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Tips for Writing Letters of
Motivation
Language Department
Prof. Dr. Stephanie Swartz-Janat Makan
Letter of motivation
A letter of motivation (also called a "statement of purpose" or "personal essay") is a brief essay in which you explain what you hope to achieve during your studies or the scholarship program for which you are applying, as well as what it is that qualifies you as a top candidate for the scholarship. The letter of motivation is an extremely important part of the application documents because it provides the selection committee with a description of your personality, as well as in what way you plan to contribute to and benefit from the scholarship program for which you are applying.
Useful advice
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Make sure you know the exact format of the letter of motivation required by the competition before you start writing (required number of words/pages, spaces, etc.)
Make sure your text is clear and readable
Answer the questions: Why that country, why that university or company, what do you expect to gain by going abroad (mention concrete goals and benefits expected). Learning the language is not reason enough!
Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a letter of motivation.
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A "letter of motivation" is your opportunity to "sell" yourself, i.e. convince the institution or company that they need to have you. Do not be modest: when applying, explain clearly why you think you are suited for the position or why the institution should support you.
•
The goal of a letter of motivation is to provide a picture of your background and goals that will persuade the admission committee to accept you.
•
Recruiters expect you to show that what you have matches what they want. Remember, this is a question of interpretation, and the secret of writing a good letter of motivation lies in using your qualifications and experience to show that you are the best person to support. •
Beyond the particular skills
Motivation
Language Department
Prof. Dr. Stephanie Swartz-Janat Makan
Letter of motivation
A letter of motivation (also called a "statement of purpose" or "personal essay") is a brief essay in which you explain what you hope to achieve during your studies or the scholarship program for which you are applying, as well as what it is that qualifies you as a top candidate for the scholarship. The letter of motivation is an extremely important part of the application documents because it provides the selection committee with a description of your personality, as well as in what way you plan to contribute to and benefit from the scholarship program for which you are applying.
Useful advice
•
•
•
Make sure you know the exact format of the letter of motivation required by the competition before you start writing (required number of words/pages, spaces, etc.)
Make sure your text is clear and readable
Answer the questions: Why that country, why that university or company, what do you expect to gain by going abroad (mention concrete goals and benefits expected). Learning the language is not reason enough!
Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a letter of motivation.
•
A "letter of motivation" is your opportunity to "sell" yourself, i.e. convince the institution or company that they need to have you. Do not be modest: when applying, explain clearly why you think you are suited for the position or why the institution should support you.
•
The goal of a letter of motivation is to provide a picture of your background and goals that will persuade the admission committee to accept you.
•
Recruiters expect you to show that what you have matches what they want. Remember, this is a question of interpretation, and the secret of writing a good letter of motivation lies in using your qualifications and experience to show that you are the best person to support. •
Beyond the particular skills