Convince with the letter of motivation: this is how it works

When applicants have to write a letter of motivation, many are at a loss. What should I put in a letter of motivation? What is its purpose? And above all: How do I write a good letter of motivation? This uncertainty is also related to the fact that letters of motivation are comparatively rarely asked for. In the case of regular job advertisements, letters of motivation are rarely required. Foundations and universities want to see them sooner. Some applicants voluntarily choose to include a letter of motivation.

Motivationsschreiben

No matter what you need a letter of motivation for: We will give you tips so that you can convince with your letter and explain which mistakes you should avoid.

When is a letter of motivation necessary?

Most applicants rarely come into contact with a letter of motivation. As a rule, employers do not ask for a job to be filled. Such a letter is most likely to be asked if you are applying for a study place or would like to receive a scholarship. It may also be necessary for a semester abroad.

Other applicants voluntarily decide to write a letter of motivation because they justify an unsolicited application or want to compensate for their lack of objective qualifications. As a rule, it is advisable to only use a letter of motivation if you have explicitly asked for it – unless you have good reason to do so.

In the letter of motivation, you have more space available to tell the recipient of your application more about you. You can describe your personality, your background, but above all your motivation here in detail.

Structure and structure of a motivation letter

Because letters of motivation are rather rare, there are only limited rules for their structure and structure. So you are relatively free to design your writing. Basically, you should give the document a heading. It is not common here to simply use “letter of motivation”. Be a little more creative. Possible headings are for example:

  • “What motivates me”
  • “What you should know about me”
  • “Why I am a good match for you”

Mentally structure your text into introduction, main part, and conclusion. The introduction is just as important as the first sentences of the letter. Choose an exciting introduction that encourages the reader to continue reading. If the introduction is boring, your text may not be read completely.

The core of the letter of motivation can be found in the main part. Here you will address, among other things, your motivation, your experiences, goals, skills, and strengths. Finally, you get to the point of your writing. Make sure you finish your letter on a positive note.

How to Write a Motivational Letter?

Tips for a convincing letter of motivation letter of motivation

How do you make it that your letter of motivation fulfills its purpose optimally? Take your time with the wording and don’t start writing straight away. Think about what focus your text should have in advance. Only then can you write a letter that has a clear structure and a clearly recognizable central theme.

A good letter of motivation tells the reader more about you. It is written clearly and vividly. In any case, you should take a closer look at your motivation. Get personal while doing it. Emotional formulations are also allowed. Light your background and make it clear what drives you. What do you hope for in the future? Where do you want to go?

Which aspects should not be missing depends primarily on the purpose and addressee of your letter of motivation. When applying for a study place, you should focus on your academic successes and goals. In the case of an unsolicited application, it is important to justify why you are applying to this particular employer.

What is the recipient of your letter interested in?

A good letter of motivation is written individually. Samples from the Internet give you an overview and information on the structure of a letter of motivation. However, they should in no way – even partially – be adopted. Your recipient will likely notice immediately that you used a template.

When writing your letter of motivation, you should always keep your recipient in mind. Ask yourself what is particularly important to him. What else would he like to know about you? What is less important? This depends on which content is suitable.

Make sure that your writing has a clear added value. The differentiation from the cover letter is especially important if you have to write one as well. The duplication of content should be as little as possible.

These errors are to blame for your letter of motivation not being convincing

Many applicants spend a long time reading their letter of motivation. It is all the more annoying when all the trouble is negated by unnecessary mistakes. You shouldn’t make these mistakes.

The text has no clear focus

You didn’t really know how to fill the page with life. You haven’t thought about what your core message is beforehand – and you can see that in your text. It has no clear focus and apparently jumps back and forth between different points in terms of content. With this, you are not exhausting its potential.

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​​ You do not assert and substantiate

Regardless of whether it is a letter of motivation or a cover letter: mere assertions do not convince anyone. After all, you can say anything: how teamwork you are, how well you can take on the responsibility, or how structured you are. It only becomes convincing when you fill such claims with life. In what situation did you demonstrate a certain quality? When did a certain strength show itself? The more vividly you describe this, the greater the effect on your recipient. Empty phrases are taboo.

You are reciting your CV

What should I write? Many applicants ask themselves this when writing a letter of motivation. And then orientate themselves closely to the résumé – too closely. Your letter of motivation should not be a full-text version of your CV. Otherwise, it has no added value. Rather see it as an opportunity to explain what defines you as a person, what drives you, and what you want to achieve.

Too many duplications with the cover letter

Just as the letter of motivation should not be based too closely on the résumé, you should not be too inspired by your cover letter. If you don’t have to write a cover letter at all, this point is not relevant. Otherwise, however, the following applies: Find a clear focus and make sure that your letter of motivation not only conveys more, but also different content than your cover letter.

The letter of motivation contains errors

It is noticeable if your letter of motivation contains errors. It is irrelevant whether it is a spelling mistake, a grammatical mistake, a mistake in content, or a content-related contradiction. Make sure your writing is error-free.

It is not individually written

A letter of motivation is only convincing if you have written it as individually as possible. You address the aspects that appear particularly important to you from the point of view of your recipient. You leave out what is less relevant for them. And the tone of your writing suits you and is therefore authentic.

You are exaggerating

Of course, it’s about presenting yourself in the best possible way. However, you shouldn’t over-fill your mouth. Stick to the truth. Do not make expert knowledge from basic knowledge, do not present yourself differently than you are. You should also be careful with superlatives. If you are overly exuberant, it can quickly seem like a fake.