difference between personal statement and motivation letter

Cover Letter vs Personal Statement [With Examples]

When it comes to applying for a job or a graduate program, you may come across two common requirements: a cover letter and a personal statement. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between the two that every applicant should be aware of. In this article, we'll explore what a personal statement and a cover letter are, when they are used, their similarities and differences, and provide examples of each.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a brief essay that highlights your skills, experiences, and goals. It is usually required for graduate school applications, but it can also be requested by employers. The purpose of a personal statement is to demonstrate your fit for a program or a position by showcasing your unique qualifications and motivations.

A personal statement should be well-crafted and tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for. It should showcase your strengths and demonstrate your passion for your field. Your personal statement should also highlight any relevant experiences, such as research projects or internships, that have prepared you for the program or position you are applying for.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It is a formal letter that introduces you to a potential employer and explains why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

A cover letter should be personalized for each job application and should not simply restate your resume. It should highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job, and explain how you will add value to the organization. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and can increase your chances of getting an interview.

When is Each Used?

A personal statement is typically used for graduate school applications, while a cover letter is used for job applications. However, there may be some overlap in certain situations, such as when applying for a job in academia or research, where a personal statement may be requested instead of a cover letter.

Similarities

Both a personal statement and a cover letter are used to showcase your qualifications and explain why you are a good fit for a program or a position. They are both formal documents that require careful attention to detail and should be tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for.

Differences

The main difference between a personal statement and a cover letter is their purpose. A personal statement is meant to demonstrate your fit for a program and showcase your unique qualifications and motivations, while a cover letter is meant to introduce you to a potential employer and explain why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

Another key difference is their length. A personal statement is typically longer than a cover letter and may be several pages, while a cover letter is usually one page or less.

Cover Letter Examples

Example 1: marketing coordinator cover letter.

Why this works: This cover letter is tailored to the specific job and company, highlighting the candidate's relevant experience and achievements. The tone is professional and enthusiastic, showing the candidate's passion for the industry and desire to contribute to the company's success.

Example 2: Sales Representative Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter focuses on the candidate's sales experience and achievements, emphasizing their ability to meet and exceed targets and build strong relationships with clients. The language is confident and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to sell themselves and their skills.

Example 3: Human Resources Manager Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter highlights the candidate's extensive HR experience and achievements, showing their ability to lead and innovate in the field. The tone is professional and confident, demonstrating the candidate's ability to establish credibility and build relationships with stakeholders.

Example 4: Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter showcases the candidate's design skills and experience, emphasizing their ability to create compelling visuals and drive user engagement. The tone is enthusiastic and passionate, conveying the candidate's love for design and eagerness to contribute to the company's creative vision.

Personal Statement Examples

Example 1: medical school personal statement.

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for medicine, demonstrating their commitment to the field and their desire to make a difference. The language is clear and concise, showing the candidate's ability to communicate their ideas effectively.

Example 2: Law School Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for law, demonstrating their commitment to social justice and their desire to use the law as a tool for positive change. The language is clear and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to make a compelling argument.

Example 3: MBA Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's professional experience and goals, demonstrating their commitment to business leadership and their desire to use the MBA program as a platform for growth and development. The language is clear and results-oriented, showing the candidate's ability to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world problems.

Example 4: Education Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's experience and goals as an educator, showing their commitment to teaching, learning, and innovation. The language is clear and enthusiastic, demonstrating the candidate's ability to inspire and motivate both students and colleagues.

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11 December 2023

6 minutes read

Understanding the Difference Between a Motivation Letter and Personal Statement

Dirghayu Kaushik

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• Introduction

Navigating through college admissions and scholarship applications can be a challenging journey, especially when it comes to articulating your aspirations and qualifications.

Two critical elements in this process are the personal statement and motivation letter. Although they may seem similar, understanding their distinct purposes and crafting them effectively can significantly influence the success of your application.

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify these documents, providing insights and tips on how to effectively articulate your story and ambitions.

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• The Essence of a Personal Statement

Crafting Your Narrative

A personal statement is your canvas to paint a picture of who you are beyond grades and test scores. It is an opportunity to narrate your journey, highlighting personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

This document should reflect your personality, values, and the driving forces behind your aspirations. To begin, brainstorm key moments in your life that have shaped your identity and perspective.

These could include pivotal experiences, influential relationships, or significant achievements. The goal is to provide the admissions committee with a holistic view of your character and potential.

Beyond Academics: Showcasing Personal Growth

While academic achievements are important, a personal statement should also delve into personal growth and development. Reflect on how your experiences have cultivated resilience, empathy, creativity, or leadership skills.

These attributes are invaluable in an academic setting and demonstrate your readiness to contribute to a university community.

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• Decoding the Motivation Letter

Aligning with Academic and Career Goals

The motivation letter, often referred to as a statement of purpose or SOP , is a more targeted document. It’s your platform to articulate why you are drawn to a specific program or opportunity.

This letter should align your academic background, research interests, and career objectives with the offerings and ethos of the program you are applying to.

In this letter, specificity is key. Discuss particular courses, faculty members, or research opportunities within the program that resonate with your interests.

Explain how these align with your long-term goals and how your previous experiences have laid the foundation for your future pursuits.

Demonstrating Research and Professional Aspirations

Your motivation letter should also reflect your understanding of the field or industry you wish to enter. Discuss current trends, challenges, and innovations, and how you aspire to contribute to the field.

This not only shows your passion and knowledge but also your potential to make meaningful contributions.

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• The Art of Personalization in Application Documents

Tailoring Your Story to Each Application

One key aspect of writing effective personal statements and motivation letters is personalization. Each application should be crafted with the specific institution and program in mind.

Research the university’s values, mission, and what they look for in a candidate. This research will guide you in tailoring your narrative to resonate with the admissions committee.

Reflecting Institutional Values and Culture

Your documents should reflect an understanding of the institution’s culture and values. For instance, if a university is known for its commitment to community service, highlight your involvement in similar activities.

This demonstrates not only your alignment with the university’s values but also your ability to contribute to its community.

• Addressing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

In your journey towards academic and professional success, addressing challenges and overcoming obstacles is crucial. Here’s how to effectively incorporate these elements into your personal statement or motivation letter:

• Identify Key Challenges: Begin by identifying the significant challenges you’ve faced. These could be personal, academic, or professional obstacles that have had a profound impact on your journey. It’s important to choose challenges that have contributed meaningfully to your growth and development.
• Describe the Obstacle Clearly: Provide a clear and concise description of the obstacle. This helps the reader understand the context and the gravity of the challenge you faced. Be specific about the nature of the obstacle, whether it was a personal hardship, an academic setback, or a professional hurdle.
• Emphasize Your Response: Focus on how you responded to the challenge. Describe the actions you took to overcome the obstacle. This might include seeking help, developing new strategies, or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. The goal is to highlight your resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
• Reflect on Personal Growth: Discuss the personal growth that resulted from overcoming these challenges. This could be in the form of newfound resilience, improved problem-solving skills, increased empathy, or a better understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses.
• Connect to Your Goals: Make a clear connection between the challenges you’ve overcome and your academic or career goals. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the future challenges you might face in the program or career you are pursuing.
• Showcase Development of Skills: If applicable, highlight any skills or knowledge you gained as a result of overcoming these obstacles. For example, overcoming a personal challenge might have improved your communication skills, while overcoming an academic challenge might have enhanced your research or analytical abilities.
• Demonstrate Your Resilience: Use your experiences to demonstrate your resilience. Show the admission committee that you are capable of bouncing back from setbacks and that you have the tenacity to persevere in the face of adversity.
• Inspire with Optimism: Convey a sense of optimism and a positive outlook. Even when discussing challenges, it’s important to maintain a tone that is hopeful and forward-looking. This shows that you are not deterred by difficulties but are instead motivated by them.
• Avoid Over-Dramatization: While it’s important to be honest about the challenges you’ve faced, avoid over-dramatizing them. Stick to the facts and focus on the positive outcomes and lessons learned rather than dwelling excessively on the negative aspects.
• End with a Forward-Looking Statement: Conclude this section by looking towards the future. Discuss how these experiences have equipped you to handle future challenges and how they have influenced your career or academic aspirations.

By effectively addressing challenges and obstacles in your personal statement or motivation letter, you not only showcase your resilience and growth but also demonstrate your preparedness for the rigors of higher education or the professional world.

Remember, it’s not just about the challenges themselves, but how you’ve overcome them and what you’ve learned in the process that counts.

Balancing Personal Anecdotes and Professional Aspirations

The interplay of the personal and professional.

In both your personal statement and motivation letter, there’s a delicate balance to be struck between personal anecdotes and professional aspirations.

While personal stories provide a glimpse into your character, they should also tie back to your academic and career goals.

Connecting Personal Experiences to Future Goals

Link your personal experiences to your future goals. For instance, if you’re applying to a medical program, a personal story about a healthcare challenge in your family could be connected to your aspiration to improve healthcare systems.

This creates a cohesive narrative that underscores the continuity between your past experiences and future objectives.

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Concluding with Impact: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Crafting a memorable conclusion.

The conclusion of your personal statement or motivation letter is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Reinforce your enthusiasm for the program and your readiness to take on the challenges it presents.

Express your eagerness to contribute to the university community and your confidence in your ability to succeed.

The Future Vision

End with a forward-looking statement. Share your vision for how the program will shape your future and how you, in turn, plan to contribute to your field.

A strong conclusion not only reiterates your fit for the program but also leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your aspirations and potential impact.

Crafting a compelling personal statement and motivation letter is a critical step in the journey toward academic and professional advancement. These documents are more than mere formalities; they are reflections of your personality, aspirations, and potential.

By understanding their distinct purposes and effectively articulating your story and goals, you can enhance the impact of your application and move closer to achieving your academic and career objectives.

Remember, each document is a unique opportunity to showcase different facets of your journey and how they align with your future aspirations.

With careful thought and a clear strategy, you can create powerful narratives that resonate with admissions committees and pave your way to success.

What is the main difference between a personal statement and a motivation letter?

A personal statement is a broader document that describes your overall personality, experiences, and goals, while a motivation letter is more focused on how a specific program or opportunity aligns with your academic and professional aspirations.

Can the same document be used as both a personal statement and a motivation letter?

While there might be some overlap in content, it’s important to tailor each document to its specific purpose. A personal statement should be more about you as an individual, whereas a motivation letter should be closely aligned with the specific program or opportunity.

How long should these documents be?

Both documents should be concise and to the point. Typically, they should not exceed one page, ensuring clarity and focus on the most relevant aspects.

What should be included in a motivation letter?

Your motivation letter should include your specific academic and professional interests, how they align with the program you’re applying to, and how your past experiences have prepared you for this next step.

Is it necessary to include personal anecdotes in a personal statement?

Yes, personal anecdotes can be very effective in a personal statement as they provide a more intimate glimpse into your life, making your application more memorable.

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Table of Contents

• • Introduction
• • The Essence of a Personal Statement
• • Decoding the Motivation Letter
• • The Art of Personalization in Application Documents
• • Addressing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
• • Conclusion

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Mastering the Art of the Motivation Letter for European Universities: A Step-by-Step Guide

What Is a Motivation Letter?

Structuring the Letter

Showcasing Your Motivation

Writing Style & Tone

Getting Feedback & Review

European universities offer a vast and often under-appreciated terrain for academic learning and life exploration. If you’re a student charting a path to Europe and one of its storied universities, your next step requires navigating the intricacies of a European admissions landscape. Of all that’s required, writing a stellar Motivation Letter is an essential step in this journey. But, when it comes time to tackle yours, you may find yourself bewildered as you try to comprehend what this kind of customary letter requires, what to include, and the proper structure and format to use. Well, now you’ll have expert advice to get you moving forward...

This guide will cover everything you need to know to write the kind of letter expected in a European context, with expert guidance from Crimson Education’s European Admissions Advisors. We’ll tell you what to highlight in the letter, how to format and structure your letter, and how to ensure your Motivation Letter is right on point — purposeful, genuine, memorable, and sure to help you stand out in the admissions process.

A crucial element for applications to European universities stands as a complement to your academic transcripts, extracurricular accomplishments, and test scores. It’s the Motivation Letter.

This letter is more than just an addition to your CV; it's an opportunity to show the institution your genuine interest and your unique value proposition.

As such, the Motivation Letter also presents unique challenges. First, if you’re applying to European universities from abroad, you may struggle to understand the format, structure, and exact purpose of this kind of letter, not to mention the more nuanced requirements.

But success is just around the corner. In this article you’ll find all you need to know to write a Motivation Letter that helps your application stand out.

With so much riding on your college aspirations, you don’t want to underestimate the impact a well-written Motivation Letter can have on your EU admissions chances. In the sea of applications that university admission panels receive, a well-composed motivation letter is refreshing and inspiring. It spotlights strong motivations, a fit between your aspirations and the school’s ethos and programs, and a clear vision of how the school will be a valuable partner in your educational journey.

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I. What Is A Motivation Letter?

The purpose of a motivation letter.

The essence of a motivation letter is the logic of a strong connection between your educational motives and aspirations, on the one hand, and key educational programs and opportunities offered at the school you’re applying to.

A Motivation Letter has a unique format. Unlike a personal statement or personal essay , and different from a cover letter, a Motivation Letter should be seen rather as a strong closing pitch to your application. It goes beyond your recorded grades and other known accolades to spotlight underlying personal motives and circumstances that make the selected school a top fit for the next step in your journey, foregrounding your enthusiasm for the target school.

Remember, admissions officers will be screening hundreds of applicants. Your letter will serve as a pivotal application component that provides a glimpse of the deeper personal story behind your motivations and how those motivations make you an outstanding fit for the school.

Importance of Personalization

Imagine receiving a gift tailored just for you versus a generic one-size-fits-all item. Which would you cherish more? Similarly, an effective Motivation Letter must be carefully tailored for the selected school in addition to reflecting the applicant’s deeper motivations. A letter that caters specifically to the institution and academic program in question, exhibits a heightened level of dedication and can significantly boost your application's standing.

Personalization is an essential step, ensuring your letter goes beyond only superficial demonstrations of interest . It’s your ticket to making your application more memorable as you shine a light on your deeper motivations and your genuine enthusiasm for attending the chosen institution.

1. Communicate your personal motivations for attending the school.

For the college you’re applying to personalization could mean calling attention in your letter to the most relevant educational departments, programs, program components, academic resources, or faculty members.

To be clear, your goal is not to tell admissions officers why they have a great university, but rather to spotlight specific features of the university that resonate with your own personal motivations and aspirations as a learner.

2. Share insights into what shapes your personal motivations and aspirations.

Finally, personalization also means of course that your letter will illuminate YOU — and include some allusions to authentic life experiences, lessons, or reflections that shape and add depth or conviction to your motivations and aspirations.

The Motivation Letter format doesn’t invite extended narrative descriptions in the way a personal essay might, but you do want to share concrete formative experiences, suitable for an admissions context, that add authenticity, depth, and conviction to your motivations.

II. Researching the University and Program

Know your audience.

Universities, much like individuals, have distinct values, cultures, and expectations. Demonstrating an understanding of these nuances can tremendously enhance the weight of your application. By aligning your motivation with the ethos of the institution, you don't just apply; you resonate and create a more compelling picture of the strong fit between your genuine motivations and the university’s legacy, educational mission, and social vision.

School & Program Specifics

Demonstrating interest and a good fit involves matching your motivations to salient aspects of your selected school. Your genuine interest isn't just reflected in what you say about yourself or your enthusiasm, but also in how much you know about the school and specific academic programs you're applying for. Delve into concrete features of instruction and curriculum in the course offerings that interest you most. Make connections between your motivations and other relevant school features as well.

• What elements of the curriculum or curriculum design for your major fit your own interests?
• Is there a hands-on learning component, field-study offering, multi-disciplinary approach, or emphasis on a specific area of specialization that you’re enthusiastic about? Why?
• Are there faculty members with interests or specializations intersecting with your academic goals?
• Does the university have partnerships with industry groups, labs, or NGOs that you want to connect with?

Incorporating relevant and genuine elements like these not only showcases thorough research into the university; it traces for the reader your growing enthusiasm — as you’ve learned more about the school, the courses of study, faculty, and other resources or offerings.

III. Structuring the Motivation Letter

The introduction paragraph.

The opening lines of your Motivation Letter are like the curtain going up at the start of a performance. Crafting a captivating start, presenting a compelling hook, are both paramount to getting the admissions committee engaged.

You’re not expected to write like a novelist, but, you want the reader stop for a moment, get focused on a key insight, question, or fact, and want to keep reading.

For this component and others, getting suggestions from an outside reader, or reaching out to an essay coach who understands the college admissions process, may be good bets, especially if you are feeling stuck or unsure about your initial results.

And, remember, you may find it helpful to write or re-write the introduction paragraph after the other parts of the letter have been completed.

The Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs will hold all the most prominent concrete facts and connections you want the letter to convey to the admissions panelists.

Gathering and connecting the most important and persuasive points, and preliminary outlining, are essential for these paragraphs.

Be sure to focus on the educational, academic, research, and professional motivations most relevant to your application for the prospective institution. Show how these elements have steered you to fix your sights on this specific school, and which school offerings you’re most enthusiastic about and why.

The Conclusion Paragraph

Conclude with clarity and conviction. Reiterate your enthusiasm, summarize the central themes of your letter, and leave the reader with an impression of not just your qualifications, but your aspirations and the zeal with which you aim to achieve them.

• Consider framing the preceding accounts of your motivations, qualifications, and goals with a dash of humility and appreciation for the people or fortunes who’ve helped you so far in your journey.
• You might try ending on a note of future-facing anticipation that captures your excitement for your next steps and paints a picture of your longer-term aspirations.

Finishing the Process

Crafting your Motivation Letter might seem daunting at first. But remember, a step-by-step approach can help get you out of the gate and across the finish line — all with a disciplined approach to the writing process.

If you start to feel lost during the task, keep focused on your reader, the letter’s purpose, and your own genuine intent. Finally, don’t shy away from asking a friend, guardian, or counselor for suggestions — there’s no harm in seeking a measure of outside encouragement or informed guidance to stay on track.

With this approach and the right level of prior research into your prospective school, you’ll have a clear path to completing the job.

IV. Showcasing Your Motivation

Reflecting on personal motivation.

Every individual has a unique reason for pursuing higher education. Is it a long-standing passion for the subject? Or perhaps it was a life event that sparked your interest? Delve deep into your reasons for seeking this particular program at this university.

• Do you have a long-standing passion for the subject you’re pursuing?
• Is there a learning or training gap to you want to fill as a stepping stone to the next stage of your journey?
• Are you curious — aspiring to explore diverse topics and disciplines in an academic setting that welcomes more open-ended inquiry?
• Are you building a broad base of professional skills, as a liberal arts major, for example? Or are you focused on specific areas of research or specialized knowledge?

Be sure to step away from your day-to-day distractions and tasks to introspect as you prepare your letter. It’s natural for college applicants to experience rapidly evolving interests, motivations, and intentions, and your Motivation Letter is fundamentally forward looking, so be sure to take stock before you start writing.

More than needing you to pretend you have it all figured out, admissions panelists will appreciate applicants who demonstrate self-awareness, conveying authenticity and some vulnerability, with candid reflections on their motivations and future direction.

Whether it’s a passion for natural science evolving into a more specialized career goal, or you want to channel your past passion as a musician into a new academic major focused on purposeful public service… be sure to reflect on your own inner landscape of motivations as you prepare your letter.

Discussing Career Goals

Just as you connect your motivations to formative events or reflections — from your past — you’ll need to tell readers how your motivations and academic aspirations will be a bridge to future goals and accomplishments.

Whether you’re seeking qualifications for a dream job in computer science or painting a picture of the philosophical questions you want to explore, try to give admissions panelists a glimpse of a vivid goal, direction, or destination for your future — ensuring clear connections between motivations, academic programs at the target school, and future aspirations.

With this in mind, you can build a bridge between your current interests and motivations and your envisioned future. This demonstrates a clear pathway of professional growth, a commitment to larger aspirations, and a vision for how the university will play a pivotal role in your journey.

V. Demonstrating Fit and Contribution

Exploring fit.

A round peg in a square hole benefits no one — if your prospective school has many interested applicants, those applicants with less relevant or less concrete motivations will be put aside to leave space for those with more fit and enthusiasm.

The more your motivations and present journey align with the university ethos and with the selected academic offerings, the more persuasive your Motivation Letter will be. Highlight what you’ve learned about the school and express your enthusiasm for the strong alignment you’re finding — emphasizing the seamless fit between your educational motivations and the kind of academic opportunities and campus life the university offers.

Picturing Your Contributions to the Community

Institutions thrive on diversity and active contributions to their community. When an applicant truly fits a program's mold, it isn't just beneficial for the individual but for the university as well. Be sure your letter addresses how your motivations will shape your contributions to academic programs, to your peers, and campus life or culture.

Whether it's through extracurricular activities, community service, rigorous research and inquiry, or unique experiences and perspectives, demonstrate that you're not just there to take, but to give back in meaningful ways.

VI. Writing Style and Tone

Professional writing.

While passion is crucial, so is professionalism. Your Motivation Letter should maintain a formal tone, reflecting maturity and seriousness. Additionally, while it's essential to show appreciation for the university, avoid excessive flattery.

Avoiding Common Flaws and Mistakes

Even a minor grammatical error can tarnish the impression of your letter. Before finalizing your letter, invest time in proofreading, or better yet, make use of suitable grammar and spellcheck tools and seek external feedback to catch any lurking errors.

• Be on guard for formal errors in spelling and punctuation.
• Check for flaws in style and readability, ensuring strict clarity and concision.
• Keep a vivid focus on the most relevant points.

This polishing effort enhances readability, shows professionalism and respect for readers, and ensures your letter is truly on point and as impactful as possible.

VII. Tailoring Your Letter

Avoid generic statements.

"Since childhood, I've been passionate about..." Such statements, while possibly true, sound clichéd and might cause your letter to drown in a sea of similar claims. Instead, aim for authenticity. Ditch the generic and embrace the specific. Without drifting into autobiographical narratives, consider ways to balance references to abstract motivations, intentions, and passions with concrete experiences or reflections.

Maybe you haven’t thought much about where some of your motivations originated… Let your Motivation Letter be a catalyst for some introspection and see where it leads. It’s likely you’ll find some nuggets of insight that make your letter even more compelling and authentic.

Incorporating Specific Details

With this in mind, consider if a well-placed anecdote here and there might elevate the impact of your letter. Authentic glimpses of your real life — or of your authentic inner reflections — can make all the difference, turning your letter into a game changer for your application.

Anecdotes are brief descriptions of a relevant personal event, memory, or reflection that make your claims more convincing and give breath and flesh to the evolution of your interests, passions, and motivations.

You won’t have space for lots of details. Stay focused, but consider if and when briefly narrating or alluding to specific personal incidents, experiences, or reflections will make your letter more memorable and illuminate a pivotal motivation or passion.

VIII. Seek Feedback and Review

Importance of feedback.

External feedback can do more than just spark fresh perspectives or rescue you from overlooked errors. The feedback, insights, and guidance that you get from a mentor, teacher, college counselor, or from a specialist in Crimson’s Advisor network, can have a transformative impact on essays and Motivation Letters.

Outside reviewers may only have a limited role to play, but their input can be pivotal in elevating the impact your letter will have.

Reviewing and Editing

Perfection isn't achieved in a single draft. Dedicate time for multiple rounds of editing. Look for clarity in arguments, coherence in structure, and correct grammar.

The goal is not to end up wringing every residue of spontaneity and authenticity from your delivery. But, polishing and editing your writing, to achieve greater clarity and concision, and careful proofreading, are the same steps professional writers use to get better results, and they’ll work for you too.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a Motivation Letter, when crafted with care, sincerity, and attention to detail, can be your best form of introduction. Far more than superficially flaunting achievements already on record, your letter must reveal authentic self-awareness and showcase your deeper intent, exceptional fit, and potential accomplishments and contributions at the university and beyond.

Taking a disciplined approach to your Motivation Letter, and ensuring it conveys an exceptional attention to detail, strong motivations, and genuine enthusiasm about the university and your prospects there should make it the fulcrum of your application — unlocking doors to a dazzling new chapter of your educational journey, enriched by Europe’s cultural tapestries and hallowed academic traditions.

We've navigated the intricacies of crafting such a letter, from understanding its essence to meticulous editing — emphasizing the need for personalization, thorough research, and authenticity. Approach this endeavor not as a mere formality but as a heartfelt testament to your dedication, past efforts, and forward-looking aspirations. Remember, in a vast sea of applications, a well-crafted motivation letter will win approval and prove memorable for being concise, clear, personalized, and authentic.

For the best possible outside guidance and for a game-changing investment in your college aspirations, book a free consultation with one of our global admissions Advisors today. A well-crafted letter will reveal the true impact your words can have, paving a path to your dream school in Europe, widening your aspirations, and elevating your future possibilities.

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How To Write a Motivation Letter + 4 Examples

When applying for a job, you want to show more than just knowledge and an abundance of skills to your future employers. You need to add a personal touch and the best way to do it is a well-written and engaging motivation letter.

But, what is a motivation letter? Is it the same as a cover letter? How to write one? We’ll address these questions and provide four examples you can use to present yourself in the best light.

Table of Contents

What is a Motivation Letter?

A motivation letter, also called a motivational letter, is a succinct one-page document that outlines why you are the ideal candidate for a particular role, such as a job, educational program, internship or volunteer opportunity.

You’ll typically attach this letter to your CV when applying for various jobs or other opportunities.

It serves as a personal statement of your motivations and intentions. The focus is on showcasing your enthusiasm and commitment beyond what’s listed on your resume.

It is an opportunity to emphasize the personal elements that make you a standout candidate.

Motivation Letter vs. Cover Letter

While both motivation letters and cover letters serve the purpose of introducing yourself in a job application, there are some key differences between the two:

Motivation Letter:

• Focus on personal motivations
• Explores values and goals
• Provides a personal story

Cover Letter:

• Highlights professional qualifications
• Concise and formal
• Addresses specific job requirements

How to Write a Motivational Letter

Writing motivational letters that leave a positive impression should be well structured. This involves knowing what to include and what not to include in it.

Let’s break down this process to reveal its essential elements:

• Contact details

Introduction

1. contact details.

In this section, you will want to include the following information:

• Academic degree (if applicable)
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Links to relevant social accounts such as your LinkedIn profile

2. Introduction

Begin with a professional greeting and clearly state the purpose of your letter.

It’s best if you know the exact contact person/hiring manager you are talking to and address them by their name right from the start. This shows you’ve done your research and helps you establish a more personalized connection.

In essence, your introduction should answer the following questions:

• What position are you applying for?
• What fuels your interest in joining the team for this job?
• What are you bringing to the organization (your skills and qualities)?
• Why are you the right person for the job?

Use clear, concise language and focus on essential details only.

The body of motivation letters is an extension of your introduction. It usually consists of two or three paragraphs.

The paragraphs convey your enthusiasm for the job and highlight your qualifications.

Why you want the job:

• Express your genuine interest in the position and the company
• Highlight specific aspects you like about the company, such as its values, mission or work culture
• Explain how the job aligns with your career goals and plans

What you can do:

• Showcase your skills and qualifications relevant to the job
• Provide real-life examples of past experiences and achievements
• Use metrics or specific details to add credibility to your statements

Passion and value proposition:

• Convey your passion for the role and the industry
• Discuss how your unique qualities and values align with the company’s mission
• Reinforce your commitment to contributing to the success and growth of the company

Remember to be concise, factual and persuasive. Use clear examples to illustrate your points and show why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

4. Conclusion

In the conclusion of your motivation letter, you want to summarize your key points. This is where you voice your gratitude and leave a positive final impression.

Include the following:

• Briefly recap why you are excited about the job and how it aligns with your career goals
• Thank the reader for considering your application
• Express appreciation for the chance to be part of the selection process
• Reaffirm your excitement about the opportunity and the prospect of contributing to the company’s success
• Politely invite the reader to contact you for further discussion or clarification
• Use a formal closing salutation such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards”
• Sign off with your full name

Remember to keep this section brief and positive, leaving the reader with a favorable impression of your candidacy.

What Not to Include in Your Motivational Letter

When writing a motivation letter, there are common mistakes you should avoid.

Try to resist the urge to emphasize your weaknesses. While honesty is a valuable trait to have, the motivation letter is the opportunity to showcase your strengths.

Keep your language straightforward and concise. Avoid using fluff words or overly elaborate sentences.

Keep away from statements like “I feel extremely passionate.” Instead, mention a specific event or project you have been a part of. This showcases the genuine depth of your enthusiasm for a subject or field.

Apply the “ So what? ” rule. Ask yourself, ‘ So what does this add to my candidacy?’ If the information doesn’t directly strengthen your case or highlight relevant skills, consider excluding it.

What is the Best Format of a Motivational Letter?

The best motivation letter is formatted in a professional manner. It should be well-organized and tailored to the specific job or program.

Here is a recommended motivation letter template you should follow:

The header is reserved for your personal info, including:

• Your Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Links to your relevant social accounts

Don’t forget to include the correct date following the Month-Day-Year US format :

• “January 15, 2024”

Recipient’s Information

Include the recipient’s relevant information, such as:

• Recipient’s Name
• Recipient’s Title (if applicable)
• Company Name (if applicable)

Start with a formal greeting, such as:

• “Dear [Mr./Ms.] [Last Name],” “Esteemed [Mr./Ms.] [Last Name],”

Here’s what you should write in your motivation letter intro:

• The position or program you are applying for
• A brief expression of your enthusiasm for the opportunity

In the body part of your motivation letter, include the following:

• Explain why you are interested in the position or program.
• Emphasize your genuine passion and connection.
• Highlight relevant skills, experiences and achievements.
• Show how your values and goals align with those of the company or program.

The conclusion is where you should briefly summarize the whole purpose of your motivation letter. Here’s what to do:

• Summarize your main points
• Express gratitude for the opportunity
• Use a closing phrase such as “Sincerely” or “Thank you”
• Sign your full name at the bottom

It is also important how your motivation letter looks at first glance. So, pay attention to the following features:

• Consistency: Maintain a consistent font and formatting throughout the letter
• Length: Keep it concise, ideally one page
• Structure: Divide the text into smaller blocks for better readability

4 Motivation Letter Examples

We will provide four examples to guide you through your application process. This will help you look at the motivation letter as a full picture.

1. An Example of a Motivation Letter for a University

Let’s say you need to write a motivation letter to apply for the University of Environmental Science, EcoSphere.

2. An Example of a Motivation Letter for a Scholarship

A motivation letter example when applying for a scholarship should look similar to this.

3. An Example of a Motivation Letter for an Internship

If applying for an internship, follow this sample motivation letter structure.

4. An Example of a Motivation Letter for a Job Application

Here is an example of a motivation letter you can use as a guide when applying for a, let’s say, restaurant job .

Key Takeaways

When you write a motivation letter, consider its purpose: revealing your personality and traits. Structure your motivation letters so they include your contact details, an introduction a body and a conclusion.

In the contact details section, provide essential information. Include your name, academic degree, address, phone number, email, and relevant social links. Start the introduction with a professional greeting. State your purpose and answer key questions briefly.

The body is an extension of your introduction. Your cover letter should consist of paragraphs expressing your genuine interest in the job. Showcase your skills and convey your passion and unique value proposition. Be concise, factual and persuasive.

Conclude your motivation letters by summarizing key points. Express gratitude and leave a positive final impression. Avoid emphasizing weaknesses, use straightforward language, and be specific about your passion.

For the format, ensure it is professional, well-organized and tailored to the specific job or academic program you’re applying for.

Keep the letter concise, ideally one page and maintain a consistent font and formatting throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about writing a motivation letter.

What is the primary purpose of a motivational letter.

The motivational letter serves as a personalized narrative, allowing you to articulate not only your professional qualifications but also the underlying motivations and passions that drive your interest in a particular opportunity.

It goes beyond a traditional resume by providing insight into your character, values and unique attributes.

This document showcases not just what you can do, but also why you are genuinely enthusiastic and well-suited for the specific role, academic program or scholarship you are applying for.

How to structure the introduction of the motivation letters?

When structuring the introduction of your motivational letter, commence with a formal and professional salutation, addressing the recipient appropriately.

Following this, concisely articulate the primary purpose of your letter, explicitly stating why you are reaching out.

It is crucial to immediately establish clarity by offering succinct responses to fundamental questions, such as specifying the position, program or opportunity you are applying for.

Next, state your motivation for applying and briefly outline the unique qualities and qualifications that make you a suitable candidate.

What information should be covered in the body of the motivation letters?

In the body of the motivation letter, provide the specifics of your application by expressing authentic enthusiasm for the opportunity. Communicate your genuine interest by highlighting aspects of the job, academic program or scholarship that resonate with your career goals or academic pursuits.

Substantiate your claims by showcasing concrete examples of your skills and qualifications, providing tangible evidence of your capabilities. Emphasize not only what you can do but also how your unique background, experiences and perspective contribute to your value proposition.

This section serves as the core of your letter, painting a comprehensive picture of why you are the ideal candidate or scholar for the position or program in question.

How long should a motivation letter be?

A good motivation letter should typically be concise, and ideally limited to one page. Keeping it succinct ensures that the reader can quickly grasp the key points without being overwhelmed by excessive information.

Is the motivation letter the same as the cover letter?

No. A cover letter is a formal document submitted alongside a resume or CV during a job application. It serves as an introduction to the applicant and complements the details provided in the resume.

The cover letter typically includes information about the applicant’s qualifications, skills and experiences relevant to the job. In contrast, a motivation letter is often used in academic or international contexts.

It delves into personal motivations, passions, and goals related to the opportunity.

How can you effectively address a surface-level experience in your motivation letter?

In your motivation letter, consider highlighting your enthusiasm for learning. Include your transferable skills and relevant qualities. They make you a strong candidate despite limited formal experience.

Emphasize your eagerness to contribute and willingness to undergo training. Also, mention any related achievements or experiences that showcase your potential and dedication.

How to conclude your motivational letter effectively?

In conclusion, summarize key qualifications and motivations to reinforce your candidacy. Express gratitude for the opportunity, and reaffirm your excitement about contributing.

Conclude with a formal closing salutation, such as “ Sincerely ” or “ Best Regards ,” followed by your full name, maintaining professionalism and leaving a positive and open-ended impression.

Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose

Learn how to persuade the admissions team at the university to give you a place by using your personal statement.

• Types of content that should be included in your motivation letter
• How to format a personal statement for university
• 5 Tips to make your personal statement more interesting
• Mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement
• Samples of university personal statements
• Difference between personal statement, cover letter and motivation letter

A Guide For Writing an Effective Personal Statement For University Admissions

When making your applications to your universities and colleges of choice, writing your academic personal statement is the first opportunity that you have to show your personality, to get across what motivates you, and ultimately to clarify why the admissions staff at your chosen university should accept you on the course you want.

Here you will find recommendations and advice on structure, content, as well as what mistakes to avoid when creating your personal statement for university or college.

Keep in mind that if you are applying to UK universities through UCAS you can only write one statement even if you apply to five different courses. 

Types of Content That Should Be Included in Your Motivation Letter

Most probably you know that you would be an excellent addition to any university, but we often freeze when we’re put in a situation where we have to explain the reason why. Writing about ourselves is not something most of us do under normal circumstances, so getting some practice before you sit down to write your first draft of your personal statement can help you organise the topics you want to speak about in your mind.  

Below you will find two planning tables to help you quickly and easily clarify what kind of skills and information about yourself you should include in your motivation letter for university.

Consider sharing some information about how you arrived at this point in your academic life. What exactly makes you passionate about the course you’re applying for compared to any other course?  

What challenges have you faced and overcome? This doesn’t have to be a dramatic example, but you can feel free to describe experiences such as conquering your fear of public speaking, being the only person in your family to go to university, and other ordinary situations. This is your chance to show off some of your virtues, such as how determined and hard-working you are when you have a goal.  

Motivation Letter Content Planning Table

Using this table you can start to create a vision for what you want to speak about, and what story you want to tell the reader.

Around two thirds of your personal statement should consist of the information that you use to answer these questions, and to do that you have to be aware of the character limit that has been established for your statement. In the case of UCAS’ personal statement, this is set at 4,000 characters (between 570 and 1000 words). 

The remaining third of the personal statement should be about yourself and why you believe you’re a good fit for the course that you are applying for, with this being focused on what would make you a valuable addition to the university. You should only include information that directly supports your case for studying at your chosen university , rather than talking about the dreams that you’ve had since you were a small child. The golden rule is that the more recent the information, the better , because Admissions Selectors want to know about the person you are today. 

Filling out the table below and having it with you as you write your personal statement can help you remember to include the qualities that you possess.

Brainstorming For Skills to Include in a Personal Statement

As always, all information that you choose to include should build upon the narrative of why the university should select you for the specific course you are applying for . This can be easy to forget while you’re expanding on your talking points.

Even though there are no rules written in stone about how to write a successful university application, you now have the information you need to get started with creating a unique and impactful personal statement that demonstrates to your chosen university why you should be accepted as a student.

Writing a personal statement that truly manages to make the author stand out from the crowd is a process that can take days or even weeks to finalise, while you get feedback from your teachers, friends and family. For this reason, start drafting your personal statement today and you’ll see that all you have to do is be yourself and present yourself in a way that is honest, authentic and enthusiastic. 

Hopefully, your mind is buzzing with ideas of what you’d like to speak about in your motivation letter – just make sure you follow the etiquette of how to present everything before you get started!

How to Format a Personal Statement For University

One of the main decisions you need to make about how to present your statement is how many paragraphs should be used. While there are no absolute rules about what admission staff will like, it is generally accepted that between five and seven paragraphs with a maximum of 500 words is the best approach . The reason for this is that you have to touch on a variety of topics, and separating them in this way allows you to organise them logically and make your point effectively.

You should speak in the past-tense when sharing your story of how you got to where you are today as a student and individual. Towards the end of your personal statement, you can change to the present-tense to give the reader a sense of narrative and purpose.

For example:

• “During my work experience placement, I had the opportunity to…”
• “From time to time, I volunteer as…”

Again, although there are no rules with how you should write, there are some formats that are reliable and have survived the test of time. One example of a format that helps applicants write clear and concise statements is the following template:

• Start by explaining why you have chosen this course , and very briefly let them know a little about your background. Keep it simple!
• Demonstrate to the reader what you know about the subject by mentioning current developments or important research topics, and how they impact areas of society in a broader way. Universities are not just looking for people who can keep up with the news, but people who show vision and enthusiasm. Be sure to check out the downloadable prospectus that your preferred universities offer, to make sure you have really understood what is being offered.
• Now is the time to speak about any extracurricular activities or experiences outside of academia that are relevant to the course you are applying for. If your experiences don’t directly relate to the subject, you can try to explain how the skills that you developed during these experiences will be meaningful in the context of your university course. With that said, be careful not to exaggerate here, as you may later have to answer questions about anything you include.
• Conclude your statement in a professional and formal tone by thanking the reader for their time, and expressing your eagerness to start university in the near future.

What to Keep in Mind When Writing Your Personal Statement

The way you write your personal statement gives the admissions committee an instant impression of how much care and attention you are capable of while producing an important piece of work, and for that reason we want to give the best first impression possible.

It’s important to remember that the university is not trying to trick you when they ask you to tell them about yourself . They don’t know you, and they would like to know more about what you do with your time, and where you would like to go in life. 

Focus on common themes that your courses of interest share, and avoid including the specific course or university names in order to keep it general . Those students who are applying through UCAS can find information on important deadlines here .

With everything in the right place in your motivation letter, the next task is to learn how to make your motivation letter as interesting as possible, as well as avoid some of the common pitfalls and mistakes.

5 Tips to Make Your Personal Statement More Interesting

Maybe you already know what type of content you want to include in your personal statement, and you just need a little help with how to structure everything. The following suggestions are a good place to start:

• An introduction that immediately stands out from other applicants. It’s important to appreciate that the people who read university applications have seen a lot of the same thing, so this is your chance to be different and grab the reader’s attention. This does not mean trying to be as unorthodox as possible, but just show your personality and don’t try to impress the reader.

• What your goals are and how the selected course will help you achieve them . To make sure that you give university tutors the impression that you fully understand what their courses are about, you should do some of your own research by reading the university’s prospectus. These can usually be downloaded from their official website, and often include external links intended to help the applicant understand the approach of a particular course.
• Why you have a passion for your chosen subject. Throughout your application, you should show how passionate you are about the subject in question. Was there an event in your life that made you pursue the path that you’re on? Let them know about it! 
• Show ways that you have immersed yourself in the subject outside of the classroom. Admission tutors are looking for evidence that your interest in your subject continues even when your classes are finished for the day. A simple but effective way to speak about this is highlighting the books you have read on the subject, or workshops and seminars you have attended in your own time. 
• Your participation in clubs or societies . This does not need to be strictly related to the courses you are applying for, as admission committees value your intellectual and creative ability to relate your experiences to your subject of choice.

Consider focusing on topics such as public speaking, staying organised, and the discipline and perseverance required to excel in a sport. Speaking about your experiences in this way will communicate that you are a person that pursues their goals earnestly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Personal Statement

Writing a personal statement is a process that can take time, and it would be a shame to commit the simple and avoidable mistakes that some students make. In this list you’ll find some of the most common errors when it comes to personal statements. 

• Avoid using your application as a chance to show how many sophisticated words you know . This is likely to be distracting from the overall point of what you’re trying to convey.
• UCAS and other organisations all use software designed to detect plagiarism , which easily detects when applicants use parts of their colleagues’ personal statements. Writing your own application is important, because you can be asked unexpected questions later during your interview.
• Related to the previous point: always tell the truth!
• Try to resist the temptation to procrastinate with getting started on your statement , as this is another common mistake that applicants make. This will be a process of writing multiple drafts, and getting your friends and family to proofread for you, and these things can take longer than you expect to get done.
• Humour and quotes are usually inappropriate . This doesn’t mean that you have to take an overly serious tone, but you simply never know whether the member of staff reading your personal statement shares your sense of humour. In the case of quotes, this is considered a cliché writing technique by most admissions officers, and if you do choose to use one then there should be a clear reason to justify it.

In the next section you will find some explanations from tutors at Oxford, Greenwich and Bangor University on their typical reasons why they might reject an application.

There are many potential reasons why admission staff might consider that an applicant isn’t suitable for the requested course, and the following are some of the points of view that tutors expressed when asked to describe their usual reasons for rejecting a personal statement: “I work at Bangor University, and I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been reading personal statements and I see a sentence mentioning the name of a completely different university or course than the one the student is applying for. This makes a bad impression because it shows that the student hasn’t really planned their application properly, and this qualifies as an instant rejection for me.”

“Something I personally find off putting in their personal statement for Media Studies is when the student talks too much about their Dad who owns a radio station, or their Auntie who is a journalist. Not only is this irrelevant for us, but it gives the impression that the applicant is trying to look good based on the achievements of their family . I only want to know about the applicant and what motivates them.”

From these professionals’ perspectives we can see that a light, authentic and concise style is preferred . Even with their helpful points of view, you can benefit from checking out some visual examples of university personal statements.

Samples of University Personal Statements

Examining a diverse variety of university personal statements can help you get a sense of which tone and style you would like to use in your own statement , as well as the opportunity to observe some of the shortcomings or mistakes that have been made by others so that you can avoid making them yourself.

Below you can find two examples of personal statements from students, and a brief summary of their strengths and weaknesses. Also you can check out this enlightening two minute video from a Dartmouth Former Admissions Reader to learn what admissions officers look for in college applications.

Personal statement from a biochemistry student :

“When I was eleven years old, my father was involved in a road accident with a lorry. His injuries were quite serious, and he was only able to recover after receiving a blood transfusion. Ever since then, I’ve had the goal of working in transfusion science myself, to do for other families what those professionals did for mine. As I’ve had the privilege of knowing what I wanted to do with my life from an early age, I’ve been able to do extensive research into the skill set that these kinds of scientists must have. I consider myself an efficient and focused person, which are critical attributes when it comes to being responsible for patients’ lives. I feel that I am academically prepared to take the next step on this career path due to my deliberate A-level choices in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Maths.

Due to studying both biology and chemistry, I’ve been able to develop laboratory skills that will serve as a good foundation for more advanced techniques at the university level. Maths has improved my ability to interpret numerical information logically, while Psychology has given me the chance to improve my writing skills.

During my time at school, I have always taken on positions of additional responsibility. I was elected as the form captain twice, and also Head Girl in my last year. This position was a challenge, because it was my job to represent my school at important events, but it was this challenge which sharpened my public speaking skills. I’ve received prizes for both biology and maths, and I was also awarded the Stubbs Cup, which I consider one of my main achievements.

In my spare time I go for long walks in the countryside with my two dogs, which are energetic huskies. Taking care of all their needs by myself requires discipline, since they are such a demanding breed. I also use this time to socialise with other people who are out with their animals, as I love to meet new faces. One of the reasons I’m excited about university is for the chance to meet so many new people.

Apart from that I also like to lift weights in the gym, because I find that keeping healthy makes me more motivated for other areas of my life. The gym I attend has a service that looks after clients’ children while they work out, and I recently started working there because I love working with children. In order to work here, I had to earn my first aid certificate.

I think that a career as a biomedical scientist would be an enriching and satisfying career for me because it’s a job that both improves and saves lives. Taking the next step to university has been my main aspiration for a long time, and I look forward to the challenges that it will bring.”

Personal statement from a drama student :

“From an early age I have always been fascinated by the stage. For me it’s much more than entertainment, as I believe that a well-produced drama production can make an emotional impact on an audience. My main involvement with the craft has been through acting, however I’m also very interested in learning other aspects of theatre such as lighting and set design in a university setting.

For my GCSE Drama final production, a group of us produced a play based on a short story by A.L. Kennedy. Because there were only six of us in the group, we shared a lot of responsibility. I played one of the main characters and was also in charge of obtaining the props we needed. These tasks were enjoyable but the most challenging part of the production was to adapt the story for the stage, and produce a script as close to the original story as possible. This was a demanding but enjoyable job and really opened my eyes to the complexity of adapting stories to the stage. 

As well as Theatre Studies, my other AS-levels are in English Literature, Sociology, and Biology. In English Literature we have just completed a module on plays in which we studied Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and Shakespear’s Henry V. I go to the theatre as often as I can, and have seen many amateur and professional productions. My favourite playwright is Willy Russell. I think all his plays provide an interesting social commentary, and successfully blend comedy and tragedy. I have seen many musicals, but Blood Brothers is by far my favourite; I have now seen it four times! I am looking forward to discovering more playwrights while at university. 

My interest in drama and the theatre takes up a lot of my social life. I have taken part in all my school’s productions and am also involved in a local drama group ‘The Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Operatic Club’ –  BBLOC for short. Every year we hold a major production, the most recent being Oh What a Lovely War. I value the experience of being part of this group as I get to work with people of all different ages. I also have a part-time job in a local Beefeater restaurant. This job has taught me the value of being able to work as part of a team, and I think helps me improve my performance within BBLOC and at school, as good teamwork is crucial to a successful production. I am looking forward to joining a drama society at university, and also possibly a film society, as cinema and film are another of my passions. I feel I have a lot to contribute to university life and hope you will consider me for a place at your university.”

If you have made it this far then you now have a plan of attack for how to make an outstanding motivation letter – well done! Click here for tips on how to structure a strong academic CV and how to request notable letters of recommendation .

Frequently Asked Questions About Motivation Letters

What is the difference between a personal statement and a motivation letter.

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but if we want to get specific about it then in reality a motivation letter invites the writer to speak about the academic or work position they are applying for will be a crucial step in their career or personal development.

A personal statement’s content is more likely to be oriented in the past, describing the activities and achievements that have brought you to where you are today. 

In other words, very similar information appears on both documents, but the story that you’re expected to tell with that information is where the difference lies.

What is the difference between a cover letter and a motivation letter?

A cover letter is usually used in the context of applying for a job position, with the intention of demonstrating how the experiences that you’ve had and the skills you’ve developed make you the perfect candidate.

Motivation letters are generally used for describing to the reader where you want to go in the future, and how that would become a real possibility by becoming a part of their organisation.

What should I write in a motivation letter?

The answer to this depends on what type of organisation you want to apply to, because the content and style can change significantly depending on the context. Just a few different scenarios that would change the delivery of your motivation letter might include:

• Student exchange programmes
• Internship positions
• Scholarships
• Job selection processes
• Undergraduate education
• Graduate education

The post above is intended to help anybody drafting their motivation letter in an academic context .

Craig Plunkett

Fabiola López Marín

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UCAS Guide For International Students

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How to Write a Successful Motivational Letter

• Apr 18, 2024
• 36,350 views

As you look for a new opportunity, be it seeking a job or applying for school , you may need to write a motivational letter.

Composing inspirational letters requires creativity, thoughtfulness, and an appreciation of the message one intends to convey. When compiled correctly, it can be an effective way to express yourself and your motivation.

This article offers tips on constructing an outstanding motivation statement. We will discuss what should be included in the letter and how to format it. Additionally, the article will cover what words to use to ensure your letter is as strong and persuasive as possible.

Additionally, we will provide some motivation letter samples so you can get an idea of what works best.

Equipped with this advice, you will be armed to construct a noteworthy motivational statement that will help you reach your aspirations.

Prepare all your application materials

When sending out an application of some kind, you will likely need to submit a package of documents . You may need to complete an online application, provide letters of recommendation , and send a copy of your resume.

To ensure you present yourself in the best light, consider polishing your resume with a free online resume builder!

The builder offers resume templates to help you create a neat and appealing document that presents all your best qualities and expertise.

The AI-powered writing assistant helps come up with the best words to describe you as a professional.

Save time, money, and effort while writing your best resume with Resume Trick .

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What is a Motivation Letter

A motivation letter is a document that serves to introduce who you are and elucidate your personality. This type of inspirational letter may be used to accompany an application for a job or a college/university program.

The letter of motivation should be written in a professional yet personable tone to show your inspiration to apply for a certain position or a degree. You should also demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity and express what motivated you to apply.

The main goal of the motivation statement is to get the reader to look at your CV or resume .

An effectively written letter of motivation can leave a notable impression on prospective employers or admission counselors. It often can be the deciding factor for the "yes" or "no".

Devote enough time to produce a unique, intriguing letter that will aid you to be noticed among the others!

Motivation Letter Example

Motivational letter vs. cover letter.

Motivational statements and cover letters are documents used in the application process. However, they are different in purpose and content.

The motivation statement must be composed in a friendly, conversational style. It expresses your passion for the opportunity , talks about the talents you have, and how you can help the organization reach its goals.

The cover letter should be professional and concise. It must be well-structured and provide a clear summary of your credentials and skills. It has to be direct and to the point, highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

Despite the differences, you can try using our cover letter templates for formatting and organizing your motivational letter.

In conclusion, a letter of motivation and a cover letter are two distinct documents. While the two are both important, they serve different purposes and must be written differently.

Ensure that you select the correct type of letter based on the requirements and compose effective supporting materials for your application.

When to Use a Motivational Letter

Crafting a motivational letter may be needed to aid you in being noticed . Here are some occasions when you may need to compose a motivational statement.

A well-written motivational letter serves as a great tool for setting yourself apart from other contenders and exhibiting your keenness for the role or opportunity. Make sure to include all relevant information that is needed to make your application successful!

Motivation Letter Examples

An engaging motivational statement can make the difference between being accepted and rejected. Below you will find examples of letters for various purposes . Use them as a reference for crafting your own.

Example of a motivational letter for a university application:

Dear Ms. Campbell, My name is Alex Throssell. I am writing to you to support my application for admission to Jackson State University. I am enthusiastic about obtaining a degree in Computer Science. I am confident that your school will give me the ideal opportunity to realize my goals. I have been interested in the informatics field since I was a child. I have been coding ever since I was 12 years old. I love solving problems and developing new applications. In high school, I completed courses in computer programming and web development, which sparked my interest in software engineering. In college, I plan to continue to explore the world of computer science. I want to learn more about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, two topics that fascinate me. Additionally, I plan to become involved with research projects related to these topics as well as other areas of computer science. I am confident that Jackson State University can provide me with the best education to help me achieve my goals. Not only does it have excellent faculty members and research opportunities, but also offers a stimulating environment where I can grow both academically and personally. Appreciation for your thoughtfulness in reviewing my application. I anticipate your reply! Best regards, Alex T

Examples of a motivation letter for an internship:

Dear Mr. Miller, I am excited to submit my application for the Social Work Intern position at Compassionate Care Services. With a solid academic foundation, I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to your team. Currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at Towson University, I actively engage in projects that enhance my practical knowledge. Notably, I led the "Youth Empowerment Program" at my university, overseeing skill-building workshops, mentorship programs, and career guidance. This experience sharpened my research, collaboration, and leadership skills, further deepening my understanding of the field. Beyond my academic endeavors, my strong customer service skills and effective communication make me a valuable addition to your team. My passion for Social Work drives my commitment to community betterment. I am eager to apply my skills to contribute to the mission of Compassionate Care Services. Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and dedication align with the goals of your organization. Please feel free to contact me for any additional information. Sincerely, Elizabeth Tucker

A motivation letter example for a job application:

Dear Mr. Watts, I am writing to apply for the Landscape Architect role at EcoDesign Studios. I have 5 years of experience in the field. I am confident that I possess the necessary skills and qualifications to make an immediate impact on your team. I am passionate about architecture and have worked hard to develop a deep understanding of the industry. At my previous company, I led the "Urban Harmony Plaza" project, transforming an underutilized urban space into a vibrant, green hub. Collaborating closely with local stakeholders, I applied my architectural skills to address real-world challenges, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in enhancing community well-being. I am highly motivated and eager to contribute to the success of the EcoDesign Studios. I have a proven track record of meeting deadlines, exceeding expectations, and delivering high-quality results. I am also highly organized and take pride in ensuring that projects are completed according to set deadlines and standards. Furthermore, I have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy working as part of a team. I am comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and collaborating seamlessly with colleagues at all levels. I would be delighted to put my skills and experience to work for your organization. I believe my qualifications render me a perfect fit for the role and would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Matthew M. Ferrell

A motivational letter example for joining an organization:

Dear Ms. Ruben, I am thrilled to express my fervent interest in joining Community Empowerment Hub, captivated by its commitment to fostering social and economic justice. The impactful strides your team has taken in improving lives resonate deeply with my personal mission. For quite some time, I have closely followed and been inspired by your organization's dedication to ensuring universal access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and other fundamental needs. I firmly believe in the transformative power of collective action to institute enduring change. My educational background, including a degree in political science, coupled with my experience in the public sector, positions me well for this role. Through my involvement in a recent legislative initiative on climate change, I honed my understanding of policy issues and effective strategies for driving social change. My passion lies in utilizing my skills to contribute to a better world, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing my expertise to your team. Eager to contribute meaningfully, I am confident in my ability to aid your organization in advancing its goals and objectives. Thank you for considering my application to join Community Empowerment Hub. I am eager to delve deeper into how I can actively contribute to your mission and make a lasting impact on the world. Sincerely, Paul Brown

A motivation letter sample for funding application:

Dear selection committee, I am writing to seek funding for my project, "SustainVisions," which aims to produce a series of educational videos promoting sustainability in our community. The "SustainVisions" project will showcase individuals from our community who are passionate about sustainability, highlighting their impactful work. These videos will be strategically shared on various social media platforms, with the overarching goal of inspiring viewers to take positive actions towards a more sustainable lifestyle. The requested funding will be allocated to cover essential aspects such as equipment, production costs, and associated travel expenses. With this support, I envision creating a unique video series that not only educates our community but also has the potential to resonate beyond our local borders. This endeavor is crucial in raising awareness about sustainable practices and encouraging tangible actions that can positively impact our environment and the lives of many. Beyond my passion for this cause, my experience demonstrates a proven ability to execute impactful projects. I have collaborated with non-profits, government agencies, foundations, and various organizations to develop sustainable initiatives with lasting effects. My skill set includes conducting thorough research, designing effective programs, and establishing valuable relationships with key stakeholders. I am committed to ensuring that any funding received will be utilized efficiently, meeting deadlines, and staying within budget while delivering top-tier results. With a track record of successful projects, I am confident that "SustainVisions" can make a tangible difference with your support. I sincerely believe in the merit of this project and hope for your consideration and support. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. All the best, Nichole Fisher

How to Format a Motivational Letter

The formatting of the motivation statement has to be concise but appealing. Although the requirements are less strict as compared to the cover letter writing , it is a professional document, not a note to a friend.

Tips for formatting your motivation letter:

• Use a readable font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, in size 11 or 12.
• Leave 1-inch margins on all four sides of the page.
• Begin by writing your name and address on the initial line.
• Include the date underneath your address.
• List the recipient's contact information below the date.
• Use a polite salutation, such as "Dear Mr./Ms./Dr." followed by their last name.
• Ensure that each paragraph is no more than five lines long. Each sentence should contain no more than 12 words.
• End with a polite closing such as "Sincerely" and include your name underneath.
• Include any relevant documents, such as a resume or references, after your signature.

By following these simple steps, you can guarantee that your motivational statement has the right format and appears professional.

How to Structure a Motivational Letter

Drafting such a letter can help you make a good first impression . So, it's worth investing time into crafting a well-written document that outlines your skills, qualifications, and suitability for the role.

Your motivational letter ought to be brief and limited to one page . It has to include the following: an introduction, body paragraphs, a conclusion, and your information.

In the beginning, you should articulate your interest in the role and how it complements your career plans. The body paragraphs should explain why you are qualified for the job by showcasing your qualifications and exhibiting your enthusiasm about the opportunity.

The conclusion is that you can share your excitement for the role and thank them for taking the time to look at your application. At the end of your motivation letter, be sure to include contact information . This will ensure you can be reached out if there are any questions or for further discussion of your candidacy.

Make sure your motivational letter is tailored to the job and reflects your enthusiasm, then send it off with confidence!

Tips on How to Write a Motivation Letter

Motivational letters are a necessary component of competition. It helps companies or schools make decisions about who to choose and shows them what kind of person you are.

Developing a compelling motivation letter can assist you in surpassing other applicants and displaying your devotion to the role or program.

Follow the below steps to create an impressive letter of motivation that will leave a good impression on potential employers or admissions boards.

Motivational letter writing tips:

• Prepare for writing. Think about what you want to say and why you are writing it. Ensure that you are prepared to explain your interest in the letter.
• Start with a captivating introduction. [Introduce yourself](/blog/tell-me-about-yourself.html, your goals, and your reason for applying.
• Use compelling language. Be clear and concise so your motivational statement is easy to read and understand. Keep your sentences short and to the point.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm. Tell about your passion for the position, the program, or the project you are applying for.
• Describe your goals and objectives . Explain what you hope to gain from this opportunity and how it fits into your long-term goals.
• Show your commitment. Speak about how you will contribute to the company/university and its mission.
• End your letter with an emphatic declaration. Illustrate your eagerness for the discussed matter and express gratitude for the reader's consideration.
• Proofread and edit carefully. Ensure that there are no grammar, spelling, or formatting errors in your motivational letter before sending it.

By abiding by the above instructions, you will be able to compose an impassioned motivation letter which will give you a head start on attaining the job or getting into the university.

Addressing Potential Concerns

Applicants can address gaps in experience , low grades, career changes, or other potential concerns in their motivational letter. This can prevent misinterpretations and ensure that the reader has a clear understanding of the circumstances .

Here's how you can address these moments proactively and positively: Begin by acknowledging the concern directly but briefly. For example, if you have a gap in your work history, state it concisely without dwelling on it. This demonstrates transparency and shows that you are aware of the potential red flags. Offer a brief explanation or context. For employment gaps, this could include personal circumstances, health reasons, or pursuing further education. Emphasize what you've learned or gained from the experience, despite the challenges it may have presented. For example, if you took time off to travel, discuss how it enhanced your interpersonal skills . Connect your past experiences, including the problems you've faced, with your future aspirations. Explain how they align with the opportunity you're applying for.

Dos and Don’ts

It is important to remember that success comes from within . Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind when it comes to creating a motivation statement:

• Write clearly and concisely.
• Make sure your letter is tailored to the specific job or program you are applying for.
• Use powerful language that exudes confidence.
• Incorporate relevant examples or reasons behind your motivation.
• Highlight any special aspects that make your application unique.
• Don't copy and paste from other letters or applications.
• Don't use weak phrases like "I think" or "I believe". Instead, use stronger words like "I am confident".
• Don't be too general with your statements. Be specific about what you can bring to the table.
• Don't leave out any important details. There should not be questions left for the reader.

Writing a motivational letter: conclusion

Constructing a letter of motivation can be laborious. Yet, it does not have to. Follow the provided guidelines and the motivation statement examples to build yours.

Key takeaways:

• It is essential to be clear and concise in your writing, as well as to make use of effective language.
• Highlight your enthusiasm and illustrate why you are the most suitable person for the opportunity.
• Ensure that the letter is adapted to the specific employer or school you are applying for.
• Demonstrate your passion and devotion.
• Proofread and edit your letter for any errors.
• Don't forget to include a professional signature at the end.

Now, send your letter and wait for a response. Remember: be patient, confident, and positive! Good luck with your application!

Aiden Anderson

Resume Trick Staff Writer

Aiden Anderson is a Resume Trick staff writer specializing in job search-related topics, including resume and cover letter writing. Aiden is constantly seeking innovative ways to bridge the gap between technology and career development. His goal is to offer valuable insights to job seekers on leveraging digital tools for a successful job search. Aiden's passion for the internet and technology is also reflected in his articles for Video Candy .

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SOP, Personal Statement, and Letter of Motivation: Introduction, Differences, and Keynotes

Introduction of sop, personal statement, and letter of motivation.

Table of Contents

SOP stands for statement of purpose and a letter related to it is a more generalized statement like a personal interview. A statement of purpose (SOP) explains why you want to study an offered subject topic (it could be for a program) and a personal statement explains why you are the right candidate for a program. A letter of Motivation (LOM) is a relatively specific statement without containing any information not related to the program which means only a part of that interview but a more detailed one.

Differences between SOP, Personal Statement, and Letter of Motivation

The difference between SOP, personal statements, and motivational letters are as follows-

• It is mandatory to be familiar with the differences between SOP, personal statements, and motivational letters for a university degree.
• These types of letters are quite confusing for students.

Bibliography

• https://www.stoodnt.com/blog/statement-of-purpose-sop-vs-personal-statement-vs-letter-of-motivation/
• https://www.idp.com/kenya/study-abroad/statement-of-purpose/
• https://www.bachelorsportal.com/articles/2130/personal-statement-vs-motivation-letter-whats-the-difference.html
• https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/sop-sample-applycontent1727
• https://www2.aston.ac.uk/study/advice-on-applying-to-university/examples-of-personal-statements
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/motivation-letter
• https://www.discoverphds.com/advice/applying/phd-motivation-letter
• https://blog.accepted.com/tips-for-answering-the-university-of-california-application-essay-

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11 December 2023

6 minutes read

Understanding the Difference Between a Motivation Letter and Personal Statement

Dirghayu Kaushik

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• Introduction

Navigating through college admissions and scholarship applications can be a challenging journey, especially when it comes to articulating your aspirations and qualifications.

Two critical elements in this process are the personal statement and motivation letter. Although they may seem similar, understanding their distinct purposes and crafting them effectively can significantly influence the success of your application.

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify these documents, providing insights and tips on how to effectively articulate your story and ambitions.

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• The Essence of a Personal Statement

Crafting Your Narrative

A personal statement is your canvas to paint a picture of who you are beyond grades and test scores. It is an opportunity to narrate your journey, highlighting personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

This document should reflect your personality, values, and the driving forces behind your aspirations. To begin, brainstorm key moments in your life that have shaped your identity and perspective.

These could include pivotal experiences, influential relationships, or significant achievements. The goal is to provide the admissions committee with a holistic view of your character and potential.

Beyond Academics: Showcasing Personal Growth

While academic achievements are important, a personal statement should also delve into personal growth and development. Reflect on how your experiences have cultivated resilience, empathy, creativity, or leadership skills.

These attributes are invaluable in an academic setting and demonstrate your readiness to contribute to a university community.

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• Decoding the Motivation Letter

Aligning with Academic and Career Goals

The motivation letter, often referred to as a statement of purpose or SOP , is a more targeted document. It’s your platform to articulate why you are drawn to a specific program or opportunity.

This letter should align your academic background, research interests, and career objectives with the offerings and ethos of the program you are applying to.

In this letter, specificity is key. Discuss particular courses, faculty members, or research opportunities within the program that resonate with your interests.

Explain how these align with your long-term goals and how your previous experiences have laid the foundation for your future pursuits.

Demonstrating Research and Professional Aspirations

Your motivation letter should also reflect your understanding of the field or industry you wish to enter. Discuss current trends, challenges, and innovations, and how you aspire to contribute to the field.

This not only shows your passion and knowledge but also your potential to make meaningful contributions.

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• The Art of Personalization in Application Documents

Tailoring Your Story to Each Application

One key aspect of writing effective personal statements and motivation letters is personalization. Each application should be crafted with the specific institution and program in mind.

Research the university’s values, mission, and what they look for in a candidate. This research will guide you in tailoring your narrative to resonate with the admissions committee.

Reflecting Institutional Values and Culture

Your documents should reflect an understanding of the institution’s culture and values. For instance, if a university is known for its commitment to community service, highlight your involvement in similar activities.

This demonstrates not only your alignment with the university’s values but also your ability to contribute to its community.

• Addressing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

In your journey towards academic and professional success, addressing challenges and overcoming obstacles is crucial. Here’s how to effectively incorporate these elements into your personal statement or motivation letter:

• Identify Key Challenges: Begin by identifying the significant challenges you’ve faced. These could be personal, academic, or professional obstacles that have had a profound impact on your journey. It’s important to choose challenges that have contributed meaningfully to your growth and development.
• Describe the Obstacle Clearly: Provide a clear and concise description of the obstacle. This helps the reader understand the context and the gravity of the challenge you faced. Be specific about the nature of the obstacle, whether it was a personal hardship, an academic setback, or a professional hurdle.
• Emphasize Your Response: Focus on how you responded to the challenge. Describe the actions you took to overcome the obstacle. This might include seeking help, developing new strategies, or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. The goal is to highlight your resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
• Reflect on Personal Growth: Discuss the personal growth that resulted from overcoming these challenges. This could be in the form of newfound resilience, improved problem-solving skills, increased empathy, or a better understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses.
• Connect to Your Goals: Make a clear connection between the challenges you’ve overcome and your academic or career goals. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the future challenges you might face in the program or career you are pursuing.
• Showcase Development of Skills: If applicable, highlight any skills or knowledge you gained as a result of overcoming these obstacles. For example, overcoming a personal challenge might have improved your communication skills, while overcoming an academic challenge might have enhanced your research or analytical abilities.
• Demonstrate Your Resilience: Use your experiences to demonstrate your resilience. Show the admission committee that you are capable of bouncing back from setbacks and that you have the tenacity to persevere in the face of adversity.
• Inspire with Optimism: Convey a sense of optimism and a positive outlook. Even when discussing challenges, it’s important to maintain a tone that is hopeful and forward-looking. This shows that you are not deterred by difficulties but are instead motivated by them.
• Avoid Over-Dramatization: While it’s important to be honest about the challenges you’ve faced, avoid over-dramatizing them. Stick to the facts and focus on the positive outcomes and lessons learned rather than dwelling excessively on the negative aspects.
• End with a Forward-Looking Statement: Conclude this section by looking towards the future. Discuss how these experiences have equipped you to handle future challenges and how they have influenced your career or academic aspirations.

By effectively addressing challenges and obstacles in your personal statement or motivation letter, you not only showcase your resilience and growth but also demonstrate your preparedness for the rigors of higher education or the professional world.

Remember, it’s not just about the challenges themselves, but how you’ve overcome them and what you’ve learned in the process that counts.

Balancing Personal Anecdotes and Professional Aspirations

The interplay of the personal and professional.

In both your personal statement and motivation letter, there’s a delicate balance to be struck between personal anecdotes and professional aspirations.

While personal stories provide a glimpse into your character, they should also tie back to your academic and career goals.

Connecting Personal Experiences to Future Goals

Link your personal experiences to your future goals. For instance, if you’re applying to a medical program, a personal story about a healthcare challenge in your family could be connected to your aspiration to improve healthcare systems.

This creates a cohesive narrative that underscores the continuity between your past experiences and future objectives.

For your Astronomy personal statement, click here

Concluding with Impact: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Crafting a memorable conclusion.

The conclusion of your personal statement or motivation letter is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Reinforce your enthusiasm for the program and your readiness to take on the challenges it presents.

Express your eagerness to contribute to the university community and your confidence in your ability to succeed.

The Future Vision

End with a forward-looking statement. Share your vision for how the program will shape your future and how you, in turn, plan to contribute to your field.

A strong conclusion not only reiterates your fit for the program but also leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your aspirations and potential impact.

Crafting a compelling personal statement and motivation letter is a critical step in the journey toward academic and professional advancement. These documents are more than mere formalities; they are reflections of your personality, aspirations, and potential.

By understanding their distinct purposes and effectively articulating your story and goals, you can enhance the impact of your application and move closer to achieving your academic and career objectives.

Remember, each document is a unique opportunity to showcase different facets of your journey and how they align with your future aspirations.

With careful thought and a clear strategy, you can create powerful narratives that resonate with admissions committees and pave your way to success.

What is the main difference between a personal statement and a motivation letter?

A personal statement is a broader document that describes your overall personality, experiences, and goals, while a motivation letter is more focused on how a specific program or opportunity aligns with your academic and professional aspirations.

Can the same document be used as both a personal statement and a motivation letter?

While there might be some overlap in content, it’s important to tailor each document to its specific purpose. A personal statement should be more about you as an individual, whereas a motivation letter should be closely aligned with the specific program or opportunity.

How long should these documents be?

Both documents should be concise and to the point. Typically, they should not exceed one page, ensuring clarity and focus on the most relevant aspects.

What should be included in a motivation letter?

Your motivation letter should include your specific academic and professional interests, how they align with the program you’re applying to, and how your past experiences have prepared you for this next step.

Is it necessary to include personal anecdotes in a personal statement?

Yes, personal anecdotes can be very effective in a personal statement as they provide a more intimate glimpse into your life, making your application more memorable.

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Table of Contents

• • Introduction
• • The Essence of a Personal Statement
• • Decoding the Motivation Letter
• • The Art of Personalization in Application Documents
• • Addressing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
• • Conclusion

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What’s the Difference Between a Motivation Letter and a Cover Letter

If you’re thinking about applying to college or a new job and want to quickly show how motivated you are, you might looking for the best way to get that done. 

Don’t worry, that’s normal, but you need a solution. 

After all, when planning to apply for something, it’s essential to make a great first impression . 

That’s why many applicants send in a cover letter or a motivation letter . 

However, you might be wondering if there’s any difference at all between a motivation and a cover letter, and which one is better for the job you want to land ?

In this article, we’ll explain:

• Cover letter and motivation letter differences
• Benefits of each type of letter
• When to use one letter or the other

Once you understand which is best to include with your application, use our AI-powered resume builder to easily win over employers. 

Keep reading to find out the best way to show off your career goals to employers.

Motivation vs. Cover Letter: Key Differences

Employers want to find and hire applicants who are highly motivated as it leads to a number of benefits for the company such as guaranteeing a great company culture and keeping the employee long term.

However, choosing between a cover letter or writing a motivation letter will depend on the type of program or company .

That’s because each letter focuses on different aspects of your qualifications and experience.

Take a look at the differences between the 2 types of letters :

Motivation Letter

• Centers on personal goals and passion for the field and is more personal and reflective, while discussing long-term aspirations.

Cover Letter

• Highlights professional skills and job suitability and is used for professional positions as it showcases relevant achievements and qualifications.

By picking the letter that best fits the position you want , you’ll guarantee that the hiring manager notices your best qualifications and goals. 

Cover Letter vs. Motivation Letter: When to Use Them

There are a number of unique motivation letter and cover letter differences and strengths. 

This means it’s critical to understand when to use those strengths , or you’ll end up explaining information that isn’t important. 

For example, when applying for college or graduate school programs , you should use a motivation letter as it will help you show your passion for your field of study. 

Here are other examples of when to use a motivational letter:

• Scholarship applications . Share how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational and career goals.
• Internships : Explain how you want to learn from experienced employees, especially in fields where your academic knowledge is essential.
• Volunteer positions : Mention your commitment and reasons for volunteering to an NGO or other organization that you would like to work with.

When to Write a Cover Letter

Cover letters focus more on your professional qualifications , so they should be used when sending your application to a company or business. 

Here are some specific examples: 

• When applying to a job : Use your cover letter to connect your experience and skills to the job’s requirements.
• Changing careers : Explain how your existing skills can transfer to the new role in your cover letter.

Even if it’s optional to send in a cover letter with your application, you should do so anyway.  

It’s been proven that cover letters help candidates when applying for a position. 

Between 2017 and 2021, there has been an 18% growth in the importance of including a cover letter with an application. 

Cover Letter and Motivation Letter Differences in Format

Both cover letters and motivation letters differ a bit when it comes to their format. One is a bit longer, while the other is a bit more formal. 

However, each letter will have an intro, body, and conclusion . 

Cover letter format

If you’re writing a cover letter, you’ll want to keep it to 1 page and keep the vocabulary formal. 

Your cover letter should cover the following in the different sections:

• Introduction : Briefly mention your current role or recent job and the position you’re applying for.
• Body : Mention your skills and achievements relevant to the job. Use examples to demonstrate your achievements and how they apply to the new role.
• Conclusion : Restate your interest in the position and invite the employer to review your resume or contact you for further discussion.

Here’s an example of a well written cover letter that mentions a candidate’s skills, accomplishments and more , so that you can better understand the format and style:

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Accountant position listed on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. With a strong background in accounting principles and a commitment to accuracy and detail, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name].

In my current role at [Your Current Company], I have successfully managed a diverse range of accounting tasks, including ledger operations, financial reporting, and budgeting. 

I am particularly proud of leading a project that streamlined our budgeting process, resulting in a 20% reduction in processing time.

I am eager to bring my expertise in financial management and my proactive approach to problem-solving to your team. 

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with the needs of your team. I am available at your convenience for an interview and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

[Your Name]

Motivation Letter Format

A motivation letter on the other hand can be a bit longer and more related to personal goals rather than professional ones. 

Here’s what the different sections should go over:

• Introduction : Start with a personal statement or story that reflects your passion for the field or program.
• Body : Discuss your personal journey, long-term goals, and why the program or opportunity excites you. Include relevant personal achievements as well.
• Conclusion : Summarize your ambitions and how the opportunity aligns with your goals, expressing your desire to contribute and learn.

Here’s how your motivation letter can be formatted to show you are the best candidate for an internship position .

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the [Specific Internship Position] at [Company/Organization Name]. My academic background in [Your Major/Field of Study] and my active involvement in [relevant clubs or activities] have fueled my interest in [specific aspect of the field or industry], making this internship an ideal opportunity for my professional growth.

During my studies at [Your University/College], I have developed [mention specific skills or knowledge relevant to the internship], which I am eager to apply in a practical setting

I am particularly attracted to this internship at [Company/Organization Name] because of your commitment to [mention something notable about the company or its values]. The chance to learn from and contribute to your team, especially in [mention a specific area or project of the company], is an exciting prospect for me.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background and enthusiasm make me a great fit for this internship.

When you write a cover letter or motivation letter, you’ll need to ensure your relevant qualifications and long-term goals shine . 

You can do that if you remember the following:

• Motivation letters should be written for internships, organizations, and academic programs.
• Cover letters are more professional and should accompany a job application.
• Motivation letters are a bit more personal. 

By using our handy cover letter builder , you can easily create a letter that will prove you are motivated and ready to take on your next challenge. 

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How to Write a Motivational Letter [Examples and Tips]

Writing a motivational letter can be a tough nut to crack. How do you make sure you don’t appear as a Generic Jane or Joe? 

With a well written motivational letter you’ll vastly improve your chances of getting invited to an interview or being accepted into your dream college. Read on to learn how to write your own motivation letter. 

In this article we will go through the following:

What is a motivation letter? 

How to write a motivation letter, motivation letter samples, tips for writing your motivation letter.

A motivation letter - also called a motivational letter or a letter of motivation - is a letter of introduction used for applications. It is usually accompanied by a resume or a CV . 

However, you should not confuse it with a traditional cover letter , which is only used for regular job applications to paid jobs. With a cover letter the goal is to highlight your achievements and skills in order to be considered for a paid position.

When to use a motivation letter

When should you use a motivation letter then? A motivation letter is used in these five situations: 

• When applying to a university or college (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate)
• When applying for a student programme
• When applying for a non-profit organization
• When applying for volunteer work 
• When applying for an internship

A motivation letter is not usually used when applying to paid positions. That’s where you would use your cover letter. 

Now that you know a little more about what a motivational letter is, and when to use it, it’s time to get your hands a little more dirty. It’s time to write a motivational letter. 

Like your cover letter you should divide your motivation letter into three parts. The first part consists of salutation and introduction. Next part is your story and motivation - this is the body of your motivation letter. Lastly is the third part, your call to action, where you wrap things up. 

We’ve split up the steps to write a motivation letter in to five steps below here. 

Step 1: Basic information

Let’s start with the easiest part - your basic information. This consists of your details such as name, title (if applicable), and contact information. Now add the details of the recipient (the person you’re addressing the letter to) and today’s date. 

Step 2: Salutation and introduction

The salutation is, although small, an important part of your motivation letter. It’s important to make it personal so ideally you should use either the reader’s first name or last name. 

You’ll also need to write an introduction that captures your reader’s attention to prompt them to read on. One way of doing so is by including a personal detail that intrigues the reader. You can also add an impressive achievement that is relevant.  

Dear Sally,

Your organization, Clown Care, has made a huge impact on my life since I from an early age learned about you and your work. Therefore it has always been a dream of mine to give back to an organization like Clown Care. 

You will want to hook the reader and make them interested in what you have to offer.

Step 3: Your story and motivation

The next step contains the body of your letter of motivation. This is where you need to sell yourself. You’ll want to expand it from your introduction to keep a natural flow. 

Divide your content into smaller sections. Each new topic you tell about will need its own section. This ensures that there is plenty of white space in your motivation letter so you don’t overwhelm your reader with one large blob of text. 

Example 

I am currently studying to become a nurse on the children's care unit. When I saw that you’re looking for volunteers I just knew that this was my chance to give something back to someone who has done so much for me and other kids in my situation. I am especially interested in the coordinator role as I think I would be able to make a real difference here.

When I was little (I think it started at around my 5th birthday) I was diagnosed with bone cancer. As a result I was in and out of hospitals for a very long period of my young life. One of the only positive memories I have from that time is the interaction between me, the other kids, and the hospital clown (I’m afraid I don’t remember her name anymore). 

Having had firsthand experience with being in a children’s hospital I learned how important it is to give the children some carefree moments with laughter and joy. Through my education towards becoming a nurse I am now even more convinced that laughter really is the best medicine. As a coordinator for the Clown Care organization I believe I would be able to help you direct your efforts in the best possible way. And I could use my knowledge from both my education and practical experience to the benefit of Clown Care.

Our applicant uses several compelling facts to make her point and to convince the reader why she would be a perfect match for the volunteer position. 

Step 4: Call to action

The last part of your motivation letter is what marketers name the “call to action”. It means you leave your reader on a positive note and that your prompt them to contact you. 

In conclusion I feel I would be an asset for your organization and I hope you will consider me for the position. Please give me a call or an email so we can discuss further. I will look forward to hearing from you. 

Sarah Johnson

Step 5: Proofread your letter

The fifth and final step of your motivation letter is to proofread it. Making sure that your letter is flawless ensures that you appear professional and competent. 

• Correct spelling and grammar mistakes
• Weed out any awkward sentences
• Edit information that is repeated from your resume so your motivation letter only includes unique and new information 

It may be necessary to go through your letter more than once in order to make sure you’ve caught all small errors and typos. If time permits it, it’s a good idea to return to your motivation letter two days after completion as this will allow you to view it more objectively. If you feel insecure about your own skills as a proofreader (and it can be difficult to review your own work, trust me) you can ask a trusted friend or family member to go through your motivation letter for you. 

Below are some motivational letter samples for different situations. You can use these as a guide and inspiration for your own motivation letters. 

Volunteer work application

Text for motivation letter you can copy

Having had firsthand experience with being in a children’s hospital I learned how important it is to give the children some carefree moments with laughter and joy. Through my education towards becoming a nurse I am now even more convinced that laughter really is the best medicine. As a coordinator for the Clown Care organization I believe I would be able to help you direct your efforts in the best possible way. And I could use my knowledge from both my education and practical experience to the benefit of Clown Care. 

College application 

Dear Mr. Johnson,

My name is Caroline Fernandez, and I am a high school student at Chicago City High School with a keen interest in the STEM subjects. I am writing to you to apply for the Higher Mathematics and Physics degree at Chicago College.

I hope to become a particle physics scientist, so I would like to learn more about this particular field. I feel your course would help me understand mathematics and physics in such a degree that I would be able to pursue this goal. 

I love the way mathematics puts everything in a higher order and aligns the world. I believe I have a natural flair for both mathematics and physics as their purity really speaks to me. I am confident that I’ll be able to apply this flair to new projects at your school and thus increase my skills and knowledge with you. 

I have a profound respect for Chicago College’s reputation for both academic and sporting excellence. I appreciate the fact that yours is a school where there’s room for both passion in the classroom as well as outside it. As someone who is very social and engaged in several extracurricular activities, including the school band and lacrosse team, I feel my diverse interests would make me a great fit for your school.

Being able to study at your school would help me develop my skills within the STEM subjects while having fun at the same time. I am open to all the great experiences that life at Chicago College has to offer me and I will engage in the social life as much as my studies would permit. Thank you very much for considering my request.

Please send me an email or give me a call if you have any questions about my application. I will look forward to hearing from you. 

Caroline Fernandez

Internship application 

Dear Mrs. Peterson,

In addition to my resume I hereby send you my motivational letter to be considered for the internship at Boston Applications inc.. During my college years I have had some excellent achievements such as being elected as president of the student council two years in a row. I believe my experiences here will be of great benefit to your organization.  

In my three years at Boston College, I’ve completed a great deal of coursework on cutting-edge design trends and best practices, including Principles of User Experience Design and Mobile Application Design. I mastered and applied skills such as user journey mapping, application wireframing and designing software for a variety of mobile devices and operating systems.

In addition, I spent the past two semesters as the president of the student council where one of my main goals was to implement a charity to help families in need. I managed to arrange collection and donation of clothes, furniture, and food and then redistribute it to the families who applied for it. In order to succeed with this I created and launched an application that allows people in the community to locate nearby drop-off points and schedule pick-ups.

Next to my studies and volunteer work I also worked in the student library which taught me the importance of building a convenient and memorable consumer experience that aligns with the brand. It also helped me grow my skills in team collaboration, verbal communication and project leadership.

I believe I would make an excellent addition to your team and this internship would help me grow my real-world experience in the technology industry and help me further develop and refine my application design skills.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Mohammad Abadi

Now that you’ve read about motivational letters and seen some different takes on them, it’s time for you to give it a go. Before you start though, here are our best tips for writing a motivation letter. 

1. Keep it simple 

Some organizations will provide you with guidelines (see tip #3) and others won’t. If you don’t have any specific guidelines make sure you keep your motivation letter simple. Keep it to ½ to one page with a basic 11-12 point font like Arial or Calibri. 

Use everyday language that readers can easily understand and avoid slang or complex jargon. Writing short, active sentences is your best bet. 

2. Let your personality shine through

There is only one of you, so make sure that your unique personality shines through in your text. Write about your interests, feelings, and perspectives. This is an effective way of separating your letter from others. Use a natural voice just like you would if you were in the room talking to your reader. However, avoid using too much humor as this is easily misinterpreted. 

3. Follow guidelines provided by the organization

If the organization that you’re sending a motivational letter to has provided you with any guidelines make sure you follow them. This could involve formatting, length, and content guidelines. 

4. Focus on your strengths 

Write about how you can add value to the organization you’re applying for by focusing on your personal strengths. Writing about your strengths instead of your challenges and limitations will show you as a strong candidate.

Alright, let’s sum up what we’ve covered in this article: 

• Writing a motivational letter can be difficult, but if you follow our guide you get a head start
• A motivation letter is not the same as a cover letter - you only use it in certain situations and not for paid positions
• A motivation letter should include the same basic elements as a formal business letter
• Divide your motivation letter into different sections - avoid writing one big blob of text. Remember the white space
• Tell your story and motivation for seeking the position. Keep it simple yet personal

Although a motivation letter is not identical to a cover letter they both follow the same standards regarding layout and formatting. Want to create your own motivation letter? 

Create my motivation letter

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Motivation Letter: How to Write, Format & Samples for 2024 Admissions & Internships

Updated on 19 june, 2024.

Pragya Sharma

Sr. content editor.

A few days back I applied for two volunteer programs. While I got a call from one of them the next day itself, I am still waiting for a call from the other! While my resume was the same for both, there was only one difference. For one, I had written a motivation letter, and for the other, I did not.

While I knew about motivation letters all along, before this experience, I did not realize their importance and the significant difference they can make to any application.

Do you know most foreign universities require applicants to write a motivation letter as a part of their application process? Well, even if you did not. Now, you surely know that this letter, if well written, has a lot of significance and can ensure admission into your desired program.

Join me as I take you through a guide on writing an impactful motivation letter. And the bonus? You get to understand it through free motivation letter samples for different purposes - master’s, bachelor’s, study abroad, job, internship, and more.

Table of Contents

What is motivation letter, when and why you need motivation letter, introduction, academic/professional profile, why this course, long/short-term goals, how to start a motivation letter, how to end letter of motivation, 1. research well, be crisp and concise with information, 2. convey your intent/thoughts, adding a pinch of impromptu personal information, 3. avoid beating around the bush, 4. state your purpose clearly, 5. avoid passing controversial statements.

• 6. Art of Persuasion

7. Avoid Using Generic Statements

8. know whom to address, do’s and don’ts of motivation letter writing, 1. why do you want to study abroad, 2. whether you have any previous international exposure, 3. why your personality is a match for an international education, sample motivation letter for master’s degree, sample motivation letter for bachelor’s degree, sample motivation letter for university, sample motivation letter for study abroad, sample motivation letter for top b-schools, sample of a short motivation letter for job application, motivation letter sample pdf, difference between motivation letter, sop, cover letter and personal statement.

A motivation letter is a one-page letter used to make a point about what makes you a perfect candidate for a certain position in a university or an organization. You will usually be asked to attach this document with your resume. Generally, a motivation letter is written in four specific scenarios listed below:-

• When you wish to apply for an educational program at a university.
• When you are looking to apply to a non-profit organization (NGO).
• When you want to work as a volunteer in an organization.
• When you are seeking an internship in a company.

You must not confuse a motivation letter with a cover letter, whose purpose is to speak about specific information in your resume matching the job opening. A motivation letter should be seen as a strong closing pitch to your application, encompassing your resume, achievement certificates, all documents related to your credentials, and cover letter.

One may wonder why this letter holds so much importance despite there being a well-informed resume.  The answer is that, all organizations and universities are looking to filter through hundreds of applications to choose individuals with true passion. And this cannot be judged through a resume or a mark sheet. They want to finalize on people with real intent and excitement for the position.

A motivation letter is needed when applying as a potential candidate for a study abroad program, job, internship, or volunteer position in an organization. Candidates often need it to help a university or institute they are applying to decide what makes the candidate a perfect fit.

Format of a Motivational Letter

In this section, you have to introduce yourself and showcase your purpose for writing the letter. You should give an outline of the content. Start your motivation letter with greetings like “Respected/Dear Sir/Madam” if no mention of a name is there. Put a name, if available, to have a personal connection with the reader.

This section should include all your achievements and professional career with a timeline view. You must point out why you have chosen a particular course and what makes you pursue that specific career. Prove that your profile matches your candidacy for the application and present facts and figures relevant to your achievements.

You should mention relevant information regarding your choice of a subject, the reason to choose it, and what excellence you will achieve by pursuing this course. A persuasive tone should be followed while briefing your intent about the course.

When talking about long-term and short-term goals, you must have clarity about the goals you want to achieve in that specific timeline.

Short-term goals include your reason for commitment to the course, what framework you have made to pursue during the coursework, and what skills/specialization you have set to obtain during and after the course.

On the other hand, long-term goals should include your prospects, what you want in the long run of life, and what motivates you to be consistent with your commitment. Do not forget to mention what benefits you will reap.

An important part of a motivation letter is the conclusion, which creates an impact on the reader. While ending the motivational letter, an applicant should summarize the main points written in the letter and mention the main goal of the letter – to be accepted for the program. The final impression is as important as the first impression.

Pro Tip: After writing your letter, ensure that it is error-free. Make it grammatically correct, with no room for spelling mistakes and ambiguous statements. Before sending it, proofread your letter many times and ensure its authenticity is maintained.

How to Write Motivational Letter

Now that you are thorough with the structure let us see how you should attempt writing a motivation letter to make it more impactful.

While writing a motivation letter, introduce yourself and your intent in the introduction. It is essential to provide a clear picture of yourself in the letter to ensure that it goes with the purpose.  In the body, highlight and describe your achievements. You should be mindful that it does not have long explanatory sentences. Conclude the letter by thanking the reader.

Mention all the essential points, and summarize your goals with all the interest that compels you to apply for that particular course of study. Showcase gratitude in advance. Mention how you will take this opportunity to work if accepted for this program and what contribution you will make to the university.

Writing the perfect motivation letter can be a hard task, but if you know how to structure yours, it will be easy for you to impress whoever is reading your motivation letter.

A perfectly structured motivation letter can be written in two styles:-

• The classic three-paragraph style with an introduction, body, and conclusion. 
• The 5 to 7-paragraph style where the content of the main body is divided into multiple paragraphs.

Your pitch should be engaging so that the reader is hooked right from the introduction. Keep your letter brief but not too harsh around the edges. Express your achievements, interests, skills and experience, goals, and objectives without writing pages and pages.

Recommended Reads:-

Important Tips to Consider Before Writing a Motivational Letter

The motivation letter should have a storytelling approach and not sound too mechanical and cliche. Try to decide on a particular series of arguments and stick to that without breaking the flow of the story. Let us now look at more tips that will help you write a powerful motivation letter.

The basic rule to follow when writing a motivation letter is to have a detailed understanding of why you are writing a motivation letter. The requirements, prospects, and expectations of an application should be reflected in a letter of motivation.

This is one document in your application where you are allowed to be informal; use it and pen down your passion for the position and let the text reflect your personality and personal style.

When you try to connect with your reader by sharing a sneak peek of your life, your thought process, and how you stand out. But be mindful of being original and not bragging or mentioning something out of exasperation. It’s a motivational letter, not a storytelling where you put yourself in the limelight and sideline every other essential thing. It is advisable to avoid ambiguous statements.

One should set priorities while writing a letter of motivation. A motivation letter should successfully address your intent without any merry-go-round statements. Get straight to the point and avoid rambling. Ensure the document is no longer than an A-4 size page. Write the qualitative skills and achievements that are significant to your application and persuade your reader to comment positively with the feedback.

Purpose or intent should be fulfilled while writing a motivational letter, keeping in mind that you already have a CV/resume that furnishes all personal and professional information. You don’t need to rush with the information part; this can make it look clumsy.

Remember that the CV and the motivation letter must complement each other and should be in sync with one another in terms of the information you provide about yourself.

While writing a motivational letter, one must avoid political or ideological jargon and write in a neutral tone without taking sides. Writing about politics may sound humorous to some but can be offensive to some. You never know what another person has to offer when talking about such scenarios or ideas. One should avoid such conflict-laced topics when writing a motivation letter.

6. Art of Persuasion 

Clearly explain what your motivation is and why you are a perfect fit for the position. Mention what puts you ahead of your competition and how you will add positive enhancement to the program. Read about the qualities sought by the recruiter and write about how they correspond to you. Highlight all your achievements you are proud of without sounding arrogant.

It isn’t enough to just praise yourself randomly, support what you say, provide examples of your achievements, and try not to use run-of-the-mill phrases such as “quick to learn” or “super organized.” Being original will take you a long way.

While writing a motivation letter, you should know to whom to address the letter. The basic information like name, designation, address, etc., should be properly mentioned.

Also Read:-

How to Write Your Motivation Letter for Study Abroad

Universities abroad often have specific things they are looking for when asking you to write a motivation letter. Additionally, there is extra pressure on students trying to compose a letter for an international audience.

However, there are some common characteristics that international admission offices look for in their candidates. You should be able to structure an impactful motivation letter if you simply keep following in mind:

In crafting a motivation letter for studying abroad, the journey culminates in a document that showcases not only your academic achievements and professional aspirations but also your personal journey and the unique qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the international program of your choice. 

This letter is your narrative, a canvas where you paint your intellectual curiosity, cross-cultural adaptability, and readiness to contribute to a global academic community. 

As you conclude your motivation letter, remember it's not just about persuading the admissions committee of your suitability; it's about weaving a compelling story of your past achievements, present endeavors, and future aspirations, creating a vivid picture of your potential to thrive and make meaningful contributions in a global learning environment.

While the answer may seem obvious to you, you must make a valid argument to the admissions officers. Avoid saying that you wish to leave your country, you are doing it because your peers have done it, or because you want to have an international degree to brag. 

Instead, write about how you are interested in their culture and heritage, have always had a flair for communication and wish to be a part of a global student community, or can contribute to a particular industry with a specific foreign degree.

Universities seek candidates who have experience of being far away from home. So, instead of bluntly stating that you have never lived abroad or have had bad experiences abroad, say that you are adaptable and have done enough research on the country to know that you will be able to settle there. Mention how you love to travel and new experiences and are keen on expanding your horizons.

Give examples of why you are meant to be a part of a global community and how much importance you give to social inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Avoid mentioning if you are extremely social or intensely reserved; instead, write about your ability to fit into groups and your appreciation of various cultures.

More Resources to Read:-

Motivation Letter Samples/Examples

There are specific things you must mention when writing a motivation letter for a bachelor’s degree and a motivation letter for a master’s degree.

You will find numerous samples online but choose to use one for reference that is the most relevant to your field.  Let us now dive into sample motivation letters for university, UG & PG courses, internship, B-school, study abroad, etc.

When you are applying for a master’s program, it is expected that you have already gained a sizable experience and knowledge about your field of choice from your graduate program or work experience, if any.

So, when you sit to compose a motivation letter for a master’s degree, mention all that your graduate-level education has taught you, how you have been inspired by it, and why you have chosen the specialization that you have.

Find below an example of a motivation letter for masters:-

[Name of applicant,

Contact Details]

Date………………………..

[Name of Recipient,

Designation/Department,

Name of Institution/Organization,

Subject- ………………………………………………………………………………..

Respected Sir/Madam,

Here’s hoping that this letter reaches you in good spirit.

I am [Name of Candidate] and I would like to take this opportunity to state how truly passionate I am about pursuing my higher education at a university with such a grand heritage. The reputation of a master’s program in science from your university is world renowned and I shall be honored to be considered for a place in the program.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and my strong grades the complex projects I have undertaken make me a good candidate for your program. I have always dreamt of making impactful changes in the field of civil engineering and am determined to make it my career early on in my undergraduate years.

I have also had the opportunity to intern with [Name of Company] and that has instilled in me great appreciation for the subject and taught me valuable skills required in the industry. Additionally, I have finished a course in Computed Aided Design from [Name of Organization] which I know will give me an edge while studying the subject at a master’s level.

With this, I would like to close my Letter of Motivation and earnestly hope that my resume and the deep desire of pursuing an MS from your university will help me secure a position in the upcoming academic session starting on ………………….

Warm Regards

When applying for an undergraduate course, your motivation letter will be slightly different than the one above. You should mention all that you achieved in high school, the subjects you studied, what triggered your interest in the program you are applying for and how you wish to incorporate what you learn at university in your future.

You may mention incident(s) about when you first realized you wanted to study a specific field and why you chose to apply to a specific university. Write candidly about your passion for the subject and discuss your plans for your career post-graduation.

Below you will find an example of a motivation letter for a bachelor’s degree that you may refer to:-

I write this Letter of Motivation to express my passion for pursuing (name of the program) at your esteemed university. With this letter, I would like to convey my wish to seek admission into the bachelor’s program in Economics and I am enclosing all related documents along with it.

I am [Name of Applicant], and I have had a keen affinity for the field of economics since I was introduced to the subject in the ninth grade. The theories of how the commercial world functions have intrigued me to take a closer look at the field from a young age and I had decided early on to explore the subject in depth in my under graduation.

My interest in the subject has always been encouraged by my school and I have regularly participated in inter-school debates in Economics. You will find all relevant certificates attached. Additionally, my articles on current economic affairs have also been published several times in the school newspaper, excerpts of which I have attached along with this letter.

I sincerely believe that an education from a university of your stature will help me realize my dreams of making worthwhile contributions to the field of economics and I too can add positive energy to the student body I would be a part of.

With this, I would like to close the letter stating that I shall be greatly honored to be considered for a seat at such an esteemed institution.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Warm Regards.

Writing a strong and impactful motivation letter will ensure your application is considered sincerely by the admission offices and that you have an edge in the race for a seat at the university of your choice.

Consider reading various samples of motivation letters available online, consult people who have written successful letters to gain admission to foreign institutes, and do all the research you can about the specifications mentioned by each university. You will find a variety of articles discussing studying abroad in detail on upGrad Abroad.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter to express my interest in the Master of Arts in English program at (institution name). I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English from (university name) in (location, country), having graduated with a GPA of 3.80. After completing my undergraduate program, I also completed a three-month internship at the National Library Archives.

As a keen literature student from high school, I developed an abiding passion for Romantic poetry, American literature, and contemporary Indian writing. I was fortunate to have participated in several conferences, seminars, and workshops, having presented a paper on Chaucer and Socio-Economic Dynamics in my final year at my institution. My stint as an intern at the National Library Archives was enriching, giving me exposure to first-hand research-based cataloging and enabling an opportunity to peruse rare literary works dating back to the mid-17th century. The curriculum at your institution fascinates me with its modules on postmodernism, American war literature, and several other intriguing options. The Master of Arts in English at your institution is a stepping stone towards broadening my literary exposure. It will help me gain invaluable insights into literary icons across periods and build academic research and critical analysis skills- all of which will help me become an English professor.

Given my experience and education, I believe I would be a good fit for the Masters of Arts in English program at (name of the university). I have not only researched the program but have also determined that the research profile and coursework of the institution match strongly. I am also impressed by the university library and its excellent collection, which is of special interest to me, along with the reputed faculty. I am confident of making a positive contribution to your institution's ethos of deep learning and research should I get an opportunity to enroll in the program.

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with me using the information at the top of this letter.

Kind Regards,

Given below is a letter of motivation sample which can be used as a reference for students aspiring to study abroad:-

Subject- __________________________________

Respected ma’am/sir,

My name is _____________, and I am writing this letter to seek the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree from your esteemed university. As a second-year student studying International Relations, I am at a juncture where I must begin to think about my post-college plans. Throughout my academic programs, I have always reflected on how every ounce of the knowledge I have gained would benefit me in the future. Now, I wish to take my education to the next level with a chance to enhance my current understanding by studying one of the most prestigious International Relations programs in the world. Spending a year in ______________ would allow me to not only receive exceptional training in the field but also enable me to gain new perspectives on international diplomacy.

A structured literary experience outside of the country is crucial to my plan of eventually becoming an ambassador. I have traveled extensively for volunteer work and pleasure, and I have found that each occasion has strengthened my view of the world and given me new problems to contemplate. One of my most unforgettable experiences was spending three months in the jungles of Brazil working with Indigenous communities to form a record of traditional beliefs and medicines. This catalog was not merely a source of information for anthropologists and historians but also illustrated a rapidly declining population’s cultural history. These experiences abroad have certainly enlightened me about the humanity inherent in every person, and I am determined to do my best in the future to present the best for those I represent. 

The university of _____________ boasts one of the most challenging and well-rounded International Relations programs in the world. I look forward to taking classes at your great university, where some of the greatest diplomats and thinkers present their thoughts. The emphasis of this program on recognizing diversity and population modulation truly sets it apart from the rest. As a student, I would endeavor every day to excel in my classes and fully immerse myself in a world that I have never encountered before. I know the road to serving my country overseas will be difficult. Still, I know that my experience at the university of ______________ will provide me with the skills and unforgettable experiences that I could not attain anywhere else.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I wish to apply for [Course Name] at [College Name] for the 2024 autumn intake. With a keen interest in business and management, I am excited to pursue my education at your esteemed institution.

This is a program that will help me take a step ahead in my future career and help me achieve my career goals. I look forward to seeing myself at a [Desired Job Position] in the peak days of my career.

As an undergraduate student in [Field Name], I have worked on my [Name 5-6 Skills] through various projects and extracurricular activities. Regarding my professional career, I have also had an opportunity to work in [Name of Field] and gain relevant experience along with gaining expertise in it.

I am particularly drawn towards the unique teaching style and innovative learning culture of [Name of B School]. Additionally, a strong network of alumni and industry connections will also help me take a step ahead toward achieving my professional goals.

I am confident that with a relevant academic background, professional experiences in [Name of Field], and my personal aspirations and objectives of [Name of B School], I will be able to touch new heights in my professional career. I am committed to leveraging this opportunity and seeking a positive impact on personal and professional growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I am truly excited about the possibility of joining the prestigious community of [Name of B School].

Sincerely  [Your Name]

Sample Motivation Letter for Job Application

Certain key considerations must be included in your motivation letter template when applying for a job. Here is a short motivation letter example for a job application.

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am excited to apply for the role of [Job Role] at [Company Name]. I feel confident enough to make valuable contributions to your team with [X years] of experience in the [Name of Field]. Throughout my career, I have developed a keen interest in [Name of Field], and have mastered [3-4 Skills related to the field].

I feel confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable asset at [Company Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing any qualifications further.

[Your Name]

Sample Motivation Letter for Internship

A motivation letter for an internship is a key document that outlines a candidate's enthusiasm, qualifications, and reasons for wanting to join a specific internship program. Unlike a standard job application, this letter should focus on how the internship aligns with the candidate’s educational pursuits and career goals.

It's an opportunity to express passion for the field, demonstrate an understanding of the organization's work, and highlight relevant skills or experiences. The letter should be concise, well-structured, and personalized to the internship and the organization.

It serves as a means to introduce oneself to potential employers, showcasing why one stands out as an ideal intern candidate. The objective is to convince the reader of one's potential to contribute meaningfully to their team while gaining invaluable practical experience.

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip]

[Your Email]

[Your Phone Number]

[Employer’s Name]

[Organization’s Name]

[Organization’s Address]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Internship Position] at [Organization’s Name] as advertised on [where you found the internship listing]. Currently, in my final year of studying [Your Major] at [Your University], I am eager to apply the concepts I have learned in a practical setting and am particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific project or department] at your esteemed organization.

Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently excelled in [mention relevant courses or subjects]. My coursework has not only provided me with a solid foundation in [mention relevant skills or knowledge related to the internship], but it has also spurred my interest in [specific aspect of the field or industry]. For instance, in my recent project on [mention a relevant project], I successfully [mention what you accomplished or learned from the project], an experience that solidified my interest in pursuing a career in [specific field or industry].

Moreover, my involvement in [mention any relevant extracurricular activities or part-time jobs], has honed my skills in [mention skills like teamwork, leadership, communication, etc.]. For example, [describe a situation where you demonstrated these skills]. These experiences have equipped me with a diverse skill set that I am eager to leverage in the [Internship Position].

I am particularly drawn to [Organization’s Name] because of [mention specific reasons such as its innovative approach, industry reputation, a particular project or product, company values, etc.]. The prospect of working alongside professionals in the field and contributing to meaningful projects aligns perfectly with my professional goals and academic interests.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my qualifications. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm make me a perfect fit for the internship position. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and learning from the esteemed professionals at [Organization’s Name].

Sincerely, [Your Name] Enclosure: Resume

Here is a sample PDF of what an impactful motivation letter must look like when applying for any program. It perfectly follows all the checkboxes that must be included when curating a great motivation letter.

Important Reads:-

An application process to study abroad involves presenting multiple documents for universities posing unique requirements. With this being the case, it is natural to get confused between the various types and formats of documents that you need to prepare for submission.

Here we have briefly explained what a motivation letter, statement of purpose, cover letter, and personal letter are and how you can differentiate between them.

You must take into account these differences and avoid sending one in the place of another at all costs because that might lead to the rejection of your application.

Crafting an effective motivation letter for 2024 admissions is a critical aspect of the application process. A well-written motivation letter, adhering to the appropriate format and enriched with personal insights and clear objectives, can significantly impact an applicant's prospects.

It serves as a platform to highlight one's achievements, experiences, and future goals, distinguishing the candidate from a pool of applicants.

As admission processes continue to evolve, the ability to articulate one's motivation compellingly and coherently remains a vital skill, making the motivation letter not just a formality but a powerful tool to connect with admission committees and pave the way for academic and professional success.

FAQs on Writing a Motivation Letter

What should you not write in a motivational letter.

Do not lie about your skills, experiences, or achievements in your motivation letter, as it can seriously hamper your chances of getting a chance at the institute of your choice.

You should strictly refrain from putting in information about the institute based on conjecture. Research well before writing anything about the institute in your motivational letter.

Also, avoid cliche phrases as overuse of these statements will not make your motivation letter appear genuine, and chances are your application will be rejected as it will not catch the reader’s attention.

How do you write a powerful motivation letter?

The most important factors of a good motivation letter are- precision, passion, structure, lucidity, and genuineness. Be precise about your accomplishments, experiences, and goals so that your passion for the field is clear from the outset.

You also need to be careful about structuring your motivation letter so that the various sections are distinctly understandable, and it is easy to peruse your letter. Use straightforward, conversational language to express yourself in a story-like manner with utmost genuineness.  

What should a motivational letter contain?

A motivational letter should contain all relevant information about you - accomplishments, experiences, interests, goals, visions, skills, etc. You should also state your reasons for choosing a particular institute and address all these things through a well-structured introduction, main body, and conclusion.

What is your motivation for studying abroad?

The motivation for studying abroad can be different for each student, but usually, the one thing that attracts them is opportunities. When you study abroad, your chances of forming connections with important people increase manifolds, increasing your chances of getting better jobs. Studying abroad also allows students to develop essential life skills such as communication, cooperation, leadership, group work, etc.

What is the purpose of a motivation letter?

A motivation letter is generally written when applying for a study abroad program in any international institute or university. Its main purpose is to clearly define your personal motivation and aspirations related to the field you are applying for.

What is a motivation letter explanation?

A motivation letter is a document submitted alongside your application for a study abroad program in an institute. A motivation letter explains why a candidate can be a perfect fit for a program.

What is a good motivation letter?

A good motivation letter can be defined as one that contains a thorough description of your motivation behind joining a study abroad program in a particular institute. A good motivation letter must also define what makes you a suitable candidate for the program you are applying to.

How long is a motivation letter?

A motivation letter must be precise and should be covered in only one page. Considering the word limit, a motivation letter can be precisely written in about 700 words.

What tone should I use when writing a motivation letter?

The tone of a motivation letter can be slightly less formal. However, candidates must maintain professionalism while writing it.

How important is personalization in a motivation letter?

Personalization is an important aspect of a motivation letter. A tailored motivation letter can showcase how you are a perfect candidate for a particular study abroad. On the contrary, a generic motivation letter might not grab the attention of invigilators.

How do I address a motivation letter if I don’t know the recipient's name?

On the off chance you do not know the recipient’s name, you can add a general salutation. This includes statements like “To Whom It May Concern.”

Can I use the same motivation letter for multiple applications?

While it is not wrong to use a common motivation letter for multiple applications, writing a tailored motivation letter falls under the best practices for writing a motivation letter.

How do I write a motivation letter for studying abroad?

While writing a motivation letter for studying abroad, start by introducing yourself, followed by your desire to study abroad, and how taking a particular course will help you achieve your career goals. Further, provide relevant qualifications and explanations related to the field you are applying for, and try to tailor your motivation letter specifically for the program you are applying to.

How do I write a motivation letter for a student exchange?

For a student exchange, start your motivation letter by introducing yourself. Further, express your interest in joining the student exchange program. Highlight why the program aligns with your goals and let your motivation letter express your enthusiasm and dedication towards the program. Try to keep the letter crisp and concise to hook readers the entire time.

• Motivation Letter

Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience. She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.

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Motivation letter vs. personal statement

What do you think are the most important differences when writing a personal statement and a motivation letter?

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