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How to write a motivation letter

Compile a list of motives

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Writing a motivation letter to a university, scholarship committee or charitable organization that accompanies your resume and outlines exactly why you want to be there will be far more powerful than a letter which focuses on your (sometimes less relevant) practical experiences. They will be included in your resume, in any case.

It is important to note that a motivation letter is not a cover letter.

Cover letters are used to accompany a resume during a job application and often delve deep into an applicant’s career experience. Previous work experience is less important when applying for university, a scholarship or an intern role, so your “why” has to shine through that little bit more in a motivation letter.

So, how do I write a motivational letter for a job, internship or educational opportunity? This guide will look at the following questions allowing you to write a great motivation letter:

What is a motivation letter?

• Is it the same as a cover letter?
• How to structure a motivational letter

Writing tips for a motivation letter

• Example of a motivational letter for university
• Sample of a motivation letter for scholarship
• Example of a motivational letter for internship

In the case of a university, scholarship or internship application, there will be countless others with similar qualifications. Explaining your motives in a compelling and memorable motivation letter will move your application to the top of the pile. Our guide and motivation letter examples will show the way. Sometimes motivations are more important than educational qualifications - those long nights writing dissertations will need plenty of determination.

Impact vs. intent in the modern job search

So much job search literature advises exploring how the impact of your past actions can inform a potential employer about your future potential. Intent and motivations are often left behind in a hard-hitting achievements-led career narrative. I have done this once, and I can do it again. Undeniable impact, but the “why” often gets forgotten. 

When starting a new university / scholarship / volunteering chapter, your past impact is less important as your future often brings an entirely new experience. What really matters here is your motivation and intent to make the most of the opportunity. 

A motivation letter is a one-page personal pitch of 200-400 words that documents your background, skills and motivations for a course of study at university or college, a scholarship application, internship opportunity or volunteering proposal.

Is a motivation letter the same as a cover letter? No, they are different. A motivation letter is used in specific circumstances to accompany an experience-led resume, and unlike a cover letter (which is used for paid employment) the motivation letter offers more of a glimpse into the motivation of an applicant. The motivation letter answers the question of why you want this opportunity and how you can fit in, collaborate, grow and contribute.

Educational institutions and charitable organizations require only the most dedicated students and volunteers, so it is critical to convey the depths of this personal dimension and make a connection on an emotional level. Show how your journey has led to this moment - hints of motivation should be sprinkled along the way.

When do you write a motivation letter?

Motivational letters are usually divided into types based on what organization you’re sending it to:

• Motivation letter for university or other educational institutions
• Motivation letter for scholarship or other related financial support
• Motivation letter for internship in a corporate or charitable setting
• Motivation letter for volunteering in a non-paid and/or part-time capacity.

But what do you write in a motivational letter? How do you outline what drives you? How do you write about something with depth and conviction without resorting to empty phrases and cliches?

How to structure a motivation letter

While a motivation letter is different in purpose and application than a cover letter, they do have a similar structure, which contains:

• A motivation letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The motivation letter introduction
• The middle part that conveys the story, reasoning and motivation
• Motivation letter closing (with a call-to-action).

Like any piece of persuasive writing, a motivation letter should hook the reader with a compelling introduction, contain emotionally impactful examples in the body of the text and finish with a sense that there is so much more to tell. The goal of a motivation letter is to secure a face-to-face chat during an interview, so don't give too much boring detail. Tantalize the hiring manager with conversation starters without finishing the stories.

Requesting a scholarship or internship interview in the concluding call-to-action of the motivation letter will not seem presumptuous if it is structured in such a way. An interview is part of the scholarship process and it would be remiss not to mention just how much you want to opportunity to discuss your candidature further.

So, how do I write a short motivational letter?

How to make a motivation letter using Resume.io?

Since the motivation letter and cover letter have basically the same structure, you can use Resume.io’s letter builder to make both types of documents.  The builder makes the process easy and quick by:

• Providing ready-to-go templates for your letter
• Helping you with structure and info placement
• Writing suggestions to prevent writer’s block
• A spell-check function to avoid embarrassing typos.

Save yourself time and stress. All of the advice we provide here has been taken into account when developing our powerful online letter builder!

Firstly, you have to get all those complex emotions in your mind onto paper. 

Before you begin the process of constructing compelling arguments for the specific opportunity at hand, it helps to work out exactly what you want to get out of your next move. Some of your motivations may not fit with the specifics of what is on offer, so an initial brainstorming session will help to flesh out your story. 

Write down an exhaustive list of what you want from the scholarship / university place or volunteering role. Nothing is off limits, so take yourself to the most mentally creative place possible and just let go. This is a huge next step in your life, so what are the motivations that will keep you going when you have an impossible deadline or seemingly unachievable funding goal?

This list of personal motives will likely be bigger than you think, and many will form the core of your motivation letter.

The motivation letter greeting takes up the smallest amount of text compared to other elements but it’s still vitally important. While in most cases, you really can’t go wrong with the traditional “Dear Mr. / Ms. / Mrs.”, you should always remember two important rules:

• Choose the correct tone and level of formality (depending on the recipient organization)
• Always address the recipient by name if at all possible.

The name of the game here is research. Motivation letters can be sent to a variety of organizations so the tone can be very different. If you’re sending a motivational letter to a university / college, the tone is likely going to be more formal with the traditional greeting, use of the recipient’s last name and even his or her job title. However, in some less formal organizations such as volunteer initiatives or for internship positions in forward thinking companies, there may be more freedom for using first names or phrases like “Greetings, Tom!”. The signal for such informal salutations has to come from the recipient however (in the internship listing for example). If in doubt - err on the side of caution.

Research via google, company website or social media will also help with addressing the recipient by name. “To whom it may concern” became stale about half a century ago. Make sure to address the correct person and establish a personal connection. This can often be the difference between success and failure.

Before you sit down to start writing the motivation letter, it is vital to consider exactly how you want the reader to feel as they read it. Your motivation when considering how to start a motivation letter should be clear from the first lines, hitting them like a sledgehammer right between the eyes. This isn't a winding journey of discovery - you know what you want and it is their job that will complete your career contentment. Leave them in no doubt as to why you want to work with them.

The start of a motivation letter also needs to focus on their needs as well as your needs. How can those first few lines set the scene from their perspective and position your motivations as their rocket fuel? If they see that you are on the same page, they will warm to your somewhat lofty hopes.

After you have included your contact details in the header of the motivation letter, and addressed the letter to the correct person, the introductory paragraph is your first opportunity to grab a reader’s attention.

Put yourself in the place of the educational institution or organization. How do they want people to feel when they come to study or work? What opening gambit can you come up with that will set you apart from the other applicants? 

Show them just how they can become a deeply meaningful part of your journey.

The body of the motivation letter gives you the chance to outline exactly how your motivations fit the opportunity that is on offer. 

If you are applying for a PhD programme, go deep into why you are passionate about your subject. If you are seeking a volunteer position, don’t spare the details about why you follow the cause. If you are looking for a scholarship, go beyond your academic record to explain how your education will contribute to your future.

The nature of a free-form motivation letter offers the opportunity to influence a reader in an entirely different way to a resume. A resume appeals to their logical left brain and makes them think: “yes, that makes sense.” A motivation letter appeals to their emotionally-charged right brain, making them think: “do you know what? I feel you.”

The words that you choose for the body of your motivation letter will frame the emotional narrative of your interview. Be true to yourself and the right kinds of opportunities will be sure to come your way. You will struggle if you try to be someone else. Hiring managers can sense fake candidates. A fantastic motivation letter may get you an interview, but you will fall flat if the letter is not true to who you are. If you get the position as a result of exaggerations in the motivation letter and interview, you may not enjoy it much.

Lastly, ensure that your motives fit with the ethos and goals of the school or organization that you are applying for. Even the most emotionally appealing story loses impact if you do not come across as “one of us.”

The end sentences of your motivational letter should culminate in a crescendo of enthusiasm rather than an apologetic “what do you think?”

The depths of your motivation run far deeper than these few brief words could possibly describe, and the call-to-action of an interview request is not so much a job search formality rather than a plea to make your case further.

The conclusion of a motivation cover letter is one last chance to sell your attitude, so avoid repeating yourself. When there is so much more than meets the eye, any repetition can make you seem somewhat one-dimensional. Leave one last powerful story for the final sentence and leave the reader wanting to know more.

Having said this, ask for the interview in hope rather than anticipation. You cannot possibly know the hiring manager’s mind and no matter how impressive your motivations, you should never presume that you are the perfect fit.

5 ingredients of a great motivational letter:

• You fit their academic (and other) requirements.
• You share the values of their organization.
• It is clear why you want to be involved.
• The move would be a natural progression of your journey.
• You reach the reader on an emotional level.

A motivation letter is a carefully crafted piece of persuasion, and while our cover letter templates provide the perfect backdrop for your story, the content is nonetheless critical. Let’s explore a few writings tips that you may wish to consider:

• Write the motivational letter in your voice
• Paint a picture of your future as well as your past
• Proofread and edit your motivational letter

What is the motivation for applying for a job and how do I write a perfect motivation letter? Fitting your story around the following ideas might help.

Imagine that you are sitting in front of the scholarship committee or head of volunteering and you have three minutes to make your case.

What would you choose to say? What words would come naturally to describe that about which you are most passionate? 

A motivation letter that speaks directly to the reader in your voice will be far more effective than one written in stilted and formal language.

Motivation is meaningless to an educational establishment or volunteering organization unless it tallies with their values. They want a body of like-minded students or passionate volunteers who will pull together to accomplish their goals together. 

We have all been in study groups with a disruptive student or worked with people in a team who are simply dancing to their own tune. Research the values and mission of the school or organization that you are joining and make sure that your motivation letter hits the right notes.

While your resume will do the heavy lifting in terms of your (sometimes basic) career achievements, there is still a place to sprinkle some achievements into your motivation letter to offer some context.

You need to anchor your motivations to some quantifiable aspects of your life so that your motivation letter does not seem like wishful thinking. The examples don’t have to be directly related to your future activity, but they do need to be relevant to the motivations that you wish to illustrate.

Like any good story, a motivational letter should immerse the reader with a sense what you want to achieve and the scale of your ambition. A motivational letter that is dull and uninspiring will not persuade anyone to give you that university space or volunteering role. 

Show how your past can connect to your future through the opportunity that is on offer. University, scholarships and volunteering roles are all stepping stones to something more. Without the picture of what comes afterwards, there is a missing piece in the puzzle of why you should be the successful applicant.

While your arguments might be persuasive, the slightest grammatical or formatting error can easily derail someone’s engagement with your story. Mistakes may make the letter feel rushed or not properly thought through. Check it carefully for mistakes - you can't afford to seem careless with your dreams.

Attention to detail is key in most academic and voluntary positions, so take the time to proofread your writing. Even better, get someone who knows you well to read it through. Their comments about the content may prove invaluable.

Explore the essence of your “why” in your motivation letter.

Motivation letters contain the notes of individuality and passion that the formal limitations of a resume fail to deliver. Great motivation letters distil the essence of a candidate’s “why,” allowing them to speak directly and from the heart.

Motivation letter examples

As indicated above, there are three main situations where a motivation letter is commonly used: applications for university, a scholarship or an internship. Volunteering is also common, but as volunteers often have more experience, a volunteering letter is often more like a cover letter (and as already noted, you can use our letter builder .

Here are three motivation letter examples:

What is a motivation letter for university? Here are some things to consider:

• How do you show the personality that you will bring to class?
• Why did you choose to do a PhD or degree course?
• How do you demonstrate a depth of interest in your subject?

Here is a motivation letter example for university that would make any faculty professor curious:

Some key questions arise when writing a motivation letter for scholarship: 

• How do you start a scholarship letter?
• Why do I deserve this scholarship?
• How will my academic qualifications impact my future?

Here is a motivation letter example for scholarship that would compel any scholarship committee to give you a standing ovation:

Securing an internship is competitive – here’s how you rise to the top of the pile using an internship motivation letter:

• What value can you bring for your internship?
• What do you want to learn from your internship?
• How can you benefit those around you as an intern?

Here is a motivation letter example for internship that would send a company owner's heart racing at the though of having you help out on their team:

• Elaborate on what the opportunity means
• Compose a thoughtfully excited letter
• Focus on where your "why" meets their mission
• Be yourself - because everyone else is taken
• Talk about your limited work experience
• Write an apologetic begging letter
• Waffle about irrelevant considerations
• Put on an act - and definitely never lie

Key Takeaways

Whether you are writing for an internship, university place or scholarship, don't get hooked up on your lack of experience. It is the drive and determination of your personality that will see you through, so don't be scared to simply lead with what this opportunity means for you and your future.

• Motivations cannot be faked when you meet someone - be genuine in the letter.
• Only share motivations that are directly relevant to the position in question.
• Back up your dreams with evidence that you have what it takes to get there.

Get out there and write an impactful motivation letter that serves as a gateway to your dreams.

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Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Winning Motivation Letter in 2024

The Fundamentals of Motivation Letters

• Mastering the Structure and Content
• Enhancing Your Motivation Letter

Review and Refine Your Motivation Letter

Motivation letter faqs.

Scholarships, degrees, volunteer roles, internships, and jobs share a key requirement: motivation.

No matter if you’re applying for a research position or hoping to score a scholarship, the person you’re writing to wants to know that you’re motivated, and beyond that, what motivates you. That’s why writing a motivation letter is very different from writing a cover letter —it’s not just about your qualifications but more about what makes you tick, your story, and what brought you to where you are now.

Writing a motivation letter that captures the reader from the get-go might seem tricky, but don’t worry—that’s what we’re here for. Check out our comprehensive guide for all the motivation letter tips, examples, and templates you could wish for.

Motivation letters, also known as—surprise—letters of motivation, are often a requirement for various academic programs, scholarships, volunteering, and more.

But what are they really , and how are they any different from, say, a letter of interest or even a cover letter? Buckle up because that’s what we’ll be discusssing below.

Introduction to motivation letters

A motivation letter is essentially a single-page introduction that you send, often alongside other required documents, to institutions, companies, or individuals that might be interested in them. You’ll mostly see these in academic contexts, be it scholarships or college applications.

Motivation letters are mostly used for:

• College admissions
• Scholarship applications
• Study abroad programs
• Research positions and fellowships
• Internships
• Volunteering
• Specialized workshops and conferences
• Rarely, job applications

More often than not, a motivation letter will be required if you’re applying for any of the above. Even if it’s not, writing one and discussing your background, what’s important to you about that particular program, and a little bit of personal motivations can be the thing that sets you apart from other candidates.

A motivation letter is different from a letter of interest , letter of introduction , letter of intent, or a cover letter, although you will sometimes see these terms used interchangeably. The goal is to discuss why you’re motivated to apply and how the opportunity fits into your long-term goals and plans.

Think of it as a sort of hype letter from you to the position you’re applying for. Sure, you might be sending several of these just in case you don’t get into your first choice, but the recipient doesn’t need to know that.

To them, it should sound like this is your dream field of study, your number one college, or a life-changing internship opportunity. And more importantly, it should explain just why you’re the best pick for the opening.

Knowing when to write a motivation letter

Seeing as people use the term “motivation letter” pretty loosely, you may find them used in the context of getting a job—especially in Europe. However, the most common use cases revolve around academic opportunities.

Below, we’ll explore three of the most popular scenarios and give you handy templates to use when crafting your own.

Applying for a college program

Most universities require a motivation letter as part of the application process. When writing one, your goal should be to go over your academic goals, but also your hobbies and interests .

Colleges are after well-rounded students who have something to bring to the table, so if you can express why this program and this school are both important to you, you’ll have one foot in the door!

Here’s a template you can use to get started on your own motivation letter:

University Motivation Letter

Jessica Alvarez 123 Pretend Ave. Stanford, CA 94305 [email protected] (650) 555-0123

April 18, 2024

Ms. Evelyn Harper Director of Admissions Office of Undergraduate Admission Stanford University 123 Pretend Ave. Stanford, CA 94305

Dear Ms. Harper,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the master’s in environmental science at Stanford University. I’m a recent graduate, having completed the program at the University of Colorado Boulder. My dream has always been to pursue an environmental science degree at Stanford, and I hope to contribute my drive and passion for environmental issues in the upcoming class of 2025.

Growing up, I became acutely aware of the disastrous impact of climate change on our planet. From glaciers to global temperatures, the whole world is affected by the mistakes that we now have to work hard to fix. My goal has always been to address climate change through innovative research and sustainable practices. I hope to one day put my knowledge and skills to use by becoming a leader in environmental policy reform.

I know that the Environmental Science program at Stanford is one of the best in the country, but the prestige is not what drove me to apply. I feel that your course is comprehensive and aligns with my dream of making a significant impact on global sustainability efforts perfectly.

I have the utmost respect for Stanford University and I am confident that my knowledge of environmental science will be an asset to every project I participate in as well as a life-changing experience for me.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss this with you in further detail at your convenience.

Sincerely, Jessica Alvarez

Applying for a scholarship

If you’re applying for a scholarship, a motivation letter is your golden opportunity—quite literally—to wow the recipient and explain to them why you are the most worthwhile candidate.

Scholarships are often few and far apart, and almost always, there’ll be more applicants than there are spots. This is why your letter needs to outline not just straight-up academic excellence, but also your future goals and what drives you to seek a scholarship. It’s okay (or even recommended) to be candid, but keep it professional.

Here’s a template to inspire you before you write your own letter of motivation:

Scholarship Motivation Letter

Jordan Padalecki 123 Pretend Ave. Atlanta, GA 30301 [email protected] (404) 555-6168

January 19, 2025

Mr. Thomas Griffin Scholarship Committee Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation 123 Pretend Ave. Atlanta, GA 30301

Dear Mr. Griffin,

My name is Jordan Padalecki and I have recently obtained my bachelor’s degree in computational media from the Georgia Institute of Technology. With great enthusiasm mixed with a dash of hope, I am writing to you to apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program. My dream has always been to utilize technology and media to develop educational programs that enhance learning experiences for underserved communities, and I hope that with your help, I will achieve my goals.

Throughout my education, I always strived to maintain good grades. I was an active student, with participation in coding hackathons and my role as a volunteer tutor for local community centers driving me always to learn more and do more. I’ve had my eyes on the prize from a young age, but now, I am faced with a problem that so many other students have to deal with—my situation doesn’t permit me to keep pursuing these goals and achieve my dream master’s degree in educational technology at the University of California.

Due to my family’s limited financial resources and the high costs associated with advanced education, securing funding through personal means is not feasible. This has driven me to apply for a scholarship, hoping to continue my education without the overwhelming burden of debt.

My family, as well as my past experiences, have instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and drive for knowledge and success. I know that if I am given the chance, I will make the most out of every second at Berkeley and go on to create and implement innovative educational tools that can significantly improve learning outcomes in regions where access to technology is scarce.

I am eternally grateful for your time and your consideration. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, and I hope that we can discuss my application soon.

Sincerely, Jordan Padalecki

Applying for an internship

When applying for an internship, aside from deciding on a fantastic resume template , you should consider sending a motivation letter. In this iteration, the motivation letter is perhaps closest to a cover letter, but it’s not quite the same thing.

Focus this one on your enthusiasm for the field, your approach to learning, and how this internship can be transformative to your career—but don’t forget to throw in a few words on why you’re the best candidate for the role. (Hint: using a cover letter generator can be a good start to give you some ideas.)

Here’s an example template for this type of motivation letter:

Internship Motivation Letter

Daniel Romanescu 123 Pretend Ave. Redmond, WA 98052 [email protected] (425) 555-0147

June 13, 2024

Ms. Jamila Coughlan Internship Coordinator Microsoft Corporation 123 Pretend Ave. Redmond, WA 98052

Dear Ms. Coughlan,

I am reaching out to express my enthusiastic interest in the Software Engineering Internship at Microsoft. As a recent graduate in computer science from the University of Washington and a lifelong programming enthusiast, I am eager to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills I’ve acquired in a real-world setting. I believe that my proficiency in C# and Python, as well as my experience with cloud services, will allow me to make an impact during my time at Microsoft.

I started my education at the University of Washington with a clear goal: becoming a software engineer. Not only do I find programming fascinating, but I am also motivated by the potential to develop software solutions that can improve everyday life for millions of users. My coursework in advanced programming techniques and cloud computing has provided me with a solid foundation in critical software development skills and cloud integration, and I am keen to further develop these skills through hands-on experience.

During a prior internship at a local tech startup, I was able to lead a team project that developed a comment section under every news post, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement in the application. I am confident that these experiences, alongside my proactive approach and strong work ethic, will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the software development team at Microsoft.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my talents and my drive to Microsoft Corporation as an intern and I couldn’t be more eager to learn from your industry-leading experts.

I look forward to discussing this opportunity during an interview. Thank you so much for your consideration.

Sincerely, Daniel Romanescu

Mastering the Structure and Content of Motivation Letters

You may have a bucketful of motivation and an eagerness to work hard and do your best, but the recipient of your letter of motivation won’t know that unless you make it clear from the get-go.

People often get hundreds of letters, meaning that some of them end up in the bin. To prevent that from happening to yours, it’s important to structure it in a compelling way—which is what we’ll talk about below.

Structuring your motivation letter

Although any and all templates should be used as a starting point and not as a fill-in-the-blanks process, you should still stick to a traditional structure in a motivation letter. Surprise the reader with the content and hook them in with a strong intro, all the while making sure that your letter makes sense and flows well.

Right, but how do you structure all of that in a way that makes sense? Here’s our secret recipe for a winning letter of motivation.

Greeting and intro

To ensure that the recipient reads your letter, you need to chuck all generic greetings and intros out of the window. A personalized greeting is where it’s at, and if possible, try to address the recipient by name.

After the greeting, introduce yourself and state the purpose of your letter in the first sentence. Then, quickly dive into what sets you apart from others, be it your admirable drive or relevant skill set. This is just a single paragraph, but every sentence needs to be highly impactful.

Body of the letter

The next two to three paragraphs make up the body of your letter of motivation. This is where you can elaborate on the things you already briefly touched on in the intro.

In most letters, you’ll want to start by discussing your academic background and/or professional experience , and diving into what led you to where you are now. Mention any relevant coursework, group projects, extracurriculars, or volunteer work that aligns well with the opportunity.

In the second paragraph, switch gears to talking about your motivations and aspirations . This is especially important in letters tailored for scholarships, or those applying for jobs at nonprofits or volunteer positions. If you have personal reasons that drove you to reach out to this particular company or institution, shout them from the rooftops right here.

Conclusion and signoff

In the final paragraph, thank the reader for their consideration. Then, throw in a so-called call to action, meaning a sentence that drives them to act; such as “I look forward to discussing this opportunity during an interview.”

Sign off with a simple, “Sincerely, [your name].”

Crafting a compelling narrative

Your job is to tell a story, and this story needs to hit a few beats. You need to drive the point home that you’re interested in this particular opportunity and nothing else.

Next, you need to show what got you to where you are now— why are you interested in this, and what are you hoping to achieve?

Lastly, treat your qualifications as a cherry on top that shows that you’ve put a lot of effort into your field of interest and that you can’t wait to keep doing the same with this new opportunity.

Creating your motivation letter with not just the structure, but also the narrative in mind, will make for a more engaging read, and that’s always a good thing.

Here are some useful tips for this part of the process:

• Look for connections. How do your background and education align with the opportunity you’re applying to? What about your motivations and goals? When writing your letter, look for opportunities to make these little connections. Instead of just saying: “I’m driven,” say: “I was particularly impressed with the success of your track team, and I believe that my drive to keep training and do even better would make me fit right in with the class of 2025.”
• Get a little personal. Chances are that the recipient of your letter is getting many more of them from other people, and if they can all essentially be summed up as “Hi, pick me, thank you,” not a single one will stand out. That’s why getting a little personal is recommended, but make sure to keep your tone professional. Discuss why you, as a person and not just as a student or as an employee, dream of landing this opportunity.
• Drive the point home. When you’re concluding your letter, it’s a good idea to include a sentence that summarizes the contents and compels the reader to get back to you. An example of that can be, “My background in computer science and my love for coding position me as a strong candidate for the software engineering internship program at [company]. I look forward to discussing this with you further in any manner that suits you.”

Enhancing Your Motivation Letter with Advanced Strategies

Getting to the point where you have a draft may take some time, but even if you’re feeling eager, don’t send your letter just yet. Hold your horses! It’s important to polish this letter to perfection.

Check out our tips on some more advanced strategies that will give your letter that little bit of extra charm.

Personalizing your letter

We’ll share a harsh truth with you: a letter of motivation that is not personalized is most likely going to end up in the trash with the rest of the application.

People in charge of admissions, scholarships, and recruiting all receive so much correspondence that even top-notch applicants get overlooked. This is why being generic is a killer, and personalizing your letter is the way to go.

What can you do to make sure your application practically screams, “I’ve done my homework” and gets picked out of a hundred other letters?

• Do lots of research. You can’t create an effective letter without knowing the place you’re applying to in and out. Before you even start writing, learn about the company or organization and take notes on some of the programs and recent achievements. Mention them in your letter if they’re relevant.
• Tap into mission and values. Start with the basics—what is the core mission of the organization, and what values does it uphold? Knowing this allows you to tailor your narrative in a way that echoes the principles they want to see. In your research, go beyond just a simple skim of the About Us page and see if the organization is involved in any charitable work or has made any mission statements.
• Talk about specific programs. Look for specific programs, initiatives, or projects that excite you and relate to your field of interest. Mentioning these not only shows that you’ve done your homework but also that you are genuinely enthusiastic about contributing to these areas.
• Show some personality. Some letters need to be super formal, but while we don’t advise being casual, it’s okay to let go of the reins a little in your motivation letter. Let your personality shine through the words on the page and show how important this is to you.

Avoiding common mistakes

Writing a motivation letter means striking a delicate balance between personal expression and professional appeal. That makes it equally tricky as writing a resume , but it’s made harder by the fact that you won’t have a handy resume checker to look through your work for you at the end of the process.

Some of the pitfalls we discuss below need to be avoided like the plague.

• Don’t be generic. We’ve talked about this, but it warrants repeating in its own little section. Being generic is a surefire way to be ignored. It can be tiring, but avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach and write a new motivation letter from scratch for each position that you truly care about.
• Avoid clichés. Motivation letters kind of lend themselves to clichés, but try to steer clear of them. Saying something like “This is my dream and I’m a hard worker” is both generic and irrelevant. Instead, get specific, delving deeper into what this opportunity means to you. For example: “Ever since my childhood dog developed kidney disease and I helped my parents look after him, I knew that I wanted to become a veterinarian and help other animals through their pain. I know that studying at [college] is not a walk in the park, but that is precisely why I chose it—I want to work hard and become the best vet I can be.”
• Know when to stop. Even if you have a lot to say, it’s important to be concise and to the point. Your letter should always fit a single page and should ideally have no more than four to five paragraphs.

We’re almost at the finish line. You have your letter, it’s looking fantastic, and you’re itching to send it off so that you can count the days until you get a response.

That’s all well and good, but before you hit that tantalizing “Send” button, make sure to apply these finishing touches for even better effect.

Proofreading and editing

Our number one tip? Proofread your letter and then (figuratively) sleep on it. ****Don’t send this very important letter as soon as you finish it after working on it until 5 in the morning. Instead, proofread it once, get some sleep, edit it again, and then send it off. You don’t want to appear unprofessional.

Your editing process should go beyond a quick check for typos. Start by checking your grammar and punctuation. A good tip to spot mistakes is to read your letter starting with the final paragraph—it’ll appear fresh in your mind and help your brain identify potential problem areas.

Next, check for coherence and flow. Ensure that the story you want to tell is easy to follow; adjust paragraph length; cut unnecessary words and sentences. Your letter needs to be concise and impactful.

Lastly, consider your tone. Motivation letters tend to have a more personal edge than, let’s say, a ChatGPT cover letter —but they’re still addressed to professionals, not friends. Make sure that you’re coming off as candid and respectful.

Seeking feedback

To help you further, here are some common mistakes to avoid in counter offer letters .

Let’s be real—writing a letter of motivation takes time. It’s probably taken you a few hours by this point, if not longer, and with breaks, the whole process can sometimes take days.

After that much time, your brain will become so used to every turn of phrase and every word in the letter that you’ll become far less likely to spot any mistakes.

This is why a fresh pair of eyes can help, but not just to proofread or fix the flow. Asking the right person to give you feedback on your letter is often a crucial part of writing it.

This is especially common in academic settings. When applying for colleges, you’ll ask your teachers for review, and then revise your letter based on their feedback. Similarly, applying for a master’s program or an internship gets a lot easier if you ask a professor or two to give you their opinion.

Turn to your friends, colleagues, mentors, or coaches and gather all feedback you can—it’s often tremendously helpful.

Leveraging Templates and Samples for Success

As you may have gathered, these letters are highly, highly, highly personalized, so you might think that using templates is completely out the window.

Not true—there are ways to streamline the process and make it a little bit easier on you, all the while still maintaining high quality in your writing. Here’s what you can do.

Utilizing resources

Templates are a good way to make the process less tedious. We’ve shared some handy options for you up above. However, you might now be wondering if these are even okay to use, given the personal nature of motivation letters.

Don’t worry—you’re in the clear. Go ahead and use a template. The catch? You should never use it word-for-word.

A motivation letter template or sample is a starting point. It’s meant to show you how to structure your letter and, roughly, what to talk about. Instead of copy-pasting a template and filling in the blanks, use it to plan out your own outline, with an intro, a couple of body paragraphs, and a strong closer.

The same thing applies to writing a resume. You can use resume examples or a resume builder to get the job done in two minutes, but that’s just the beginning. From there, you’ll add and edit everything to make sure it aligns with your background and expertise.

Samples can be useful if you’re short on ideas, too. They can give you some guidance on what to talk about. The rule of thumb here is the more specific, the better—instead of following the sample exactly, do some digging and identify interesting programs or projects to personalize your letter with.

When using examples from templates, make sure to adapt them to your context. For instance, if the template discusses being compassionate and wanting to care for others, this is lovely, but won’t apply to every job or college degree. Think of your own ideas, write them down, and then pick the ones that best apply.

Last but not least, use your own voice. It’s very easy to tell when something was written by someone else or by AI generators. If your personality shines through, your chances for success will be much greater.

Conclusion and encouragement

With the help of your own research and our comprehensive guide, you now know how to write the perfect letter of motivation.

You’re ready to start strong with a compelling intro, discuss your background, experience, and goals in the body paragraphs, and sign off with the perfect closer. You know that your letter needs to be full of your own unique voice and personalized to a fault.

If you’ve done everything you could and you’re still not sure, you might have one final obstacle to defeat: overthinking.

Have you ever heard of analysis paralysis? It’s basically what happens when you overthink something so much that you can’t act on it anymore.

This often affects people who are working on resumes, cover letters, or motivation letters, both due to the high stakes and due to the fact that they’ve been working on them for hours on end.

If this is you, and you’ve spent hours and hours writing the perfect letter, but you’re still not sure, we’re here to tell you to just go for it.

A well-written motivation letter may be all that it takes for you to stand out and secure your dream position, be it a master’s program at the college of your dreams or an internship with a company that you hope to work for in the future. There’s a lot to gain and nothing to lose.

After several rounds of editing and some feedback from others, once your letter is ready, send it in with confidence. You’ve done everything you can at this point, so don’t be afraid to go ahead and just do it!

Start with a personalized greeting, preferably addressing the recipient by name (this takes some research). Next, in the first paragraph, quickly introduce yourself, state the purpose of your letter, and express why you’re interested in this opportunity. Use a couple of paragraphs to discuss your goals, qualifications, and what led you to apply to this particular place. Lastly, sign off with a call to action that inspires the reader to get in touch, and make sure to thank them for their consideration.

A letter of motivation should take up a single page and a maximum of four to five paragraphs, although certain positions only require a short three-paragraph letter. It should be concise and impactful enough to maintain the reader’s interest throughout, but not short enough to fail to accurately describe why you’re an awesome pick for the opportunity.

Avoid being generic and overly fluffy—your letter needs to be to the point. Stay positive, respectful, and grateful, avoiding falling into demanding or too informal tones. Focus on your strengths and motivations, and even if you’re unhappy with something, such as your previous school or job, never mention it in this letter.

While a motivation letter should reflect your personality and enthusiasm, it’s crucial to maintain a professional tone. The level of formality can be adjusted slightly based on the culture of the organization or institution, but it should never be overly casual or stray into informality. The only exception is if the opportunity specifically demands it, but that’s very, very rare.

Yes and no. A motivation letter serves a similar purpose, in that it introduces you, your background, and your goals to an opportunity you’re interested in, be it volunteer work or a scholarship. However, a cover letter is succinct, job-oriented, and focused on your career achievements. Motivation letters dig deeper into who you are and why you’re interested in a particular position; besides, it’s more often used in academic contexts.

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• How to Accept a Job Offer
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• Career Blog

Write an Irresistible Motivation Letter: Tips and Examples

When applying for a job or a university program, the motivation letter is your opportunity to make a great first impression. It is your chance to showcase your skills, achievements, and personality to the employer or admission committee.

Overview of Motivation Letter

A motivation letter, also called a cover letter, is a formal letter that accompanies your resume or application. It is usually one page in length and explains why you are applying for the position, how you meet the requirements, and what you can contribute to the organization or institution.

Importance of Motivation Letter

Your motivation letter is more than just a formality; it can make or break your chances of getting hired or accepted. Many employers and universities use it as a screening tool to evaluate your communication skills, motivation, and fit for the position or program. A great motivation letter can set you apart from other applicants and make you stand out as a top candidate.

Research and Preparation

When crafting an irresistible motivation letter, research and preparation are key. To impress your potential employer, you need to show that you understand both the target audience and the organization you’re applying to. Here are some steps you can take to make sure you hit the mark.

A. Identify the Target Audience

Your motivation letter should be tailored to the specific person or people who will be reading it. Who are they, and what do they value? Depending on the industry, the answer to this question may vary. For example, if you’re applying for a job in a creative field, your potential employer may be looking for someone with an eye for detail and a unique vision. However, if you’re applying to a corporate position, they may be more interested in someone who can demonstrate leadership and management skills.

When identifying your target audience, take a look at the job description and company website. Look for clues about the organization’s values, goals, and preferred qualifications. This can help you tailor your letter to the reader’s needs and interests.

B. Research the Organization

In addition to understanding your target audience, it’s important to have a deep understanding of the organization you’re applying to. This can help you speak to the specific challenges and opportunities that the company faces, and demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals.

Start by researching the company’s history and mission, as well as their recent news and developments. Learn about the company culture and values, and try to get a sense of what it’s like to work there. You should also research the industry more broadly, and stay updated on relevant trends and news.

C. Highlight Key Skills and Qualities

Finally, your motivation letter should emphasize your key skills and qualities in a way that shows how they relate to the job you’re applying for. Make sure to use specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate how you’ve put these skills into practice, and explain how they can benefit the organization.

Some key skills and qualities to emphasize might include:

• Leadership and management
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Communication and collaboration
• Creativity and innovation
• Industry-specific technical knowledge and expertise

By highlighting these qualities, you can demonstrate that you have what it takes to excel in the role and contribute to the organization’s success. Just make sure to stay concise and focused, and avoid being too general or vague in your descriptions.

Structure of the Motivation Letter

When it comes to writing an irresistible motivation letter, how it is structured can make a significant difference in whether or not it catches the attention of the reader. Here, we will discuss the basic structure of a motivation letter, as well as the key components of each section within it.

A. Basic Structure

The basic structure of a motivation letter should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. These sections are what set it apart from a traditional cover letter or resume.

B. Introduction

The introduction serves as the opening statement of your motivation letter. It should be brief, yet compelling enough to capture the attention of the reader. Consider starting with a personal anecdote, a quote, or a statement that highlights your strengths or interests.

The body of your motivation letter is where you delve deeper into your experiences, skills, and why you are the perfect fit for the position you are applying for. Divide this section into several paragraphs, each one addressing a specific topic or point. Use examples to illustrate your points, and be sure to tailor your language to the specific job requirements and company culture.

D. Conclusion

The conclusion serves as the closing of your motivation letter, and should leave a lasting impression on the reader. Summarize your key points, reiterate your interest in the position, and thank the reader for their time and consideration. Consider ending with a call to action, such as requesting an interview or further discussion.

A well-structured motivation letter can make all the difference in catching the attention of potential employers. The basic structure should include an introduction, body, and conclusion, each section highlighting your skills, experiences, and why you are the best fit for the job. By using examples to illustrate your points, tailoring your language to the specific job requirements, and ending with a compelling call to action, you can write an irresistible motivation letter that will set you apart from the competition.

Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Motivation Letter

When it comes to writing a winning motivation letter, there are several dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Follow these guidelines for best results:

Use active voice: Use active rather than passive voice to convey passion and energy in your writing.

Keep it concise: Keep your letter brief and to the point, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

Use real-life examples: Include concrete examples of situations where you have demonstrated the skills and qualities relevant to the position you are applying for.

Highlight accomplishments: Focus on your achievements and successes, and use them to demonstrate how you will be an asset to the organization.

B. Don’ts

Don’t use slang or jargon: Keep your language professional and avoid using slang or technical jargon that may be unfamiliar to the reader.

Don’t repeat the resume: Your motivation letter should complement, not repeat, your resume. Avoid duplicating information that is already included in your CV.

Avoid generic statements: Be specific and concrete in your writing, and avoid vague or generic statements that do not add value to your application.

Don’t make demands: Remember that your motivation letter is a sales pitch, not a request. Avoid making any demands or ultimatums, and keep your tone positive and professional.

Tips for Writing an Irresistible Motivation Letter

When it comes to writing a motivation letter, there are certain key tips that can help you make your application stand out. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:

A. Address the right person

One of the easiest ways to make a bad impression with your motivation letter is to get the addressee wrong. Before you begin writing your letter, make sure you have the correct name and title of the person who will be reading it. You don’t want to start off on the wrong foot by sending a letter to the wrong person or using the wrong title.

B. Use strong opening sentences

The first few sentences of your motivation letter are crucial, as they are what will grab the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading. Use powerful language and vivid imagery to make your opening sentence as compelling as possible. You might also consider starting with a bold statement or a question that will pique the reader’s curiosity.

C. Showcase enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is one of the key characteristics that employers look for in potential hires, so it’s important to let your passion and excitement shine through in your motivation letter. Talk about why you are excited about the job or program you are applying for and how it aligns with your personal goals and values. Use concrete examples to illustrate your enthusiasm and make it clear that you are genuinely passionate about this opportunity.

D. Highlight relevant skills and experiences

Your motivation letter should make it clear why you are the best candidate for the job or program you are applying for. One of the best ways to do this is to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Talk about specific projects you’ve worked on or accomplishments you’ve achieved that demonstrate your abilities and qualifications. You don’t want to just list your skills; you want to show how they have been put into practice.

E. Use positive language

Finally, it’s important to use positive language throughout your motivation letter. Avoid negative phrasing or any language that might come across as defensive or apologetic. Instead, focus on highlighting your strengths and achievements and framing them in a positive light. Use active verbs and confident language to show that you are capable, competent, and ready to take on the challenges ahead.

By following these key tips, you can craft an irresistible motivation letter that will help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job or program. Good luck!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When writing a motivation letter, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that can make your application look unprofessional and reduce your chances of success. Here are some of the most common mistakes you need to avoid:

A. Grammatical errors

Grammatical errors are perhaps the most common mistake made by job applicants when writing a motivation letter. These errors can include misplaced verbs, lack of subject-verb agreement, and run-on sentences. To avoid grammatical errors, it’s best to proofread your letter carefully and consider using a grammar-check tool, such as Grammarly.

B. Spelling mistakes

Spelling mistakes can also make your motivation letter look sloppy and unprofessional. Common spelling mistakes that you need to avoid include homophones, such as “your” and “you’re,” words with multiple spellings, such as “judgment” or “judgement,” and typos resulting from typing errors.

C. Confusing writing style

Your motivation letter should be easy to read and understand. Confusing or convoluted writing style can discourage the recruiter from reading the entire letter. Use clear and concise sentences that get to the point, and consider using bullet points to organize your thoughts.

D. Lack of enthusiasm

Finally, a lack of enthusiasm can make your letter appear bland and uninteresting. Use descriptive words to convey your passion for the job and the company, and provide examples of your achievements and qualifications that demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position you’re applying for.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance the quality of your motivation letter and increase your chances of success in landing your dream job.

Example of an Irresistible Motivation Letter

As a copywriter and subject matter expert, I can attest that a well-crafted motivation letter can be the key to landing your dream job or securing your desired scholarship. To further illustrate this point, let’s delve into an analysis of a sample motivation letter and why it works so well.

A. Analysis of a Sample Motivation Letter

The sample motivation letter we’ll be analyzing was written by Jane Doe as part of her application for a marketing internship at a leading company. Some key points that make this letter stand out include:

Personalization: Jane takes the time to research the company and its goals, and tailors her letter to show how she can contribute to those goals specifically. This shows that she is genuinely interested in the company and not just blindly applying to any available position.

Clear structure: The letter is well-organized, with an introduction that states her purpose and a body that presents specific examples to back up her claims. The closing paragraph then sums up her strengths and expresses her eagerness to meet and discuss further.

Positive tone: The letter is upbeat and confident without being overly boastful or arrogant. Jane shows that she is passionate about her field and eager to learn more, while still acknowledging that she still has room to grow and improve.

B. Tips on Why the Sample Letter Works

So, what can we learn from Jane’s motivation letter? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when crafting your own:

Do your research: Take the time to read up on the organization you’re applying to and figure out what they’re looking for. Then, customize your letter to show how you can meet those needs specifically.

Be specific: Don’t just make vague claims about your skills or experience. Use concrete examples and data to back up your assertions, whether it’s a successful project you led at a previous job or a relevant course you excelled in.

Keep it upbeat: While it’s important to showcase your qualifications and accomplishments, don’t forget to convey your enthusiasm and passion for the industry or field you’re applying to. Companies want to hire people with energy and drive, so show them that you’re excited to get to work.

The key takeaway from Jane’s letter is that a well-crafted motivation letter can truly set you apart from the competition. By taking the time to personalize your letter, showcase your strengths, and stay positive, you can make a strong case for why you’re the ideal candidate for the job or scholarship you’re after.

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Cover Letter Templates

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Choose a Matching Cover Letter Template

Looking to create a cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd? Try one of our 16 professional cover letter templates, each created to match our resume and CV templates. Pick a cover letter template that suits your needs and impress the hiring manager with a flawless job application!

Skill-Based

Traditional

Professional

Learn More About Cover Letters

How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

Free Cover Letter Sample to Copy and Use

Subject Line: Cover Letter for [Position], [Candidate Name]

[Company Address]

[Company City, State]

[Hiring Manager Email]

Introduction:

Introduce yourself, give a brief professional summary, and optionally, a top achievement. E.g. “My name is [Name] and I’m a [Role] with over X years of experience in [Activity]. Over the past years, I’ve helped X companies achieve [Goals]”

Express your interest in joining their firm. E.g. “I’m looking to join [Company] as [Role] and I’m very excited to help you with [Activity]”

Optionally, if you were referred or you just know someone at the firm, you can mention this here. E.g. “I learned about [Company] from a friend that’s currently working there as [Role], [Friend’s name]. I really like everything I’ve heard about the company and I think I would make a good fit.”

This is where you talk about your work experience and achievements at length. Mention how you excelled at your previous roles, what your most important responsibilities were, and so on.

Look at this as an opportunity to expand on whatever you wrote in your resume, and give the reader a better picture of what kind of tasks you worked on, what you accomplished, and so on. E.g “At my previous jobs as [Role], my duties were [Major 3 duties], and I specifically excelled at [Top accomplishment]. This accomplishment helped the company [Results driven].”

Want to really impress the hiring manager? You can mention what you know about the company and its culture here. E.g. “I’ve read a lot about [Company] and I really think I’d enjoy your democratic leadership style.”

Optionally, you can include a bulleted list of your top 3 accomplishments. For example:

[Example Box]

Some of my top achievements in recent years include:

Launching a successful online ads marketing campaign, driving 100+ leads within 2 months.

Overhauled a client’s advertising account, improving conversion rates and driving 15% higher revenue.

Improved the agency’s framework for ad account audits and created new standard operating procedures.

Conclusion & Call to Action:

Re-affirm your desire to join the company, as well as how you can contribute. E.g. “I’d love to become a part of [Company] as a [Role]. I believe that my skills in [Field] can help the company with [Goals].”

Thank the hiring manager for reading the cover letter and then wrap it all up with a call to action. E.g. “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing back from you and learning more about the position. Sincerely, [Name].”

Match Your Resume & Cover Letter

Want your application to stand out?

Match your cover letter with your resume & catch the recruiter’s attention!

Why Novorésumé?

Matching Cover Letters

To keep your job application consistent and professional, our Cover Letter templates perfectly match the resume templates.

Creative & Standard Templates

Whether you apply for a conservative industry like banking or a hype start-up, you can tailor our cover letter templates to fit your exact needs.

Expert Reviews

Oana Vintila

Career Counselor

Cover Letters are usually synonymous with formal and bland rambling that you write down hoping for an invite to a job interview. I just love it how Novorésumé has enhanced that and is offering you a tool to build proper arguments and structured discourse about who YOU ARE and what YOU CAN DO.

A real confidence booster, I tell you, seeing your motivation eloquently written!

Gabriela Tardea

Career Strategist, Coach & Trainer

The best thing about this platform when creating a Cover Letter as an addition to your resume is that the documents will match each other's design and font, creating eye-catching documents that recruiters/hiring managers will love.

You will be initially judged based on your papers, so why not make a first great impression?

Cover Letters Resources

What is a cover letter.

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit alongside your resume or CV for your job application.

The main purpose of your cover letter is to:

Show your motivation for working at the company

Bring special attention to the most important parts of your work history

Explain how your work experience fits whatever the company is looking for

What your cover letter is NOT about , is rehashing whatever you already mentioned in your resume. Sure, you should mention the most important bits, but it should NOT be a literal copy-paste.

Keep in mind that recruiters will usually read your cover letter after scanning your resume and deciding if you’re qualified for the position.

Our cover letter templates match both our resume templates and our CV templates ! Make sure to check them out, too.

Why Use a Cover Letter Template?

A cover letter can complement your resume and increase your chances of getting hired.

But that's only if it's done right.

If your cover letter isn't the right length, is structured the wrong way, or doesn't match the style of your resume, it might do the opposite and hurt your application.

By using a cover letter template, you get a pre-formatted, professional, and recruiter-friendly document that’s ready to go. All YOU have to do is fill in the contents, and you’re all set.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter?

Every good cover letter has the following sections:

Header . Start your cover letter by writing down your own contact information, as well as the recruiter’s (recruiter name, company name, company address, etc…).

Greeting . Preferably, you want to address the recruiter by their last name (e.g. Dear Mr. Brown) or their full name, in case you’re not sure what their pronouns are (e.g. Dear Alex Brown). formal greeting for the recruiter.

Opening paragraph . This is the introduction to your resume. Here, you summarize your background info (“a financial analyst with X+ years of experience”), state your intent (“looking for X position at Company Y”), and summarize your top achievements to get the recruiter hooked.

Second paragraph . In the second paragraph, you explain how you’re qualified for the position by mentioning your skills, awards, certifications, etc., and why the recruiter should pick YOU.

Third paragraph . You talk about why you’re a good match for the company. Do you share common values? Is the company working on projects you’re interested in? Has this position always been your dream role?

Formal closing . Finally, you end the cover letter with a quick summary and a call to action (“I’m super excited to work with Company X. Looking forward to hearing from you!”).

How to Write a Great Cover Letter?

There’s a lot that goes into writing a great cover letter. If you want to get the full picture, you can check out our guide on how to write a cover letter .

For a quick summary, though, here are our top 4 cover letter tips :

Avoid Fluff . You want to be as specific as possible with your cover letter. Avoid vague statements like “I’m a good fit for the company because I’m a good critical thinker!”

Do Your Research. Most companies don’t like people who “spray and pray” - applying for dozens of jobs without giving them much thought. What they ARE looking for is someone who’s passionate about their field, the position, and even the company. So, research the companies you apply for as much as you can and show off your knowledge in your cover letter.

Don’t Use a One-Fits-All Cover Letter . As much as you can, try to tailor your cover letter to the job you’re applying for. Even if it’s something small, like addressing the hiring manager by their last name instead of “Dear Sir/Madam,” or mentioning something specific about the role or the company that you’re passionate about, it can help you prove that you’re not using the same generic cover letter to apply to dozens of jobs.

Back-Up Your Achievements with Data . When possible, back up your experience with data. Instead of saying, “I improved company revenue”, say “I managed to hit and exceed sales KPIs for 5 months in a row.”

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Most recruiters agree that a cover letter should be brief and concise .

Optimally, that’s about half a page to one full page, and between 250 to 400 words long.

How Can I Write a Student Cover Letter?

You should write a student cover letter pretty much the same way you’d write a regular cover letter, with one key difference.

To make up for your lack of work experience, you should talk about the following:

Why do you want to work for the company and the position you’re applying for.

How your educational background has prepared you for the job.

How your skill set can help you stand out and excel at the job.

You also want to mention anything else that’s relevant to the job and that can prove your abilities, such as any internships, awards, honors, and the like.

In case you’re writing a cover letter for an internship , make sure to check out our guide.

How Can I Write a Cover Letter With No Experience?

If you’re an entry-level candidate, writing a cover letter might seem super scary. If you don’t have any work experience and professional accomplishments, what are you supposed to talk about in your cover letter?

Here’s some good news—you can focus on these topics instead:

Education highlights

Relevant skills

Independent projects

Volunteering experience

Extracurricular activities

Passion to learn and grow as a candidate

For a complete guide on how to write an entry-level cover letter , check out our guide.

How to Format a Cover Letter?

Here’s what you need to know on how to format a cover letter the right way:

Choose the right cover letter template for your industry . The better fit the cover letter, the less you’ll have to play with the layout and format.

Use colors sparingly . Don’t go overboard with creativity unless you work in an industry where that’s valued (marketing, advertising, design, and the like).

Select professional font styles and sizes.

Set the margins to 1 inch on each side to make sure there is enough white space and the document doesn’t look crowded with text.

Get Inspired with Our Cover Letter Examples

Cover letter templates faq, do i need a different cover letter for every job.

While you don’t need to write a different cover letter from scratch for every single job you apply for, it’s good to tailor your cover letter contents as much as you can to the company and position you’re applying for.

Hiring managers will always go for an applicant who’s interested in their specific position over a candidate that’s sending the same application to dozens of roles.

If you tailor your cover letter to the position, even if it’s something small like addressing the hiring manager by their name or explaining how you possess the right skills for the specific job, your chances of getting hired are going to be much better!

How to Make a Simple Cover Letter for Your Resume?

Simply pick one of our 16 effective cover letter templates above to get started.

We’d recommend matching your cover letter template to the resume template you picked.

Not only will it make your application package look more sophisticated and professional, but it will also make you more memorable for the recruiter who’ll go over your application.

Who Created These Cover Letter Templates?

Novoresume cover letter templates were created in cooperation with professional recruiters and hiring managers.

This means they’re up to date with the latest industry trends and job market requirements. With a Novoresume cover letter template, you can rest assured that your cover letter will look professional and modern at the same time.

When Should I Email My Cover Letter Instead of Using a Template?

As a rule of thumb, it’s always better to use a cover letter template instead of including it in the body of your email as plain text. By using a well-designed and effective cover letter template, you’re guaranteed to look like a more serious and professional candidate.

So, you should only email your cover letter if the job ad specifically asks you to.

Should I Use a PDF or Word Cover Letter Template?

We recommend going for a PDF cover letter template instead of Word.

All types of Operating Systems and devices can open PDF formats without ruining the formatting, design, or layout.

The same, however, cannot be said for Word templates. If, for example, you’ve used a 2021 Word cover letter template and the hiring manager opens it using an MS Word 2016 software version, there’s a chance your formatting will get messed up, or that your font will be unreadable.

To err on the side of caution, we always advise using a PDF cover letter template.

What is the Best Cover Letter Template in 2024?

There’s no such thing as the “best cover letter template.”

After all, every single recruiter has their own personal taste. Some might like a shiny and flashy cover letter template, while others might think it’s tacky. As a rule of thumb, though, we usually recommend customizing each cover letter for the company you’re sending it to.

Do I Really Need a Cover Letter in 2024?

Yes, you definitely need to submit a cover letter with your resume in 2024.

Even if the hiring manager never reads your cover letter or if the job description doesn’t specifically ask for one, a cover letter can still help strengthen your application and make you look like a more serious and proactive candidate.

As such, it’s always a good idea to include a cover letter with your resume.

How to Make a Cover Letter With Novoresume?

To make a cover letter with Novoresume, simply scroll up and pick a template that you like best. Then, register or log in to your Novoresume account. From there, you can add your cover letter contents, as well as personalize and edit them as you see fit.

The Novoresume builder is very intuitive and user-friendly, allowing you to create your cover letter lightning-fast.

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Motivation Letter vs Cover Letter: What Are the Key Differences? (+Examples)

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated May 10, 2023 4 min read

If you've ever found yourself scratching your head and wondering about the difference between a motivation letter vs. cover letter, you're not alone. 

These two documents, while similar, have distinct uses and contexts that set them apart. 

In a nutshell, the main difference between cover letter and a motivational letter lies in the fact that a cover letter is typically used in career settings , while a motivation letter is more common in academic settings .

In this article, we'll dive into the specifics of each document and provide examples to help guide you on when to use which.

Table of Contents

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Motivation letter vs. cover letter 

What is a cover letter, how to write a cover letter, cover letter example, what is a motivation letter, how to write a motivation letter, motivation letter example, motivation letter vs. cover letter our final piece of advice.

What's the difference between a cover letter and a motivation letter?

Let's sum it up:

Now, let's have a closer look at each of these documents, together with an example of both a cover letter and a motivation letter.

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A cover letter is a document that serves as your introduction to a potential employer, showcasing your background and explaining why you would be a good fit for the position they're offering. 

It should accompany your resume and should complement the information in it.

In essence, it's your chance to present yourself, let your personality shine through, and provide additional details that might not fit within the limited space of your resume. 

Even if you lack previous experience in the field, a well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out by highlighting your enthusiasm and positive qualities. 

When it comes to writing a cover letter, the structure is just as important as the content. Here's a simple breakdown of the key components to include:

• Opening paragraph : Start with a brief introduction, saying who you are and the position you're applying for. This is your opportunity to grab the reader's attention and encourage them to read on.
• Body paragraphs: Use this section to showcase your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Be sure to provide concrete examples and explain how they directly relate to the job you're applying for. This is your chance to demonstrate why you're the ideal candidate for the position and how your background aligns with the company's needs and values.
• Closing paragraphs : In your closing paragraphs, restate your interest in the position and summarize your qualifications. This is also an excellent opportunity to express your enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute to the company's success. Don't forget to thank the reader for considering your application and provide any necessary contact information.

Now that you have a better understanding of what a cover letter entails and how to write one, let's take a look at an example to help illustrate the key concepts.

Marketing and Brand Manager Cover Letter Sample

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

While cover letters are designed for job applications, motivation letters serve a different purpose. 

Motivation letter is typically used when applying for academic opportunities such as scholarships, internships, or postgraduate programs, but also when applying for a non-profit organization or voluntary work.

A motivation letter aims to convey your passion for the subject, your personal goals , and how the program or opportunity aligns with those aspirations. 

It's an opportunity to showcase your drive, commitment, and enthusiasm for the field, setting you apart from other applicants. 

When crafting a motivation letter, it's essential to convey your genuine interest in the program or opportunity and provide a clear explanation of your motivations. 

Here's a simple outline to follow:

• Opening paragraph: Begin with an introduction, stating who you are and expressing your interest in the program or opportunity. This is the perfect chance to capture the reader's curiosity and set the tone for the rest of the letter.
• Body paragraphs: In this section, delve into your motivation for pursuing this opportunity, your long-term goals, and how the program aligns with those objectives. Be specific and provide examples, such as relevant experiences or accomplishments, that demonstrate your commitment to the field.
• Closing paragraphs: Wrap up your motivation letter by reiterating your interest in the program or opportunity and expressing your enthusiasm for the potential it offers. Thank the reader for considering your application and provide your contact information.

Now that we've covered the purpose and structure of a motivation letter, let's take a look at an example to help bring these concepts to life. 

This sample motivation letter will demonstrate how to effectively introduce yourself, share your motivations and goals, and express your enthusiasm for the academic opportunity:

University Motivation Letter Example

Throughout this article, we've explored the key differences between motivation letters and cover letters.

In a nutshell, a cover letter focuses on your qualifications and suitability for a specific job, while a motivation letter expresses your enthusiasm and reasons for pursuing a particular opportunity, often in educational or volunteering contexts.

Furthermore:

• Cover letter typically includes your contact information, addresses the hiring manager, and is tailored to a specific job posting or company.
• Motivation letter is more general, often used for educational or volunteer programs, and emphasizes your passion, personal goals, and reasons for choosing the opportunity.

By understanding these distinctions, you can confidently craft the right document for your specific needs, be it an academic opportunity or a job application.

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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Motivation Letter Examples, Template & Writing Tips

In this article, we'll cover:

What Is a Motivation Letter?

Motivation letter examples, motivation letter structure, motivation letter template, motivation letter format, tips on how to write a motivation letter.

If you're looking to apply for a job, internship, or scholarship, you may be asked to submit a motivation letter and other application materials. In a job search context, a motivation letter for work shows your passion and eagerness to pursue a certain career and demonstrates how your values blend with the organization's mission. 

When writing a motivation letter, you may encounter the following difficulties:

• Distinguishing a letter of motivation from a cover letter and a letter of intent. 
• Knowing “What do you write in a motivation letter for jobs?”
• Knowing how to write a motivation letter and how long a motivation letter should be

Worry no more, we're going to clear up all confusion regarding both motivation letters for jobs and motivation letters for internships. You can also find a template and samples for your reference below. Let’s get started!

A motivation letter, a.k.a. a letter of motivation, is a short letter that expresses your interest and explains why you’re a qualified candidate for a certain program/position. It's commonly attached to your CV or resume - hence why it's also referred to as a motivational letter for a CV.  

There are other terms used to refer to a motivation letter, including:

• A letter of interest
• A statement of purpose
• A motivation statement

Note that a motivational letter shouldn’t be confused with a cover letter as it puts an emphasis on your personality, interests, and motives for applying. A cover letter, on the other hand, is submitted to present your skills and professional experience related to the job opening. 

For that reason, a letter of motivation is perfect if you are applying for an internship/volunteer role, or if you have little or no relevant experience. That means motivation letters are commonly required by university admission offices, educational institutes, and internship programs. During a job search, you can also write a motivational statement for your job application that acts as the introduction to your CV/resume for the hiring manager. 

In general, there are 4 purposes for writing a motivation letter: 

• Motivation letters for school admission – are used when you wish to enroll in an educational program of any level (undergraduate or postgraduate) at a college/university. 
• Motivation letters for internship – are used when you’re looking to be an intern at a company.
• Motivation letters for volunteering activities - are used when you want to be a volunteer in an organization.
• Motivation letters for work - are used when you’re seeking employment. 

A well-written motivation letter needs to convey the following information to the readers:

• What position are you applying for?
• What motivates you to apply for this role/program?
• What skills and qualities do you possess that will benefit the organization?
• Can you provide any compelling facts to prove that?
• What are your career goals?
• How will you bring value to the organization?

We’ll demonstrate what a powerful letter of motivation looks like through the following samples:

Motivation letter for job example

Motivational letter for internship with no experience.

Katherine Connor 7223 Fern St, Fontana, CA 92336  [email protected] (+310)-142-1098

May 20, 2022

Dave Leimone Hiring Manager Mind & Mills Media 9315 Main Str., Riverside, CA 92501

Dear Mr. Leimone, 

My name is Katherine Connor and I am writing this letter to apply for the Account Manager position at your agency, Mind & Mills Media. With over 8 years of experience in consulting and account managing, I have developed a robust skill set that allows me to effectively build trusted relationships with valuable clients as well as implement high-impact projects. 

In my former role as a PR Account Manager, I’ve fulfilled all my duties and achieved some notable successes including: 

• Spearheading new customer service initiatives, resulting in a 130% increase in business volume. 
• Negotiated contracts worth over $7.5 million. 
• Resolving issues regarding CRM, leading to a 25% boost in key client retention. 

Together with my exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills, I believe that I match all job requirements perfectly. This opportunity would also help me advance my career as it has always been my dream to work in such a client-oriented company as Mind & Mills. 

I have attached my work portfolio and resume below for your review. Thank you for considering my application and please let me know if you have any questions. 

Kind regards, Katherine Connor

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing this letter to express my interest in the Finance Intern position at NVP Group. As a final year Master's student in Accounting & Finance at the University of Waterloo, I believe that the skills and knowledge acquired during my 6 years of studies will allow me to fulfill all job tasks efficiently. 

Specifically, I have completed various courses in the finance field, including: macroeconomics, microeconomics, personal finance, project management, and financial accounting. I possess strong analytical skills with thorough attention to detail and a can-do attitude. 

My main interest in working at NVP Group stems from its impressive reputation, recognized as "Northwestern America's Most Trusted Firm" for three consecutive years. Moreover, the corporation’s diverse clientele and well-established internship program would provide me with a precious opportunity to pursue my dream career as a Finance Reporting Analyst.

Thank you for reviewing my application and considering me as a candidate for the Finance Intern role at NVP Group. I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

With gratitude,  Tina Le  [email protected] cakeresume.com/tinale

When writing a motivation letter, you will need to include the following 6 sections:

1. Letter header

The header of a motivation letter should include the following information: 

• Your contact info (name, email, phone number, Facebook/LinkedIn)
• Date written
• The recipient's info (name, job title, email, physical company address) 

For example:

Kaylee Nguyen 903 Fern St, Fontana, CA 92336  [email protected] linkedin.com/kayleeng

April 19, 2022

Catarina Leimone Customer Relationship Manager Galaxy Media 9815 Main Str., Riverside, CA 92501

2. Salutation

The most common way to greet the reader is “Dear Hiring Manager" who will receive and review your letter in the first place. However, you can also try to address the recipient directly to make your motivation statement more personal and sincere by using their last name, like this:

Dear Mr/Mrs + [Last Name],

3. Opening paragraph

Here are some tips for a great motivation letter’s start that will grab the reader's attention at once: 

• Introduce who you are and what role/program you're applying for. 
• Make a strong statement about your interest in joining the organization/company. 
• Keep this paragraph within 2-3 short sentences. 

Here’s an example of a motivation letter’s opening paragraph :

“I am writing this letter to express my interest in the Finance Intern position at NVP Group. As a final year Master's student in Accounting & Finance at the University of Waterloo, I believe that the skills and knowledge acquired in 6 years will allow me to fulfill all job tasks efficiently.”

4. Body paragraph(s)

As the main body of a motivation letter, this paragraph is written to provide the following details: 

• Your educational background, relevant work experience, academic and/or achievements, and career aspirations.
• Your skills through practical examples and metrics.
• Your positive personal traits.  

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your body paragraphs within 200 words. Being concise and direct is always the best way to go when writing a motivation letter, as you don’t want to bore the readers with irrelevant details.

Here’s an example of a motivation letter’s body paragraph :

“I've completed a variety of courses in the finance field, including: financial accounting, macroeconomics, microeconomics, personal finance, and project management. I possess strong analytical skills with thorough attention to detail and a can-do attitude. 

My main interest in working at NVP Group stems from its impressive reputation, recognized as "Northwestern America's Most Trusted Firm" for three consecutive years. Moreover, the corporation’s diverse clientele and well-established internship program would provide me with a precious opportunity to pursue my dream career as a Finance Reporting Analyst.”

5. Closing paragraph

In this part of your motivation letter, it's important to mention your future plans, demonstrate what you expect to learn from the program/job, and thank the reader. 

Useful tips for writing a strong motivation letter’s ending are:

• Keep it within 3 sentences. 
• Be sincere, positive, and professional.
• Include a CTA. 

Here’s an example of a motivation letter’s closing paragraph :

“ I believe that this opportunity would help me upskill my career as a Social Media Specialist. I've attached my work portfolio and resume below for your review. Thank you for considering my application and please let me know if you have any questions.”

6. Sign off

To end a motivation letter, simply follow this format:

Best regards,  [Your name]

Make sure you include a proper email signature if you submit your letter of motivation via email, like this:

Regards, Kaylee Tran 

 [email protected] +886-981-234-567

If you are in a rush to write a motivation letter for your job or academic program application, use this complete motivation letter template and personalize it with your own information.

[Your name]  [Your address]  [Your email address]  [Your phone number]

[Date written]

[Recipient’s name]  [Company name]  [Company physical address]

Dear Mr./Mrs. [Last Name] , 

My name is [your name ] - a [professional title/college major] . I am writing this letter to apply for the [job title/scholarship/internship] role at [organization name] . I feel that my skills, educational background (and relevant experience - if any) make me an ideal candidate for this role. 

I am thrilled to join [organization name] because [motives/reasons for applying] . Moreover, this opportunity will allow me to gain [knowledge] and [skills] . 

With [personal trait] and [soft skill] , I am confident that I would be an asset to your organization. 

Enclosed with this letter are [documents attached] for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration.  

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Whether you're writing a motivation letter for a job or academic purpose, make sure it looks neat and professional. Let's go over all the important elements regarding the motivation letter format.

• Letter format – The basics of font size are 12pt for body text and 14-15 for headings. 
• Font – Top 10 best fonts for a letter of motivation are: Arial, Cambria, Calibri, Didot, Garamond, Georgia, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Trebuchet MS, and Veranda. 
• Spacing – The standard letter spacing is 1” on all sides of the page, but you can adjust it accordingly based on the space. 
• Motivation letter length – The letter should be sent as a PDF instead of a Word file because the reader won’t encounter any trouble opening and reading the document. 
• Email format – The ideal length for a motivation letter sent through email is around 250-400 words.

💡 Tailor the letter content to the program/job requirements.

As a general rule of thumb, you should customize both your CV and motivation letter for the specific role instead of using the same document for the application. By doing so, you can stand out from the crowd of generic applicants and prove to the hiring manager that you're the best fit. 

Besides including keywords from the program/job description in your letter of motivation, you can also address the person in charge of the hiring to make your motivation letter more personalized.

💡 Explain how the position helps you achieve your career goals.

It's important to be specific in this part of your motivation letter. Recruiters want to know not only about your career goals but also what you expect to learn from the position. These can reflect your passion and vision on the career path. Therefore, they will see your sincerity in working with them in the long run and be sure that hiring you will be a win-win situation.

💡 Demonstrate how your values align with the organization’s mission.

Whether your personal values align with the company's mission is another important aspect that the hiring manager will consider while reviewing your motivation letter for work. 

Here’s how you can find out a company's values and work environment:

• Look for online reviews about the company or employer.
• Check out the company’s website and social media pages.
• Reach out to employees working there for insights.

💡 Show your personality.

It's always important to be original and unique, especially when writing a motivation letter. To avoid sounding like everyone else, leave out some of the most overused phrases in motivation letter samples, such as: 

• an ideal candidate for this role
• bring more value
• go above and beyond

Another way to write with personality is providing specific examples and sharing your personal experience in the former role. Hence, recruiters can better understand who you are.

💡 Avoid repeating the contents of your resume.

Keep in mind that a motivational letter for a resume should not simply restate the contents of your resume. In fact, it acts as an accompanying letter that writes about your motivation to apply for the job or program and provides more insights into your skills and capabilities that don’t fit into your resume.

With CakeResume, you can easily create a resume online, free download your resume’s PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Land your dream job, create your resume online (free download) now!

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--- Originally written by May Luong ---

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How to Write a Successful Motivational Letter

• Apr 18, 2024
• 18,821 views

As you look for a new opportunity, be it seeking a job or applying for school , you may need to write a motivational letter.

Composing inspirational letters requires creativity, thoughtfulness, and an appreciation of the message one intends to convey. When compiled correctly, it can be an effective way to express yourself and your motivation.

This article offers tips on constructing an outstanding motivation statement. We will discuss what should be included in the letter and how to format it. Additionally, the article will cover what words to use to ensure your letter is as strong and persuasive as possible.

Additionally, we will provide some motivation letter samples so you can get an idea of what works best.

Equipped with this advice, you will be armed to construct a noteworthy motivational statement that will help you reach your aspirations.

Prepare all your application materials

When sending out an application of some kind, you will likely need to submit a package of documents . You may need to complete an online application, provide letters of recommendation , and send a copy of your resume.

To ensure you present yourself in the best light, consider polishing your resume with a free online resume builder!

The builder offers resume templates to help you create a neat and appealing document that presents all your best qualities and expertise.

The AI-powered writing assistant helps come up with the best words to describe you as a professional.

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What is a Motivation Letter

A motivation letter is a document that serves to introduce who you are and elucidate your personality. This type of inspirational letter may be used to accompany an application for a job or a college/university program.

The letter of motivation should be written in a professional yet personable tone to show your inspiration to apply for a certain position or a degree. You should also demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity and express what motivated you to apply.

The main goal of the motivation statement is to get the reader to look at your CV or resume .

An effectively written letter of motivation can leave a notable impression on prospective employers or admission counselors. It often can be the deciding factor for the "yes" or "no".

Devote enough time to produce a unique, intriguing letter that will aid you to be noticed among the others!

Motivation Letter Example

Motivational letter vs. cover letter.

Motivational statements and cover letters are documents used in the application process. However, they are different in purpose and content.

The motivation statement must be composed in a friendly, conversational style. It expresses your passion for the opportunity , talks about the talents you have, and how you can help the organization reach its goals.

The cover letter should be professional and concise. It must be well-structured and provide a clear summary of your credentials and skills. It has to be direct and to the point, highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

Despite the differences, you can try using our cover letter templates for formatting and organizing your motivational letter.

In conclusion, a letter of motivation and a cover letter are two distinct documents. While the two are both important, they serve different purposes and must be written differently.

Ensure that you select the correct type of letter based on the requirements and compose effective supporting materials for your application.

When to Use a Motivational Letter

Crafting a motivational letter may be needed to aid you in being noticed . Here are some occasions when you may need to compose a motivational statement.

A well-written motivational letter serves as a great tool for setting yourself apart from other contenders and exhibiting your keenness for the role or opportunity. Make sure to include all relevant information that is needed to make your application successful!

Motivation Letter Examples

An engaging motivational statement can make the difference between being accepted and rejected. Below you will find examples of letters for various purposes . Use them as a reference for crafting your own.

Example of a motivational letter for a university application:

Dear Ms. Campbell, My name is Alex Throssell. I am writing to you to support my application for admission to Jackson State University. I am enthusiastic about obtaining a degree in Computer Science. I am confident that your school will give me the ideal opportunity to realize my goals. I have been interested in the informatics field since I was a child. I have been coding ever since I was 12 years old. I love solving problems and developing new applications. In high school, I completed courses in computer programming and web development, which sparked my interest in software engineering. In college, I plan to continue to explore the world of computer science. I want to learn more about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, two topics that fascinate me. Additionally, I plan to become involved with research projects related to these topics as well as other areas of computer science. I am confident that Jackson State University can provide me with the best education to help me achieve my goals. Not only does it have excellent faculty members and research opportunities, but also offers a stimulating environment where I can grow both academically and personally. Appreciation for your thoughtfulness in reviewing my application. I anticipate your reply! Best regards, Alex T

Examples of a motivation letter for an internship:

Dear Mr. Miller, I am excited to submit my application for the Social Work Intern position at Compassionate Care Services. With a solid academic foundation, I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to your team. Currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at Towson University, I actively engage in projects that enhance my practical knowledge. Notably, I led the "Youth Empowerment Program" at my university, overseeing skill-building workshops, mentorship programs, and career guidance. This experience sharpened my research, collaboration, and leadership skills, further deepening my understanding of the field. Beyond my academic endeavors, my strong customer service skills and effective communication make me a valuable addition to your team. My passion for Social Work drives my commitment to community betterment. I am eager to apply my skills to contribute to the mission of Compassionate Care Services. Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and dedication align with the goals of your organization. Please feel free to contact me for any additional information. Sincerely, Elizabeth Tucker

A motivation letter example for a job application:

Dear Mr. Watts, I am writing to apply for the Landscape Architect role at EcoDesign Studios. I have 5 years of experience in the field. I am confident that I possess the necessary skills and qualifications to make an immediate impact on your team. I am passionate about architecture and have worked hard to develop a deep understanding of the industry. At my previous company, I led the "Urban Harmony Plaza" project, transforming an underutilized urban space into a vibrant, green hub. Collaborating closely with local stakeholders, I applied my architectural skills to address real-world challenges, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in enhancing community well-being. I am highly motivated and eager to contribute to the success of the EcoDesign Studios. I have a proven track record of meeting deadlines, exceeding expectations, and delivering high-quality results. I am also highly organized and take pride in ensuring that projects are completed according to set deadlines and standards. Furthermore, I have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy working as part of a team. I am comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and collaborating seamlessly with colleagues at all levels. I would be delighted to put my skills and experience to work for your organization. I believe my qualifications render me a perfect fit for the role and would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Matthew M. Ferrell

A motivational letter example for joining an organization:

Dear Ms. Ruben, I am thrilled to express my fervent interest in joining Community Empowerment Hub, captivated by its commitment to fostering social and economic justice. The impactful strides your team has taken in improving lives resonate deeply with my personal mission. For quite some time, I have closely followed and been inspired by your organization's dedication to ensuring universal access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and other fundamental needs. I firmly believe in the transformative power of collective action to institute enduring change. My educational background, including a degree in political science, coupled with my experience in the public sector, positions me well for this role. Through my involvement in a recent legislative initiative on climate change, I honed my understanding of policy issues and effective strategies for driving social change. My passion lies in utilizing my skills to contribute to a better world, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing my expertise to your team. Eager to contribute meaningfully, I am confident in my ability to aid your organization in advancing its goals and objectives. Thank you for considering my application to join Community Empowerment Hub. I am eager to delve deeper into how I can actively contribute to your mission and make a lasting impact on the world. Sincerely, Paul Brown

A motivation letter sample for funding application:

Dear selection committee, I am writing to seek funding for my project, "SustainVisions," which aims to produce a series of educational videos promoting sustainability in our community. The "SustainVisions" project will showcase individuals from our community who are passionate about sustainability, highlighting their impactful work. These videos will be strategically shared on various social media platforms, with the overarching goal of inspiring viewers to take positive actions towards a more sustainable lifestyle. The requested funding will be allocated to cover essential aspects such as equipment, production costs, and associated travel expenses. With this support, I envision creating a unique video series that not only educates our community but also has the potential to resonate beyond our local borders. This endeavor is crucial in raising awareness about sustainable practices and encouraging tangible actions that can positively impact our environment and the lives of many. Beyond my passion for this cause, my experience demonstrates a proven ability to execute impactful projects. I have collaborated with non-profits, government agencies, foundations, and various organizations to develop sustainable initiatives with lasting effects. My skill set includes conducting thorough research, designing effective programs, and establishing valuable relationships with key stakeholders. I am committed to ensuring that any funding received will be utilized efficiently, meeting deadlines, and staying within budget while delivering top-tier results. With a track record of successful projects, I am confident that "SustainVisions" can make a tangible difference with your support. I sincerely believe in the merit of this project and hope for your consideration and support. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. All the best, Nichole Fisher

How to Format a Motivational Letter

The formatting of the motivation statement has to be concise but appealing. Although the requirements are less strict as compared to the cover letter writing , it is a professional document, not a note to a friend.

Tips for formatting your motivation letter:

• Use a readable font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, in size 11 or 12.
• Leave 1-inch margins on all four sides of the page.
• Begin by writing your name and address on the initial line.
• Include the date underneath your address.
• List the recipient's contact information below the date.
• Use a polite salutation, such as "Dear Mr./Ms./Dr." followed by their last name.
• Ensure that each paragraph is no more than five lines long. Each sentence should contain no more than 12 words.
• End with a polite closing such as "Sincerely" and include your name underneath.
• Include any relevant documents, such as a resume or references, after your signature.

By following these simple steps, you can guarantee that your motivational statement has the right format and appears professional.

How to Structure a Motivational Letter

Drafting such a letter can help you make a good first impression . So, it's worth investing time into crafting a well-written document that outlines your skills, qualifications, and suitability for the role.

Your motivational letter ought to be brief and limited to one page . It has to include the following: an introduction, body paragraphs, a conclusion, and your information.

In the beginning, you should articulate your interest in the role and how it complements your career plans. The body paragraphs should explain why you are qualified for the job by showcasing your qualifications and exhibiting your enthusiasm about the opportunity.

The conclusion is that you can share your excitement for the role and thank them for taking the time to look at your application. At the end of your motivation letter, be sure to include contact information . This will ensure you can be reached out if there are any questions or for further discussion of your candidacy.

Make sure your motivational letter is tailored to the job and reflects your enthusiasm, then send it off with confidence!

Tips on How to Write a Motivation Letter

Motivational letters are a necessary component of competition. It helps companies or schools make decisions about who to choose and shows them what kind of person you are.

Developing a compelling motivation letter can assist you in surpassing other applicants and displaying your devotion to the role or program.

Follow the below steps to create an impressive letter of motivation that will leave a good impression on potential employers or admissions boards.

Motivational letter writing tips:

• Prepare for writing. Think about what you want to say and why you are writing it. Ensure that you are prepared to explain your interest in the letter.
• Start with a captivating introduction. [Introduce yourself](/blog/tell-me-about-yourself.html, your goals, and your reason for applying.
• Use compelling language. Be clear and concise so your motivational statement is easy to read and understand. Keep your sentences short and to the point.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm. Tell about your passion for the position, the program, or the project you are applying for.
• Describe your goals and objectives . Explain what you hope to gain from this opportunity and how it fits into your long-term goals.
• Show your commitment. Speak about how you will contribute to the company/university and its mission.
• End your letter with an emphatic declaration. Illustrate your eagerness for the discussed matter and express gratitude for the reader's consideration.
• Proofread and edit carefully. Ensure that there are no grammar, spelling, or formatting errors in your motivational letter before sending it.

By abiding by the above instructions, you will be able to compose an impassioned motivation letter which will give you a head start on attaining the job or getting into the university.

Addressing Potential Concerns

Applicants can address gaps in experience , low grades, career changes, or other potential concerns in their motivational letter. This can prevent misinterpretations and ensure that the reader has a clear understanding of the circumstances .

Here's how you can address these moments proactively and positively: Begin by acknowledging the concern directly but briefly. For example, if you have a gap in your work history, state it concisely without dwelling on it. This demonstrates transparency and shows that you are aware of the potential red flags. Offer a brief explanation or context. For employment gaps, this could include personal circumstances, health reasons, or pursuing further education. Emphasize what you've learned or gained from the experience, despite the challenges it may have presented. For example, if you took time off to travel, discuss how it enhanced your interpersonal skills . Connect your past experiences, including the problems you've faced, with your future aspirations. Explain how they align with the opportunity you're applying for.

Dos and Don’ts

It is important to remember that success comes from within . Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind when it comes to creating a motivation statement:

• Write clearly and concisely.
• Make sure your letter is tailored to the specific job or program you are applying for.
• Use powerful language that exudes confidence.
• Incorporate relevant examples or reasons behind your motivation.
• Highlight any special aspects that make your application unique.
• Don't copy and paste from other letters or applications.
• Don't use weak phrases like "I think" or "I believe". Instead, use stronger words like "I am confident".
• Don't be too general with your statements. Be specific about what you can bring to the table.
• Don't leave out any important details. There should not be questions left for the reader.

Writing a motivational letter: conclusion

Constructing a letter of motivation can be laborious. Yet, it does not have to. Follow the provided guidelines and the motivation statement examples to build yours.

Key takeaways:

• It is essential to be clear and concise in your writing, as well as to make use of effective language.
• Highlight your enthusiasm and illustrate why you are the most suitable person for the opportunity.
• Ensure that the letter is adapted to the specific employer or school you are applying for.
• Demonstrate your passion and devotion.
• Proofread and edit your letter for any errors.
• Don't forget to include a professional signature at the end.

Now, send your letter and wait for a response. Remember: be patient, confident, and positive! Good luck with your application!

Aiden Anderson

Resume Trick Staff Writer

Aiden Anderson is a Resume Trick staff writer specializing in job search-related topics, including resume and cover letter writing. Aiden is constantly seeking innovative ways to bridge the gap between technology and career development. His goal is to offer valuable insights to job seekers on leveraging digital tools for a successful job search. Aiden's passion for the internet and technology is also reflected in his articles for Video Candy .

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What Is a Cover Letter and How to Write One? (Expert Guide)

A cover letter is an integral part of the job search process . Often, a good cover letter is what gets you the job. However, not many people know how to write a good one. Some may not even know what a purpose of a cover letter is.

In this expert guide, you can find not only a definition of what is a cover letter and how to write a good cover letter, but also tips on how to structure it and send it. Finally, get inspired by the examples, that our experts prepared for you.

Keep on reading and you will also learn:

• why do you need a cover letter;
• what types of cover letters exist;
• the difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest;
• the difference between a cover letter and a motivation letter;

Find out your resume score!

What is a cover letter (Definition + Purpose + Types)

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to your future potential employer.

A cover letter illustrates your background and explains why the offered position would be a good fit for you. In a cover letter, you have a unique chance to present yourself, show your personality, and add details that one cannot fit into a structured resume.

In addition, with your cover letter, you can also make up for the lack of previous experience. That is if you can make your enthusiasm and positive qualities shine through.

Over the years the importance of a cover letter grew significantly, and a cover letter became a standardized part of the process of a job application.

With the highly competitive job market, a resume alone – no matter how strong – is simply not enough to get hired. In fact, in 45% of cases, the reason for not being called to an interview is a missing cover letter.

What is the difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest?

While the cover letter and a letter of interest are rather similar, there is a subtle difference between these two. Based on the specific circumstances in which you find yourself, you can decide which one is the right one to write.

• A letter of interest  is commonly used in situations when there is NO specific job opening. You send a letter of interest when you find a company interesting, and you believe you would fit in well. However , you are not applying for a concrete job position. Therefore, you can write about your skills and professional experiences more broadly so you can make yourself available to a wider range of possible positions . Furthermore, in a letter of interest, you can always politely request an interview.
• A cover letter  is   a response to a concrete job opening. Therefore, you focus on a more limited set of qualities that would make you the perfect candidate for this specific role.

Moreover, a cover letter always comes hand in hand with a resume. Because of that, a cover letter should always mention your CV and match it. In a cover letter, you can also elaborate on the information, which is already listed in your resume.

If you want to learn how to write a good resume, have a look at our ultimate resume guide . You can even  turn your LinkedIn profile into a polished resume .

What is the difference between a cover letter and a motivation letter? 

If you are deciding whether to write a cover letter or a motivation letter , it is again important to look at the situation in which you find yourself.

One writes a motivation letter when applying for a study program, a university placement, or a volunteering position. In a motivation letter, you should first and foremost focus on expressing your enthusiasm. Moreover, in a motivation letter, you can put the focus on your personality and on what makes you unique.

In the cover letter, you are advised to do this too; however, the key thing is to demonstrate why are you the perfect fit for a specific role. A cover letter also tends to be shorter than an average motivation letter.

What are different types of cover letters?

When it comes to the cover letter itself, there are three standardized types of cover letters . Each type has a slightly different format. Therefore, it is important to correctly identify which type of cover letter you need and adjust its format accordingly.

Networking cover letter

This very specific type of cover letter is sent out to your professional network in a situation when you are looking for a job but there is no specific job opening to which you are reacting. However, you want to inform your connections that you are open to a new role.

While using your network to get a job is usually the right move, one needs to be extra careful when sending out a networking cover letter. It needs to be formulated with politeness and delicacy.

Unofficial cover letter

Sometimes, only a resume is required by the company. In this situation, it is not necessary to attach an official structured cover letter.

Nonetheless, if you want to demonstrate the depth of your interest and elaborate on your professional experience in more detail, you can always write a short, un-official, and more casual cover letter. It should not follow the strict cover letter format and it can be only around two paragraphs long.

If you want to, you can even place it in the body of an email, to which you are attaching your CV.

Application cover letter

This is the standard and most common type of cover letter. You write it when you want a specific job position for which you saw an opening.

There are several unwritten rules on how to write it. So, if you are asking what makes a good cover letter and what you should do to write one, just scroll down to the next chapter.

How to write a cover letter in 2022

Writing a good cover letter is not as hard as it may seem at first. There are a few unspoken rules that if you follow, you have a high chance of being called for an interview. All you need to know is what to include in your cover letter and how to format it.

What to include in your cover letter and what is the cover letter structure?

If you are wondering what to put in your cover letter and how to structure it, what follows is a simple step-by-step list of elements that cannot be missing from a good cover letter.

At the start of your cover letter , you should have the correct heading and contact information. Don’t forget, this is your one chance to make a good first impression. Always include:

• your full name in large font as a heading. Possibly, you can also use a catchphrase, if you really want the attention of the recruiter; 
• follow it by contact details, such as a phone number or email;
• include the information about your employer: such as the name of the recruiting person (if applicable), the name of the company, the address, phone number, and an email address;
• address the cover letter to the person who is listed as a recruiter/hiring manager. If their name and contact details are not available online, go for the standard " Dear Sir/Madam" ;
• don’t forget to mention how you came across the offer - their webpage, LinkedIn, or a friend who works there already;

In the body of the cover letter, write about your professional skills, past experiences, and hopes and aspirations for your professional future. Describe how your previous experiences shaped you and why does it make you the perfect fit for the job. Mention also that this job is, in exchange, a good fit for you, too.

Here, you should not exceed three paragraphs. Don't be repetitive, or too descriptive - rather demonstrate your qualities. 

At the end of a cover letter, try to   catch the attention of the recruiter again. Emphasize your motivation and repeat, why are you the right person for the job.

Never forget to thank the hiring manager for their time and express your high hope for hearing back from them. Mention your resume and remember to sign the letter with your full official name.

Cover letter formatting  

The cover letter is usually read by the HR department. In large corporates, there are on average 250 applicants per one open position. Because of this, the hiring manager has an extremely limited time to look at your cover letter. Thanks to this, you must make sure your cover letter is simple, not too long, well-structured, and easy to read.

• Your cover letter must have the correct length. A cover letter should never exceed one A4 page. At the same time, it should not be shorter than half a page. A good cover letter is 250-300 words long, with 400 words being the maximum limit.
• It consists of approximately three to four paragraphs and the maximum acceptable number of paragraphs is six.
• The best font to use for a cover letter is a classic, simple, and professional one. For instance, with the good-old Arial, Calibri , or Times New Roman, you can never make a mistake. However, if you work in a creative business, you can always consider using a more eye-catching design. Remember though, it should always remain easy to read and navigate.
• The size of letters should be between 10.5 and 12, the margins 1 or 1.5.  

If you want to have a clearer idea about how to write the perfect cover letter, have a look at this video tutorial . 

How to write a cover letter with no experience

If you are in an early stage of your career and only fresh out of school, do not despair. A cover letter can be your biggest help in this situation. As opposed to your resume, in a cover letter, your positive attitude can change a lot. Make it clear how enthusiastic and eager to learn you are.

Focus on your qualities, skills, extracurricular, or volunteering experience. Possibly, you may have some related experience from your personal life. If it is truly relevant, include it, too.

How experts do it: best cover letter examples

Now that you know what a finished cover letter looks like and how to write one, you can get inspired by cover letter examples written by our experts. This will make sure that from now on you will write truly perfect cover letters.

Example 1: Cover letter for the position of nanny

Example 2: Cover letter for the position of s oftware engineer

Example 3: Cover letter for a position of marketing intern

Have a look at other cover letter examples, too. And you can have a cover letter just like this as well! Just use one of our Kickresume cover letter templates . You can choose a free or a premium one.

Tips for sending a cover letter by email

Once you have the cover letter written, it is time to hit the send. But be careful, don’t make any mistakes that could lead to your application being rejected. Here are some tips on how to send the cover letter properly via email:

• Don’t forget to properly read the instructions written in the job opening. Usually, the instructions are placed at the bottom of the job advertisement. Here, one can find the name and the email address of the hiring manager who will receive the applications. Double-check the information and make sure you address the person in the email, as well as the body of the cover letter.
• Do not forget to write an appropriate email subject, in which you mention the job position and the fact that you are applying for it
• In the email itself, be polite and brief . Remember to mention the Cover Letter in the attachment.
• Make sure your email address sounds professional . Your email must have your full name and surname in it. Nicknames, extra letters, or numbers are not recommended.
• Don’t forget to attach the cover letter, and/or Resume. We have all forgotten to attach something before. However, do not let it happen in this instance – you have only one chance to make a good first impression.
• Save the cover letter properly. Use a format, which is easy to open for most computers (such as .pdf). Don’t forget to name the document properly – mention your name, the position for which you are applying, and consider adding a date. Always match it with the name of your CV.
• Don’t forget to thank the recruiter for their time. Politeness can get you far.
• End the email with your full name and best regards. Be official and professional, this is no time for being casual.

Other cover letter tips and ideas

• Make it easy to read, always. A simple and larger font, shorter sentences, and captivating beginning of paragraphs will get you far.
• Put the most important information at the beginning.
• Do not send the same cover letter to multiple openings. Always tailor the perfect resume for each job offer.

And there you go! Now when you know how to write the perfect cover letter. For the best result, use one of our Kickresume cover letter templates! 

Kickresume wishes you the best of luck with your application. Get that dream job!

Kaja Jurčišinová

Kaja Jurcisinova is a fresh graduate and a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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What’s the Difference Between a Motivation Letter and a Cover Letter

If you’re thinking about applying to college or a new job and want to quickly show how motivated you are, you might looking for the best way to get that done. 

Don’t worry, that’s normal, but you need a solution. 

After all, when planning to apply for something, it’s essential to make a great first impression . 

That’s why many applicants send in a cover letter or a motivation letter . 

However, you might be wondering if there’s any difference at all between a motivation and a cover letter, and which one is better for the job you want to land ?

In this article, we’ll explain:

• Cover letter and motivation letter differences
• Benefits of each type of letter
• When to use one letter or the other

Once you understand which is best to include with your application, use our AI-powered resume builder to easily win over employers. 

Keep reading to find out the best way to show off your career goals to employers.

Motivation vs. Cover Letter: Key Differences

Employers want to find and hire applicants who are highly motivated as it leads to a number of benefits for the company such as guaranteeing a great company culture and keeping the employee long term.

However, choosing between a cover letter or writing a motivation letter will depend on the type of program or company .

That’s because each letter focuses on different aspects of your qualifications and experience.

Take a look at the differences between the 2 types of letters :

Motivation Letter

• Centers on personal goals and passion for the field and is more personal and reflective, while discussing long-term aspirations.

Cover Letter

• Highlights professional skills and job suitability and is used for professional positions as it showcases relevant achievements and qualifications.

By picking the letter that best fits the position you want , you’ll guarantee that the hiring manager notices your best qualifications and goals. 

Cover Letter vs. Motivation Letter: When to Use Them

There are a number of unique motivation letter and cover letter differences and strengths. 

This means it’s critical to understand when to use those strengths , or you’ll end up explaining information that isn’t important. 

For example, when applying for college or graduate school programs , you should use a motivation letter as it will help you show your passion for your field of study. 

Here are other examples of when to use a motivational letter:

• Scholarship applications . Share how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational and career goals.
• Internships : Explain how you want to learn from experienced employees, especially in fields where your academic knowledge is essential.
• Volunteer positions : Mention your commitment and reasons for volunteering to an NGO or other organization that you would like to work with.

When to Write a Cover Letter

Cover letters focus more on your professional qualifications , so they should be used when sending your application to a company or business. 

Here are some specific examples: 

• When applying to a job : Use your cover letter to connect your experience and skills to the job’s requirements.
• Changing careers : Explain how your existing skills can transfer to the new role in your cover letter.

Even if it’s optional to send in a cover letter with your application, you should do so anyway.  

It’s been proven that cover letters help candidates when applying for a position. 

Between 2017 and 2021, there has been an 18% growth in the importance of including a cover letter with an application. 

Cover Letter and Motivation Letter Differences in Format

Both cover letters and motivation letters differ a bit when it comes to their format. One is a bit longer, while the other is a bit more formal. 

However, each letter will have an intro, body, and conclusion . 

Cover letter format

If you’re writing a cover letter, you’ll want to keep it to 1 page and keep the vocabulary formal. 

Your cover letter should cover the following in the different sections:

• Introduction : Briefly mention your current role or recent job and the position you’re applying for.
• Body : Mention your skills and achievements relevant to the job. Use examples to demonstrate your achievements and how they apply to the new role.
• Conclusion : Restate your interest in the position and invite the employer to review your resume or contact you for further discussion.

Here’s an example of a well written cover letter that mentions a candidate’s skills, accomplishments and more , so that you can better understand the format and style:

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Accountant position listed on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. With a strong background in accounting principles and a commitment to accuracy and detail, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name].

In my current role at [Your Current Company], I have successfully managed a diverse range of accounting tasks, including ledger operations, financial reporting, and budgeting. 

I am particularly proud of leading a project that streamlined our budgeting process, resulting in a 20% reduction in processing time.

I am eager to bring my expertise in financial management and my proactive approach to problem-solving to your team. 

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with the needs of your team. I am available at your convenience for an interview and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

[Your Name]

Motivation Letter Format

A motivation letter on the other hand can be a bit longer and more related to personal goals rather than professional ones. 

Here’s what the different sections should go over:

• Introduction : Start with a personal statement or story that reflects your passion for the field or program.
• Body : Discuss your personal journey, long-term goals, and why the program or opportunity excites you. Include relevant personal achievements as well.
• Conclusion : Summarize your ambitions and how the opportunity aligns with your goals, expressing your desire to contribute and learn.

Here’s how your motivation letter can be formatted to show you are the best candidate for an internship position .

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the [Specific Internship Position] at [Company/Organization Name]. My academic background in [Your Major/Field of Study] and my active involvement in [relevant clubs or activities] have fueled my interest in [specific aspect of the field or industry], making this internship an ideal opportunity for my professional growth.

During my studies at [Your University/College], I have developed [mention specific skills or knowledge relevant to the internship], which I am eager to apply in a practical setting

I am particularly attracted to this internship at [Company/Organization Name] because of your commitment to [mention something notable about the company or its values]. The chance to learn from and contribute to your team, especially in [mention a specific area or project of the company], is an exciting prospect for me.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background and enthusiasm make me a great fit for this internship.

When you write a cover letter or motivation letter, you’ll need to ensure your relevant qualifications and long-term goals shine . 

You can do that if you remember the following:

• Motivation letters should be written for internships, organizations, and academic programs.
• Cover letters are more professional and should accompany a job application.
• Motivation letters are a bit more personal. 

By using our handy cover letter builder , you can easily create a letter that will prove you are motivated and ready to take on your next challenge. 

Trouble getting your Cover Letter started?

Beat the blank page with expert help.

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How to Write a Resume for Today’s Job Market

To get more job interviews, you must create a resume that is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Learn how in this step-by-step guide.

Customers Interviewed by:

Learning how to write a resume is a crucial skill for job seekers—it’s how you market yourself to potential employers.

A well-crafted resume summarizes your professional experience, skills, and achievements. It should grab the hiring manager’s attention and show them them why:

• You’re the perfect match for the job.
• The skills you have will make the company money.
• You’re qualified to solve the company’s problems.
• You’ll be worth your salary.
• Your accomplishments can be measured and verified.

But in today’s job market, it’s not enough to write an effective resume. You must also tailor each one to the job you’re applying for. Why? Because most companies today use applicant tracking systems, or ATS, to sort and filter the large volume of resumes they receive.

If you’re resume doesn’t contain the specific keywords hiring managers are searching for, it won’t be found—even if you’re qualified for the job!

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a resume that stands out in today’s job market. We’ll show you how to present yourself as the ideal candidate, highlight the skills that will benefit potential employers, and ensure your resume is compatible with ATS.

How to write a resume that gets interviews

Here’s a quick overview of the basic steps for writing a professional resume. Follow these steps to make your resume clear, concise, and appealing.

Gather all relevant data about your work experience, skills, achievements, and education.

Select a format that’s right for you, whether it’s chronological, functional, or hybrid., clearly list your name, phone number, email, and key social media profiles., create a compelling headline that includes the job title you’re applying for., write a brief statement that summarizes your key achievements and value you offer., list the skills you have that align closely with the job requirements., detail your past job roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments., include your educational degrees, certifications, and relevant training., showcase any relevant honors, awards, and volunteer work., tailor your resume by focusing on the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the job..

Before you start working on your resume, remember that your resume is not your biography. You’re not telling the story of your life. Instead, your resume should be a targeted document meant to showcase the skills and experiences that match the job you want .

This means that if something is not relevant to your targeted job, leave it out . With this in mind, let’s start building your resume!

1. Gather your essential information before you start

Before diving into the actual resume writing, it’s crucial to collect all the necessary information you’ll need. This preparatory step ensures that the resume writing process is smooth and that you don’t miss any important details.

• Significant achievements : List standout accomplishments from previous roles that demonstrate your contributions and successes.
• Skills : Compile a list of your soft, hard, and technical skills that align with those required by the job you’re targeting.
• Employment history : Provide detailed information about past employers, including their names, your dates of employment, locations, job titles, and a clear description of your duties.
• Education : Document your academic qualifications like college degrees, certifications, or licenses that prove your expertise in relevant fields.
• Volunteer work : Include any voluntary engagements where you developed skills pertinent to the job you are seeking.
• Awards and honors : Mention any notable recognitions you’ve received that underscore your exceptional talents and commitment.

When you gather your information, include everything you can think of. You can cut information that’s not relevant to a specific job later.

2. Choose a resume format that’s right for you

A  resume format  is the way you organize, or lay out, your information. There is no one-size fits all resume format. Instead, there are three different types of formats to choose from – chronological, functional, and hybrid. Which format you choose depends on your particular situation.

The chronological resume format

This is the most traditional resume format, especially for job seekers with lots of relevant experience.

The chronological resume format lists your work history in reverse chronological order , with your most recent jobs listed first. Your skills and education should come after your work history in this format.

• Have a strong work history showing steady career growth without significant employment gaps.
• Are staying in the same field and want to highlight your experience and advancements within that field.
• Want to highlight career progression and professional achievements over time.

The functional resume format

This resume format focuses on your skills rather than your work history. It helps you downplay your lack of experience in a particular field.

In this format, your skills and education should be emphasized over your work history.

• Are changing careers and want to emphasize transferable skills over past job titles.
• Have gaps in employment and want to focus on skills rather than work experience.
• Are new to the workforce and want to highlight skills, coursework, and internships.

NOTE : Generally speaking, we don’t recommend the functional resume format . Recruiters want to see some kind of work history. Instead of the functional format, try the next resume format—the hybrid.

The hybrid resume format

A hybrid resume is a combination of the chronological resume and the functional resume. It showcases both your work history and your skills.

In this format, your skills comes before your work history. But your work history is still the heart of your resume, just like in the chronological format.

• Have lots of skills that are relevant to the job you are targeting.
• Are climbing the career ladder within the same field.
• Are changing roles within the same industry and want to highlight your relevant skills.

We like the hybrid resume  because it offers the best of both worlds, combining the strengths of the chronological and the functional resume formats.

3. Put your contact information at the top of your resume

This section might appear simple, but it’s important. If hiring managers can’t contact you, you won’t get an interview.

• Phone number
• Location (City, State, Zip Code)
• Email Address
• LinkedIn profile URL

It’s surprising how often job seekers forget a crucial piece of contact information. Double-check to make sure it’s as easy as possible for recruiters to contact you for a job interview.

Here’s an example:

Contact information do’s and don’ts

• Include your full name, including your middle initial.
• Include a link to your professional website or online portfolio.
• Create a strong LinkedIn profile and be sure to include the URL on your resume.
• Don’t write your full address; only your city, state, and zip code.
• Don’t include a work phone number; only your personal number.
• Don’t add a photo of yourself . This can lead to bias or discrimination.

4. Create a compelling resume headline

Your resume headline comes right after your contact information. At the very least, your headline should clearly identify the title of the job you’re applying for.

Is putting the job title in the headline necessary? Yes! “Think of your resume as a maze,” says resume expert Laura DeCarlo . “It has to have a visible entrance or no one would ever get started.” Without a headline, “the prospective employer won’t know for which position you are applying.”

Your headline can also include years of experience and key qualifications. Here’s an example:

Resume headline do’s and don’ts

• Tailor your headline to each job you apply for.
• Keep your headline under ten words to make sure it packs a punch.
• Position yourself as an expert in your field.
• Don’t use clichés such as “hard worker” or “team player.” Be specific.
• Don’t be too salesy. Focus on giving a snapshot of your skills and experience.
• Don’t make your headline too long. Cut to the chase.

5. Write your resume summary

A resume summary is a brief paragraph that provides an overview of your qualifications for the role you’re applying for. Most expert resume writers today highly recommend using a summary.

“One of the most common mistakes I see in resumes is the absence of a targeted introductory paragraph at the beginning of the resume,” says career coach Suzanne Berger . “Keep in mind that recruiters or hiring managers only spend 10 to 20 seconds reviewing your resume, so it is important to make an impact from the start.”

As you can see from the following example, your summary goes right under your resume headline:

Your resume summary should include a concise overview of your key qualifications, professional achievements, and skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Here’s a formula you can use to write your summary, followed by an example:

[Your Professional Title] with [Years of Experience] years of experience. Proven track record in [Top Achievement 1] and [Top Achievement 2] . Skilled in [Skill 1] , [Skill 2] , and [Skill 3] . Known for [Unique Value or Strength] .

Marketing Manager with 8 years of experience . Proven track record in increasing online engagement by 40% and boosting lead generation by 30% . Skilled in content creation, data analysis, and strategic planning . Known for exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage and inspire teams to exceed corporate objectives .

Resume summary do’s and don’ts

• Use numbers to show that you are able to produce tangible outcomes.
• Incorporate keywords from the job description whenever possible.
• Write your resume summary last because you’ll then have a fuller picture of your experiences and skills.
• Don’t just list your job duties; instead focus on your accomplishments.
• Don’t use personal pronouns (I, me, or my).
• Don’t make your summary too long; keep it to no more than 3-4 sentences.

6. Create your skills section

When we talk about keywords, we are mostly talking about skills .

There are two main types of skills— hard and soft . Hard skills are specific abilities you learn through education or training, like using certain software or speaking a foreign language. Soft skills are more about how you work and interact with others, such as teamwork, communication , and flexibility.

You should place your skills section under your resume summary. List your skill set using bullet points, either in columns or in a bullet-point format. Try to include 10 to 20 key skills in this section.

IMPORTANT! The way the same skill is worded in a job description can vary from company to company. This is why it’s crucial to tailor each resume to the job you’re applying to.

For example, here are three different ways of listing essentially the same skill:

• Customer Service
• Client Relations
• Customer Support

If the job description lists “customer support” and you have “customer service” on your resume, the hiring manager might not find your resume when searching through the ATS database — even though you do have that skill.

To make sure you’re using the right keyword skills, run your resume through Jobscan’s resume scanner . It compares your resume to the job description and tells you which skills to use.

You’ll also receive a resume score which tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. The higher your score the more likely you are to get an interview. Here’s an example of the report you’ll receive from the resume scanner:

The skills in red are missing from the resume. Add them to increase the resume score. You can read more about Jobscan’s resume scanner and how to try it for free here .

7. Create a compelling work history section

Now it’s time to get to the heart of your resume – the  work experience  section. This is the section employers will spend the most time looking at when they consider your resume.

Why is this section so critical? Because it’s where you provide the proof to support what you said about yourself in your resume headline, summary, and skills section.

Each job should include the following information and be listed in reverse-chronological order (latest job first).

• Company name and location – Include the full name of the company you worked for followed by the city and state of its location.
• Job title – Be as specific as possible to ensure that employers know exactly what your role was within the company.
• Start and end dates – Include the month and year for each position. If you only list the year, it may appear as though you are omitting information.
• Achievements and responsibilities – These can be listed using bullet points. Include hard numbers and metrics wherever possible.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when writing a resume is only listing their job responsibilities. These are tasks that you’re expected to perform as part of your job.

Listing your job responsibilities gives a potential employer an idea of what you did day-to-day. But it doesn’t reveal  how well you did it.

This is why it’s important to highlight your specific accomplishments. For example, if you increased sales, reduced costs, or implemented new processes or technologies, be sure to mention these accomplishments.

Here’s an example of a work experience section with measurable achievements :

To write strong bullet points for your work experience section, use Jobscan’s AI-powered bullet point generator. It creates bullet points based on the skills in the job description, highlighting your relevant qualifications. Try it for free here .

Work experience do’s and don’ts

• Use numbers to quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Use action verbs to describe how you did something.
• Use the mm/yyyy format for resume dates .
• Don’t list more than 10 years of work experience unless it’s highly relevant.
• Don’t use the passive phrase “responsible for.” Instead, use active voice.
• Don’t list every single task you worked on; include only the most relevant.

8. Create your education and certification section

Your education section should appear after your work experience. If you’re applying to a job that requires extensive education (like medicine, law, or academia), you’ll need to be more detailed. But most job seekers can get away with providing only the following information on their resume:

• Name of the degree/certification: Write the full name of the degree or certification. Use commonly accepted abbreviations (e.g., B.A. in English, MBA, PMP).
• Institution name: Include the name of the university or institution that awarded the degree or certification.
• Location (optional): List the city and state if the location is relevant to the job or if the institution is well-known.
• Graduation date: Mention the month and year of graduation. For certifications, you can also include an expiration date if applicable.

Here’s an example of an education section on a resume:

Education section do’s and don’ts

• Bold your degree so that it stands out.
• List your education in reverse-chronological order.
• Include any relevant coursework, skills training, licenses, and certifications .
• Don’t mention your high school if you have a college degree.
• Don’t disclose your GPA unless you graduated recently and had a very impressive academic career (3.5 GPA plus).
• Don’t list an advanced degree if the job doesn’t require it.

9. Showcase honors, awards, and volunteer work

The key to this section is to only include honors and awards that are relevant to the job you’re applying to.

This can get a little tricky because if you do have honors or awards that are highly relevant, consider including them in your summary section. Otherwise, hiring managers might miss them if you only list them at the bottom of your resume.

If you have any  volunteer experience , it’s generally a good idea to add it to your resume.

According to a LinkedIn survey , 20% of employers say they have hired a candidate because of their volunteer experience. The survey also showed that job seekers who volunteer are 27% more likely to be hired than non-volunteers!

• The name of the organization.
• The dates of your service.
• A brief description of your duties and responsibilities.

Here’s an example of what this section of your resume can look like:

10. How can you tailor your resume to a specific job position?

Tailoring your resume to each specific job is not just recommended; it’s imperative . This is because most companies today use ATS computer software to manage and filter the enormous amount of resumes they receive.

When you submit your resume, it goes into an ATS database . Hiring managers search the ATS database for suitable resumes by typing keywords, or skills, into the ATS search bar. If your resume contains these keywords it will be found. If it doesn’t contain the right keywords, your resume will remain in the ATS database, unseen.

To tailor your resume, you must first read the job description. This is where you’ll find the keywords to add to your resume. Make sure you add those keywords exactly as they are written in the job description .

Unfortunately, tailoring each resume to the job description takes time and effort. The best way to speed up this process is to use an online tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner .

Just paste in your resume and the job description and click scan. You’ll receive a match report telling you how closely your resume matches the job ad. The report also tells you exactly which keywords to add to your resume to optimize it for the ATS. Try the scanner for free below:

Effective resume formatting tips

Properly formatting your resume makes it easy for hiring managers to find what they’re looking for. At the same time, good formatting helps the ATS understand your resume.

Remember, if the ATS can’t read your resume you won’t get the job!

Choose a professional, easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in size 10 to 12 for text and 14 to 16 for headings.

Clearly distinguish section headings with a larger font size, bold text, or underlining to guide the reader’s eye effectively through your resume., set your margins to at least 0.7 inches all around, ensuring that your resume looks balanced and does not appear overcrowded., avoid complex graphics, tables, headers, and footers, which can confuse ats software., break up blocks of text. a paragraph should never be longer than 5 lines., use standard headings like “work experience,” “education,” and “skills.” these are immediately recognizable to both hiring managers and ats., use the same style of bullets, text alignment, and line spacing throughout your document., align your text to the left. right-aligned or justified text can create irregular spacing between words, making your resume harder to read., save your resume file as a pdf to preserve your formatting across different platforms., proofread carefully one grammatical error can ruin your chances of getting a job., how to write a resume for students with no experience.

Creating a good resume without any work experience might seem tough, but you can still make a strong impression on employers by highlighting your skills and activities. Here’s how:

• Focus on your education : Put your education section at the top. Include details like your degree, major, relevant coursework, academic honors, and GPA if it’s above average.
• Include extracurricular activities : List any activities outside of class, like clubs, sports, or student government. Mention any leadership roles or responsibilities you’ve had.
• Add volunteer work and internships : Don’t forget to include volunteer positions, internships, or community service. These experiences show your willingness to work and learn.
• Highlight projects and academic achievements : Talk about any major projects or research you’ve done, especially if they relate to the job you want. Describe what you did and what you achieved.
• Skills section : Make a list of your skills, including technical skills (like computer software) and soft skills (like teamwork and communication).
• Professional summary : Start with a short summary that explains your career goals and your best qualities. Make it clear why you’d be a great fit for the job.

Here’s a sample of a resume for students with no experience:

How to match your cover letter to your resume

Matching your cover letter with your resume helps create a polished and cohesive application. Here’s how:

• Consistent formatting : Use the same font, header, and layout from your resume for your cover letter. This helps create a professional and unified appearance.
• Use similar language : Pick out key skills and phrases from your resume and include them in your cover letter. This reinforces your qualifications and aligns your application with the job requirements.
• Expand on key points : Choose one or two major achievements listed on your resume and elaborate on them in your cover letter. Explain how these experiences have equipped you for the job.
• Keep the tone the same : If your resume is formal, your cover letter should be too. If it’s more casual, your cover letter can be less formal as well.
• Address the job’s needs : Demonstrate how your experiences make you a good fit for the job. Show that you understand what the job involves and explain why you’re the right candidate.
• End with a call to action : Conclude by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and suggesting they look at your resume for more details. Ask them to contact you for an interview.

When you’re done writing your cover letter, run it through Jobscan’s  cover letter checker . This tool will tell you how to improve your cover letter. 

Hate writing cover letters? Use Jobscan’s  cover letter builder . This tool uses AI technology to generate an ATS-friendly cover letter with just one click.

10 standout resume examples to inspire you

These samples showcase a variety of styles and formats suited for different industries and career stages, giving you ideas on how to write a resume.

1. Sales manager resume example

2. Accountant resume example

3. Recruiter resume example

4. Bookkeeper resume sample

5. Digital marketing resume example

6. Teacher resume example

7. Customer service resume example

8. Office assistant resume example

9. Operations manager resume example

10. Technical writer resume example

Key takeaways

• Optimize for ATS : Today’s resumes must be tailored to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by including specific keywords related to the job you’re applying for. This ensures your resume is seen by hiring managers.
• Tailored Resumes : Each resume should be customized to the job description, emphasizing relevant experiences and skills. This enhances your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.
• Resume Formats : Choose between chronological, functional, or hybrid formats based on your career history and the job requirements. Chronological is suitable for those with a strong, relevant job history; functional is best for career changers or those with gaps in employment; hybrid combines the strengths of both.
• Essential Elements : A resume should include a clear headline, a compelling summary, a detailed work history, relevant skills, and educational credentials. Each section should be crafted to showcase your qualifications and fit for the role.
• Skills and Keywords : Highlight both hard and soft skills that are directly relevant to the job. Using precise keywords from the job description in your resume ensures compatibility with ATS and increases the likelihood of your resume being selected.
• Quantifiable Achievements : Where possible, use metrics to quantify your accomplishments. This provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and impact in previous roles.
• Additional Sections : Including volunteer work, awards, and certifications can differentiate your resume. Ensure these are relevant to the job to keep the resume focused and impactful.
• Resume Building Tools : Utilize tools like resume builders and scanners (e.g., Jobscan) to construct a resume that matches job descriptions and optimizes for ATS, saving time and improving effectiveness.
• Format and Proofread : Proper formatting and thorough proofreading are essential to maintain professionalism. Ensure the resume is easy to read and free from errors, which can detract from your credibility.

Beginners can use the chronological format if they have some work experience, even if it’s part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work. However, if a beginner has little to no work experience, a functional format might be better. Include essential resume sections like contact information, a summary, education, and any relevant work experience or skills. Tailor your resume to the job by incorporating keywords from the job description. If you lack work experience, emphasize volunteer work, internships, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Always proofread for errors before submitting your resume.

To make your resume stand out to recruiters, start by tailoring it specifically for each job application, incorporating keywords from the job description to align closely with the requirements. Highlight your achievements by quantifying them with specific numbers and outcomes, such as “increased sales by 20%” or “reduced processing time by 30%,” to demonstrate measurable success. Begin with a compelling professional summary that succinctly outlines your key qualifications and what you bring to the role, clearly establishing why you are the ideal candidate. Ensure your resume has a clean and professional layout, with logical sections and easy-to-read fonts, to facilitate quick review and make a strong first impression.

1) Gather information 2) Choose a format 3) Write contact information 4) Craft a headline and summary 5) Detail your experience and education 6) Highlight skills 7) Add additional sections 8) Tailor for the job 9) Proofread and edit 10) Finalize and save

To create a resume with no work experience , start with a functional format that emphasizes your skills and education. Begin with a strong summary statement that highlights your career goals and key skills. Place your education section prominently, including any relevant coursework or projects. List both hard and soft skills applicable to the job, and include any internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your abilities and work ethic. Mention any significant projects or achievements, especially those relevant to your desired job. Also, include any professional affiliations that show your interest in the industry. Ensure the resume is well-organized and clearly formatted to highlight your qualifications effectively.

Use Jobscan’s resume builder , which is specifically designed to help you craft an AI resume that is both appealing to hiring managers and optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This tool provides templates and real-time content suggestions, helping you tailor your resume effectively for each job application. You can also use ChatGPT to write a resume for free . Just be sure to edit and personalize the results you get.

1) Log into your Google account, go to Google Docs, and either start a new document or use the template gallery. Jobscan also offers free Google Docs resume templates . 2) Select a resume template that fits the job you’re applying for from the template gallery. 3) Replace the template’s placeholder text with your personal information, including contact details, educational background, work experience, and skills. 4) Tailor the content to the job by adding relevant keywords from the job description and adjusting the format—like fonts and spacing—for clarity and appeal. 5) Double-check your resume for any errors and consider having someone else review it too. 6) Once satisfied, download your resume as a PDF or DOCX file , or share it directly via email or a shareable link.

1) Start the program and select “New” from the file menu to access templates. 2) Type “resume” in the template search bar to see available resume designs. 3) Choose a template that suits your needs, then replace the placeholder text with your personal details, including work experience, education, and skills. 4) Adjust the content to match the job description, using relevant keywords and highlighting your qualifications. 5) Modify font size, style, and colors to ensure the resume is clean and professional. 6) Check for any errors, and consider having someone else review it. 7) Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and make sharing easy. 8) Print for physical submissions or save digitally for online applications.

In 2024, resumes should be designed for clarity and ATS compatibility . Start with a professional layout that includes plenty of white space and a logical structure. The top should have your contact information—just your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL , omitting a full address for privacy. Follow this with a concise professional summary, then list your work experience, skills, and education. The format should ensure easy readability for both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems, emphasizing a clean design without complex graphics or tables that could confuse the ATS software.

Choosing the right resume format depends on your career background: Chronological: Lists your work history in reverse chronological order, ideal for those with a solid work history. Functional: Focuses on skills rather than work history, suitable for career changers or those with gaps in employment. Combination: Mixes elements of both chronological and functional formats, highlighting skills followed by work history in reverse order. Good for those with significant skills and experiences.

The number of jobs you should include on your resume depends on your experience level and relevance to the role. Typically, if you’re early in your career with less than 10 years of experience, aim for 2-3 recent and relevant positions. For mid-career professionals, around 3-4 positions spanning the last 10-15 years is common. Experienced professionals may include the most pertinent roles from their extensive history, focusing on the past 10-15 years. Ensure each listed job directly relates to the position you’re applying for, prioritizing relevancy over quantity to present a focused and impactful resume.

A resume should typically be one to two pages long, with rare exceptions for highly experienced individuals or those in certain industries. Aim to keep it concise and focused on highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experiences for the position you’re applying for.

AI and machine learning have revolutionized resume screening by automating the process. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) use these technologies to quickly analyze resumes, searching for relevant keywords and qualifications. This saves recruiters time and ensures a more efficient screening process, helping them identify top candidates more effectively.

When writing a resume summary with no experience, focus on your education, relevant skills, and career goals. Highlight any coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills applicable to the job. Emphasize your enthusiasm, work ethic, and eagerness to learn. Keep it concise and impactful, showcasing how your background aligns with the position and company’s needs.

Crafting a simple resume involves starting with your contact information, followed by a brief summary statement. List your work experience, education, and relevant skills, ensuring consistency in formatting. Consider including optional sections like volunteer experience or honors/awards. Proofread carefully and tailor your resume to each job application.

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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