Are you the perfect candidate for an organisation? Or would you like to complete your postgraduate studies? Whatever it may be, a motivational letter is just what you need. Use our tips on how to write a motivational letter and impress recruiters and lecturers alike.
What is a Motivational Letter?
A motivational letter highlights your skills, interest and reasons for applying to the organisation, job or course. It is used to motivate the person in charge into making you a part of their organisation. You can use a motivational letter when applying to a:
- Volunteer organisation
- Course or study programme at a university
- Job with no qualifications or experience
Tips on How to Write a Motivational Letter
Highlighting your skills sounds easy enough, right? Well not quite. When you create a motivational letter, it needs to be clear and concise. You need to allow your personality and skills to shine through. Below are the top tips on how to write a motivational letter:
- Create a unique letter
- Keep it short
- Structure your letter
- Avoid generic phrases
- Add your contact details
- Stick to the point
- Give them some background
- Get in by stating your iInterests
- Show that you are the perfect candidate
- Focus on what you would like to achieve
- End it on a high note
- Edit and proofread your letter
Create a Unique Letter
Remember the phrase one-size-fits-all? Well when creating a motivational letter, that’s not the case. Each letter needs to be unique to the organisation or goal you are applying to. Personalising the letter shows interest and why you are the best person to choose.
Keep it Short
We know that you want to pursue the person in charge. But typing six pages will do more harm than good. Generally a motivational letter is one page long. Since they go through many letters each day, keep it short and grab their attention with your letter.
Stick to the Point
Remember we said to keep it short? And how exactly do you do that? By sticking to the point. There’s no need to mention everything you did and want to achieve. You need to have a clear focus that will help the reader stay engaged.
Structure Your Letter
Your motivational letter doesn’t need to read like a story. But it should have a clear beginning, middle and end. Don’t add one big chunk of text. Include a few paragraphs to break up the content. Each paragraph should have its own point.
Avoid Generic Phrases
“I am motivated”. “I am committed to reaching my goals”. We’ve heard those all before, and so have the people you are writing to. When writing a motivational letter, avoid generic phrases. Add your own voice while allowing your skills to shine through.
Add Your Contact Details
Not sure how to start your letter? Well your contact details should be first. There are plenty of motivational letter templates online. These will give you an idea on where to place and structure it. Make sure to add updated contact details.
Give Them Some Background
No need to give them your life story. A short background on how you got to this point will do. For e.g, if you are applying for postgraduate studies, include your undergraduate studies as an introduction. In this way, you’ll be able to introduce your skills and how you got them.
Get in by Stating Your Interests
Your background will then lead into your interests. In this section, you’ll be able to give evidence of what you like to do and want to achieve. Include why this organisation or course will align with what you are interested in. This is also a great way to link it with your career.
Show That Your are the Perfect Candidate
You need to prove that you are the perfect candidate and an asset to them. Do this by showing them what you will be able to contribute in return. This includes being able to utilise your skills or providing new knowledge in research.
Focus on What you Would Like to Achieve
Now that you’ve mentioned what you can contribute, it’s time to highlight what you would like to achieve. Include how beneficial this opportunity will be to either your education or career. Briefly explain how vital this position will be to your future and skills.
End it on a High Note
Since you’ve already provided all the necessary information, there’s no need to repeat in the conclusion. Simply thank the recruiter for taking the time to read your motivational letter. End off on a high note and say that you look forward to hearing from them soon.
Edit and Proofread Your Letter
Ready to send off your motivational letter? Hang on a bit. You need to edit and proofread it first. Make sure that it is clear of any spelling and grammar mistakes. Ask your friend or family to read through it and check for any errors.
Difference Between a Motivational Letter and Cover Letter
Both a cover letter and motivational letter encourages the recruiter, college or organisation to hire you. But they’re not quite the same thing. There are clear differences between the two:
Cover letter – When applying to a job, you will include your cover letter along with your CV. It further explains your skills, qualification, matric and experience mentioned in your CV.
Motivational letter – If you want to study further or join a volunteer organisation, a motivational letter is the perfect choice. It highlights your skills, explains why you are the perfect candidate and how you can contribute.
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