Motivation Letter Writing Guide

Motivation Letter Writing Guide

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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... 1. You are applying to get admitted to an educational program at a college or 

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What is a Motivational Letter and Why it Matters?

university (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate). 2. You are applying to work at a non-profit organization. 3. You are applying as a volunteer in an organization. 4. 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 

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What is a Motivational Letter and Why it Matters?

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 

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What is a Motivational Letter and Why it Matters?

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.

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How to Structure a Motivational Letter

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: 1. Using the classic 3 main paragraphs structure, where your motivational letter has the 

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How to Structure a Motivational Letter

introduction, the body, and the conclusion. 2. 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 

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How to Structure a Motivational Letter

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.

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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: 1. When writing a motivational letter, you want to make 

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How to Write a Motivational Letter

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. 2. 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.

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How to Write a Motivational Letter

3. Demonstrate that you share the organization’s values or are exceptionally qualified through a short story or personal examples. Be specific. 4. 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

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How to Write a Motivational Letter

reasons, demonstrate knowledge and express passion for applying to the institution or organization without showing off or begging. 5. 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 

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How to Write a Motivational Letter

achievements, you will be put into the “lying Pinnochio pile”. Consider your case rested and your application denied.

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