How To Write Motivation Letter

How To Write Motivation Letter

A motivation letter is derived from the French phrase “lettre de motivation” which is popularly known as a cover letter, in the English-speaking world. A cover letter is a document that accompanies your CV to convince the recruiter. The main motive behind drafting a cover letter is to provide a brief picture of your background and goals so that the recruitment committee hires you instantly. A cover letter is written to answer the recruiter’s question of “Why should I hire this person?” Remember, recruiters are always on the lookout for people who match their requirements. Hence, it is important to describe your qualifications and experience; in such a way that you are portrayed as best suited person for the alleged position. Read on further to find tips for writing a motivation letter that can help you impress your recruiter.

Tips For Writing A Cover Letter

Layout of the Letter

A motivation letter follows the same format as that of a formal business letter. The upper left corner of the page includes your name, address and contact details. Below it would feature the name and address of the person/organization to whom/which the letter is addressed to. It is always better to mention the name of the person, who would be reading your letter. Do a little research on the net or make a phone call to find out the name, in case it is not mentioned in the official announcement. A nameless letter often finds itself no reader. So, the little research you do would be extremely helpful.

Below the receiver’s address, aligned right would be the date. Note down the date in such a way that you number the day, spell the month and use four digits for the year, for instance, 1 January 2010. In case you are familiar with the addressee, writing Dear Mr, Ms, Mrs, Dr (no ‘dot’ after Dr) can be permissible. Next, pen down the surname of the person and put a comma after the surname. In such a case, end your letter with ‘Yours sincerely’. However, if you do not know the name, simply starting off with Respected Sir or Madam and closing the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’ would be the best struck deal.

Structure

A motivation letter does not contain more than four paragraphs. Mention the position that you are applying for and how you found out about the opportunity in the first paragraph. The second paragraph should highlight why you are the best for the job. Include your skills and qualifications that make you eligible for the alleged position. Carefully study the announcement and identify the requirements. Do not state your qualifications and then go bragging about them. Start off with your experience and how your qualifications have helped you with your career so far.

The third paragraph talks about your needs in the applied job. State your interest in the skills that you are likely to learn from the applied position. Try to impress the reader that you can make a positive and considerable difference to the company’s operations. The final paragraph should highlight your availability for the interview and the follow-up for the said application. After completing the fourth paragraph, leave a blank space and close the letter properly (sincerely or faithfully). Leave another space and write down your name. Place your signature between the closing and name.

Enclosure

Since you are writing a cover letter that follows a formal business pattern, it is essential to mention if you have any documents accompanying the letter. Mention the heading enclosure at the end of the letter and write curriculum vitae below the heading.