5 secrets of a successful cover letter

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A motivation letter can become a ticket to a brighter future for you. A life hacker will help you compose it correctly and not miss your chance.

Participation in volunteer projects, study or practice abroad, obtaining a grant for scientific research - wherever you send an application, as a supplement you will need to write a motivation letter, or Personal Statement. But you shouldn't take this obligatory item as another test.

A well-written motivation letter plays a key role in the selection of candidates. This is your chance to complete information on the most important positions in your resume: your education, experience, intentions and goals.

A life hacker shares secrets that will help you tell about yourself on one A4 page so that your candidacy stands out favorably from hundreds or even thousands of applicants.

1. The motivation letter must be yours

The letter accompanying your application should be special, so do not try to use other people's thoughts and adjust them to yourself. It is worth reading the examples, but no more. When drafting, adhere to the standard structure: introduction, main part, conclusion.

Introduce yourself, tell about yourself in two sentences, but do not rewrite your resume, especially if it is part of a package of documents. Ideal when the first paragraphs immediately grab attention. In the main part, focus on the chosen program and your motivation.

Write about your goals and how participation will help you achieve them.

Put your goals in a global context, indicate how your participation in the program can be useful for your country, university or company. And then share your ability to prove that you not only want, but can achieve what you want.

Finally, it is worth mentioning how you can be useful to the foundation or program organizers, or why you share their values and want to be on their team. This will help you understand why you need to invest in your candidacy. End the letter with a short story about your plans after training or practice: how you will achieve your goals.

Write only the truth about yourself. Check that you fully meet the specified selection criteria, and be sure that you really need to participate.

2. The letter must match the program you are applying for

Read the curriculum or internship requirements carefully. Make sure the letter reflects your genuine interest.

Imagine that you have already been chosen: what courses will you attend? How will the program help you reach your potential?

If you apply to study at different universities, then the motivation letter should be new every time. Even if the specialty is the same, the structure of the courses or the scope of research can differ significantly.

The Commission needs to understand why you are interested in participating, how this program will help you become better and why your choice was not accidental. It is possible that your plans will change when you receive a grant. But the detailed description proves that you are making a conscious choice and not just wanting to take advantage of the member's benefits.

3. The letter must stand out

Now your task is to prove that you are the right candidate. You can have infinitely long lists of achievements and have serious experience, but there are hundreds of applications and very little time before the commission. In order for her to want to study your application in detail, you need to convince her of this.

Just listing skills and intentions is not enough: demonstrate your great willingness to participate, your passion for your chosen field. Tell us that you are under 25, and you have already received your second education, participated in international projects.

Let your flaws become your virtues.

For example, if you have not interned abroad, you can also use this to your advantage: when you return after participating in the program, you will be a different person, more open and flexible.

Back up your strengths with specific examples. If you write that you are ready to work hard, mention your most successful project. The main thing is that your arguments consistently convince the commission: all the accumulated experience will be very useful in this particular program. Write concisely and logically, avoid templates: let the text be yours, it will make it lively and memorable.

4. The motivation letter must be diplomatic

Many foundations and grant-making organizations belong to a political party or promote certain values. Each person has his own opinion, and the organizers will certainly appreciate it.

However, in a cover letter, you should not sharply express your views or take extreme positions on sensitive issues.

You will be able to debate with the organizers and other participants when you become a member of the program. Who knows, maybe your views will still change? But acquaintance with the specifics of the organization, its mission and projects, can help you understand what kind of person is required for this program, and become one.

5. Writing a successful letter takes time

And one more important secret: do not leave writing a letter for the last days before the deadline, otherwise the fear of not being in time will prevent you from focusing on the content and concentrating on work. Be sure: in one evening, you most likely will not write anything good. You may need additional time to edit the letter or rewrite it altogether. Inspiration will surely come to you as soon as you start.

Is the letter written? Set it aside for a while, and then test yourself by answering a few questions.

1. Have I formulated succinctly and clearly where exactly I am applying, what place do I want to get?
2. Was I able to explain my motivation in an accessible way? Why would I want to participate, how will the chosen program expand my personal and professional prospects?
3. Is it possible to understand from my letter what distinguishes me from other candidates?
4. Are the examples I use to support my merit as specific and concise as possible?
5. What impression will my letter leave about me?
6. Are there grammatical, syntactic, factual and other errors in the letter? Are there any discrepancies with your resume?

If you are worried that you are not objective enough about yourself, ask one of your friends to take a detached view. Maybe you will find contacts of people who have already participated in this program. Try asking them about specific job requirements and other pitfalls.

Share your experience and secrets of writing motivation letters in the comments. What role did the motivation letter play in your life?