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Writing a cover letter and motivational letter
There is not much difference between a cover letter and a motivation letter, and they have the same purpose – to support and complement the information on your CV, to introduce you to the employer and to answer the question why you are the best candidate for them.
Sometimes a job offer will say that a cover letter or motivation letter is required with your CV. Occasionally, neither of these is asked for, but it is advisable to include one of them. It shows you are willing and genuinely interested, and helps you stand out from other candidates.
A cover letter is a simple and compact (up to half a page of A4) address to the employer that should generally consist of:
- a statement on the position you are applying to;
- a brief overview and justification of how you match the requirements set out in the job offer and why you want to join the company;
- a polite concluding sentence expressing your willingness to communicate further and encouraging the employer to contact you;
- your contact details.
A motivation letter is a more comprehensive (up to one A4 page) version of a cover letter that allows you to draw the employer’s attention to your strengths, achievements and motivation to commit to the job and the company. A motivation letter can provide more relevant examples and convincing reasons.
In your motivation letter, do not limit yourself to the skills and experience listed in your CV, but highlight examples that match the employer’s expectations and needs. Decide what experience and skills are most important based on what the company is looking for and what you can offer them. It is important for employers to see that you have researched the business and understand its needs and objectives.
It is largely up to you to decide the content and formatting of your cover letter. Below are suggestions for writing a motivation letter with a logical and easy-to-follow structure.
- Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. What kind of person are you looking for and what sort of motivation letter would you like to read?
- Look at the job offer from your perspective. What makes this employer attractive to you?
- What appeals to you about this post?
- How can you apply your skills and experience?
- What is your previous experience in the field of your employer’s activities, what are your observations and recommendations, have you taken part in debates in the field, come into contact with the subject at specialist events, etc.?
- What are the links between the company’s needs and objectives and your ideas and experience?
- Contact information: Your name, address, telephone number and email address via which the employer can contact you.
- Salutation to the employer or recruiter.
- The opening paragraph should include information about the position you are applying for and where the information about the job offer comes from. Grab the reader’s attention, for example, by highlighting a successful venture, a strength or a way of thinking that makes an important connection between you and the company.
- In the second section, explain why you are the best candidate and include examples that convincingly describe your skills. In particular, provide detailed information about your experience and achievements, such as the projects you have been involved in, the ones you have initiated and managed, how you have approached problems, coped with responsibilities, overcome difficulties, worked in a team, etc.
- In the third section, describe why you are the best choice for the company’s needs and expectations. What is the value of hiring you? How can you apply your knowledge, skills and experience in the desired position? For example, you could let your employer know that you have experience and ideas on how to achieve some of the company’s goals or solve a current problem, suggestions on how to develop the company’s product or service (based on your own customer experience), skills to boost the company’s social media marketing, etc.
Think about and write down the value and opportunities that working in this job offers you. For example, you might say that your new job gives you the opportunity to do and develop something new, it offers more responsibility, you can contribute to the development of your field or society, the new job brings personal and professional development, etc. Describe what you and the company have in common in terms of expectations, needs, goals and opportunities.
- In conclusion, thank your employer for their time and attention and express your willingness to communicate further. It is like requesting your employer to contact you.
