Lesson 3H - writing motivational letter

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 2

Welcome 

Writing a motivation letter

(solicitatie brief)

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

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.

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

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

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 ____________.

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 __________.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

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

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

SEE HANDOUT

Introduction

Body x 3 paragraphs minimum

Conclusion

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 !!!