Motivation Letter Writing Guide by Schlotte Fraser

Introduction

Speaker: Schlotte Fraser, PhD student in Computational Neuroscience at Donders Institute, Netherlands.
Purpose: To provide a step-by-step method for writing a motivation letter for academic applications (bachelor's, master's, PhD, internships, summer schools).

Complement to CV: Motivation letter should complement your CV, not duplicate it.
Content: Showcase personality, skills acquired, and hardships overcome.
Research: Know your audience and personal strengths before writing.
- Know what the program or internship seeks.
- Tailor your letter accordingly.

Personal Statement vs. Motivation Letter vs. Cover Letter: Understand the differences and ensure you use the correct format for your application.

Introduction
- Start formally (e.g., "Dear Dr. [Last Name]").
- Specify the purpose: state the position/program you are applying for.
- Share your personal motivation for applying.
Body
- Skills Description: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Results) to describe relevant experiences.
  - Situation: Describe the context.
  - Task: What task were you responsible for?
  - Action: What actions did you take?
  - Result: What was the outcome?
- Focus on specific skills related to the position.
- Balance between personal narrative and showcasing skills depending on your background.
Conclusion
- Summarize key points and reiterate your interest in the position.
- Aim for a well-rounded ending that ties back to the introduction.

Length: Keep it concise, ideally 1-2 pages.
Review: Share with multiple people (professors, friends, family) for feedback.
Experience: Highlight soft skills and personal anecdotes; relevant experience does not have to be strictly academic.