Motivation letter - tips and recommendations on how to write a motivation letter correctly
A motivation letter - what is it and why is it needed?
Very often this is ignored by the applicant. Many people think that a resume is enough. The recruiter does not always pay attention to it, since it is often composed incorrectly, it only takes up time and does not provide the necessary information.
Let’s figure out what a motivation letter is, what it consists of.
We give free advice to job seekers with and without work experience. Our tips will help you write the right motivation letter and find a decent job.
First, let’s understand the difference between a motivation letter and a cover letter. Their goal is the same – self-presentation and convincing its reader that you are the best candidate for this position.
But the difference is that in the cover letter you emphasize more your qualifications, experience, achievements – which serves as a tool of persuasion.
A motivation letter is not so demanding on work experience, it is suitable for people without work experience, here we use similar, but different tools, which we will talk about in this article.
The main task of a motivation letter is to draw attention to your candidacy so that after reading it, the recruiter will study your resume with interest and invite you for an interview. This document can be especially useful for university graduates, people without work experience.
It must be written separately for each job. Of course, a certain paragraph can be transferred from letter to letter, but there should not be two identical letters. What will definitely discredit you is the downloaded motivation letter template from Google – don’t use it!
So, let’s go through the main points:
Uniqueness and non-repeatability
The motivation letter should be 3-4 paragraphs long (maximum an A4 page). Avoid generic phrases like: motivated, team player, stress resistant.
The recruiter will automatically skim through them, or even, at this point, he may even mark your letter as “read” and add it to the common folder .
Pleasing with knowledge
To write a good motivation letter, you first need to study company history, politics, all kinds of materials about it. You must analyse and answer the question: why do I want to work here?
Use simple but proper language. The employer will already notice your information processing skills, which will be a big bonus for you. And this will become the first part of your letter.
Warning! Do not copy company information from the Internet. I think there is no need to explain why).
Check the facts
Check carefully the facts you are presenting. If you are not sure about the accuracy, then indicate the information source. Such mistakes as confusing which position the company occupies in the market for the production of plastics, for example, should be avoided.
Reread the motivation letter
Check the spelling of the letter, you can give it to someone to reread it with a fresh look.
Surprise and attract to your candidacy
The second part of the letter is meant to draw attention to yourself. It is especially important for people without work experience.
In your resume, you objectively have nothing to indicate, but here you can show the employer that the education you have received will give great results in this particular company. Add information about additional courses, competitions, self-education, if any.
For people with work experience, avoid duplicating information from your resume. State succinctly your achievements in the profession, and make it clear that you are interested in long-term cooperation with this company.
This part should become your business card short self-presentation.
Point 6 and it is the last
Don’t write about the salary you expect. This is definitely not the right place.
Mention you appreciate the attention and make it clear that you are looking forward to an answer.
Here’s your motivation letter and you’re done. Check it again for content, logic, grammar. Save it as a separate file.
Usually it is attached to an e-mail along with a resume, in the body of the letter include the name, surname and position for which you are applying.
Remember that recruiters won’t read template letters, they need a well-written resume and an outstanding, personal story about you in a motivation letter. You are unique, your experience, including, should never be underestimated.
An example of a motivation letter without work experience – Download
Good luck!
The article was written by Anastasia Ledyayeva, recruiter of the “WORKIN” recruiting agency.
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