How to Write a Motivation Letter: Sample & Guide for 2024

Are you motivated to start a new job? Of course you are! Just think of the new career paths opening before you and of the constantly growing salary. Who wouldn’t want that?

If only you could infect the recruiter with some of your motivation. Then, they would certainly hire you. Here’s the kicker… You can! Supplement your resume with a masterful motivation letter, and get ready to start your new job.

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Keep reading to learn about writing a motivational statement, or check out our other related articles:

• Cover Letter for an Internal Position
• Cover Letter Look
• Cover Letter Templates for MS Word
• General Cover Letter
• How to End a Cover Letter
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Is a Cover Letter Necessary?
• Recent Graduate Cover Letter
• Short Cover Letter Guide
• Writing an Entry-Level Cover Letter

Motivation Letter Sample

What Is a Motivation Letter?

Hold up. A motivation letter? Isn’t it just a fancy name for a cover letter? Well, not exactly.

A letter of motivation, also known as a motivation letter, is a document that expresses your enthusiasm, passion, and reasons for applying to a specific academic program, scholarship, or job. It is usually attached to your resume and explains why you're the best candidate for the position.

This purpose of a motivation letter makes it a great document to supplement resumes with no experience.

How Is a Motivation Letter Different From a Cover Letter?

The definition above does sound slightly similar to the definition of a cover letter. So how are these two documents distinct from each other? Let’s answer this question in more detail.

1. Purpose

A letter of motivation is primarily used for academic or scholarship applications. Motivation letters can be used to apply for jobs, but only if you have very little or no job experience. Meanwhile, a cover letter (letter of application) is used for job applications and uses concrete examples and achievements from your past work experience.

2. Content

In a letter of motivation, you focus on your passion, academic or career goals, and how the specific program or opportunity aligns with your aspirations. In a cover letter, you highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that make you a strong fit for the job.

3. Format

Although both letters generally follow a similar formatting structure, a letter of motivation may have more flexibility in how it looks. It can be more personalized to showcase your unique qualities and aspirations. We’ll discuss the formatting of a motivation letter soon.

4. Length

A motivation statement is often longer than a cover letter, allowing you to provide more details about your academic or career journey and aspirations. Although, just like the perfect length of a cover letter, your letter of motivation should also be only one page long. What will change is the word count, which is about 250-400 for a cover letter and about 500-700 for a motivational letter.

How to Format a Letter of Motivation?

Just like with a cover letter format, there are some rules you should keep in mind when formatting a motivation letter:

• Use your resume’s font for your motivation letter. This will create uniformity between the two documents.
• Choose a nice-looking motivational letter template. Make it match your resume template.
• Set the margins on your motivational statement to 1 inch on all sides.
• Save your motivation letter in a PDF file to ensure its readability on all software and devices.
• Proofread your letter of motivation before sending it. No one would want their application to be discarded because of a typo.

Expert Hint: Since a motivational letter and a cover letter bear some similarities, many tricks that work for the latter will also help you with the former. So check out our cover letter tips and apply them to your letter of motivation.

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Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

How to Write a Motivation Letter?

The best approach to the structure of your motivational statement is very similar to how you would handle your cover letter outline:

1. Start With a Motivation Letter Header

Addressing a motivation letter is exactly the same as creating a header for a cover letter. Take a look at this example:

Addressing the Letter of Motivation—Example

Jane Kelly

High-School Graduate

506 5th St.

La Porte, IN 46350, USA

574-205-9169

kelly.jane@gmail.com

07.20.2023

Ms. Helena Waters

Head of Human Resources

Lovely Organic

2092 W St Rd 2

La Porte, IN 46350, USA

This is all you need to include when addressing your letter of motivation. The template for the header looks like that:

Writing a motivational letter header is pretty straightforward. That is until you reach the point of including the recipient’s details. Finding out who will be reading your letter is often not easy. Here are some tips on what you can do if you don’t know the recipient’s name:

• Check the job posting. Sometimes their name will be right there, basically in the open.
• Read the email address. Most work emails are [name.surname@mail.com]

• Find the name on their website or LinkedIn. Most important names should be displayed there with their professional titles.

• Call the company. Just ask them directly. It will show your motivation even before you send them your letter.

And if you still can’t find out to whom you should address the motivation letter? Go for “[Department Name] Hiring Manager.” It’s safe and still professional. But treat it as the last resort option. You should try finding the recipient's name on your motivation letter. After all, people respond actively to seeing their names.

2. Write an Enticing Introductory Paragraph

After addressing the letter of motivation, it’s time to get writing. But just like starting a cover letter, adding an introduction to your motivational statement is often a near-impossible task.

But it’s not really as hard as you may think it is.

Here’s the deal, the first paragraph of your motivation letter must check these three boxes:

• It states what you are applying for.
• It gives a clear answer as to why you are applying.
• And on top of that, it makes the reader want to read the rest of your motivational letter. (To do so, tell them who you are and show your skills and strengths)

Take a look at this example:

Motivation Letter Example: Introduction

Dear Ms. Waters,

I am excited to apply for the lab technician internship at Lovely Organic. As a personable high-school graduate with a genuine passion for the beauty industry, a strong knowledge of leading makeup brands, and a keen eye for testing new cosmetic products, I am eager to contribute my enthusiasm and expertise to your company. I have always dreamed of working in a laboratory setting, and this internship would help me reach my career goals.

One more important thing. Don’t forget to greet the recipient directly. If you pull a “to whom it may concern,” you’d better be ready not to get a favorable result.

3. Expand Your Motivational Letter in the Main Body Section

The main body of your letter of motivation should consist of 1–5 paragraphs (unlike a cover letter, which usually has one or two paragraphs) and will be the longest section of the document. Here, you’ll show your achievements, skills, and other accomplishments.

It’s also the point where you really need to sell yourself to the reader. Do it by providing stories and explanations that prove your skills and achievements.

Also, make use of resume power words and action verbs. They will make your statement of motivation sound much more impactful. You should also include some resume keywords in case the company runs your motivational statements through the ATS (or the recruiter skims through it to look for them).

Here’s what a finished main body of a motivational letter should look like:

Motivation Letter Example—Main Body

Throughout my high school journey at Salem High School, I have honed my academic excellence, achieving a GPA of 3.76. As President of the Applied Chemistry Club, I led engaging initiatives and participated in the prestigious Massachusetts State Science Exhibition in 2021, focusing on harmful substances in everyday cosmetics. Additionally, my selection as the sole participant in the 2022 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad demonstrates my dedication to advancing my knowledge in the beauty and cosmetology realm.

As a self-motivated makeup artist since 2019, I have applied makeup for hundreds of customers for various events, including birthdays, proms, and weddings. My artistry skills extend to designing wedding makeup that complements the color palette of wedding decorations, ensuring a cohesive and beautiful look for brides and bridesmaids. Furthermore, I take pride in educating clients about proper makeup application techniques, skincare, and makeup brush selection, elevating their beauty experiences.

Testing new cosmetic products and sharing product reviews on Instagram and TikTok stories are among my interests, showcasing my dedication to staying informed about the latest trends and innovations in the beauty industry. I also possess excellent interpersonal skills, strong verbal communication abilities, and a positive attitude that will undoubtedly contribute to Lovely Organic's warm and inviting environment.

You put the bulk of your achievements, skills, and motivations into this part. And you must make sure that each one of them is true. You shouldn’t lie on your application. A trained recruiter will notice your lies from a mile away, and you can be sure they will discard your motivational statement immediately.

Expert Hint: Maintain the same tone of voice throughout the entire motivation letter. Make it sound positive, and show your motivation, but be careful not to sound needy and desperate. Companies want employees who are eager to work and grow, not people who will bail out on them when a slightly better opportunity arises.

4. Finish Your Letter of Motivation With a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph acts as a summary of your motivation letter. Use it to write short explanations for:

• Why you’d be a great fit for the company/university/program.
• What is your main goal, and what experience would you like to gain.

And do one more thing. Add a call to action. It emphasizes your commitment and pushes the reader to proceed with your application to the next step.

Check out this sample of an effective conclusion to a motivational letter:

Motivational Letter Sample—Final Paragraph

I am confident that my academic achievements, makeup artistry skills, and genuine enthusiasm for the beauty industry make me a strong fit for this internship. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to Lovely Organic's mission and values while expanding my knowledge and experience in the field of cosmetics and chemistry. Please find my resume attached for your review.

I’d love to talk over the phone with you over the next week about this position and what I could bring to the Lovely Organics team.

Sincerely,

Jane Kelly

Finish your motivational letter with a formal closing. The best way is to write “Sincerely” and add your full name below. But if you’re not a fan of “Sincerely,” consider these other options:

• Thank you,

• Best regards,

• Kind regards,

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Key Points

Here’s what you need to know to write a successful motivational letter:

• Use a motivational letter to apply for volunteering opportunities, internship programs, or for university admissions. If you’re applying for a standard job, supplement your resume with a cover letter instead.
• Separate your motivational letter into 4 main parts: contact information, introductory paragraph, main body, and conclusion.
• Make your motivational statement stand out by showing your enthusiasm and interest in whatever you’re applying for.
• Do research on the company so that you can reference its values in your motivation letter.

Did you learn something new about motivation letters? Are you feeling motivated to write your own motivational statement? If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, write a comment. We’ll be happy to reply.

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