Free Motivation Letter Templates and Examples + How To Write

When applying for a job, you want to show more than just knowledge and an abundance of skills to your future employers. You need to add a personal touch and the best way to do it is a well-written and engaging motivation letter.

Below we’ve got four different FREE motivation letter templates:

• Short motivation letter for job
• Internship motivation letter
• Scholarship motivation letter
• University motivation letter
  

In addition, you can see how to craft your own motivation letter below with the steps we’ve provided.

Motivation Letter For Job Application

The job motivation letter below can be used for any job application in the hospitality industry or you can tweak it to suit your specific industry. Additionally, even though this one is for a Head Chef position, you can change it to make it more suitable for any other hospitality role, whether that’s Baker, Bartender or even Dishwasher.

This is a probably the best motivational letter for job application example since it includes everything the hiring manager should know about you without wasting their time with unnecessary info.

Motivation Letter For Internship

The motivation letter example below is suitable if you’re applying for an internship and you want to make an impression on the hiring manager or the establishment’s owner.

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Internship position at [Company Name], as advertised on your website.

I am a sophomore Marketing major at [University Name]. I am eager to apply my academic background and knowledge in a dynamic and challenging internship environment.

I have completed comprehensive coursework in marketing and digital marketing. I gained valuable insights and practical knowledge in market analysis, strategic planning and leveraging digital channels for effective promotional strategies.

I am particularly drawn to joining your company and your team. This is due to its reputation for cutting-edge technologies and its commitment to excellence in the tech industry.

I have actively sought practical experiences to complement my theoretical knowledge throughout my academic journey. Notably, I completed an internship with Brightldeas Marketing Agency. I successfully led a social media campaign that resulted in a 20% increase in online engagement.

I am confident that an internship at [Company Name] would enhance my academic and professional growth.

I am excited about the prospect of bringing my energy, skills and fresh perspectives to contribute to the success of your organization.

Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Motivation Letter For University

The template below can be used if you’re sending a motivation letter to a university and you want to stand out from the rest of the applicants.

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my sincere interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at the University of [University Name].

My academic journey at Green Horizon High School has been marked by a profound affinity for subjects related to environmental science. I particularly excelled in Biology, Chemistry and Geography.

Looking into the institution’s academic ethics, campus vibrancy, internship programs and post-graduate opportunities, I am convinced that this university is the ideal environment for me to further explore my academic interests and forge lasting connections.

Whether I choose to pursue advanced studies or embark on a career path, the array of research-oriented courses and the availability of diverse internship opportunities present at the university will undoubtedly prepare me for success in my future endeavors.

I am enthusiastic about leveraging the knowledge and experiences gained at the University of EcoSphere. I want to use them as a foundation for a fulfilling life and career dedicated to preserving the environment.

Thank you for considering my application.

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Motivation Letter For Scholarship

The template below can serve as a scholarship motivation letter that will help you land that scholarship and set you up on a career path that will change your life forever.

Dear [Hiring Manager or Owner],

I am [Your Name]. I am currently a dedicated undergraduate student at [University Name] where I am majoring in Environmental Science. I am reaching out to convey my sincere desire to apply for the EcoLeaders Scholarship at the [Company Name].

We share a common goal of deep commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. I am particularly drawn to your company because of its reputation for supporting its students’ environmental causes.

In addition to my academic achievements, I have actively sought opportunities to engage with environmental initiatives. I participated in the “Green Campus Initiative” and volunteered with local environmental organizations.

I believe I would be a valuable addition to your scholarship program. I bring a strong academic background and a commitment to making a positive impact in the field of environmental science.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to become a recipient of the EcoLeaders Scholarship at [Company Name] and further contribute to environmental sustainability.

Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
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What Is a Motivation Letter?

A motivation letter, also called a motivational letter, is a succinct one-page document that outlines why you are the ideal candidate for a particular role, such as a job, educational program, internship or volunteer opportunity.

You’ll typically attach this letter to your CV when applying for various jobs or other opportunities.

It serves as a personal statement of your motivations and intentions. The focus is on showcasing your enthusiasm and commitment beyond what’s listed on your resume.

It is an opportunity to emphasize the personal elements that make you a standout candidate.

Motivation Letter vs. Cover Letter

While both motivation letters and cover letters serve the purpose of introducing yourself in a job application, there are some key differences between the two:

Motivation Letter:

• Focus on personal motivations
• Explores values and goals
• Provides a personal story

Cover Letter:

• Highlights professional qualifications
• Concise and formal
• Addresses specific job requirements

How To Write a Motivation Letter For a Job

Writing motivational letters that leave a positive impression should be well structured. This involves knowing what to include and what not to include in it.

Let’s break down this process to reveal its essential elements:

• Contact details
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion

1. Contact Details

In this section, you will want to include the following information:

• Name
• Academic degree (if applicable)
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Links to relevant social accounts such as your LinkedIn profile

2. Introduction

Begin with a professional greeting and clearly state the purpose of your letter.

It’s best if you know the exact contact person/hiring manager you are talking to and address them by their name right from the start. This shows you’ve done your research and helps you establish a more personalized connection.

In essence, your introduction should answer the following questions:

• What position are you applying for?
• What fuels your interest in joining the team for this job?
• What are you bringing to the organization (your skills and qualities)?
• Why are you the right person for the job?

Use clear, concise language and focus on essential details only.

3. Body

The body of motivation letters is an extension of your introduction. It usually consists of two or three paragraphs.

The paragraphs convey your enthusiasm for the job and highlight your qualifications.

Why you want the job:

• Express your genuine interest in the position and the company
• Highlight specific aspects you like about the company, such as its values, mission or work culture
• Explain how the job aligns with your career goals and plans

What you can do:

• Showcase your skills and qualifications relevant to the job
• Provide real-life examples of past experiences and achievements
• Use metrics or specific details to add credibility to your statements

Passion and value proposition:

• Convey your passion for the role and the industry
• Discuss how your unique qualities and values align with the company’s mission
• Reinforce your commitment to contributing to the success and growth of the company

Remember to be concise, factual and persuasive. Use clear examples to illustrate your points and show why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

4. Conclusion

In the conclusion of your motivation letter, you want to summarize your key points. This is where you voice your gratitude and leave a positive final impression.

Include the following:

• Briefly recap why you are excited about the job and how it aligns with your career goals
• Thank the reader for considering your application
• Express appreciation for the chance to be part of the selection process
• Reaffirm your excitement about the opportunity and the prospect of contributing to the company’s success
• Politely invite the reader to contact you for further discussion or clarification
• Use a formal closing salutation such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards”
• Sign off with your full name

Remember to keep this section brief and positive, leaving the reader with a favorable impression of your candidacy. You can use one of the above example of motivation letter templates if you’re not confident in crafting your own letter.

What Not to Include in Your Motivational Letter

When writing a motivation letter, there are common mistakes you should avoid.

• Try to resist the urge to emphasize your weaknesses. While honesty is a valuable trait to have, the motivation letter is the opportunity to showcase your strengths.
• Keep your language straightforward and concise. Avoid using fluff words or overly elaborate sentences.
• Keep away from statements like “I feel extremely passionate.” Instead, mention a specific event or project you have been a part of. This showcases the genuine depth of your enthusiasm for a subject or field.
• Apply the “So what?” rule. Ask yourself, ‘So what does this add to my candidacy?’ If the information doesn’t directly strengthen your case or highlight relevant skills, consider excluding it.

What is the Best Format of a Motivational Letter?

The best motivation letter is formatted in a professional manner. It should be well-organized and tailored to the specific job or program.

Here is the recommended structure of a motivational letter you should follow:

Header

The header is reserved for your personal info, including:

• Your Name
• Your Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Links to your relevant social accounts

Date

Don’t forget to include the correct date following the Month-Day-Year US format:

• “January 15, 2024”

Recipient’s Information

Include the recipient’s relevant information, such as:

• Recipient’s Name
• Recipient’s Title (if applicable)
• Company Name (if applicable)
• Address

Salutation

Start with a formal greeting, such as:

• “Dear [Mr./Ms.] [Last Name],”
  “Esteemed [Mr./Ms.] [Last Name],”

Introduction

Here’s what you should write in your motivation letter intro:

• The position or program you are applying for
• A brief expression of your enthusiasm for the opportunity

Body

In the body part of your motivation letter, include the following:

• Explain why you are interested in the position or program
• Emphasize your genuine passion and connection
• Highlight relevant skills, experiences and achievements
• Show how your values and goals align with those of the company or program

Conclusion

The conclusion is where you should briefly summarize the whole purpose of your motivation letter. Here’s what to do:

• Summarize your main points
• Express gratitude for the opportunity
• Use a closing phrase such as “Sincerely” or “Thank you”
• Sign your full name at the bottom

Extra Tips

It is also important how your motivation letter looks at first glance. So, pay attention to the following features:

• Consistency: Maintain a consistent font and formatting throughout the letter
• Length: Keep it concise, ideally one page
• Structure: Divide the text into smaller blocks for better readability

Key Takeaways

When you write a motivation letter, consider its purpose: revealing your personality and traits. Structure your motivation letters so they include your contact details, an introduction a body and a conclusion.

In the contact details section, provide essential information. Include your name, academic degree, address, phone number, email, and relevant social links. Start the introduction with a professional greeting. State your purpose and answer key questions briefly.

The body is an extension of your introduction. Your cover letter should consist of paragraphs expressing your genuine interest in the job. Showcase your skills and convey your passion and unique value proposition. Be concise, factual and persuasive.

Conclude your motivation letters by summarizing key points. Express gratitude and leave a positive final impression. Avoid emphasizing weaknesses, use straightforward language, and be specific about your passion.

For the format, ensure it is professional, well-organized and tailored to the specific job or academic program you’re applying for.

Keep the letter concise, ideally one page and maintain a consistent font and formatting throughout.

If you’re applying for a job interview, you can use the sample motivation letter for job application above to land that dream job you’ve always wanted.