How to Write a Motivation or Cover Letter

Research

Before you start typing make sure you have a solid notion of the program or
internship you are applying to. This can be as easy as checking out their official
website or looking through brochures that are usually provided at your college or
job fair. Look through their history, values and description of the program and
highlight or select what you consider to be relevant key points to include in your
application.

Understanding the basic structure

Mastering the basic structure of a motivation or cover letter is crucial. An organized

letter is easier on the eye and catches the attention of the reader.

• Paragraph 1: Briefly introduce yourself and tell you want to apply and why.

• Paragraph 2: Explain the importance of the course/degree/internship in your

life and as the next step on your career or academic path. Explain the logic
behind your choice and what led up to that choice – for example, if you are
applying for a degree or a specific course, did you chose it because of its
teaching methods, the quality of the academic program, because it has
renown professors or the excellence of the school? This is where you should
include as best as you can the research you have made previously. You should,
of course, use your own words.

• Paragraph 3: Mention work experience, relevant activities or hobbies that are

relevant to your application. Don’t over clutter your letter with meaningless
activities that have nothing to do with what you are applying for.

• Paragraph 4: Explain any distinctive personality traits with examples you have
and why they are beneficial for your application. You should tie these
personality traits with the information you have given previously or else you
will end up praising yourself with nothing to back you up. For example, if you
have participated in an association in school and mentioned that in paragraph
3, you can use that example as something that has improved your ability to
work in group and cooperate, which can be something decisive for the job
you are applying for.
 • Paragraph 5: Finish by summarizing your goals for the program, your wish to
be involved and how it could benefit you in the long run and benefit them as
well. Try to make a memorable closing comment.

Extra tips:

• Be wary of quotes in your motivation letter. Many people do it these days

because it looks smart on a cover letter but most of the time, applicants use
quotes from publications they never read. That can look pretentious for some
recruiters and in other cases, if an interview is required, they can ask about
that particular quote or where you read it.
• Don’t try to be funny or humorous in your letter, unless you know the precise
person who will read your letter or if it somehow has to do with the position
you are applying to. You never know who’s behind the screen reading your
application and a recruiter with a lack of humour may ignore a brilliantly
written cover letter because of that.
• Don’t take political, religious or any personal viewpoints. Once again, you
never know who is reading your application and a motivation letter should be
neutral and to the point.
• Don’t start every sentence with “I”. The key is to talk about yourself without
sounding pretentious or arrogant so try to come up with different ways to
explain your background and goals.
• Try not to repeat things you’ve already mentioned in your application form.
You can mention an activity in order to explain your motivation but not for the
sake of just making a list of everything you have ever done. That’s what an
application form and CV are for; a cover letter is the key to convince the
recruiter to choose you, based on your passion for the program.
• Don’t use vocabulary you would never use in other occasions. Be formal,
neutral and concise but don’t try to look smart just by using words you need
to look up in the dictionary.