Notes on Writing a Motivation Letter

Introduction

• Speaker: Melena
• Purpose: Guidance on writing an effective motivation letter.
• Key Points:
  • Motivation varies for everyone.
  • Feeling unmotivated could indicate underestimating oneself.
  • Motivation letter complements a CV, showcasing personality.

Definition of a Motivation Letter

• Purpose: Supports CV by providing a personal narrative.
• Content: Facts and figures in CV vs. personality and motivation in the letter.
• Analogy: Think of it as an "academic vibe check".

Tailoring Your Letter

• Institution Guidelines: Follow specific questions they want answered.
• Examples: When applying for a course (e.g., Economics), explain why that specific course.
• Different Contexts: Questions vary for universities vs. job applications.

Steps to Write a Motivation Letter

Step 1: Outline Questions

• Identify the guidelines and questions to be answered.
• Importance of following instructions to avoid confusion.

Step 2: Bullet Points

• Purpose: Clarify what you want them to remember about you.
• Benefits:
  • Avoid rambling.
  • Show critical thinking.
  • Prioritize your thoughts.

Step 3: Structuring the Letter

• Format:
  • Date and personal info.
  • Salutation (e.g., "Dear Sir/Madam").
  • Opening paragraph (introduction).
  • Body (detailed bullet points).
  • Conclusion (summarizes overarching themes).
  • Complimentary close (e.g., "Sincerely").

Step 4: Coherence and Clarity

• Use connectors (e.g., however, therefore) to link ideas.
• Avoid overly complex sentences; clarity is key.
• Show ability to write academically.

Step 5: Conclusion

• Summarize motivations and intentions for applying.
• Be concise (1-2 pages max).
• Pay attention to language and spelling; ask someone to proofread.

Final Thoughts

• Motivation letters are personal and should reflect unique motivations.
• Subscribe for more tips and engage with the community on motivation letter experiences.