Letter of Motivation
The letter of motivation gives you a chance to stand out from your competitors and make a positive first impression. While your CV focuses more on your professional qualifications, a letter of motivation aims to show your personal drive and motivation for the job in question. If you have received specific instructions from the company regarding content and formatting, you should follow them. It is beneficial if you follow their structure and terminology - this will help recruiters find their way around more quickly. If you have not received any specific instructions from the company, you will find an overview of the relevant content and formalities below.
Note:
- A letter of motivation is not always explicitly required. However, especially in the case of highly competitive jobs or if your CV does not (yet) match the requirements in the job advertisement, it can make sense to include a letter of motivation on your own initiative. This can, for example, smooth out certain weaknesses in your CV.
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Content
The content of your letter of motivation should always be tailored to the specific job advertisement. For example, you can mention why the position is interesting to you and what you would like to achieve in the desired position. You can also refer to the company and show how you identify with it. In addition, make sure to back up your claimed strengths and competences with examples.
You can also include experience or volunteer work relevant to the position in your letter of motivation. However, you should limit yourself to what is relevant and avoid repeating information from your CV.
Note:
- You could emphasise at the end of your letter of motivation that you would be happy to be invited for a personal interview and that you would be interested in getting to know the company better.
- Avoid strong exaggerations and the use of empty phrases - this can come across as inauthentic.
Formatting
Make sure to use the same layout for your CV, your letter of motivation and any additional documents. You should pay particular attention to keeping the font and design consistent. The latter should also be adapted to the industry. Especially in conservative sectors, you should keep your application documents rather simple.
Your contact details should be visible at first glance in the letter of motivation. Don't forget the date and your signature at the end. Barring any particular specifications from the company, you should choose a title that is as captivating as possible in order to arouse the curiosity of the person you are writing to. Do not use a standard title such as "Letter of motivation", but instead keep the focus on your reasons for applying for the job. In the introduction you could then, for example, pick up on why the job or the company caught your interest.
Final remarks
Have you compiled all your application documents? Then be sure to review them carefully before you send them off. Have someone from your family or circle of friends proofread them to avoid any clerical errors. Maybe they can think of some additional strengths of yours that are relevant to the job that you haven't listed yet!
