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10 TIPS FOR A GOOD MOTIVATION LETTER
How do you write a good motivation letter? What really needs to be included and what’s better to leave out? There is no escaping the fact that one day in your life you will have to write a motivation letter. Whether this is for a job or an education, knowing how to do it and how not to do it is a big advantage!
It is important for an employer to be able to see that you know why you would like a specific job. There must be more reasons than just making money. That is why an employer always asks for a motivation letter. But what should really be included in such a motivation letter? And what’s better not to tell?
1. What benefit do they get from it?
Naturally, you want to tell them how much you want a job and why. There is nothing wrong with that, enthusiasm is always an advantage. But the idea behind a motivation letter is also to find out how the company can benefit from you. So, tell them what you can add!
2. Be yourself
Don't try to come across as someone different from who you are. Chances are you'll fall through the cracks during a conversation. Just be yourself. Tell your story the way you would tell it to your friends, but with appropriate language of course ????.
3. Check carefully for spelling errors
Naturally, you don't want there to be spelling mistakes in your motivation letter. Always let someone read the letter before you send it. It is easy to read over your own mistakes. Someone else is more likely to spot them.
4. Be distinctive
Do not start your letter with your name, age, place of residence and education. 90% of motivation letters start like this. With a different introduction you will immediately catch the attention of a recruiter. Make sure your motivation letter stands out.
5. Don't talk about the job alone
Tell not only why you are interested in the specific position, but also why you would like to work for this company. Why do you fit in there? What appeals to you? For a company it is also important to know whether or not you fit into the team. This is at least as relevant as the skills and knowledge you possess.
6. Always be positive
Only talk about positive experiences in your motivation letter. Don't complain about previous employers or trainings you were not satisfied with. Doing so sends the wrong signal to an employer or recruiter. They will get the idea that you will have problems at work more quickly
7. Don’t be repetitive
Try not to repeat everything you have already mentioned in your CV. You may, of course, be allowed to explain things more, but only if you are sure that this has added value.
8. Introduce yourself without bragging
When you introduce yourself, you may tend to exaggerate or boast a little about your performance. Don't do this, you don't want to appear arrogant. Try to write these things down as factually as possible, without getting boring.
9. Sketch a picture of the future
Where do you see yourself in a year's time in the position for which you are applying? Or five years from now? Show the recruiter that you take this job seriously and that you certainly don't see it as a temporary side job. This way you let your ambition speak for you.
10. Personalize your motivation letter
Do you know who you are writing your letter to? Then try to personalize it as much as possible. Naturally, this applies to the salutation, but if you can find out more about the person, you can adjust the content of the letter a bit.
Hopefully we have been able to help you make writing your motivation letter a little easier. So... Don't postpone it any longer and start writing!
