Learn how to write a motivational letter efficiently with GlobalExam’s tips.
How to write your motivation letter?
Writing a motivational letter is a little bit tricky.
When you’re presented with a question as big as “why would you like to study here?” or “Why would you like to work here?” you have to word your response correctly.
You can’t be brutally honest and say that you have to go to college. Otherwise, you have no idea what else you’ll do. You also can’t merely say that you’ll starve if you don’t.
Writing a motivational letter shouldn’t be something that you procrastinate. It’s an essential part of your application and can make such a difference, whether you’re a seasoned teacher or starting a career in IT.
So, delete the first words that you’ve wrote, which probably look something like “I believe I am a great fit,” and read the following tips to writing a motivational letter.
What is a motivational letter?
A motivational letter is simply a one-page letter, which is used to promote yourself. It should explain why you’re the perfect candidate or student.
You’re required to write a motivational letter when:
- You’re applying for an internship
- You want to volunteer somewhere
- You’re applying for an educational program at a University
- You’re applying to work at a non-profit organization
Of course, this shouldn’t be confused with a cover letter.
A cover letter should highlight specific information, which matches the skills required for a particular job opening.
Think of a cover letter as an introduction to you and your resume. A motivational should be treated more as a compelling sales pitch.
As the organizations that require a motivational letter are instead a niche, the intent is essential. These organizations are looking for people that actually want to be there.
Writing a great motivational letter could change everything for you. Not only can it boost your resume, but it also compensates for any skills or experience you might be lacking.
The structure
The structure of your motivational letter is so important. You could include the best information and wording, but if it isn’t structured right, it won’t be as effective.
There are two ways that you can structure your motivational letter for the best results.
The first way is to use the classic 3 main paragraph structure. This includes an introduction, main body, and conclusion.
Conversely, you can use the 5-7 paragraph structure. This is where you divide your main body into smaller paragraphs.
Though which one you choose is entirely your choice, we would push you towards using the latter.
If you have a 5-7 paragraph structure, you can be a little more specific and discuss your potential in greater detail.
A 3-paragraph structure is excellent for those who are going for a storytelling approach.
So, what specific bits of information should you include in a motivational letter?
The introduction
The introduction should simply be a short, engaging pitch about yourself, it should include everything that you’re applying for.
Brief information on your personal information (who you are, and what you do), what are you applying for, and the general reason why you’re applying.
Keep it short and snappy.
Of course, before your introduction, you should have your contact details.
The body
This is the central part of your motivational letter, and it’s the most critical part.
If you’ve kept your reader engaged with the introduction, you have to really sell yourself in the body.
Mention stories behind all your skills and achievements, and make sure you keep it relevant to what you’re applying for.
Try to be as factual as possible. You can easily decipher a fabricated story to a real one. You don’t have to make anything up, for your motivational letter, what you have is good enough.
You can always use metrics to back up your qualifications and skills.
You can explain where your passion for a particular subject derived or why you’re different from your peers.
Have you worked in a startup for marketing? Have you volunteered on a project relevant to a University course?
Try not to fill up your body with unnecessary information. Keep it very relevant.
The conclusion
Once you’ve perfected the body, you need to wrap up your motivational letter.
This is an important part – as it’s the last part, the reader will see and will determine what sticks in their memory.
You should summarize all your points, and reiterate your most compelling parts.
Mention your primary goal or wish, and why it means so much to you.
The conclusion should also end with a thank you.
The conclusion should be relatively easy to write, but make sure that it’s a conclusion that really sticks with you.
With the structure thoroughly looked into, it’s time to move onto the more specific parts of the content.
How to write a motivational letter
How can you write a motivational letter that will really stand out from the crowd? Below, we’ve listed our top tips that will help you perfect your letter and gain attention from the right people.
Address somebody directly – Find out who will be reading your letter, and use their name. Whenever this isn’t possible, make sure to address them formally and politely. Never just dive into the letter.
Showcase that you share the same values. Be very specific and prove this through personal examples. Storytelling is a great way to reiterate this, too.
Don’t lie – Fabricating stories does much more damage than good. Be authentic. We promise you’re enough without any lies.
Don’t beg – Pleading is very different from showing. All you have to do is show how interested you are, and prove that you’re the perfect fit. Don’t plead or beg the reader.
Mention the requirements – Read into what is required, and research into the organization. Mention this throughout your letter.
Check over – Make sure that there are no errors in your letter and double-check that everything reads in the best way possible.
Be interesting
An important tip that we have is to be interesting. This is a standard for all motivational letters. It’s also arguably the most essential feature of a motivational letter.
Don’t worry – every human believes that they’re not interesting enough. We promise that you are.
Producing a bland motivational letter can be done by even the most interesting of people. It all falls with how you write it, and the stories that you tell.
For this reason, we recommend you just be yourself. Don’t try to be somebody else – if you do this, you’ll become one of the other candidates and won’t stand out from the crowd.
Talk about personal information and stories, get a little bit deep.
Remember, nobody expects you to have everything completely figured out – especially when it comes to a motivational letter. You just have to prove that you’re passionate and working towards something really great. Alternatively, there are many online services like Top Writers Review that can guide you through the process of creating a motivation letter or consult you on editing your existing one.
The wrap-up
Writing a motivational letter makes the world of difference.
If you’re starting a critical application, the tips above will definitely help you get everything that you wished for.
Make sure that you appear professional without annoying, and take steps to stand out from the crowd.
If you’re authentic, honest, and tell stories – this will come naturally to you.
A motivational letter might seem a little nerve-wracking, but selling yourself will be a lot easier than you envisioned.
