HOW TO WRITE A MOTIVATION LETTER tips & tricks to ace your application

Summary

In this informative video, Melena offers guidance on crafting a motivation letter, emphasizing the importance of understanding what drives you and expressing it uniquely. She clarifies the letter's role as a complement to your CV, highlighting personality traits and experiences that led to your application. Melena provides a step-by-step approach, from outlining specific questions to creating bullet points that convey your critical thinking and priorities. She advises on maintaining coherence, using clear language, and ensuring conciseness within word limits, all while showcasing your writing ability.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is a guide for writing a motivation letter, especially for those who feel they lack motivation.
• 🔍 Motivation can be unique to each individual, so it's important to express personal reasons in a motivation letter.
• 🎯 The speaker emphasizes that considering applying to something already shows motivation, so don't underestimate oneself.
• 📝 The speaker provides personal tips based on their own experiences, not from an admissions perspective.
• 📚 A motivation letter is a complement to a CV, showing personality and connecting the facts of the CV to the application.
• 📑 The letter should answer specific questions provided by the institution, making it tailored to their requirements.
• 📝 The first step in writing a motivation letter is to outline the questions that need to be answered.
• 📋 Use bullet points to organize thoughts and make sure the letter is concise and avoids rambling.
• 📖 The structure of a motivation letter includes a salutation, introduction, body, conclusion, and complimentary close.
• 🔗 Use connectors to ensure the letter flows logically and coherently.
• ✍️ Writing clearly and concisely in the letter demonstrates academic writing ability and critical thinking.
• 📐 Keep an eye on word count and language to ensure the letter is concise and free of errors.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a motivation letter according to the video?

A motivation letter is a complement to your CV, showing your personality and explaining how your experiences have led you to apply to a particular program or institution.

Why is it important to understand the definition of a motivation letter before writing one?

Understanding the definition helps to avoid the common mistake of skipping to the writing process without clear guidelines, which can result in a letter that doesn't effectively support the CV.

What does the speaker suggest about motivation being unique to individuals?

The speaker suggests that motivation is personal and can vary greatly from one individual to another, emphasizing the importance of expressing one's unique motivation in a motivation letter.

What role does the speaker claim to have in the admissions process?

The speaker clarifies that they do not work in admissions and that their advice is based on personal experiences and opinions.

Why should high school students reach out to their student counselor when writing a motivation letter?

High school students are advised to reach out to their student counselor for additional guidance and support in the motivation letter writing process.

What is the first step in writing a motivation letter as suggested by the video?

The first step is to outline the questions that the institution or program wants applicants to answer, as these will guide the content of the motivation letter.

How does the speaker compare a motivation letter to an academic Tinder?

The speaker compares a motivation letter to an academic Tinder by suggesting that, like on Tinder, the institution is looking for specific answers to their questions, and applicants should answer each question individually and clearly.

What is the purpose of creating bullet points when writing a motivation letter?

Bullet points help to organize thoughts, avoid rambling, and ensure that the most important points are clear and memorable to the reader.

What is the structure of a typical motivation letter as described in the video?

A typical motivation letter includes a date, personal information, salutation, opening paragraph, body with bullet points, conclusion, and complimentary close with the applicant's full name and signature.

Why is it important to be concise in a motivation letter?

Conciseness is important because of the limited word count and to ensure that the reader can easily understand and remember the key points of the letter.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the use of 'I' in a motivation letter?

The speaker advises not to shy away from starting sentences with 'I' as it helps to make the letter clear and straightforward, avoiding an overly poetic or indirect style.

How does the speaker suggest showing your writing ability in the motivation letter?

The speaker suggests that by writing an essay that is concise, clear, and understandable, applicants can demonstrate their academic writing ability to the institution.

What is the final step in writing a motivation letter according to the video?

The final step is to write a conclusion that summarizes the key points of the letter, indicating what the applicant intends to learn or achieve.

Why is it recommended to have someone else read over your motivation letter?

Having someone else read over the letter can help catch spelling mistakes and provide a fresh perspective, ensuring the letter is clear and effective.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Understanding Motivation Letters

In this introductory paragraph, the speaker, Melena, greets new and returning viewers and addresses the topic of motivation letters. She emphasizes that motivation is personal and unique to each individual, and encourages viewers to recognize their own motivation, even if they feel they lack it. Melena clarifies that she is not an admissions expert but shares her personal experience in writing motivation letters. She defines a motivation letter as a complement to one's CV, highlighting personality traits and aspirations rather than just factual information. The speaker also advises viewers to tailor their motivation letters to the specific questions asked by the institution they are applying to, comparing the process to an 'academic Tinder' where clear and direct answers are crucial.

05:01

📖 Steps to Writing a Motivation Letter

The second paragraph delves into the process of writing a motivation letter. Melena suggests starting with outlining the questions that need to be answered, as these serve as guidelines for the content of the letter. She advises against rambling and emphasizes the importance of clear, organized points, which can be achieved through bullet points. These bullet points should represent the key messages the applicant wants the reader to remember. Melena also covers the structure of a motivation letter, including the introduction, body, and conclusion, and stresses the importance of coherence and clear language. She reminds viewers to be concise due to word limits and to proofread for spelling and grammar. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to show one's ability to write academically and to end the letter with a strong closing statement that summarizes the applicant's intentions and aspirations.

Keywords

💡Motivation Letter

A motivation letter is a document typically used in academic and professional settings to express one's interest and suitability for a particular program, job, or opportunity. In the video, the host emphasizes the importance of a motivation letter as a complement to a CV, highlighting the applicant's personality and motivation behind their application. The script provides examples of how to tailor the letter to specific questions posed by the institution, such as explaining why one wants to study a particular course or why they are interested in a specific university.

💡Personality

Personality, in the context of the video, refers to the unique traits, characteristics, and qualities that define an individual. The host suggests that a motivation letter is an opportunity to showcase one's personality, setting it apart from the factual information presented in a CV. It is about demonstrating how one's experiences and attributes have shaped their motivation to apply for a specific opportunity.

💡Tailored

The term 'tailored' in the video script refers to the customization of the motivation letter to fit the specific requirements or questions posed by the institution to which the applicant is applying. The host advises that the letter should directly address the questions asked, making it relevant and targeted to the application at hand.

💡Academic Vibe Check

The phrase 'academic vibe check' is used metaphorically in the script to describe the process of assessing an applicant's fit for an academic program through their motivation letter. It suggests that the institution is looking for a match in values, interests, and motivations, much like the compatibility assessment on dating apps.

💡Bullet Points

Bullet points are a method of organizing information in a clear and concise manner, typically used in outlines or lists. In the video, the host recommends using bullet points to structure the motivation letter, ensuring that the key points are memorable and the letter avoids rambling. They serve as a guide for constructing the argument or points within the letter.

💡Coherent

Coherence in writing refers to the logical flow and connection of ideas within a text. The host stresses the importance of coherence in a motivation letter, suggesting the use of connectors to link ideas and maintain a clear and logical progression throughout the letter.

💡Connectors

Connectors are words or phrases that join sentences or ideas within a text, aiding in the smooth transition between concepts. In the script, the host advises using connectors like 'however' or 'therefore' to enhance the coherence of the motivation letter.

💡Academically Acceptable

The term 'academically acceptable' pertains to the standards of language, tone, and format that are considered appropriate in an academic context. The host uses this term to describe the closing of the motivation letter, which should be formal and respectful, such as using 'sincerely' or 'kind regards'.

💡Concise

Conciseness in writing means expressing ideas using a limited number of words while maintaining clarity and effectiveness. The host points out the importance of being concise in a motivation letter due to word limits and the need for the reader to process many applications.

💡Spelling Mistakes

Spelling mistakes refer to errors in the written form of words. The host cautions against such errors in a motivation letter, as they can undermine the applicant's credibility and attention to detail. It is suggested that having someone else review the letter can help catch these mistakes.

💡Critical Thinker

A critical thinker is someone who can analyze and evaluate information in a reasoned, logical manner. The host implies that by organizing thoughts into bullet points and constructing a clear, well-argued motivation letter, an applicant demonstrates critical thinking skills, which are valued by institutions.

Highlights

Introduction to the video and the importance of motivation in writing a motivation letter.

Motivation varies from person to person and should be expressed uniquely in a motivation letter.

The speaker's personal experience and disclaimer about not working in admissions.

Definition of a motivation letter as a complement to a CV, showing personality and motivation.

Motivation letters should be tailored to answer specific questions posed by universities or institutions.

Example of questions a university might ask in a motivation letter for a specific course.

The difference in motivation letter content when applying for a job versus a university course.

Step-by-step guide on how to write a motivation letter, starting with outlining the questions to answer.

Using bullet points to organize thoughts and ensure the motivation letter is clear and concise.

The importance of answering each question individually to avoid overlap and maintain clarity.

Constructing the motivation letter with an introduction, body, and conclusion to create a cohesive flow.

Using connectors to link ideas and maintain coherence throughout the letter.

The value of clear, simple sentences over poetic language for effective communication.

Demonstrating writing skills and academic ability through the motivation letter.

The importance of summarizing key points in the conclusion to reinforce the overall message.

Adhering to word limits and being concise to respect the reader's time.

The need for careful proofreading to avoid spelling mistakes and ensure professionalism.

Invitation for viewers to subscribe, comment, and share their motivation letter writing purposes.

Transcripts

good morning if you're new to this

channel hi

it's really nice to meet you my name is

melena and if you're a returning

subscriber

well how you doing there hottie what's

up welcome back

if you need to write a motivation letter

and you're thinking to yourself

well i probably need

motivation for this one and you think

that you have

absolutely no motivation to do anything

then first of all you should probably

hit up your therapist so before we

continue on with this video i want all

of you to know

that motivation doesn't look the same

for everyone

not everyone is motivated by the same

things or for the same reasons or even

the same

goals so the reason that you're

motivated to do something might be

completely unique so why not express

that in your motivation letter

and to be honest if you truly think that

you don't have any motivation

you're probably underestimating yourself

i mean you've gotten to this point where

you're thinking about even applying to

something and

that shows motivation already so here i

am just trying to help you out

and let's see what we can do with your

motivation and slap that on a piece of

paper so that you can get in

wherever the heck you're trying to get

in so a little disclaimer before

continuing on with this video

i don't work in admissions nor have i

ever worked in admissions

so my tips and my opinions on how to

write a motivation letter

are fully based on my own experiences

but hey

i've gotten to university so i guess

i guess they can't be too bad am i right

but either way

if you are for example in high school i

always recommend that you reach out to

your student counselor

so first let's start with the definition

what is a motivation letter

a lot of people skip this part and go

straight to writing it and

uh that's foolish foolish i tell you

so your motivation letter is a

compliment to your cv

it supports your cv what your cv is is

facts and figures

where did you study for how long did you

study what grades did you get

there they only want to know facts and

then in your motivation letter

you show them your personality so at

that point you show them

how everything you wrote about in your

cv made you who you are

and that led you to want to apply to

again wherever you want to apply to

uh in a way you could say it's like an

academic vibe check

i should i should really patent these

things these are good

make it into a poster in most cases

universities or

other institutions to which you are

applying to they specify

what questions they want you to answer

and so your motivation letter should be

obviously tailored to answering the

questions that they want to hear the

answer to

for example if you're a student applying

for university

and let's say you want to study

economics then in your motivation letter

they probably want to ask you about

why you chose to do economics and

specifically

why did you choose that course out of

all the economics courses

why was this course the one that really

stood out for you so those are the types

of questions that you can expect when

you're applying to university

but they are completely different for if

you're applying for a job

or if you're applying for a position

that they're looking for

in that case the questions that they ask

for the specific situations

will obviously be tailored to what they

want to hear and what they want to know

about you

okay so i thought the best way to do

this

is if i just split it up into steps of

how to write a motivation letter the

first step

is as i mentioned outline the questions

they want you to answer

those are your guidelines those are the

things they want to hear and if they're

not included in your motivation letter

you might as well not apply because that

just means that you can't follow

instructions

they ask you a question and you couldn't

answer it

but i'm just saying i'm just saying if i

were reading through someone's

motivation letter

and they for some reason avoided all the

questions

i'd be a little suspicious i'd be a

little suspicious

and potentially confused because if they

don't have answers to the questions like

why do you want to study at this

university then you're not really

convinced that they want to study at

your university

see your motivation letter as an

academic tinder

you know like the questions they ask

like oh i don't know what do they ask on

tinder like what's your favorite color

imagine if tinder asked you what's your

favorite color

and you answered with florida so what

you want to do is you want to answer

each question

individually because if you were to

answer them all simultaneously

i assure you your answers would overlap

and with these bullet points you should

be able to make your

trail of thought as simple as possible

what these bullet points represent is

what you want them to remember

when someone reads your essay or your

motivation letter they remember certain

things about what you wrote

and it's specifically what you decide to

make clear and so

when you're making these outlines and

you're making your bullet points

decide what you want them to know do you

want them to know that you are a

hard-working person

do you want them to know that you had a

specific experience which now led you to

want to apply

it's those little things that you have

to make clear in your motivation letter

or else they literally have no way of

knowing by doing these bullet points you

avoid

rambling as well so what i used to do is

i

start answering the question straight

away and it was just like a

flow of thoughts you know so it was just

me

writing what i thought was in here right

but

whatever is in here needs to be

organized on your piece of paper

so by having these bullet points you are

able to clearly construct

your arguments or your points so that

they actually come across

as reasonable by avoiding all the

rambling you also show

the institution that you're a critical

thinker that you can prioritize things

that

you don't just write out of impulse but

you think about what you're writing and

you actually care about

what your writing says about you and so

these bullet points become the heart of

your essay

these are the things that you want to

make clear to whoever you're applying to

and those are the things that they'll

remember about you after doing these

bullet points you need to figure out how

to put them together

after all this is a letter so it has to

flow like one with regards to the format

you usually have

the date and your personal information

and then you go into a salutation like

dear sir or madam or anything of the

sorts and then you have your opening

paragraph

which is like your introduction and it

really kicks off your essay

and then you have the body of your

motivation letter

where all the good stuff are in all the

bullet points you made those are those

are

in the body and after that you conclude

so your conclusion should wrap up

everything you said in your essay it

obviously shouldn't repeat everything

you just said

but it should pick out the overarching

theme

of your motivation letter so what's one

thing that kept popping up

you know for example if you want to make

clear that all of your experiences

have made you to the person that you are

all of these things that you mentioned

and then lastly you have your

complimentary clothes which is your

goodbye

you say okay have a nice day bye bye but

obviously in an academically acceptable

way

usually you use things like sincerely or

kind regards

and then you sign it with your full name

and some people like to add their

signature

your motivation letter should always be

coherent which means that you should use

connectors like however or therefore

in places where you feel like you want

to link ideas

but don't shy away from starting a

sentence with i

back when i was writing my motivation

letter for erasmus

i avoided using i with everything i

could

my essay became poetic but it wasn't

straight to the point and it wasn't

clear it didn't make it clear what i was

trying to say don't shy away from

simpler more clear sentences because at

the end of the day what you want to

convey

has to be understandable and a bonus

point

is that by writing your essay you're

showing them you can write

yay they like to see when someone can

write academically you know when they

can actually

put their ideas in a concise and simple

and understandable way and by writing

your essay that's what you're showing

them

then the final step is your conclusion

your closing statement

you've told them a bunch of things and

now you have to summarize

what all those things mean do you intend

on

learning more becoming knowledgeable or

becoming a better person

understanding yourself better

understanding others better there are so

many things you can learn university

pick one

pick something you want to learn an

important thing to remember

is that you have a limited amount of

words right if you're writing a

motivation letter you usually have one

to two pages

to explain your motivation of course the

word limit is there so that

the people who are reading all these

motivation letters can actually get

through

all the motivation letters but it does

mean that you have to be

extremely concise also don't forget to

keep a close eye on your language

because no one will believe that you are

a detail-oriented person

with vast experience in writing

if you can't spell so make sure that

there are no spelling mistakes

always ask for someone to read over your

essay because there are things that

after looking at the same essay for

hours and hours

you just don't pick up anymore subscribe

if you found this video helpful

and also comment down below what you're

writing a motivation letter for

i think that's so interesting that

everyone's writing a motivation letter

for different things and uh

i hope to hear from you but till then

take care stay safe

wash your hands social distant bye