Lesson 3H - writing motivational letter

Welcome 

Writing a motivation letter
(solicitatie brief)
1 / 29
next
Slide 1: Slide
EngelsMBOStudiejaar 2

This lesson contains 29 slides, with text slides.

Items in this lesson

Welcome 

Writing a motivation letter
(solicitatie brief)

Slide 1 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Today's programme
- Introduction to letter of motivation
- Introduction, body and conclusion
Structure of a motivational letter
Formal language
- Job postings for practice
- Prepare your writing plan

Slide 2 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Introduction
What is a motivational letter?
A motivational letter is a one-page letter that’s used to describe why you are the perfect candidate for a certain position. Your resume is usually attached to it. 

What should you keep in mind when writing?
All organizations are looking for people who genuinely want to be there and are excited about what they do. The intent of this letter should be your driving motivation! 

Why are you going to write one?
You will be tested on it and perhaps you want to travel and work in an English speaking country, so it is useful to how to write this in decent English.  You will practice during the English lessons.

Slide 3 - Slide

ask students if they already know which country/ place they want to fulfill their internship

Slide 4 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Writing plan


Before you start writing a letter of motivation it is important that you know what you would like to write about in your letter. That is why you are going to complete a writing plan -->

#1. Contact Details (formal letter conventions)
#2. Introduction
#3. Body (usually 3 paragraphs)
#4. Conclusion

Slide 5 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Introduction
- Personal information. Who are you and what do you do?
- What role are you applying for? Where did you find this job posting?
- Why are you applying? ( a short intro to the bulk of your letter)

* I am writing to you to express my interest in a job as a (fill in the job) at your company.
* I would like to apply for the position of _________________ at _______________ company.
*I recently came across the vacancy of ________________ while reading the _____________________ / browsing online.
*I have recently graduated and am interested in gaining some practical experience in the area of ____________.

Slide 6 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Body
Share the story behind your achievement(s), while being as factual as possible yet enthusiastic. Sell yourself and show passion for what you do.
- Share your previous work experience?
- How does this work experience relate to the job you are applying for?
- What skills set do you have that suits the requirements?
- Why are you best suited for the role?
*My passion for ______ started when ______.
*I want to ______ because ______.
*I have been part of _________ for ___ months/years. It’s the best thing for me because _______.
*I remember once when I ________, which made me realize that I _______.
*What distinguishes me from my peers is __________.

Slide 7 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Conclusion
- when appropriate mention future plans
- thank the reader and conclude/ ask for a response
- mention your CV/resume

 In this section, you can:
Briefly summarize your main points - *“I believe I’d be a good fit for your company because of __________”
Mention your overarching goal - *“I’d love to be a part of _______, as it would allow me to ___________.”
Thank the reader and conclude the motivational letter
* Thank you for your time and consideration. * Please find enclosed my CV.

Slide 8 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Structure tips
  1. Keep your motivational letter one page long.
  2. Use a clear structure with concise paragraphs to make your letter easy to skim.
  3. Set your page margins to one inch on all sides so your page doesn’t look too cluttered or too empty.
  4. Include the date you wrote your motivational letter for an extra professional touch.
  5. Use powerful words and action verbs (“designed” and “conceptualized”) instead of cliched phrases (“helped with” and “managed”).
  6. Smoothly connect your thoughts through transition words.
  7. Proofread carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors.
  8. Include a professional closing line like "Sincerely" at the end of your text.

Slide 9 - Slide

This item has no instructions

How to Write a Motivational Letter


 Address Your Letter Appropriately 
Align with Their Values
Express Genuine Interest 
Personalize It 
Don’t Just Recap Your CV 
Convey Your Ambitions
Be factual

Slide 10 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Skill Set, Qualities, Strengths:
Organized - Georganiseerd
    Problem Solver - Probleemoplosser
    Quick Learner - Snelle leerling
    Responsible - Verantwoordelijk
    Self-Motivated - Zelfgemotiveerd
    Adventurous - Avontuurlijk
    Cultural Awareness - Cultureel bewustzijn
    Tech-Savvy - Handig met technologie
Adaptable - Flexibel
    Creative - Creatief
    Reliable - Betrouwbaar
    Team Player - Teamspeler
    Energetic - Energiek
    Detail-Oriented - Oog voor detail
 Excellent Communication Skills - Uitstekende communicatieve vaardigheden

Slide 11 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Formal Motivational Letter Vocabulary:
    Dear Sir/Madam - Geachte heer/mevrouw
    I am writing to express my interest in the position of... - Ik schrijf om mijn interesse in de functie van ... uit te drukken
    I believe my skills and experiences make me a strong candidate for this position - Ik geloof dat mijn vaardigheden en ervaringen van mij een sterke kandidaat maken voor deze positie
    Furthermore, I am confident that my [specific skill/quality] would contribute effectively to your team - Bovendien ben ik ervan overtuigd dat mijn [specifieke vaardigheid/kwaliteit] effectief zou bijdragen aan uw team
 Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further - Bedankt voor het overwegen van mijn sollicitatie. Ik kijk ernaar uit om de gelegenheid te krijgen om mijn kwalificaties verder te bespreken
    Sincerely - Hoogachtend
    Yours faithfully - Hoogachtend (wanneer de naam van de ontvanger niet bekend is)
    Yours sincerely - Hoogachtend (wanneer de naam van de ontvanger bekend is)
    Enclosure: Curriculum Vitae - Bijlage: Curriculum Vitae
Please find  enclosed my CV- Bijgevoegd vindt u mijn CV.

Slide 12 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Temporary Animal Shelter Volunteer
    Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

    Description: Make a difference in the lives of animals while exploring Scotland! Volunteer at a local animal shelter for the summer, where you'll assist with feeding, grooming, and caring for animals in need.
    Responsibilities: Feeding and caring for animals, cleaning cages, assisting with adoptions.
    Duration: Temporary volunteer position for the summer months (June to August).
    Working Hours: Part-time, flexible hours.
    Pay: Volunteer position (unpaid).
    English Level Requirement: Basic (A2 level).
    Source: Job posting on VolunteerEdinburgh.org.uk.

Slide 13 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Slide 14 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Introduction
Firstly, let me introduce myself, my name is Ibrahim van Dam. I live in Groningen in The Netherlands. I would like to express my interest in applying for the role of Temporary Animal Shelter Volunteer at the Animal Shelter in Edinburgh in Scotland. I found the job posting on VolunteerEdinburgh.org.uk.

Slide 15 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Body paragraph 1
I have recently graduated and completed my study in animal care at Terra College in Groningen. My diploma is in Exotic Animal care, levels A and B. During the summer holidays (June - August) I am planning to visit family in Scotland and while there, I would like to gain some more practical work experience at the Animal Shelter. This is the main reason for my volunteering. The other reason is I would like to improve my English while I am in the United Kingdom. My current English level is B1.

Slide 16 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Body paragraph 2
I am currently working as a caretaker at the Zoo called Wildlands in Emmen up until the end of May 2024. This is also the zoo where I completed my internship, so I now have two years’ experience in animal care and clean up. I realise I may be too experienced for the role as volunteer but I genuinely love working with animals and would like to contribute to their welfare and preservation whenever possible.

Slide 17 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Body paragraph 3
Obviously as I am visiting family in Scotland there are a few obligations that I will not be able to work around, but for the rest of the time between June – August, I believe I can be quite flexible in terms of working hours and days. Furthermore, I am confident that my existing animal care knowledge would enable me to contribute effectively at the Highlands Animal Shelter.

Slide 18 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Conclusion
 Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to an opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Please find enclosed my CV.

Slide 19 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Start working on a writing plan for each of the jobs posted:
SEE HANDOUT

Introduction

Body x 3 paragraphs minimum

Conclusion



Slide 20 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Temporary Retail Sales Associate
 Location: London, UK
    Description: Spend your summer in London and gain valuable work experience at a trendy boutique in the heart of the city! We're seeking temporary retail sales associates to assist customers, handle transactions, and maintain store appearance during the busy summer season.
    Responsibilities: Assisting customers with purchases, operating the cash register, restocking merchandise, ensuring store cleanliness.
    Requirements: Excellent communication skills, friendly demeanor, ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
    Duration: Temporary position for the summer season (June to August).
    Working Hours: Part-time, flexible hours including weekends.
    Pay: Hourly wage (£9.50 per hour).
    English Level Requirement: Intermediate (B1 level).
    Source: Job posting on Indeed.co.uk.

Slide 21 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Summer Camp Counselor
    Location: Los Angeles, USA
    Description: Spend an unforgettable summer in sunny California as a camp counselor! Join our team at a dynamic summer camp, where you'll lead activities, mentor campers, and create lifelong memories.
    Responsibilities: Leading games and outdoor activities, supervising campers, ensuring safety protocols, fostering a supportive environment.
    Duration: Temporary position for the summer holidays (June to August).
    Working Hours: Full-time during summer break.
    Pay: Stipend ($400-$600 per week) plus room and board.
    English Level Requirement: Intermediate (B1 level).
    Source: Job posting on CampJobs.com.

Slide 22 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Temporary Social Media Intern
    Location: Toronto, Canada

    Description: Are you passionate about social media? Spend your summer in Toronto as a temporary social media intern! Assist with content creation, scheduling posts, and analyzing engagement metrics while exploring a vibrant city.
    Responsibilities: Creating social media content, scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, researching trends.
    Duration: Temporary internship for the summer months (June to August).
    Working Hours: Part-time, flexible schedule.
    Pay: Unpaid internship with potential for future paid opportunities.
    English Level Requirement: Intermediate (B1 level).
    Source: Job posting on LinkedIn.

Slide 23 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Temporary Library Assistant
    Location: Sydney, Australia

    Description: Spend your summer Down Under as a temporary library assistant! Assist patrons, shelve books, and contribute to library programs while experiencing the beauty of Sydney.
    Responsibilities: Assisting patrons with inquiries, organizing materials, maintaining library cleanliness.
    Duration: Temporary position for the summer holidays (June to August).
    Working Hours: Part-time, flexible schedule.
    Pay: Hourly rate ($22 per hour).
    English Level Requirement: Intermediate (B1 level).
    Source: Job posting on Seek.com.au.

Slide 24 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Temporary Tutoring Assistant
    Location: Auckland, New Zealand
    Description: Enhance your teaching skills while exploring New Zealand! Join us as a temporary tutoring assistant, where you'll support students in various subjects and contribute to their academic success.
    Responsibilities: Assisting teachers with lesson planning, providing tutoring support, tracking student progress.
    Duration: Temporary position for the summer holidays (June to August).
    Working Hours: Part-time, after-school hours.
    Pay: Hourly wage ($20 per hour).
    English Level Requirement: Intermediate (B1 level).
    Source: Job posting on StudentJob.co.nz.

Slide 25 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Temporary Disney Character Performer
    Location: Disneyland Paris, France
    Description: Fulfill your dream of becoming a Disney character at the magical Disneyland Paris! Join our team as a temporary character performer, where you'll entertain guests, pose for photos, and create unforgettable memories for visitors from around the world.
    Responsibilities: Portraying Disney characters, interacting with guests, performing in parades and shows.
    Duration: Temporary position for the summer season (June to August).
    Working Hours: Full-time, rotational shifts including weekends and holidays.
    Pay: Competitive hourly rate (€10-€12 per hour).
    Language Level Requirement: English Intermediate (B1 level).  French Intermediate (A2-B1) 
    Source: Job posting on DisneylandParisCareers.com.

Slide 26 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Temporary Roadie for Small British Band
    Location: Various cities across Europe
    Description: Embark on an exciting adventure with a small British band as their temporary roadie! Travel across Europe, set up equipment, and support the band during live performances at festivals, clubs, and events.
    Responsibilities: Assisting with equipment setup and breakdown, loading and unloading gear, providing logistical support.
    Duration: Temporary position for the summer tour (June to August).
    Working Hours: Irregular schedule, including evenings and weekends.
    Pay: Stipend plus travel expenses and accommodations provided.
    English Level Requirement: Intermediate (B1 level).
    Source: Job posting on BandVacancies.co.uk.

Slide 27 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Working online
You can work online or write on paper. But if you plan to hand in your practice letters online, then you will need to bring your charged laptop to the next lesson.

Conventions of the formal letter and how you will be scored will only be covered in the last 2 lessons. 

Focus first on writing the content of the letter !!!


Slide 28 - Slide

This item has no instructions

Slide 29 - Slide

This item has no instructions