Writing a great motivation letter: 7 essential tips

A convincing cover letter significantly boosts your chances of landing an interview. It succinctly showcases who you are and why you’re the perfect fit! Essentially, your motivation letter summarizes your qualities, your enthusiasm for the role, and your professional expectations. Therefore, tailor a fitting letter for each application. These 7 tips will guide you!

Craft a captivating introduction

#1 Start with a personal salutation. If there’s no name on the job ad, find out who the HR manager is. Don’t hesitate to call the company or the recruitment agency for this info.

#2 Stand out with your opening line. Avoid clichés like 'In response to your ad'. Show your enthusiasm and reveal a bit of your personality.

#3 In your introduction, mention what motivated you to apply. Specify the job you're applying for, how you found the vacancy, and briefly explain why you want this job. Make sure your interest and enthusiasm shine through. For speculative applications, explain why the company interests you.
 

Motivate your application in the body of your letter

This part is all about convincing the recruiter that you are the ideal candidate for the position.

#4 Link your skills and qualities to the job requirements listed in the ad. Be relevant to the role you’re applying for. If the job requires independence, there’s little point in emphasizing how great a team player you are.

#5 Can you refer to similar work experiences? Do so! Avoid repeating your entire work history, which is already on your CV. Instead, focus on what you’re looking for in a job and an employer, allowing the employer to match their offer with your expectations.

#6 Sell yourself as a candidate... but with humility. There’s no need to mention your weaknesses - save that for the interview. However, be honest about your experiences and skills. Don’t pretend to be something you're not just to fit the profile.

Conclude your letter concisely

#7 Avoid clichés and new information. Don't use verbs that imply doubt, like 'hoping'. Instead, write 'I look forward to discussing my application further in a personal interview.' or 'I'd love to delve deeper into this during an introductory meeting.'

Extra tips for a good motivation letter

• Keep your letter no longer than one A4 page.
• Use active language.
• Avoid typos and spelling errors.
• Always have someone proofread your letter.
• Opt for a simple yet attractive layout.
• Ensure sufficient white space.
• Avoid lengthy sentences.
• Use correct punctuation.
• Vary sentence starters, don't repeatedly start with ‘I was’.
• Choose a clear font (Arial, Calibri, etc.).
• Adjust your writing style to match how the job ad is written.