The cover letter, sometimes called motivation letter or statement of purpose, is a personalized document aimed at explaining why you're the right candidate for a job. It supplements your CV by adding a personal touch and detailing your enthusiasm and qualifications. Writing a motivation letter is a chance to make a personal connection with the reader and to stand out in a sea of applicants. It’s about making a memorable case for why you are the right choice.
Start with research
Understand the company’s culture, mission, and the industries they operate in.
Find aspects of the company that align with your own values and experiences.
Be clear about the role or opportunity you're applying for. Understand the skills and experiences they value.
Note any specific instructions on how to apply.
What’s the advantage of doing research, you might ask? Now they know that you’re not distributing your CV like candy on Halloween and they’re not just one of the many companies you’re sending your CV to. Why is this important?
Doing well with interviewers isn’t just about knowing how to showcase your skills, education, and experience. While this information is essential, it’s just as important to know as much as possible about the company that you’re interviewing with.
Gathering information about the company before an interview provides some major benefits, especially if you’re facing a lot of competition for a position. Keep the following information in mind while preparing for your next interview.
Outline your letter
Begin with a basic structure: Introduction, Body (1-3 paragraphs), and Conclusion.
Plan to introduce yourself, explain your motivation, detail your relevant experiences and skills, and conclude with a strong statement of intent.
Writing the letter
Header
Try to find the name of the hiring manager to personalize the greeting. If you can’t find a name, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Include your contact information and the date.
Introduction
Start with a strong opening sentence that captures attention (examples). Clearly state the position you're applying for, how you found the job listing and why you're excited about it.
Explain what specifically attracted you to this position. Mention aspects of the job posting or the company's work that resonated with you.
Highlight what you admire about the company, such as their values, projects, or achievements in the industry. This shows you've done your research and are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
Pro tip
If relevant, share a brief personal story that connects you to the company’s mission or the industry. This can make your application more memorable and show a deeper level of commitment and understanding.
Second paragraph - Relevant experience and skills
Discuss your key skills and experiences, especially those listed in the job description. Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in past roles. Instead of just listing skills, narrate brief scenarios or achievements that prove you possess these qualities.
Adjust this paragraph for each application to reflect the unique requirements of the job you're applying for. This shows the recruiter that you've tailored your application specifically for their opening.
Third paragraph - Accomplishments and differentiators
Share specific accomplishments or metrics from your recent roles that showcase your suitability for the position. Use quantifiable results when possible to give a clear picture of your contributions.
Mention any soft skills or behavioral qualities that set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate how these have contributed to your success in previous positions. This could include leadership abilities, teamwork, or how you've overcome challenges.
Clearly connect your achievements and skills back to how they can benefit the company. This shouldn't just showcase your talents but also demonstrate how you can address the company's needs or goals.
Closure - Call to Action (CTA) and farewell
Start by reiterating your excitement about the possibility of joining their team. This reaffirms your genuine interest in the role.
End your letter with a confident and proactive call to action. For example, "I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the success of ABC Corp."
Close with a professional sign-off, thanking them for considering your application.
Pro tip
Instead of generic praise, mention specific projects, products, or initiatives of the company that excite you. Explain why these details stand out to you and how your skills can contribute to these areas.
Finalizing your letter
Use a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.
Check for any typographical or grammatical errors.
Ensure the tone is professional and enthusiastic.
Adhere to any specific submission guidelines mentioned in the job listing.
Attach your resume and mention it in your letter ("Please find my resume attached").
Tailor each motivation letter to the specific job. Generic letters are easy to spot and often less effective.
Aim for no more than one page. This forces you to be clear and direct in showcasing your best attributes.
Mirror the language and tone used by the company in their job description, website, and social media. This shows that you understand their culture and can naturally fit in.
If someone referred you to the position, mention their name and your connection to them in the opening paragraph. This can grab the hiring manager’s attention and lend credibility to your application.
Instead of reiterating what’s on your resume, use the cover letter to tell a story or discuss experiences that show off your skills and fit for the role in a narrative form.
If you’re sending your cover letter by email, craft a clear, professional subject line that includes your name and the position title. This ensures your email is easily identifiable and reflects your professionalism.