Writing a Motivation Letter

Crafting an impressive motivation letter is crucial in capturing the attention of hiring managers and showcasing your suitability for the desired role. While your CV highlights your qualifications and experience, the motivation letter provides an opportunity to express your professional journey in a compelling and persuasive manner.

To ensure your motivation letter stands out and increases your chances of securing your dream job, consider the following tips in this article.

Address it to the correct person

Addressing your motivation letter to the right person is an important detail that can make a positive impression on hiring managers. Starting your letter with generic salutations like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear hiring manager” may give the impression that you haven’t put in the effort to research and personalize your application.

To ensure a more tailored and personalized approach, follow these tips to address your motivation letter correctly:

Check the job listing: Look carefully at the job listing or advertisement to see if the name of the hiring manager or the contact person is provided. Some companies include this information to facilitate direct communication.

Company website: Visit the company’s official website and navigate to the “About Us” or “Team” section. Look for the names and positions of key personnel, such as the department head, HR manager, or recruitment manager. This information can give you a specific person to address in your letter.

LinkedIn: Utilize LinkedIn to search for the company and browse through its employees. Look for HR professionals, recruiters, or managers who may be involved in the hiring process for the position you are applying to. Connecting with the right person on LinkedIn can also provide you with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Networking: If you have any professional contacts or connections within the company or industry, reach out to them and ask for the name of the relevant person to address your application. Networking can help you gather insider information and potentially provide referrals.

Phone or email inquiry: As a last resort, you can directly contact the company’s HR department or the person responsible for recruitment via phone or email. Politely explain your situation and ask for the correct name and contact details of the person who will be reviewing your application.

By taking the time to find and address your motivation letter to the appropriate person, you demonstrate your attention to detail, resourcefulness, and genuine interest in the company and the position. This small effort can make a significant difference in how your application is perceived by the hiring manager.

​What to avoid

Crafting a standout motivation letter is essential to differentiate yourself from other applicants. Here are some additional tips to help you create an impactful and personalized motivation letter:

Be authentic: Use your own voice and ensure that your motivation letter reflects your personality. Avoid generic statements and clichés. Instead, focus on sharing genuine experiences, skills, and qualities that make you unique.

Provide value: Highlight specific facts and experiences that add value to your application. Share relevant achievements, projects, or challenges you have overcome that demonstrate your skills and capabilities. This will give hiring managers insight into your potential contributions to the role and the company.

Keep it concise: Use short and simple sentences to engage the reader and convey your message effectively. Hiring managers often have limited time, so make sure your motivation letter is clear and to the point. Avoid overly long sentences or excessive detail that may overshadow your main points.

Tailor it to the role: Customize your motivation letter for each job application. Align your skills, experiences, and interests with the requirements of the specific role and company. Show that you have researched the company and understand its values, mission, and goals.

Understand when to include a motivation letter: If you’re working with a recruiter and your CV matches the role, they may not require a motivation letter. However, if you’re applying directly to a company, a well-crafted motivation letter is typically expected. Follow the instructions provided in the job listing or application guidelines.

Take your time: Avoid rushing your motivation letter. Take the time to study the job description, understand the company’s needs, and tailor your letter accordingly. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is error-free and presents you in the best possible light.

Remember, investing a few extra hours in creating a standout motivation letter can significantly increase your chances of securing the job you truly desire. It’s a valuable opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, passion, and alignment with the role and company.