How to write a motivational letter

Vol 27, Issue 17, 7 February 2025

As a business student, I know how hard it can be to write a motivational letter. Believe me when I say that I have experienced such moments when I just stare into the screen, unable to come up with something and finally bring myself to writing. Nevertheless, as students applying for an exchange, internship, or just any other programme, writing an outstanding and good-looking motivational letter is one of the key to acceptance!

1. The difference between motivational and cover letters 

Before we move into discussing and exploring successful tactics for the motivational letter, I think we must first look at what that is and how it differs from the cover letter. By simple words, cover letter is the one you write when applying for a job. There you list all your experiences and competencies, and why you are a perfect fit for the role. Meanwhile, motivational letter is more about the reason you are applying for the programme. There you should state why you are motivated and what you would like to obtain from the event or position.  

2. Introduction

The first and the smallest paragraph, where you should state general information about yourself. So, your name, what you study, maybe some optional courses or any other programmes that could be relevant for the position, and lastly the reason you are writing to the organizers.  

3. Main part

Now we are coming to the key part. Here you must state why you are motivated. My tip would be to add a slight personal touch. You could maybe add a little story about you that gradually will expand into the main motivation. For example, if you are applying for an exchange, you could write a story about how you have always been dreaming of travelling to that country and now finally want to see and explore it yourself. It will add some emotional attachment to it. Of course, it must be professional, but we are people and not robots, after all!

Another key here is to figure out what is the goal of the programme, and mention it yourself. For example, if the event is about sustainability, mention how deeply you care about the future of our planet. If it is about exchange, mention how you like to create connections and unite with other people. The thing is, do not mention it directly. So, in the example with sustainability, it will not be enough to just say that you care about eco-friendly stuff, because basically everyone will write this. Try to show the reader that you are actually deeply interested, and it resonates with your personality! 

In this part of your letter you can also tell about benefits that this programme will bring to you, skills it is going to improve and so on. To dig even further, you could tell about why you need those skills and benefits, maybe touching a little your future plans and goals.  

Furthermore, in this section you should also state your current skills and why they should choose you! After all, there must be some sort of competition, so tell them what you could bring and how you will contribute to the purpose of the programme.  

4. Conclusion

The final part of the letter, is to say that you are looking forward to hearing from the organizers and perhaps to say that you are ready to take some actions, such as come out of your comfort zone, embrace challenges, etc. On the other hand, you could sum up the mentioned above information and come up with a great summary. Small tip here is to be polite and show your deep motivation. You could also thank them for reading your application. 

I hope that now writing a motivational letter does not seem that hard to you, and I believe that you will nail it!