Writing Your Motivation Letter For Studies
Abroad Or For A Job
When required, the
motivation letter, or the letter of intent, as it is sometimes called, can seem
like an unnecessary challenge for applying to a school. Depending on whether
the program faculty provides specific details of what they are looking for in the
letter or, as is more frequently the case, if they have left it up to the
prospective student, it is important to recognize that either way it comes with
its own advantage and disadvantage.
Too specific, and you
may miss out on a chance to demonstrate your creativity, but too open-ended and
you risk going in the opposite direction of what the staff is looking for.
Therefore, many students express not knowing what exactly it is they are
supposed to write about.
Adding to the stress,
students who wish to study abroad have additional concerns about writing
effectively for an international audience.
However, the good
news is that there are some general characteristics international higher
education recruiters are looking for when considering potential new, international
students.
Along with some
common points that should be made no matter where you are sending your
motivation letter (qualifications, goals, interests/passions related to your
studies), there are also some important details to add when applying to schools
abroad.
Why Do You Want to Study
Abroad?
Of course, the first
question you should be prepared to explain is the reason why you want to study
abroad and not in your home country. It may seem obvious, but your reasons for
studying abroad make a big difference to universities.
Don’t Say:
I just wanted to get out of my
country.
I want to meet and marry someone
“international.”
My friend tried it, and it sounded
fun.
Instead, Say:
·
I anticipate developing both personally and professionally from an international
experience.
·
I have a deep interest in the culture, history, and language of the
country, which I am excited to continue to explore and experience.
·
As someone who prides themselves on their ability to communicate across
cultures, I believe I would be the perfect fit for a program that incorporates
students from around the globe.
·
By showing universities that you have taken your choice to study abroad
seriously, you also show them that you are ready to take your education
seriously.
Do You Have Any Experience
Abroad Already?
When selecting
international students, most recruiters are aware that it is not the right
experience for everyone. By selecting someone who has no experience being a far
distance from home, universities run the risk of selecting someone who is not
ready to live abroad and may quit the program soon after it begins.
Don’t Say:
I have never
travelled or lived abroad, but I think I will like it.
Every time I have
travelled it was a bad experience, but I’m hoping this time will be different.
Instead, Say:
·
Although I have never lived or studied abroad before, I love to travel
and experience new cultures, and therefore, I’m looking for an opportunity to
expand my horizons while doing something I love.
·
Although I have never been abroad, I have done a lot of research to make
sure this country is the right match for me. I also look forward to the
challenge of living and studying independently abroad, which I am sure I am
ready to handle.
·
Universities don’t expect that everyone applying to an international
program has had study abroad experience before. However, by letting them know
you are up for the challenges that may arise, you set yourself apart from other
students who may choose to ignore the subject entirely.
Why is Your Personality
Conducive to Study Abroad?
Naturally, some
people are better suited for the experience of living and studying abroad.
However, it may be for different reasons than you think.
Don’t Say:
I’m always the life
of the party or the loudest in the room, so I know I will make friends easily.
I plan on keeping to
myself so that I will not upset or offend anyone.
Instead, Say:
·
I am the kind of person who gets along well with others due to being
open and considerate of people and their beliefs.
·
Above all else, I pride myself on my cultural sensitivity when I find
myself in the company of others who do not share a similar background as mine.
·
Chances are that you will not be the only international student in your
program. Therefore, it’s important to demonstrate that you get along well with
others. Note that this is not the same as saying you are the most social or
friendly. Whether you are intro- or extroverted, recruiters just want to know
you are capable of maturely handling multicultural interactions.
That being said, with
these improvements to your motivation letter, you are increasing your chances
of getting noticed by international universities.
How to Write a Motivation
Letter for a Job
Writing the perfect
Motivation Letter for your job application can be a challenging endeavor.
Therefore we created a short guide and an professional example to help you when
asking yourself “How to write a Motivation Letter?”
Firstly, make sure to write a dynamic Motivation
Letter, since you have on average just 20 seconds to impress the recruiter or
employer reading it. Keep your Motivation Letter short and precise, maximum 1
page, preferably a little bit under.
Some formulas can
guide you on how to write a perfect Motivation Letter, but remember that each
one of them has to be unique for that particular job. It is important NOT to
write one that gives the impression that was sent to dozens of other entries.
The most important
points to include in your Motivation Letter are:
·
Your
name and contact details
·
The
name of the company you are applying to and its address
·
Date
of sending the application
·
Dear
Sir/Madam, (or their name if it is known)
·
Content
(this will be explained in more details)
·
Sincerely,
(or similar)
·
Signature
·
How
To Structure the Content of Your Motivation Letter
·
There
are two ways in which you can structure the content in your Motivation Letter
Having 3 paragraphs:
An Introduction, the Body, and a Conclusion.
Having 3 to 7 shorter
paragraphs that are concise and express relevant information for the position
you are applying for. Try to include between 1 and 3 sentences per paragraph in
this format.
Whichever structure
you choose, try to focus your content on the following ideas, which will increase
the chances of your Motivation Letter being read and getting that long awaited
interview:
Step 1: Identify the problem
Firstly, it is
important to understand that they are looking for someone to solve a problem or
to increase the team. Read all the recent news about the company and find as
much as possible why do they have this particular opening. Show in the first
part that you are aware of the problem/challenge they are facing to have the
recruiter’s attention.
Step 2: Offer the solution
You need to offer
them the solution, which has to be: YOU. Think about all the skills,
achievements, education that makes you the perfect candidate to solve their
challenge. Focus on all the awesome benefits they will get by hiring you.
Step 3: Close with confidence
Similar to the
opening, the closing part of your Motivation Letter is critical and needs to
communicate confidence, proficiency and a high interest towards the company. A
great example would be: “I would love to find out more about the X department/company
and how could I help as fast as possible.”
By focusing on these
points in your Motivation Letter, you will have already shown them how
passionate and hardworking you are without mentioning it.
The following
motivation letter example has been created so you can use it as inspiration
when crafting yours.
Writing
www.betterwritingskills.com
esolcourses.com
engvid.com
learnenglishonline.yuku.com
www.daily-writing-prompt.com
https://www.ru.nl/science/careerservice/your-career/cv-motivation
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