Cover Letter/Motivation Letter

A cover letter should:

- say why you are writing and for what position you are applying
- say where you saw the advertisement
- be clear and to the point
- repeat the specific skills, abilities, and experience the job advertisement identifies
- show you have done your homework - you must match your background to the company
- highlight key information from your resume, but do not simply repeat what is in the resume
- be positive and enthusiastic - show you really want the job
- encourage the reader to take a closer look at your resume

A cover letter should NOT:

- be a summary or repeat of your resume
- be a form letter you send with all job applications. Change it to reflect the new company.

 Format

Introduction: State the position you are applying for, and try to catch the reader's immediate interest.

Body: Repeat the description in the job ad, and explain why you are interested in the job, and why you are the best person for it. Be sure to include your skills, qualifications, and past experience.  You can also include special information if you need to, such as the date you can start.

Conclusion: Sum up your letter and state what you think the next step should be. For example, that you will contact the employer in one week, or that you look forward to hearing from the person. Then sign off the letter using 'Yours sincerely,' with a signature line.

University Application Letter

Instructions

1. • 1
     Gather your application documents and a list of the university's requirements for application letters.
   • 2
     Create a rough outline of your application letter by writing down the points you want to address and organizing them in a logical manner.
   • 3
     Write your letter in the first person; application letters are personal statements, so it is acceptable to use the "I" pronoun.
   • 4
     Include personal stories or anecdotes to make your application memorable. You may want to touch on the obstacles you have overcome to apply to college or a role model who has inspired you to pursue higher education.
   • 5
     Refer to the application-letter prompt you were given by the university. Every paragraph you write should relate to the prompt.
   • 6
     Keep your statement brief and within the word count established by the university.
   • 7
     Proofread your letter or have someone with proofreading skills do so. Make corrections as needed.