials of crafting a compelling motivation letter.
What is a Motivation Letter?
A motivation letter (also called a statement of purpose or cover letter) is where you express your interest, motivation and qualifications for a specific position, program or opportunity. Unlike a resume or CV, which lists your qualifications and experiences, a motivation letter allows you to show your personality, passion and potential. It’s your chance to tell your story and connect with the reader.
Also read: Top 8 Student Cities in USA for International Students
Importance of a Motivation Letter
Why bother with a motivation letter? Here are a few reasons:
- First Impression: Your motivation letter is usually the first thing a decision-maker reads. A good letter will make a strong first impression and set you apart from others.
- Personal Touch: It adds a personal touch to your application, showing you’re not just sending out generic applications but are interested in the opportunity.
- Show Your Fit: It allows you to explain why you’re a perfect fit for the position or program and how your goals align with theirs.
- Demonstrate Your Communication Skills: A clear, concise, and well-written letter shows you have good communication skills useful in any field.
Also read: Best Courses to Study Abroad After 12th for Indian Students
How To Write A Motivational Letter?
1. Opening
Your motivation letter’s beginning greatly impacts how you come across to the reader. It’s your shot to grab their attention from the start. Think of it as a quick pitch—you’ve got just a few sentences to make an impression and get the recipient interested in reading more.
To build a connection, try using the recipient’s name. Putting in the effort to find out the recruiter or hiring manager’s name shows you care and can help create a bond. Use their job title if you can’t track down a specific name.
It’s also crucial to mention the reason for your letter right away. Tell the reader what position you’re going for and explain why. This clears up any confusion about the letter’s purpose.
Remember to put your basic contact details at the top of your motivation letter. Be sure to include:
- Your name
- Address
- Phone number
If you want, you can add the date then the recipient’s name, job title, company, and address. This keeps everything neat and professional.
2. Body
The body of your motivation letter stands as its main showcase. This part lets you delve into your story—putting the spotlight on your skills, achievements, career goals, and all else that might make the reader want to invite you for an interview.
You can take two paths to write this section:
- A single well-crafted paragraph that uses storytelling to show your motivation and passion.
- Three to five brief focused paragraphs, each tackling a different point in a more factual straightforward manner.
The best path depends on your style and what suits the specific role. Either way, try to be as detailed and descriptive as you can. You shouldn’t downplay your accomplishments but also avoid overstating your abilities.
To drive your points home, bring up concrete instances of your previous accomplishments. Shine a spotlight on these by including numbers where you can, and pick punchy action words to give them more weight.
3. Conclusion
The ending of your motivation letter brings everything together and leaves a strong impression. Here’s how to nail it:
- Highlight why you’re a perfect match for the company. Connect your aims and abilities to theirs to show how you both stand to gain from working together.
- Talk about what you want to learn and how you intend to improve in the job. This shows you’re serious about the role and your career growth.
- Include a strong call to action to boost your chances of hearing back and express your eagerness to move forward with your application.
To finish up, end with a professional sign-off like “Best regards,” and then your name.
Motivation Letter Format
Your motivation letter should be well-structured, properly arranged in a neat PDF format and look professional as this speaks volumes about your professionalism. Here are a few quick tips:
- Readability is everything. Make sure that the font size fits on your screen and that it is broken into multiple lines. Then, you should use Calibri or Helvetica. There are, in fact, more readable fonts than these two examples, but those have been tested over time, avoiding old-fashioned cursive ones.
- If you use a small font (less than 10 point), your reader will have difficulty reading your email.
- Balance the spacing and set 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Set your line spacing to 1.0 or 1.5 and a full-line space between paragraphs so they’re clear as day.
- If you are not good with fitting texts and colours, then stick to black text on a white background.
- Save your letter with an obvious name in the format of for example; Firstname-Lastname-Motivation-Letter.
These steps will ensure that the letter you submit is coherent, accessible and gets noticed in ways other than bad grammar. Fair warning: Be sure to proofread each assignment carefully—a single typo can cost you a lot.
Also read: Genuine Student Test Australia for Student Visa
Motivation Letter Template
To help you get started, here’s a simple motivation letter template that you can customise for different applications:
You can also download tips to write an effective motivation letter in PDF
Motivation Letter Samples/ Examples
You need to understand and study the sample to get a clear idea about the motivation letter and how to write it. You can check the samples provided below to learn more about the letters.
Motivation Letter for Job Application
When applying for a job, your motivation letter should emphasise your professional skills and experiences. Here’s an example:
Jane Doe
123 Main Street
Anytown, AN 12345
jane.doe@example.com
June 1, 2024
John Smith
Hiring Manager
ABC Company
456 Business Road
Business City, BC 67890
Subject – Motivation Letter for Job
Dear Mr. Smith,
Introduction: I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Coordinator role at ABC Company. With a marketing background and a love for digital media, I want to join your team.
Body:
- Paragraph 1: I found this opportunity on your website, and I am really interested in ABC Company’s approach to marketing and commitment to being green.
- Paragraph 2: I have a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and 2 years of social media management experience. I have strong skills in content creation, analytics and campaign execution. At XYZ Corp, I increased social media engagement by 30% through targeted campaigns.
- Paragraph 3: I am impressed by ABC Company’s focus on eco-friendly practices and community involvement. Your “Green Initiatives” campaign aligns with my personal values and professional goals of promoting sustainability.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Also read: Why Indian Students Choose the UK for Higher Studies?
Motivation Letter for University
For a university application, focus on your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and reasons for choosing that institution. Here’s a sample:
Michael Brown
789 College Avenue
College Town, CT 98765
michael.brown@example.com
June 1, 2024
Admissions Committee
Prestigious University
101 University Road
University City, UC 12345
Subject – Motivation Letter for University
Dear Admissions Committee,
Introduction: I am writing to express my enthusiasm for applying to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Prestigious University. I have a strong academic background and love technology, so I want to contribute to and benefit from your program.
Body:
- Paragraph 1: I got interested in computer science in high school, where I excelled in advanced math and programming courses. Prestigious University’s reputation for academic excellence and research makes it my number-one choice.
- Paragraph 2: In high school, I led the coding club and developed several apps, one of which won a regional competition. These experiences have honed my problem-solving skills and fueled my desire to be a software developer.
- Paragraph 3: Prestigious University’s emphasis on innovation and hands-on learning is what appeals to me the most. I’m looking forward to working on research projects and with like-minded people.
Conclusion: I am eager to bring my dedication and enthusiasm to Prestigious University. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your vibrant academic community.
Conclusion: I am eager to bring my dedication and enthusiasm to Prestigious University. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your vibrant academic community.
Sincerely,
Micheal Brown
Motivation Letter for Masters
Applying for a Master’s program requires highlighting your academic background, professional experience, and reasons for pursuing advanced studies. Here’s an example:
Emily Clark
456 Graduate Lane
Grad Town, GT 12345
emily.clark@example.com
June 1, 2024
Admissions Committee
University of Excellence
789 Academic Drive
Scholar City, SC 67890
Subject: Motivation Letter for Masters
Dear Admissions Committee,
Introduction: I am writing to apply for the Master of Business Administration program. I have a solid business background and want to move my career forward, so I would like to enhance my skills and knowledge through your program.
Body:
- Paragraph 1: I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Quality University, where I graduated with honours. University of Excellence’s focus on leadership and global business is exactly what I am looking for in my career.
- Paragraph 2: For the past three years, I have been working as a Business Analyst at Top Firm Inc., where I have developed skills in market analysis, strategic planning and project management. I am ready for the challenges of an MBA program.
- Paragraph 3: I am interested in the University of Excellence’s experiential learning and global immersion programs. I want to work with diverse peers and learn from experienced faculty members.Conclusion: I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to and growing within the University of Excellence’s MBA program. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my background and goals align with your program.
Sincerely,
Emily Clark
Also read: Top International Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad After 12th
Motivation Letter for PhD
For a PhD application, emphasize your research interests, academic background, and potential contributions to the field. Here’s an example:
David Johnson
123 Research Road
Research City, RC 12345
david.johnson@example.com
June 1, 2024
Doctoral Admissions Committee
Institute of Advanced Studies
456 Academic Way
Scholar Town, ST 67890
Subject – Motivation Letter for PhD
Dear Doctoral Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the PhD program in Molecular Biology at the Institute of Advanced Studies. I have a strong academic background, and I want to contribute and grow in your program.
Body:
- Paragraph 1: I have a Master’s degree in Biology from a Top University, where I did research on gene expression in cancer cells. The Institute of Advanced Studies is the best place for my PhD.
- Paragraph 2: My research experience at Top University and publication in the Journal of Molecular Biology has given me the skills and knowledge for advanced research. I am interested in gene regulation mechanisms and their implications in disease treatment.
- Paragraph 3: The Institute of Advanced Studies’ facilities and collaborative research environment are what I like most. I am looking forward to working with distinguished faculty members and contributing to the research.
Conclusion: I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the PhD program in Molecular Biology at the Institute of Advanced Studies. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my research interests and potential contributions further.
Conclusion: I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the PhD program in Molecular Biology at the Institute of Advanced Studies. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my research interests and potential contributions further.
Sincerely,
David Johnson
Motivation Letter for Internship
When applying for an internship, focus on your academic background, relevant skills, and enthusiasm for gaining practical experience. Here’s an example:
Sophia Lee
789 Student Lane
Intern City, IC 98765
sophia.lee@example.com
June 1, 2024
Internship Coordinator
Innovative Solutions
101 Business Avenue
Business Town, BT 12345
Subject – Motivation Letter for Internship
Dear Internship Coordinator,
Introduction: I am writing to express my interest in the Summer Internship Program at Innovative Solutions. As a junior majoring in Computer Science at Tech University, I want to apply what I have learned in the classroom to the real-world and contribute to your projects.
Body:
- Paragraph 1: I found out about this opportunity through Tech University’s career services, and I am really impressed by Innovative Solutions’ technology and innovation.
- Paragraph 2: My software development coursework and coding competitions have given me strong programming skills. I know Java, Python and C++ and have developed several projects, including a web application for local businesses.
- Paragraph 3: I am looking forward to working with the team at Innovative Solutions and getting hands-on experience in software development. Your company’s focus on real-world solutions matches my career goal of building technology that matters.
Conclusion: I am enthusiastic about the possibility of interning at Innovative Solutions and contributing to your projects. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs.
Sincerely,
Sophia Lee
Also read: How to Get Admission to Top USA Universities for MS Programs?
Motivation Letter for Scholarship
For a scholarship application, emphasise your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and financial need. Here’s an example:
Oliver Martinez
123 Scholarship Lane
Scholar Town, ST 67890
oliver.martinez@example.com
June 1, 2024
Scholarship Committee
Foundation for Excellence
456 Funding Road
Funding City, FC 12345
Subject – Motivation Letter for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
Introduction: I am applying for the Foundation for Excellence Scholarship. I am a diligent student, and I want to excel academically and make a positive impact in my community.
Body:
- Paragraph 1: I am currently studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at Green University. The Foundation for Excellence Scholarship will help me focus on my studies and extracurricular activities.
- Paragraph 2: Throughout my academic journey, I have maintained a high GPA and been actively involved in environmental clubs and community service projects. I also researched renewable energy solutions, which I presented at a national conference.
- Paragraph 3: The financial assistance from the Foundation for Excellence will allow me to continue my education without financial burden. I will use my education to promote sustainable practices and contribute to environmental conservation.
Conclusion: I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Foundation for Excellence Scholarship. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to and representing your esteemed foundation.
Sincerely,
Oliver Martinez
Conclusion
We hope you got an idea about the motivation letter with this article. To summarise, research the institution/position, structure it well, and show your passion and qualifications. You’ll have a great motivation letter. Personalise each one, keep it short and proofread.
If you need help, get in touch with The WorldGrad team to guide you to write a motivation letter.
Good luck, and may your motivation letter pave the way to your future success!
Motivation Letter FAQs
Q1. How to introduce yourself in motivation letter?
A1. Begin with an introduction that is straightforward and to the point. State your name, the job or program you’re applying to and how you’re looking forward to this.
Q2. How long should a motivation letter be?
A2. A motivation letter should be one page only, around 300-500 words. Short and sweet, cover all the points without unnecessary details.
Q3. What is the difference between personal statement and motivation letter?
A3. A personal statement is about you, your background, experiences and goals, who you are and why you want to study a certain field or program. A motivation letter is about the position or program you are applying for, why you are interested, how you fit in, and what you can bring.
Q4. How to end a motivation letter?
A4. Finish your motivation letter with a strong closing statement. Let the reader know how much you want the job or program, thank them for reading your letter and say you’re available to meet or chat more.
Q5. Can I start my motivation letter with a quote?
A5. While using a quote at the beginning can be nice, it’s often better to start with a personal statement. Quotes can feel cliché or impersonal. Introduce yourself and your real reason for applying to the position or program.
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