Don’ts:
- 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.
- Do not write about your family (what is your mother working is not in concern of the organization)
- Do not put pictures! – This is official document. If you want to be more creative – make separate file to present yourself in more interesting way if the position you apply for is relevant.
Do’s:
- Mention clearly why the organization has to choose you for the project. 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 organization. In this way you show interest and you can adapt your letter better to the company needs and function.
- Tell in which way you distinguish yourself from others with the same education and diploma.
- Pay attention to the sending organization. Candidates applying with different organization are considered ineligible.
To check before sending your letter….
- Did I mention clearly the name of the project I want to apply for?
- Did I motivated clearly why I want to apply for that project?
- Did I mention why I fit this position?
- Did I checked my motivation letter on errors?
- Did I checked if my CV is still up to date and relevant for the function?