Motivation letter – main points

·        Take your time and start early. The letter of motivation is a crucial document in your
application. Never try to write it down in one evening.

·        Don'ts: 1. “Average is not enough”. Your motivation letter has to be different than that
of others. So don´t copy your motivation letter from others, but make sure that the letter is tuned
to the company and job you are applying for. A motivation letter is a personal letter, so use your
own style to show who you are.

·         “Stick to the point”. Companies want to know why you want to work in their company, so
don’t use complex language constructions or long poetic phrases. Be as concrete as possible.

·        “Don‟t let your motivation letter and your CV „echo‟”. The motivation letter should be
complementary to your CV where you can highlight some of the relevant items of your CV. Don’t list
all the items of your CV in the motivation letter.

·        “Don‟t exaggerate”. Make sure that you don’t mention new items in your motivation letter
(work or education or other skills) which are not mentioned in your CV.

·        Do's: 1. Mention clearly why the company has to choose you for the stage/ job. Be
concrete, convincing, without being arrogant.

·         If you know the name of the responsible person, start your letter with this name. This
person will feel personally approached by your letter, which is always positive.

·        Start always with your positive points, weak points they will ask in the talk, so don’t
mention them in your letter.

·        Formulate your letter positive and future oriented. Example: ”I am eager to learn and
prepared to adapt myself to the new working situation…”, instead of “I have no experience in this
working field.”

·        Motivate your statements with facts and experiences. Use for example experiences in your
personal life: “I have three year experience in leading and animating children in the regional
scouts team”

·        Collect information about the company. In this way you show interest and you can adapt
your letter better to the company needs and function.

·        Put only the most relevant facts and experiences in your motivation letter. Keep it brief
and clear. Don’t forget to tell something about you as a person.

·        Mention what you have reached for so far at educational and or professional level (former
work or stages) and your career perspective.

·        Tell in which way you distinguish yourself from others with the same education and
diploma.

·        Pay attention to grammar and spelling!