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Motivation Letter – How to Write It Well!
For student jobs requiring more specialized knowledge, writing a motivation letter is often expected. This primarily applies to internships, but companies may also request them for hospitality and support positions.
Writing a cover letter is not an easy task, but it is far from impossible. We understand that, in addition to putting together your resume, creating a motivation letter might feel like an unnecessary burden. However, it is crucial to give it special attention!
That's why in this article, we explain why a good cover letter is important and provide simple tips to impress the HR representative.
Why Is a Resume Not Enough?
Think of your resume as a quick overview or a table of contents for your past activities, which doesn't reveal your character. This is why it's called a cover letter— it perfectly complements your resume and presents your personality.
As mentioned, the motivation letter—cover letter—is a requirement for many companies when applying for a job. Its purpose is to showcase a slice of your personality alongside the objectivity of your resume—hence its complementary role.
The experiences and achievements listed in your resume provide a comprehensive view of your skills, but companies are interested in more than just that. In recent years, internal values and the significance of soft skills have become increasingly important. In your motivation letter, you have the opportunity to highlight your strengths and advantageous qualities.
Consider this as an opportunity rather than a burden! Compared to the rigid structure of a resume, a cover letter allows you to show who you really are! While most websites outline the structure of a motivation letter, we focus on giving you sure-fire tips for its content!
A Good Motivation Letter Can Propel You to Your Dream Job
A motivation letter is a research project. It is important to show that you have researched the company you are applying to. You know their core values and goals and align with them. For instance, if a company’s main goal is sustainability, highlight in your cover letter that this is also a significant aspect of your life.
Study the letters you have received from the company so far, and if you haven’t corresponded yet, visit their website! If they communicate in a more distant, formal tone, use formal language in your motivation letter as well, paying attention to using sophisticated, professional words. If it’s a smaller, more relaxed company, your cover letter can be friendlier—within limits, as you are not writing to a friend.
Motivation Letter – The Name Is No Accident
In the cover letter, they are genuinely interested in why you want the job. It is important to have goals beyond just earning money. Think about it: Would the new job provide professional experience, personal growth, or perhaps an opportunity to try out a new field? Include all this in your motivation letter! However, avoid exaggerations: do not beg for the job or resort to emotional blackmail (e.g., "If I don't get the job, my career will be forever doomed").
The Cover Letter as Your Personal Achievement Board
While you cannot include all your good qualities in your resume, you can shine in your motivation letter. If, for example, you have participated in numerous team competitions, mention in your cover letter that these have made you an excellent team player! If you have achieved success in sports, you can use these to demonstrate your perseverance.
The key is that your motivation letter should not be a list of random positive traits. For example, it’s commendable if you enjoy crocheting in your spare time, but no matter how good you are at it, it might not be relevant for a financial job posting. Every advantageous characteristic should be backed by some activity to remain credible. Believe me, this will impress the employer!
Take Time to Write Your Motivation Letter
Although you may encounter companies that require a cover letter, we hope that after reading this article, writing it will no longer be a problem.
