Do You Struggle With Writing A Motivation Letter?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve answered yes to our question.

Crafting a compelling letter that sets you apart from other candidates can be challenging, we know.

But fear not, as with the right approach, you can create a standout motivation letter that showcases your unique skills and qualities.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. What Is A Motivation Letter?

A letter of motivation is your personal elevator pitch.

While your job application answers the question: “Can you do the job?”, motivational letters spill the beans on: “Why you, of all people, should you do the job?”

You should use a motivation letter to talk about your passions, drive, and unique perspectives. They are your opportunity to connect the dots between your skills and the company’s mission.

And remember: you’re not using one just to sell your skills; you’re also writing it to sell yourself.

2. What Makes A Motivation Letter Stand Out?

A Strong Hook

Understanding how to write a motivational letter begins with grasping the importance of a strong hook.

And, in many ways, the concept of a hook in a CV is similar to marketing strategies.

Just as a catchy slogan or memorable ad can draw consumers to a product, a well-crafted hook in a CV can draw recruiters to a candidate.

A compelling opening that grabs the recruiter’s attention and makes them want to know more about you is what’ll set you apart from the crowd, so use it to:

• Point out why you’re drawn to that particular job;
• Highlight your unique selling points; and
• Make a strong case for why you are the perfect fit for the role.

Okay?

Moving on.

Result-Oriented Focus On Your Skills & Qualities

Employers expect candidates to possess skills and qualities that can transform their businesses.

So, how do you prove being capable of doing such a thing?

Here’s a fool-proof formula to follow:

Focus on the results you’ve achieved in your previous job, the way you did it, and for whom – and be really specific.

For example, here’s how you could highlight your skills and qualities in a motivational letter for a restaurant position:

“In my role as a sous chef, I’ve orchestrated the creation of over 100 signature dishes, blending flavors and techniques from French, Italian, and Asian cuisines to captivate diners. At my previous restaurant, I revamped the kitchen workflow, leading to a 15% increase in efficiency and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes to our guests.”

Sounds powerful, doesn’t it?

Highlighting Your Passion & Fit

Beyond skills and achievements, a motivation letter should convey your passion for the role and how well you fit into the company culture.

Do you have any experiences that demonstrate your enthusiasm for the industry and your alignment with the company’s values and mission?

Share them.

Help the recruiter envision you as a valuable addition to their team.

Tailoring Your Letter To The Company

One of the most effective ways to make your motivation letter stand out is to tailor it to the specific company – and role you’re applying for.

That means you’ve got to do what?

That’s right, research.

You need to research the company’s values, goals, and even recent projects.

Then, you need to incorporate this information into your letter in a way that:

• Demonstrates your understanding of the company’s needs; and
• Explains how your skills and experiences make you the perfect candidate to help them achieve their objectives.

Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Conciseness & Impact

While it’s important to provide enough detail to demonstrate your qualifications, motivation letters in general need to be concise and to the point.

The thing is, recruiters often have limited time to review applications, so you need to make every word count.

How?

By focusing on the most relevant information and avoiding unnecessary details or clichés (everyone’s a team player nowadays, but have you considered that not every job demands you to be one?)

The point is: A well-structured, easy-to-read letter will make a stronger impression than a lengthy, rambling one.

3. What Makes A Motivation Letter Suck?

Three things make a motivation letter suck.

They are:

• Unrelated objectives;
• Lack of specifics; and
• Too much visual flash.

In other words, you need to skip the generic fluff and tell your employer exactly what you can do for them (and their end-user).

In doing so, avoid vague statements and be as specific as possible about the way you intend to go about this.

And, finally, a motivational letter should follow the rule of more text, fewer pictures.

So, leave the flashy visuals for your portfolio or presentation. A motivation letter should be about substance over style, focusing on conveying your skills, experiences, and passion for the role.

Avoiding these three pitfalls will help ensure that your letter stands out for all the right reasons, setting you apart from other candidates and increasing your chances of landing your dream job.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a motivation letter that’s tailored, impactful, and compelling.

By following these guidelines, you can craft a letter that makes a memorable impression and resonates with the hiring manager on a personal level.

And best of luck with your application!