How to write a motivation letter in 5 steps
- Read the vacancy and highlight the three most important requirements.
- Back up each requirement with an example of your own.
- Open strong, not with "I hereby apply".
- Show what you'll bring to the company.
- Keep it under 350 words and check for typos.
Common mistakes
- Repeating your CV in full sentences.
- Being too vague ("I'm a team player").
- Sending the same letter to every company.
Motivation letter or cover letter: what's the difference?
For job vacancies in the Netherlands the two terms (motivatiebrief and sollicitatiebrief) are mostly used interchangeably. A motivation letter is also often asked for when applying to a study programme, internship or grant; then the focus is more on why you want it than on your work experience.
How long should a motivation letter be?
One A4 page at most, unless the vacancy or programme asks for something else. Stick to any word count you're given.